To ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether he is aware that agreements fixing a fair rent in the County Courts in Ireland twenty years ago are sent to the Public Record Office, Four Courts, Dublin, and that to procure a copy of same costs 3s. 6d., whilst in the ordinary way copies of these documents are supplied for 1s.; does the same charge apply in the case of County Court; fair-rent orders; and, in view of the fact that this charge often presses hardly on poor tenants, will he secure that in future a uniform charge of 1s. be made for copies of orders or agreements, no matter when filed.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state what salaries do warders, matrons (assistant), and clerks in the English prison service receive; what salaries do warders, assistant matrons, and clerks in the Irish prison service receive; is it the intention of the Government to increase the salaries of warders and assistant matrons in the Irish prison service, whose duties are as arduous as those of officers in the English service, on the same lines as is about to take effect in April next in England; and, as clerks in the Irish prison service, whose duties are as difficult as in England, have to serve seventeen and a half years to get an increment of £35, an equal amount being given in increments in England in seven years, will the Government consider the advisability of giving clerks in the Irish service their total increments in seven years and placing them on the same footing as to salary as in England.

To ask the Attorney-General whether, in view of the advantages conferred upon married women in respect of debts incurred by them for necessaries, as recently shown in the case of "Paquin v. Beauclerk," he will take an early opportunity of introducing legislation for the purpose of rendering the separate estate of the wife liable where the husband cannot be compelled to pay.

To ask the Postmaster-General if he is aware of the intention of the postmaster of Glasgow to have the bag room at Glasgow removed to the basement of the building; and if the opinion of the district medical officer has been obtained as to the advisability of such a change; and, if so, with what result.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he will take into consideration, should further reduction be necessary in the telegraph force at Shrewsbury, that this may be made from the female staff rather than that the married men should be compelled to leave Shrewsbury and go to other towns and, when vacancies occur which have to be filled up, that the appointment should be made, if possible, of men in preference to women.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the serious block in the promotion of the assistant surveyors of the civil staff for engineer services; whether the amelioration of the alleged grievances of this body have been now under consideration for some nine years; and what early steps, if any, he proposes to take to remedy this matter.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that Michael Cronin, of Finuge, Listowel, has applied for and was refused a gun licence; and, seeing that Michael Cronin is a man of high character and respectability, whether he will state on what grounds or for what reason his application was refused.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, if he will have prepared a Return, made up to date, of all persons to whom bonus has been paid under the Land Act of 1903, showing in respect of each the county in which the land sold is situate, the amount of bonus paid in respect of tenanted and untenanted land respectively, the number of years purchase of rent paid for the former; and will he have this information given periodically in future.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he will take steps immediately to have the annual statement of receipts and expenditure of the Irish Local Taxation Account for each year since the passing of The Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, laid before Parliament with the least possible delay.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state if the Department of Agriculture offered to contribute towards the cost of erecting a fishery harbour at Long Hole, Bangor,

†See Col. 648.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether as national teachers under the old system obtained first of first class only after scoring an exceptionally high percentage on a difficult set of papers, embracing a wide range of subjects, and were only permitted to sit for examination after both head and district inspectors had certified that their schools had been conducted in a highly efficient manner for the three years preceding, he will, as a reward of scholarship and successful school keeping, direct the Commissioners of National Education to give special consideration to the case of any of these, with the requisite average attendance, who may yet be placed, under the new order of things, lower than first of first grade, in the event of any rearrangement of the salaries of Irish national teachers.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, having regard to the fact that on taking office he cancelled and superseded certain regulations and instructions affecting the sale of land, because they conflicted ith the law and with the intentions of Parliament, whether he will take steps to prevent the sale of Colonel Malone's estate being carried out, for the benefit of two graziers and to the permanent detriment of sixty necessitous families, under the old instructions and in a way which the Estates Commissioners would not permit under the regulations and instructions now in force.

To ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Secretary of State has observed the estimate by Mr. F. J. Jackson, Deputy Commissioner for the East African Protectorate, given on page 344 of, [Cd. 3189], that the revenue derived from game licences, Customs dues, and other expenditure by hunting parties in that Protectorate cannot be less than £20,000 annually; that, in Mr. Jackson's opinion, the only hope of keeping up this revenue lies in the establishment of an efficient game ranger's department; whether the Government are taking, or contemplate taking, steps to establish such a department on an; adequate scale; whether the areas of the reserves in the East African Protectorate, the Budonga and Toro reserves in Uganda, and the Elephant Marsh reserve in British Central Africa have been reduced during the present year; if so, whether the Secretary of State has sanctioned such reductions; whether

†See Col. 990–992.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Power has shown a disposition to join with this country in bringing pressure to bear on the Government of the Congo Free State with a view to putting an end to the atrocities perpetrated in that territory.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that a number of pigs which passed the Government veterinary inspectors at the port of embarkation were seized and destroyed in Birmingham in the interest of the public; and whether, as the owners have complied with every requirement of the law, he will insert a clause in his Bill now before the House which will provide compensation for all such losses in future.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the Government contemplate bringing in a Bill next session for the purpose of giving effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Vagrancy, or any of them.

To ask the Post master General whether he will arrange to have a letter box erected at Ballydoo, Mayobridge, county Down, and to have it cleared once a day by the present postman; whether he is aware that nine Belfast linen houses have agencies in the district employing about 600 women and girls, and that inconvenience is caused by the defective service; and whether, as the extra cost could not exceed 5s. a week, he will take steps to have the required accommodation provided at once.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he can say when the building of the new post office at Newcastle, county Down, will be begun.

To ask the Postmaster-General, whether his attention has been called to a memorial signed by the residents of the Stafford town postal district, near Randallstown, county Antrim, and forwarded by them to the secretary of the General Post Office, Dublin, asking for a change in the mode of delivering the letters by which a saving of several hours would be effected and an opportunity given for replying to letters on the same day as that on which they were received; and what steps he is prepared to take in the matter.

To ask the Lord Advocate whether the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry Act, 1906, is now in operation; and, if so, whether he has any official Reports showing that it is rendering the Act of 1895 effective and useful.

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India have given notice of purchasing, under the Lands Acquisition Act, the property called "Constantia" at Simla, which has been acquired with great difficulty and expense to provide much needed holiday homes for working women and girls at Simla, and for entry on which on 31st December every arrangement had been made; and whether other sites could be found available for Government purposes the taking of which would not be attended with inconvenience to a charitable institution conferring great public benefit.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether recent Army Orders and Warrants affecting soldiers'pay have been laid before Parliament; and, if not, whether it would be possible to circulate to Members any such Warrants as have been issued since the commencement of July last, including the instructions affecting service pay after 30th September, as well as proficiency pay.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether Mediterranean stations which count for linking purposes as Home stations under the Short Tour system are being counted as stations beyond the seas for the purpose of keeping time-expired men for an additional twelve months under Section 87 of the Army Act; whether he has any official reports showing that men who extended service to complete eight years with the Colours, and obtain Service Pay, were given to understand that by such extension they did not become liable to serve for another year if abroad on the expiration of the eight years; and whether he is able to make any statement on the subject.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty with reference to a list of seventy-six collisions and groundings of warships during 1905, given in the Return No. 319 issued on Monday, 10th December, whether the following have been omitted, and, if so, for what reason: "Vixen" and "Lee" in collision on or about 4th May, "Whiting" in collision at Wei-Hai-Wei on or about 30th June, H.M.S. "Jupiter" in collision off Dover with a Danish schooner and a brigantine on or about 27th July, and "Furious" in collision with "St. Vincent" while proceeding out of Portsmouth Harbour on or about 12th September.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, whether the cables and chains belonging to the obsolete war vessels are sold without being treated according to the Order of 1894 relating to disused Government chains.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that there are now, and have been for years vacancies, at the top rates of pay in His Majesty's dockyards; and whether he can see his way to have such vacancies filled up without any further delay.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the firm of Messrs. Beard more and Company, Government contractors, Glasgow, do not at their Mossend works conform to the fair wages clause by paying the recognised district rate to enginemen, crane men, boiler men, and firemen, and also to steel smelters in their employ; that the firm have refused to consider a petition submitted by the men's society requesting recognition of their society; that men have been dismissed who, through their union, requested the observance of the district rates; and what steps he proposes to take to insure the observance by this firm of the fair wages clause.

In answer to inquiry made by the Admiralty, this firm state that the recognised district rate of wages is paid to all their workmen, that no men have been dismissed who, through their union, requested the observance of the district rates; that, as a matter of fact, no such request has ever been made to them; and that they are always willing to recognise a workmen's society, when such recognition is desired by a majority of the workmen employed in any branch of work.

My Question has special reference to the Mossend works. I quite understand the fair rate is paid at the Glasgow works.

I will inquire further.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if the carbons required for the searchlights of the Royal Navy and the coast defences under its charge are British made; and if the Board of Admiralty are satisfied that an ample supply will be forthcoming in the event of war.

The Answer to the first part is in the affirmative. It is believed that sufficient provision is now made for the supply of carbons for searchlights, but the Admiralty are taking steps to make the position as secure as possible.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the new Home Fleet is to be nominally based upon Sheerness, and that there are neither at that port nor at Chatham any docks capable.of accommodating vessels of the "Dreadnought" or "Invincible" classes, and that these ports, as well as Portsmouth, are only accessible to battleships at certain states of the tide and for a limited portion of each day, he will state whether it is the intention of the Government to create an effective and always accessible naval base for the Home Fleet on the East Coast; and whether, with this object in view, the works at Rosyth will be pressed on with all possible speed.

The Answer to the first part is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I can only repeat the Answer given on 6th December that the matter is receiving careful consideration,†and plans are being prepared for the information of the Board.

†See (4) Debates, clxvi., 1167.

asked if the Admiralty would consider the advisability of creating such accommodation at the home dockyards as was required for the modern warship.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Chatham basin is crowded with ships which have come in for Christmas, and it would take a week to get them out?

That is a piece of information rather than a Question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take it into consideration?

Yes.

I called attention to this question months ago.

Order, order.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is estimated that the creation of an effective naval base at Rosyth would necessarily occupy a period of not less than seven years from the date of commencing active work thereon; and if he can state what arrangements are to be made in the meantime to provide an effective base for the Home Fleet in the neighbourhood of the East Coast.

How long it will take to complete the formation of the naval baseat Rosyth must depend on the nature of the scheme finally adopted. In the meantime, the docking facilities of the United Kingdom are sufficient for the requirements of the Home Fleet.

asked whether there were any docking facilities available for ships of the "Dreadnought" and "Invincible" class within the reach of the East Coast.

replied that there was docking accommodation for the "Invincible," he believed, at Chatham. But this was a technical matter, and if the hon. Gentleman wanted accurate information he would get it for him.

asked whether the hon. Gentleman was aware that the docking facilities of which he spoke were only available for about 140 days in each year.

I should like notice of that.

asked whether there were any men at present engaged in connection with the development of Rosyth, and if so, whether these were in the direct employment of the Admiralty or in the employment of a contractor.

At the present moment there are only preliminary surveys going on at Rosyth. There is, I believe, a contractor sinking a cylinder there. There is no other work than that going on.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what progress, if any, is being made with the new naval base at Rosyth; whether the superintending engineer who has been in charge of this work from the commencement is to be shortly transferred to another post, and, if so, for what reason; and what arrangements are being made to replace him and to carry on the work.

The detailed borings are approaching completion, a trial cylinder is being sunk, and the branch railway to the site is practically completed. The superintending engineer at present employed at Rosyth will be transferred to Portsmouth on the completion of these preliminary works. There will be no need to replace him until such time as it becomes necessary actually to commence an approved scheme for the naval base, for which the detailed plans have not yet been fully prepared.

Are we to understand that this means that the works at Rosyth have been indefinitely postponed?

The hon. Gentleman must take the reply I have given as being my reply.

asked whether there was already sufficient information from the boring that had taken place to justify him in saying that the Admiralty had practically decided that this was an unsuitable place for a naval base.

No, Sir, I do not think the hon. Gentleman must take that from my reply.

asked the hon. Gentleman whether, if the Admiralty saw fit to continue the work at Rosyth, the House would have an opportunity of discussing the matter before it was actually put in hand.

Of course, on the Naval Estimates next year.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that there is at present no lock entrance to the basin and docks at Portsmouth capable of admitting vessels of the "Dreadnought" and "Invincible" classes, and that the basin and docks are therefore closed to vessels of this class for about eighteen hours out of every twenty-four, steps will be taken to commence without further delay the new lock entrance which the late and present Boards of Admiralty have stated to be an urgent necessity.

The question is at present occupying the attention of the Board.

May we take it that no irrevocable step will be taken before the Naval Estimates are considered by the House?

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the printed Report of the lecture delivered by the Director of Naval Education on the new schemes of entering and training naval and marine officers was printed and distributed to the ships at the taxpayers' expense.

The Answer is in the affirmative.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that an anonymous book entitled "The Truth about the Navy," consisting largely of magazine articles extolling Admiralty policy, has been issued to His Majesty's ships; whether these books have been issued at the taxpayers' expense; and, if so, to what Vote they are charged.

The pamphlet in question has been issued to ships without any official approval being given to its contents. The expense will be charged to Vote 2 which bears the cost of ships' libraries.

I desire to ask the hon. Gentleman whether in his opinion this does not amount to a secret commission to journalists to induce them to defend the Admiralty?

That is a matter of opinion, and my opinion is of just the same value as that of my hon. friend.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the employees engaged at the Pimlico Clothing Factory are to lose a day's work on 24th December, and are to be stopped one day's wages for the same; whether this will apply with equal force to the officials; and why this course is to be taken for the first time in the history of the department.

Pimlico is a place from which a good I many unreliable rumours appear to emanate. The hon. Member has been misinformed, as it is not the intention to close the Royal Army Clothing Department on the 24th instant.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to an order recently issued to the effect that travelling expenses incurred by staff and other officers of the Regular Army on full pay, including adjutants of Volunteers, when undertaking certain duties in connection with Volunteer corps, such as conducting war games, directing staff rides, and attending field days, cannot be defrayed from Army funds; and whether seeing that the expenses incurred by officers undertaking these duties will fall upon their own private purse, and will tend to discourage the officers of the Regular Army who have not private means from rendering valuable and most desirable aid in the training of Volunteers, he will consider the advisability of withdrawing this order.

Army Order 130 of 1906 provides for the travelling expenses of Volunteer brigadiers and brigade majors, and adjutants' travelling expenses are provided for under paragraph 477 Volunteer Regulations. These provisions cover the cases of Regular or ex-Regular officers who are primarily charged with training Volunteers, and I, therefore, see no necessity for modifying the order in question.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies with reference to the railway extensions in Nigeria, whether the State, the natives, or white planters will receive the enhanced value of the land through which the railway passes; and whether he will take steps, by means of valuations or otherwise, to ensure to the taxpayers of this country this enhanced value due to the expenditure of their money.

The cost of the railway extension at present authorised will be met by Southern Nigeria, so that the British taxpayer will not be affected. As regards any further extension or construction in Northern Nigeria which may be authorised in future no definite statement can be made, but the matter will not be overlooked.

Will Southern Nigeria get the benefit of the increased, land values also?

When a railway is built through land the persons owning the land, under our present dispensation, get the advantage of its enhanced value. A great proportion of the land is owned by the State, and other portions are owned by the natives. I think a very considerable proportion of the enhanced value will be secured to the State. We will make every effort to secure as much of the land as possible which is raised in value by the railway.

suggested that the example set in the case of the Canadian Pacific Railway should be followed, and that the land on each side of the track should become the property of the State.

I think that is a very important aspect of the question. I will do my best to bring it to the notice of the Secretary of State.

asked whether, even where the land was privately owned, it would not still be possible by valuation at intervals to secure for Nigeria or for this country the increased value.

I think that is a very important point, and it will not be overlooked. There should be no speculative value in land in Nigeria.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the office reserve fund of the Crown Agents' Office on 31st December last; and, if it was anything like the sum of nearly £300,000 at which it stood on 31st December, 1902, whether, seeing that the reserve fund would suffice to meet current requirements for some years, he will suspend the system under which the funds at the disposal of the Crown Agents' Office increase in direct ratio to any increase in expenditure upon public works of the Colonies and Protectorates for which they are the commercial and financial agents in the United Kingdom, with a view to the substitution of a system under which the Crown Agents will no longer have a direct interest in such increase of expenditure in these Colonies and Protectorates, some of which are supported by grants-in-aid from the Treasury.

On 31st December last the nominal value of the investments held on behalf of the Crown Agent's Office reserve fund amounted to £314,023. The Secretary of State is satisfied that it is not at present in excess of actuarial requirements, but if at any future time it should show a tendency to undue increase, the question of a reduction in the charges made to the Colonies will as heretofore receive consideration. The hon. Member does not appear to have perused fully the Papers referred to in my replies to him of the 31st July and the 19th November,†as paragraphs 3 and 17 of the memorandum in Cd. 1944 show clearly that the Crown Agents have absolutely no interest,, direct or indirect, in an increase of expenditure by the Governments for which, they act.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether having regard to the decision arrived at in the Belgian Chamber as to the annexation of the Congo Free State, and having regard to the declarations of King Leopold, in his letter of 3rd June last, claiming that in any annexation the continuance of his arrangements with existing companies and concessions should be guaranteed, he will now take steps to convene an International Conference of the Powers who have treaty rights and obligations as to the Congo, so as to ensure that any final settlement of the future of the Congo Free State by annexation by Belgium or otherwise shall be carried out under explicit conditions and guarantees to protect the natives from the cruelties of its existing administration, and to secure just administration, under some form of effective joint European control.

The debate in the Belgian Chamber has only just concluded, and may, apparently,, lead to Belgium taking over the Congo State in a short time. It is not desirable to prejudice the chances of this solution

†See (4) Debates, clxii., 700; clxv., 384.

asked whether the right Gentleman the Secretary for Foreign Affairs had considered the fact that the proposed policy of annexation had been repeatedly postponed and frustrated, and whether the Conference which he suggested would not strengthen the hands of the Belgian Parliament in dealing with the question.

My right hon. friend is taking all these matters into consideration, and the statement I have made is the only one that can be made at the present moment.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the evidence given by Mr. Hayward, Comptroller of the London County Council, before the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the London County Council tramways this year, in which on Table 1 it shows, for the year 1905–6, £4,000 as the amount of income-tax on a profit of £80,000; whether there is included in this amount of profit the statutory sinking fund; whether it is customary in all reproductive municipal undertakings to assess the sinking fund as part of the profit of such undertakings; and, if so, whether in all Returns to Parliament on the financial results of such municipal undertakings, the sinking fund will be shown as part of the profits earned.

I have not seen the evidence of Mr. Hayward to which my hon. friend refers, but I have no doubt the facts are as represented. As regards the assessment to income-tax I under Schedule D, I have already ex- plained that I am not at liberty to disclose the details in any particular case. With reference to municipal undertakings of a profit earning character generally, I may say that such undertakings are by law assessable on the whole of their profits, no deduction being made for any portion of such profits which may be carried to a sinking fund. The question as to the form of Parliamentary Returns relating to municipal accounts is one for my right hon. friend the President of the Local Government Board rather than for myself.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if interest on Foreign Government securities, which is not payable in the United Kingdom but has to be sent abroad for payment, such as French rentes, Italian rentes, and Japanese internal loan, are not included in the schedule of foreign securities; and if, in consequence, British subjects resident abroad have a right to a refund of income-tax on such interest when paid into a banking account in the United Kingdom.

I am not very clear what is meant by "interest which has to be sent abroad for payment," nor am I acquainted with any "schedule of foreign securities." The liability of a British subject domiciled abroad to income-tax upon dividends on investments depends on whether the dividends are, or are not, payable in the United Kingdom. If the hon. Member can give me a concrete instance of what he has in mind, I will make inquiry.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, why the rule applicable to Schedule D of the income-tax is not also applicable to Schedule C, under the Act which provides that every provision in this Act contained and applied to the duties in any particular schedule which shall also be applicable to the duties in any other schedule, and not repugnant to the provisions for charging, ascertaining, or levying the duties in such other schedule, shall, in charging, ascertaining, and levying the same, be applied as fully and effectually as if the application thereof had been so expressly and particularly directed; anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.

The directions contained in the Act for assessment under Schedule C are comprehensive and precise, and the application to assessments under that schedule of the provisions relating to Schedule D to which the hon. Member refers, would clearly be repugnant to those directions.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet decided to have all the metropolitan police stations connected with the general telephone system; and, if so, when will the arrangement come into force.

The experiment of connecting certain police stations with the public telephone system has been tried, and has been so far successful that a considerable extension is contemplated.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the expense to the public of the Metropolitan Police Commission up to the present time, how much it costs the police fund per sitting, and whether he can say when the police will be able to take up their ordinary duties.

I regret that I cannot give the particulars of expense to the police fund up to the present time. The total expense incurred has not yet been worked out, and the cost per sitting varies according to the extent of the inquiries which it may have been necessary to make, the number of officers who have to be present, the attendance of counsel, and other circumstances. I cannot say when the Commission will be able to conclude their labours, but I understand that they have not at present been able to fix dates for hearing the witnesses who wish to give evidence in favour of the police.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the conviction, on 6th December, by the Newbury county magistrates, of a lad called Jesse Fry, for trespassing in pursuit of game by throwing a stone on Greenham Common, on his way home from Sunday school, which is alleged to have killed a rabbit; whether he is aware that a fine of 7s. 6d. was inflicted for this act; and whether, with a view to prevent the respect for the administration of justice being lessened, he will consider the propriety of remitting the fine.

My attention had not previously been called to this case, and I have no information beyond the newspaper cutting which my hon. friend was good enough to send to me, but I am making inquiries into it.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the numerous cases of enteric which have been reported in His Majesty's prison, Wandsworth, during the last few years; whether he is aware that six cases have been notified this year; and what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the health of the prisoners.

It is the fact that some cases of enteric fever of a mild type have occurred at Wandsworth Prison during the past few years, and that during the present year there have been six such cases. All possible precautions were taken on each occasion to prevent a spread of the disease. Inquiry showed that some of the cases were imported from outside, as must occasionally occur in prisons with a large floating population. As, however, there was reason to believe that certain of the later cases originated within the prison, a thorough investigation into their origin has been made, with the result that steps are now being taken to remedy certain sanitary defects which have been discovered, and to reconstruct the old drainage of the prison.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that it is becoming a common practice to compel motor 'bus drivers to drive their 'buses on the piecework system, by which they must complete a certain mileage to secure a day's pay, varying from thirteen to nineteen hours per day (often without intervals for food); and whether, in the interest of public safety, he will, at an early date, introduce legislation that would secure a maximum working day at this work of nine hours per day.

Motor 'bus drivers in some instances receive their full rate of pay for the performance of a fixed number of journeys per day. For lost journeys some deduction is made. I understand that the hours of work of motor drivers average about nine and a half daily, except in the case of the Vanguard Company, who on one route employ their drivers for thirteen and a half hours a day, giving them one day's rest in three. The average day on this route is thus one of nine hours.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that the town of Hastings has, during the present year, been granted borrowing powers for a period of fifteen years for sea-defence groynes of a light character, he will assist the town of Horn sea, East Yorkshire, by granting them similar powers for groynes of a substantial and expensive character.

I do not find that the Local Government Board have sanctioned any loans for groynes at Hastings during the present year. They have recently sanctioned a loan for limber groynes at Horn sea, and in accordance with their usual practice in the case of groynes of this character the period for the repayment of the loan has been limited to ten years.

If I can prove the fact as regards Hastings, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision as regards Horn sea?

I shall be glad to hear anything which will enable me favourably to consider the Horn sea case. I believe at Hastings the loan was for a substantial concrete groyne.

My information is different.

I am confirmed in my view in another quarter of the House.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that in the United States of America pig carcases intended for export and which, on post mortem examination, are found to be affected with tuberculosis, are adjudicated by the inspectors by a much more lax standard than that recommended by the Royal Commission on Tuberculosis 1898, whose findings have been issued by his Department for the guidance of Home inspectors; and will he take the necessary steps to ensure that all pig carcases slaughtered at home, or abroad if brought to this country, are examined in accordance with the requirements contained in the recommendations of the said Royal Commission.

I am aware that the carcases of pigs intended for export from the United States are not dealt with on the standard recommended by the Royal Commission of 1898. I do not think that pending the Report of the Royal Commission on Tuberculosis which, is now sitting, I could take action of the kind contemplated in the last part of the Question.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that 962 unemployed persons have registered with the Norwich Distress Committee, of whom 692 are qualified for assistance under the Unemployed Workmen Act; that these figures do not fully represent the number of unemployed within the city; that work can be provided by the distress committee in co-operation with the corporation provided funds are available; whether he has received an application for a share of the grant of £200,000; if so, is he acceding to such request; and will he state what sum is to be thus allocated.

I am aware of the facts stated. The distress committee have applied for a share of the Grant, and I have asked for certain information which is necessary to enable me to deal with the application. As soon as this is furnished I hope to come to a decision with regard to it.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the fact that the post office at Hatherleigh, Devon, has recently been moved into a building occupied by a political club; that the postmaster is an official of the said club, and that there is direct communication between the premises of the club and the post office, and that the postmaster is authorised to deal in liquor; and whether he will endeavour to find other premises for this post office.

The hon. Gentleman has been misinformed. The post office at Hatherleigh is not in a building occupied by a political club; the sub-postmaster is not an official of such a club, and there is no direct communication between the post office and the club. The sub-postmaster is a chemist and holds a licence for the sale of wines and spirits in sealed bottles only. I do not consider this sufficient reason for moving the post office to other premises.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he is now in a position to inform the House whether trade unions are entitled to deposit their funds in the Post Office Savings Bank; and whether such funds are applicable for the purpose of provident benefits or for the other objects of a union.

I am glad to inform the hon. Member that I am now advised that trade unions are entitled under the Savings Bank Acts to deposit their funds in the Post Office Savings Bank without reference to the specific purpose for which such funds are applied. The deposit will be made under the same regulations as to amount as in the case of other charitable and provident societies, that is to say, deposits can be made up to £100 in the year and £300 in the whole with the consent of the Postmaster-General; and to an unlimited amount with the consent of the National Debt Commissioners. On the latter point I am communicating with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the inquiry which was held at Gwespyr, Flintshire, on Saturday, the 15th instant, with reference to the provision of school accommodation in that district; and whether it is the intention of the Board of Education to publish the shorthand notes of the evidence given at the inquiry.

My attention did not need to be called to the inquiry referred to. I have been fully familiar with the case for a long time past, and I took special care as to the holding of an inquiry on Saturday last. I will see that the Report of the inquiry which will be furnished to the Board by the Commissioner in accordance with Section 73 of the Act of 1870 is laid on the Table of the House as soon as a judicial decision is arrived at. The evidence given before the Commissioner, especially as to the evictions, has been very fully reported in the local and other newspapers.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the interval which elapses between the date when a Public Bill in Parliament receives the Royal Assent and the date when copies of the Act of Parliament are obtainable by the public; whether he is aware that copies of The Marriage with Foreigners Act, 1906, which received the Royal Assent on the 29th November, cannot yet be obtained, and that copies of the 23 Acts which ware passed on the 4th August were not obtainable until on or about the 27th August; and whether, having regard to the inconvenience which is caused by this delay, he will communicate with the King's printer with a view to secure earlier publication.

As soon as I saw my hon. friend's Question on the notice Paper, I made inquiries into the matter, and I am causing steps to be taken by which I hope to effect a considerable improvement.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he can give the House any information with regard to the proposed restoration of the Royal Chapel, Holyrood, or whether the chapel will in any case be put in repair to preserve as much as possible of the old building.

I understand that the trustees under Lord Leven's will have declined to act in the matter of the Holyrood bequest, and the legacy therefore falls into the residue of the estate. I am glad to know that Mr. Lethaby, the architect employed by the trustees to examine the building, expressed his opinion that the structure has been most carefully and suitably repaired and preserved by the Office of Works.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if any precautious are taken by the Board of Agriculture to ensure that ships engaged in the cattle trade between South American ports and Antwerp shall not be allowed to enter British ports without disinfection.

Steps are taken to prevent the landing in Great Britain of manure, fodder, and cattle fittings from vessels engaged in the trade to which my hon. friend refers. The vessels themselves are disinfected very thoroughly by the Belgian authorities, and no special action; in this direction has hitherto been considered necessary in this country. We shall, however, be glad to make further inquiry into the matter, the result of which I will communicate to my hon. friend.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is now in a position to state what action, if any, will be taken by the Commissioners of National Education on the proposals for the proper teaching of Irish put forward by the Gaelic League and submitted to the Commissioners several weeks ago.

The Irish Government and the Commissioners of National Education are still in correspondence on this subject, and I am not yet in a position to state what action the Commissioners may take.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Ballina District Council have refused to pass the estimate for the repair and maintenance of a road leading from the Crossmolina Road at Greenaum to the end of the road at Slievenagark, on the ground that it was used by the police who were protecting John Haire, the tenant of the Crannagh farm, who has been denounced by the United Irish League; and whether he will state what action he proposes to take.

The Local Government Board have ascertained from the clerk of the Ballina Rural District Council that an application for the repair of the road mentioned in the Question was rejected by the council at their last quarterly meeting, but upon what grounds is unknown to the Board. The Board can only act in a matter of this kind upon complaint being made by the county council that the district council have failed to keep this public road in good repair.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether police protection is still afforded to Mr. Shaw-Tener, Mr. Frank Shawe-Taylor, and Mr. Perrse, in county Galway; and whether his official information shows that their lives would be safe if the guards were withdrawn.

I am informed by the police authorities that the reply to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As respects the second part of the Question, that is a matter of opinion. The police, however, consider it proper to afford protection to the gentlemen named.

Would the conduct of Shaw-Tener and Frank Shawe-Taylor be tolerated in any other civilised country?

That Question does not appear to arise out of the Answer I have given.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the cost to the New Zealand Government of grading butter amounts, approximately, to only 1½d. per cwt; and whether, in view of the fact that since the institution of grading in that country the butter has attained a higher standard of value, which is represented by many shillings per cwt., and that the percentage of first-grade butter has risen in consequence from 93 per cent. in 1896 to 97·85 per cent. in 1906, he will state why the Irish Department of Agriculture do not take steps to institute a similar system in Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture are not aware of the precise cost to the New Zealand Government of grading butter. They are, however, inclined to believe that the improvement in New Zealand butter is due to the adoption of modern methods of manufacture resulting from expert instruction in dairying, rather than to the system of grading. The Department do not consider that the system of grading suitable for New Zealand could be satisfactorily applied to Ireland, owing to the great difference between the conditions of trade in the two countries. Moreover, the Department have no legal power to enforce a system of grading.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figures quoted were given by the Under-Secretary for the Colonies last week? Does he consider that satisfactory?

I gather from the Answer that the Department of Agriculture do not think it makes any difference.

But if the Department are not satisfied with the New Zealand figures, will they inquire as to those for Queensland?

It is not a question of figures at all. It is a question of difference between the butters which makes the practice of New Zealand inapplicable to Ireland.

What is the difference?

I think that is a Question of which notice should be given.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what steps, if any, have been taken by the Congested Districts Board to comply with the request of the fishermen at Kells, county Kerry, that a suitable pier should be provided at that important fishing centre.

I am informed that when the Congested Districts Board decided some years ago to build a pier at Roads, which is about two miles from Kells, they duly considered the claims of both places and selected Roads. The Board are not prepared to construct another pier at Kells.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if negotiations for the purchase of the Tullarvan, county Kilkenny, estate of untenanted land of Mrs. E. A. Scully have been renewed; if so, what progress, if any, has been made; and if, owing to the want of untenanted land in that district for the purpose of supplying evicted tenants with holdings, he will use his influence so that the estate may be purchased as soon as possible.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that negotiations for the purchase by them of the estate mentioned have been renewed, and they expect to arrive at a decision in the matter, and to communicate that decision to the owner, in the course of this week.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state what action was taken by the Commissioners of National Education in the case of Mr. Michael O'Malley, principal teacher in Cornamona school, county Galway; what was the allegation against him; whether he resigned his appointment; whether he has since been reinstated; and, if so, whether the National Commissioners have sanctioned his reinstatement.

I informed the hon. Member on 11th July†last that Mr. O'Malley had resigned his position as principal teacher in Cornamona school. The allegation against him was that he had furnished a certificate of birth which in reality related to another person of the same name. The Commissioners now inform me that Mr. O'Malley subsequently withdrew his resignation, and the manager accepted the withdrawal and asked for the Commissioners' approval. The Commissioners informed the manager that having regard to his local knowledge, they considered the matter was one for his own decision.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-

†See (4) Debates, clx., 888.

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the cost of giving £10 a year to existing teachers who are University graduates would be about £1,000 a year, but the Commissioners estimate that if the system were applied to teachers who may take degrees in future the cost would ultimately reach £10,000 a year. I do not express any opinion on this particular proposal, as it would need to be weighed whether so considerable an addition to the funds for primary education might not be better employed in some other direction. At the same time, I may say that the advantage of inducing teachers to take University degrees has been shown by the example of Scotland to be, very great indeed.

Is a proposal for increasing the salaries of the national school teachers under consideration?

Yes, it is now being considered by the Irish Government.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether in the proposed new rules of the Intermediate Education Board (Ireland) for 1908, is included one which requires that candidates should pass in two languages, exclusive of English, in order to qualify; is he aware that, in reply to the Commissioners'circular inviting the opinion of educational bodies and teachers as to the advisability of making such a regulation, the great majority of the replies were entirely opposed to it; and whether these facts will be taken into consideration before the sanction of the House is given to the new rules.

The rule quoted in the Question is subject to important qualifications, viz.:—Only one language other than English is required in the preparatory grade; students of the three upper grades who have already passed with one language are not required to pass in more than one unless the previous pass was in the preparatory grade; girls are allowed to pass under conditions that do not require them to take two languages. The Board of Intermediate Education obtained the opinions of schoolmasters on the desirability and feasibility of the change, and, though the majority thought it undesirable, there were very few who thought it would not be possible to teach two languages. The teachers' opinions and all the other circumstances of the case were fully considered when the rules were being framed.

Will the leaving out of the date deprive this House of the right of objecting to this programme in any future year.

I think not.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether having regard to the fact that the Earl of Annesley began only last year to pay rates on his alleged rights to the fishing at Shimna River, Newcastle, he can say what steps the Department of Agriculture intends to take to investigate Lord Annesley's claim or to assert the public rights.

The Department of Agriculture do not propose to take any steps to investigate Lord Annesley's claim to the fishery in question, as they have no power to do so. The matter is one which can only be decided by a court of law. The Department will, however, notify to the local Board of Conservators, who are primarily responsible for the enforcement of the fishery laws in the district, that if they consider that there is a prima facie case against Lord Annesley they should institute proceedings before the magistrates and have the matter tested.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estate of the representatives of R. D. Orpen, of Glenflesk, county Kerry, is before them for sale; if not, whether the Estates Commissioners are aware that the landlord's representatives are willing to sell and the tenants to buy at reasonable prices; whether Messrs. Hogan and Sons, solicitors and land agents, Dublin, have threatened to issue writs against the tenants in order to force them into improper purchases; and whether the Estates Commissioners can take any steps to negotiate a sale or to prevent the tenants being unfairly treated in connection with sale negotiations.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that no proceedings for the sale of the estate in question are pending before them, and they have no knowledge of the facts alleged in the Question. The Commissioners, however, will be prepared to consider whether they can usefully offer their services as conciliators in pursuance of No. VIII. of the Lord-Lieutenant's Regulations, if any application to that effect should be made to them by the persons interested.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the Estates Commissioners will act without receiving any further representations?

My impression is that it is not competent for them to act unless they receive representations.

On behalf of the tenants?

Yes.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland why three children, John, Margaret, and Brigid Schofield, who were committed to industrial schools at the Galway Petty Sessions on 5th November, have been discharged by his order from the school without reasons given and without communication to the magistrates; and what provision is to be made for these children, whose mother is dead and whose father, being a fisherman, is absent for considerable stretches of time.

In the cases referred to I was advised that the evidence upon which the children were committed to industrial schools did not justify the orders made by the magistrates, and I had therefore no alternative but to direct the discharge of the children. There is nothing to prevent the children from being again brought up and committed to industrial schools, provided that sufficient evidence is available, but it is of course the father's primary duty to provide for the care of his children.

I sit possible to find out by whom the information was supplied?

It was supplied by my usual legal advisers, whom I consulted on the question of law.

To what school were the children committed?

I must ask for notice of that.

Am I to understand that the order was discharged on a purely.technical point?

It was a point of substance rather than a technicality. The magistrate had no power to make the order unless on adequate evidence, and I am advised there was no such evidence; therefore the order could not be enforced.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Swinford Board of Guardians have unanimously adopted a resolution sent to them by the Ballina District Council (county Mayo) in which John Haire, of Ardagh, was specifically denounced as a renegade, a Judas, and a traitor, and that the acting clerk of the Swinford Guardians wrote informing the Ballina Board that this resolution had been passed; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I was not aware of this resolution, but find that one containing the words quoted, apparently cumulative in their effect, was in fact passed. It appears that the district council regard the conduct of this gentleman as having, in their own words, no parallel in history, but it does not appear that he has suffered in any respect, so the matter is not one which calls for the interference of the Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think language of this kind conducive to peacable government in Ireland?

I do not think it reflects credit on the council.

A few weeks ago the right hon. Gentleman said he had no knowledge of this matter.

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest my Answer was incorrect?

No, Sir.

The hon. Member can hardly suppose I have time to peruse all the resolutions passed by the local bodies in Ireland.

Did not the hon. Member himself use on one occasion the same language regarding Lord Pirie?

No, I did not.

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that at Sixmilecross Petty Sessions, county Tyrone, on the 6th instant, Mr. R. S. Clements, J.P., a clerk and debenture holder in the Killadroy Loan Fund Society, adjudicated in claims advanced by his cousin, Mr. R. O. Clements, clerk of Killadroy, Beragh, and Omagh Loan Fund Societies; whether he is aware that the accounts on these claims were not made out in the manner provided by the Charitable Loans Act of this year; and whether, having regard to the pledge given during the passing of the Act that any justice of the peace being also a debenture holder or official who would adjudicate in such cases would be dealt with by the Lord Chancellor, he can state what action has been taken in the Clements' case; whether he will call for all the papers in order to see whether any prosecution will lie against either of these gentlemen; and whether he will, meantime, take steps to have the decrees quashed.

I am informed that Mr. R. S. Clements, J. P., is not a clerk or debenture holder in any loan fund society, and; has had no connection with any such society for some years past. I am not aware whether this magistrate adjudicated in the cases of the loan fund society over which his cousin, Mr. R. O. Clements, is receiver; but if such were the case, I am not prepared to say that this action was irregular. The loan fund board inform me that they are not aware whether the accounts referred to were prepared in the manner provided by the Charitable Loans Act of this year; but the Board are aware that the receiver was advised by senior counsel as to the manner in which the accounts should be prepared. No necessity, therefore, appears to exist for considering the matters raised in the concluding parts of the Question, but I desire to say that I am not aware that any such pledge as is mentioned in the Question was given when the Charitable Loans Fund Bill was passing through Parliament.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the Bill was before the House I moved an Amendment providing that no justice of the peace should adjudicate in these cases if he were a debenture holder. And has he not said that a magistrate adjudicating under such circumstances would be breaking the law? Will he draw the attention of the Lord Chancellor to this case?

I have no intention; of doing that.

Who informed the right hon. Gentleman that Mr. Clements was not a debenture holder in this society?

I cannot answer that Question.

I can tell you who he is.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the judgment of the Estates Commissioners to the effect that, before sanctioning the sale of the Shaftesbury estate, near Belfast, the Treasury should be afforded an opportunity of appearing by counsel before, them; whether he is aware that the total purchase money agreed by the tenants to be paid would, if invested at 3 per cent., yield 91 per cent. of the gross rental, or more than the net rental, at 3¾ per cent. would yield 109 per cent. of the gross rental, and at 4 per cent. no less than 116 per cent. of the gross rental, or 36 per cent. more than the present net income from the property, besides improving the security; whether the Treasury will represent to the Commissioners that in these figures the landlord has sufficient inducement to sell without also paying to him a bonus at the cost of the Irish taxpayers; and whether the Treasury will advise the Commissioners not to declare the property an estate, but to leave it to be dealt with under one of the previous Purchase Acts and thus save the bonus.

I have seen an account of this case in the newspapers, but no official Report has reached me on the subject. I am, however, making, inquiries.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, in any forthcoming Government Bill dealing with the land question in England and Wales, he will include powers for town tenants to obtain compensation for improvements, and, in the case of long leaseholds, such powers as will enable leaseholders to acquire the freehold upon reasonable terms.

I think it is premature to make any statement on this subject. Our general views are well known.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that over 100 men, many of whom had been employed in the works for periods varying from forty to fifty years, have been dismissed from the Crewe shops of the London and North Western Railway Company; that the mayor of Crewe has issued an appeal on their behalf stating that, owing to their age, they will have great difficulty in procuring other employment; and whether the Government will, on an early day, either by providing old age pensions or some form of employment, make provison for such cases.

I have no official knowledge of the circumstances, but I have no doubt that the facts are us stated by the hon. Member. I am afraid what has happened affords only one instance the more of the urgent need for some system of old age pensions.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that it was stated in evidence at the inquiry held on the 15th inst. at Gwespyr, Flintshire, that Sir Pyers Mostyn had caused notice to quit to be served upon thirteen of his tenants for no reason other than that the said tenants had supported the establishment of an undenominational school in the district; and whether the Government propose to take any and what steps by legislation or otherwise, to protect tenants against such eviction.

I cannot say anything about this matter at present. The Commissioner will make a formal report to my right hon. friend the President of the Board of Education whose duty it will be to come to a decision in regard to it. It would be improper for me under these circumstances to offer an opinion upon a case in process of judicial determination.

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister a Question of which I have given him private notice. It is as follows:—If his attention has been called to the recent violent expulsion from France of Monsignor Montagnine, Auditor of the Papal Nuncio to that country, to the seizure of his private papers and correspondence and to the publication of their contents; also if the right hon. Gentleman has been made aware of other similar proceedings connected with the Separation Law of 1905 involving the suppression of public worship as practised by the great majority of the French people; to the prosecution of numbers of French ecclesiastics for merely performing their ordinary duties, duties which are allowed to be discharged in this and every other free country unhampered by any artificial and irritating restraints; and whether under such circumstances the right hon. Gentleman will advise his Majesty, King Edward, to annul and dissolve the alliance between this country and France generally known as the entente cordiale unless and until the French Government undertakes to respect the rights of conscience on the part of, and the rights of property belonging to, French citizens? [Laughter]—"Loud, laughter bespeaks the vacant mind."

Seeing that the alleged facts complained of are not matters for which the Prime Minister is in any way responsible, and seeing that the Question seems to be couched in the form rather of an argumentative speech, I am of opinion that such a Question should not be asked unless it is submitted at the Table.

I have submitted the Question to the Prime Minister, and I understood the right hon. Gentleman would answer it. If he is not responsible for the facts, he is responsible for the Government of this country.

I have ruled that the Question cannot be put.