To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can arrange, in view of the increase in the junior clerical staff employed in the Land Commission Department, that the number of first and second clerks be correspondingly increased, with the object of establishing a proper system of direction and supervision in the offices. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Land Commissioners inform me that they are fully alive to the desirability of providing for the proper supervision of their junior clerical staff, and have taken the measures which they consider necessary to that end. The existing vacancy in the staff of first-class clerks is being filled up, but the creation of further first and second-class clerkships is not contemplated.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the number of first, second, third, and other clerks assigned to the Land Commission in the year 1891, when it was made a permanent Government Department; whether he can state the number and status of the clerks now employed in these offices; and how many appointments have been made to this Department since the passing of the Land Act in 1903. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The clerical staff of the Irish Land Commission immediately following the organisation of the Department on a permanent basis, in January, 1892, was as follows—

To ask Mr. Attorney General whether he has taken note of the case of In re Button ex parte Hair side, whereby it was decided that the owner of goods who leaves them in possession of a bailee who becomes bankrupt, so that they pass to the trustee in bankruptcy under the reputed ownership provisions of the Bankruptcy Law, has no right of proof in the bankruptcy for the value of the goods; and whether he will introduce legislation for the relief of innocent persons thus penalised, and put them in a position not inferior to that of a person who has sold goods to a bankrupt but has not received payment. (Answered by Sir John Walton.) The point is of importance, and should be considered in any alteration of the Bankruptcy Law. It would be well to bring the subject to the notice of the Lord Chancellor and the President of the Board of Trade.

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the number of refusals for renewal of trading licences to British-Indian shopkeepers in Natal; and whether he proposes to take any action on their behalf. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) The subject is at present under discussion with the Government of Natal. I will not fail to take any opportunity of supporting the legitimate claims of Indian traders.

To ask the Secretary of State for India when he proposes to take the Indian Budget. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) The Indian financial statement will be presented at Calcutta on the 20th instant, and discussed a week later. It will be presented to Parliament as soon as it is received in this country, i.e., early in May, and the usual discussion will take place as soon thereafter as the state of public business permits; I hope at an early date.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to numbers of persons who, having signed the form of application for a private telephone apparatus, have had to wait a considerable time, in some cases as much as six weeks, before being able to use the telephone; whether he has considered the necessity of largely augumenting the staff of this department in view of the increasing number of subscribers' applications to be complied with; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) So long a period as six weeks would not be occupied in the completion of a Post Office telephone exchange line, unless there were some exceptional difficulty in construction or in obtaining way leaves from local authorities. The completion of a line provided recently for the hon. Member was unfortunately delayed owing to the necessity for laying a new main cable on a section of the route between his house and the exchange, and some further delay occurred owing to the Christmas holidays. The circumstances were, however, exceptional. The Post Office engineering staff is receiving large additions to provide for the increasing telephone work.

:To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say what action the Estates Commissioners have taken to purchase Miss Griffith's grazing lands, containing 400 acres, in the parish of Corbally, near Roscrea, with the view to divide them up into small holdings. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners have communicated with Miss Cecilia Griffith with regard to the sale of her untenanted land, but have not yet received any reply.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether Mr. Rotheram, of Crossdrum, Oldcastle, county Meath, has offered a considerable area of untenanted land for sale to the Estates Commissioners; and if, in the event of their becoming purchasers, they will in its distribution have regard to the prior claims of the descendants of people who were evicted from those lands some years ago, and after satisfying their requirements, they will next consider the claims of labourers resident in the district. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners are negotiating for the purchase of certain tenanted and untenanted land from Mr. Rotheram. If the Commissioners should acquire the property they will, in disposing of the untenanted land, have due regard to the claims of all persons who may be eligible under the Act to receive such land.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will request the British financial delegate in Macedonia to furnish figures, as soon as possible, showing the amount of revenue collected in Macedonia and available for the Macedonian budget for the year ending 13th of the present month, also figures showing the amount expended on civil and military expenditure respectively, the total deficit on the budget, and the extent to which it has been made good by the Turkish Government. (Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) The British delegate on the Financial Commission has already been requested to do this.

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether Dr. Haffkine now holds any appointment under the Indian Government; whether the use of Dr. Haffkine's prophylactic against plague is now encouraged by the Government; and whether any further information has been obtained in regard to nineteen fatal cases of tetanus at Mulkowal consequent upon the use of Dr. Haffkine's prophylactic. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) Dr. Haffkine is in the permanent service of the Government of India, and is at present on leave in this country. He holds no appointment in India, but the Government of India have offered him employment in that country on research work, at a salary equal to that of which he was in receipt when he left India. Inoculation with Dr. Haffkine's prophylactic continues to be one of the precautions which are recommended by Government to the general population against outbreaks of plague, and facilities are provided for persons who wish to be inoculated. Papers containing the results of the inquiry into the origin of the accidental deaths from tetanus poisoning in the Punjab, have recently been published by the Government of India. I have no objection to lay them if they are moved for.

To ask the Postmaster-General if he will consider favourably the claim of Mullingar to be included among the towns in Ireland to which he proposes to give telephone facilities. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I am making inquiry as to the conditions on which an extension of the Post Office trunk telephone system to Mullingar can be offered, and will inform the hon. Member of the result. I understand that an exchange was established in Mullingar by the National Telephone Company some time ago, but that it had to be closed on account of insufficient local support.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is now in a position to state the total amount of Poor Law expenditure out of loans for the year ending 31st December, 1906. (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) The Returns as to Poor Law expenditure relate to the financial year ending in March, and not to the calendar year. The amount of the expenditure out of the loans for the financial year ended March, 1906, cannot at present be stated.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board when it is contemplated to issue regulations, together with an Order for Accounts, with respect to the accounts of the councils of metropolitan boroughs established under the provisions of The London Government Act, 1899. (Answered by John Burns.) The Local Government Board have prescribed the forms of books and accounts to be used by the Metropolitan Borough Councils in connection with the collection of the rates, and also the form of financial statement to be submitted to the district auditor. They do not propose to issue regulations respecting the accounts of these councils generally whilst the subject of the accounts of local authorities is under the consideration of the Departmental Committee now sitting.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the profit upon the working of the Uganda Railway is a true profit, or the difference between actual working charges and gross receipts; whether £5,398,733 is the total cost of the line, including expenditure in Europe and in Africa and administration charges; whether the cost per mile, with all such expenses added amount to £9,426;and whether that sum is adopted by the Government as the normal cost of construction of railways in Africa. (Answered by Mr. Runciman.) When speaking of the profit upon the working of the Uganda Railway, I was referring, as the hon. Member suggests, to the difference between actual working charges and gross receipts. The total capital sum expended to the 31st March, 1906, namely, £5,398,733, includes all expenditure in Europe and Africa and also in Asia. The total amount issued from the Consolidated Fund for the construction of the railway is £5,502,592, and, as the length of the line is 584 miles, the cost per mile amounts to £9,422. It is not possible to adopt this or any other sum as the normal cost of construction of railways in Africa, as the cost is determined by such varying factors as the character of the line, the nature of the country and its accessibility, the amount of local labour available, and other conditions.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he will ask the Board of Works, Dublin, to explain why New Year's Day was given as an office holiday every year prior to 1907. (Answered by Mr. Runciman.) I have nothing to add to the replies which were given to the hon. Member on this subject on the 14th and 18th December last.†

To ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether he is aware that complaint is made that the populous parish of Newtowncashel, county Longford, is without the services of a magistrate residing in the locality for the signing of summonses and other magisterial functions; and will he direct the attention of the Lord Chancellor to this want and request him to appoint the local county councillor for the division, Mr. John Hanley, to that office.

†See (4) Debates, clxvii., 832, 1258.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of the question whether the enactment of a measure compelling the adoption of a metric system of weights and measures would prove to be of great economic advantage to the public, and in consideration that the subject will probably be discussed in Parliament in the near future, he will consider whether it is advisable, as a first step towards a solution of the question, to institute an inquiry as to the practicability and advisability of introducing such system in all dealings with and undertakings of all Government factories and departments. (Answered by Mr. Kearley.) The Board of Trade made, some years ago, inquiries on the point raised by my hon. friend and were advised that it would be undesirable that such a departure from general trade practice in this country should be made by Government Departments and factories. They see no reason to alter this conclusion.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Dutch Government has brought forward a measure making the carrying of life-saving rocket apparatus compulsory on all vessels of over 200 tons; whether he will take into consideration the advisability of proposing a similar enactment for British shipping; and whether the Schermuly's rocket salvage apparatus has come under the notice of his Department. (Answered by Mr. Kearley.) The Board of Trade have no official information with regard to the Dutch measure to which my hon. friend refers, but the question of the desirability of British ships being provided with apparatus for communicating with the shore is being considered. The Answer to the last paragraph in the Question is in the affirmative.

:To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding in the Baker Street and Waterloo Railway at the busy times of morning and evening and at 1 p.m. on Saturdays; and whether, seeing that it is largely due to the fact that the company runs trains of three coaches only, he will take any steps to induce the company to revert to four-coach trains during the busy times of the day. (Answered by Mr. Kearley.) The Board of Trade are informed by the railway company that it has been decided to return to a service of six and four-car trains commencing on Thursday next, the 21st instant, instead of the three-car service now running.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many men and how many women have been committed to the Ennis State Inebriates Reformatory since its establishment; and if he can estimate how many of these have been considered cured of drunkenness on discharge; and whether he will direct the special attention of the judicial authorities in Ireland to the advisability of sending persons convicted of offences arising from drunkenness to this reformatory instead of to prison. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) Since the establishment of Ennis State Inebriate Reformatory in 1899, thirty-eight men and sixty-nine women have been committed, of whom twenty-nine men and fifty-two women have been discharged. Each case is watched and reported on periodically after discharge. Of the twenty-nine men discharged, sixteen are reported cured, three are dead, and ten have relapsed. Of the fifty-two women discharged, twenty-one are reported cured, five are dead, two are in lunatic asylums, and twenty-four have relapsed. The question of sending persons to the Inebriate Reformatory is one entirely for the judicial authorities themselves. I will, however, bring the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the Lord Chancellor.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether applications have been received from Joseph Mulooly, senior, and Joseph Mulooly, junior, for reinstatement in their farms in the parish of Rathcline, county Longford; whether the inspector has yet visited these men and reported upon their case; whether he is aware that there are several large farms in this neighbourhood which could be easily acquired for the purpose of providing equivalent holdings for these men; and will he now direct that steps be taken towards this end. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners have received an application for reinstatement from Joseph Mulooly, but whether the applicant is senior or junior does not appear. The application has been referred to an inspector for investigation.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether before sanctioning the sale to Pat Mulligan of a farm on the Due de Stacpool's estate at Sonnagh, county Longford, the Estates Commissioners will direct an inquiry into the circumstances under which two half-witted girls named Lennon, whose father owned this farm and who lost it for want of proper sense to manage the same, are now living, with a view to their receiving some small compensation for the interest they lost, not through their own fault but through their sad mental misfortunes. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners have received no application from the persons mentioned, but will inquire into their case when the estate in question is being dealt with.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Kells Rural District Council has served notice to quit upon a large number of labourers holding cottages from that body; what is the reason assigned for the shower of notices to quit; and will he supply the hon. Member for North Meath with a copy of the existing agreements between the Naran, Trim, Oldcastle, and Kells District Councils and their respective tenants. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Local Government Board are aware that on the 16th instant the Kells Rural District Council ordered notices to quit to be served on six tenants of labourers cottages, in five instances for non-payment of rent, and in the remaining case for dilapidations. The Board are not in possession of the agreements referred to in the Question.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether bandmasters in Volunteer regiments have no assured military status; whether bandmasters in the Regular Army rank as warrant officers; and whether, if the Answer in both cases or in the former case be in the affirmative, steps will be taken in the Army Bill or otherwise to improve the condition of the former functionaries. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The reply to the first and second second parts of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the Question, I doubt whether it would be practicable to adopt my hon. friend's suggestion. The mode of life and occupation of a bandmaster in a Volunteer regiment is so different under existing circumstances from that of the bandmaster in a regular regiment, who gives his whole time to the work of that regiment, that it is not easy to see how the status could be assimilated.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to make any changes in the constitution of the Army Accounts Department. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) No change has been determined on.

To ask the Secretary of State for War how many battery sergeant-majors and battery quarter-master-sergeants will be affected by the Army Order, issued on the 11th March, which provides that continuance in the service, beyond twenty-one years, of non-commissioned officers on the Home establishment is to cease for the present; and whether he will consider the advisability of allowing exceptions where commanding officers apply to retain such non-commissioned officers in the interests of the service. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) As regards the first part of the Question no figures are available in the War Office, and it would take some time to obtain the information. As regards the last part of the Question the Army Council is prepared to consider any exceptional cases, either in the interests of the service or of the non-commissioned officer.

:I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether in view of the fact that the information given under Vote 9 has been curtailed, while the Vote for guns has been reduced from £915,000 last year to £690,000 this year, and the Vote for projectiles, ammunition, torpedoes, and gun-cotton is now £1,182,000, whereas in 1901–2 it was £2,405,300, he can give the House an assurance that the reserve of heavy guns in the case of the "Dreadnought" and "Invincible" classes will not be reduced below the figure officially given as one heavy gun for every four mounted on board, and that stocks of projectiles, ammunition, torpedoes, and gun-cotton are not being reduced below what has been customary in former years.

As has been previously stated, it is considered undesirable in the public interest that statements should be made regarding the reserve of guns and other ordnance stores, but the assurance asked for can be given.

Does the reduced quantity of ammunition also mean a reduced allowance for practice?

I would rather not answer that Question without notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the reserve will not fall below that which formerly existed?

I have given the assurance asked for by the hon. Member, and I cannot do more.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the warders on the staff of the naval prison at Simonstown are employed on extra duties with extra pay for an average of 160 days per annum; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made as to whether this prison is overstaffed. I beg also to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that adulterated canvas has recently been supplied to the Admiralty by a private firm; whether the Admiralty have made any claim upon this firm in consequence; and whether this firm is still supplying canvas to the Admiralty.

As both these Questions are now under review by the Public Accounts Committee, it would be contrary to the usual practice for me to make any statement.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty how many captains have successively been appointed to the battleship H.M.S. "Barfleur," and how many crews have successively manned her in the last twenty-four months.

The number of captains is six; and number of crews five.

:I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty how many of the thirty-two battleships which have been in full commission and exercised in their respective fleets under the old distribution will shift their fleets under the new distribution; how many will change their crews; and whether all the Admirals commanding the four fleets will be new to their commands.

Eighteen of the battleships will shift their fleets, and eight will change their crews. The Answer to the last part of the Question is in the affirmative.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that pensioner Company Quartermaster Sergeant G. Bradley, of the Royal Garrison Artillery, was passed over for promotion by a junior on the 2nd April, 1905, for the rank of Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant through an error, for which he was in no way responsible, that an appeal has been made to the War Office on two occasions, and although it is admitted that the pensioner has been unjustly treated no redress has been given, that a loss of rank and pay amounting to about £14 has resulted up to date of discharge, which was carried out on the 28th February of the present year; and whether he can see his way clear to see that justice is done to the person in question.

It is regretted that this man was inadvertently passed over for promotion. I am at present considering whether anything can be done.

I bog to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a riot that occurred at Comilla, in the new province, between a Mahomedan procession, escorting the Nawab of Dacca to a pro-partition meeting; whether the Mahomedans assaulted the Hindus indiscriminately and looted Hindu shops, many Hindus being injured; whether the Nawab, in justification of the riot, stated that a stone was thrown at him a fortnight previous at the Comilla District Conference; and, if so, what steps have been or will be taken to bring the Nawab and the other offenders to justice, and to prevent pro-partition demonstrations being held in those quarters where the Hindus live and carry on their business.

I have received a Report of the disturbance referred to. The Local Government appear to have taken steps to prevent illegal action or rioting, whether by Hindus or Mahomedans, at Comilla.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the Report of the Indian Excise Committee, and the consequent action to be taken by the Government of India thereon, the Bengal Excise Bill, which was referred to a Select Committee of the Bengal Legislative Council in 1905, will be reintroduced.

I have ascertained that the Government of India have still to consider the Bill in connection with the Excise Committee's Report, and that it will not be proceeded with in the current session.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can now state how the matter of the opium traffic from India now stands, especially having regard to the Resolution of the House passed unanimously on the 30th May, 1906.

My right hon. friend is aware that the Chinese Government towards the end of last year approached His Majesty's Government on the subject of restricting the import of foreign opium into China, and put forward certain proposals as a basis for discussion. The views of the Government of India on these proposals have just reached me and are under my consideration in Council. The discussion which the Chinese Government have invited will be entered upon with all despatch and will, I hope, result in a satisfactory arrangement at no distant date.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he has received a copy of the resolutions passed at the Twenty-Second Indian National Congress, held in Calcutta during December, 1906; and, if so, whether he will lay the resolutions on the Table of the House.

The Answer is in the negative.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman received a copy of the resolutions of the Government of India?

I am not at all sure that it comes within the province of the Government of India to forward them.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is yet in a position to give the names of the Commission appointed by the Trinidad Government to revise the local customs tariff; whether a representative of the working class has been appointed a member of the Commission; and whether the proceedings of the Commission will be made public.

I am not as yet in a position to give the hon. Member any further information on this subject.

When may the information be expected?

I will make further inquiries and inform the hon. Member.

Will the hon. Gentleman do so by telegraph?

Yes, if it is necessary to do so.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what sums have been expended during the present financial year on legal advice travelling, printing, telegraphing, and other general expenses connected with the New Hebrides Convention.

No special expenditure arising out of the New Hebrides Convention has been or will be incurred during the present financial year.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to the effect that resolutions have been passed at a large meeting of Indians in Durban, protesting against the manner in which the Dealers Licences Act was being enforced in various parts of Natal, and asking the Imperial Government to safeguard the right of British-Indian ratepayers to vote at the municipal elections; and, if so what action he proposes to take in the matter.

A copy of cable to the effect stated has been received from the South African British Indian Committee. The Secretary of State, as already stated, is in communication with the Natal Government on the subject.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the ex-soldiers of the Hausa, Lagos, West Africa, have now been evicted from their location; and whether the compensation promised has been paid, and, if not when it is proposed to pay it.

It is understood that the removal of the inhabitants of the quarter known as the "Hausa Lines" has been carried out. The compensation was payable one month after the publication of the awards in the Gazette; and, as this publication was made on the 9th of January, it may be assumed that the compensation has been paid. Inquiry is being made by telegraph as to the amounts of compensation which have been paid and the persons compensated.

When is the reply likely to be available?

I should think very soon.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information from the British Consul General at Shanghai with regard to the murder of Police-constable Morrow, who was shot dead by a gang of armed robbers on the outskirts of the town; and whether he will cause representations to be made to the Chinese Government with a view to preventing a recurrence of such an outrage.

We have no information on the subject. But inquiries have been made by telegraph of His Majesty's Minister at Peking, and the result will be communicated to the hon. Member.

Will further inquiries be telegraphed?

They have been telegraphed, but the Answer may come by post, as the question is a very complicated one.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House of the present state of the negotiations between Turkey and Persia for the ratification of the Turco-Persian frontier; and whether any steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government and that of Russia to bring about a speedy settlement of the dispute in question, and the recall of the Turkish troops.

A joint Perso-Turkish Commission has been appointed to settle the dispute with regard to the frontier in the Passova district, and also to delimit the whole boundary between the two countries. The Commission has already arrived at Mosoul, which is to be its headquarters during the remaining winter months. The present situation does not, therefore, require any steps.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Lanark, N.W., I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether under the most-favoured-nation treaty between this country and the United States any concessions which may be granted to any foreign country are automatically extended to the United States.

The practice of this country is to treat imports from the United States not less favourably than those from any other country.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer why final notices demanding payment of income-tax, under threat of proceedings, are issued in Ireland at least one month earlier than similar notices are issued in England.

There is no foundation for the allegation on which the Question rests.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to a prosecution and conviction at the Birmingham Police Court on the 1st instant, whereby a number of men were found working on polishing machines in silver-plating works under conditions injurious to their health, in consequence of their employer failing to provide a fan or other efficient mechanical means for removing the dust arising from the polishing wheels when running; whether he is aware that a similar condition of things exists in the electrical department of His Majesty's Dockyard at Portsmouth; that no apparatus is supplied to the men to prevent the inhalation of dust and fluff arising from the brushes during the process of polishing, that there is insufficient mechanical apparatus to carry away the dust and fluff, and the health of several of the men has been injured in consequence, that three men have been placed on the sick list, without pay, and one on the hurt list, with pay; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the nature of this employment, with a view to improve the conditions under which this work is done.

I beg to answer this Question on behalf of my hon. friend. I have received reports of the prosecution at Birmingham and of the conditions of the electric shop at Portsmouth. These reports reveal a very different state of affairs in the two places. The Birmingham case was an exceptionally bad one. At Portsmouth the records show one case on the hurt list of injury to health from the effects of inhaling dust, but I find that there has been no case on the sick list, nor has any intimation been received from men sick that they have suffered from any such cause. I am informed that an exhaust fan is fitted in the shop and is always kept in action during polishing operations, but means will be taken to secure better arrangements for exhaust ventilation. The men employed in the polishing work have been provided with respirators. The shop itself is reported by the inspector to be a lofty and airy room.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make arrangements through the Receiver of the Metropolitan Police district whereby the several chief clerks of the Metropolitan Police Courts shall be required to forward monthly or quarterly statements to the councils of the Metropolitan boroughs and all other local authorities within that district, showing the fees, fines, and costs due and payable to them under the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, the Public Health (London) Acts, the Summary Jurisdiction Acts, and other statutes or by-laws made there under; and if he will issue an Order to that effect at the end of the current financial year, viz., on the 31st March, 1907.

The preparation of periodical returns as suggested would occupy considerable time; and, as at present advised, I see no sufficient reason for altering the existing practice. Any representations on this subject by the local authorities concerned would of course receive my careful consideration.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made, as the result of conferences with the representatives of the Channel Islands, in regard to improvements of the shipping laws obtaining in those islands.

The Board of Trade have prepared detailed suggestions for legislation, framed with a view to secure uniformity, as far as possible, between the law in Jersey and Guernsey and the provisions of English law relating to certificates of competency, safety, and inquiries into shipping casualities. These suggestions were sent to the Insular Authorities a few days ago. The States of Guernsey have already passed a Bill dealing with certificates of competency, and they have been asked whether they would prefer that this Bill should receive approval separately, or that it should form part of the more extended legislation which is in contemplation.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a resolution signed by twelve licensing justices of the East Staincliffe petty sessions, urging the necessity for early legislation to give to licensing authorities absolute powers to grant or refuse applications for new licenses, or the renewal of existing ones, for clubs where intoxicants are sold; and whether the promised licensing measure will contain some such provisions.

The Answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative; and to the second that I cannot at present add anything to my previous statements that the question of clubs is receiving consideration.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what progress has been made by the Board in connection with the preparation of an order for accounts, for the purposes of regulating and controlling the finances of the Metropolitan Water Board, in accordance with the provisions of the Metropolis Water Act, 1902. I beg further to ask the President of the Local Government Board what steps have been taken by the Board to prepare an order for accounts for regulating the finances and account keeping of the Central (Unemployed) Body for London and the Metropolitan Distress Committees, in accordance with The Unemployed Workmen Act, 1905, Section 3 (g); and whether it is contemplated to prescribe any financial regulations before the Act expires on the 11th August, 1908.

The Local Government Board have prescribed the forms of financial statement to be submitted to the auditor in the case of the Metropolitan Water Board and the Central (Unemployed) Body; but, pending the Report of the Departmental Committee on the accounts of local authorities, they have not thought it desirable to make regulations generally as to the accounts of these bodies.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board how many calves were used at the National Vaccine Establishment during the year 1906; what interval of time elapsed, on the average, between the collection of matter from the animals and the slaughter of them; what was the price realised for the veal; what was the total weight sold; and is the meat sold for consumption in the East End or the West End of London.

The number of calves used or vaccinated during the financial year 1905–6 at the National Vaccine Establishment was 600. As a rule, the slaughter of the calf takes place the day after the collection of the matter. I have no information as to the other points referred to in the Question. I believe the meat is sold at Smithfield market.

Is any of the veal bought by the Dinner Committee of this House?

It is not at all improbable. If it were I should not object to eating it.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the men at work under the Leeds Distress Committee, upon the a forestation scheme in the Washburn Valley, have deducted from their wages 1s. 6d. for boots and tobacco and 9s. per week for food, leaving them 9s. 6d. per week for the upkeep of their families; that during the winter, on several occasions, when the men could only work two or three days per week owing to inclement weather, deductions from their wages were made; whether he is aware of the conditions under which the men are required to work; whether he has official information showing that 293 men were offered employment, 139 accepted, 102 only commenced work, fifty-six threw it up very soon after, and at present there are only forty-six out of the 293 who were offered employment engaged upon the forestry work; whether, seeing that the accommodation is limited to forty-eight men only, he will say whether the arrangements are the result of instructions from the Local Government Board or the Leeds Distress Committee; and whether steps will be taken so to amplify the arrangements as to give the experiment a chance of success.

I have made inquiry on this subject, and am informed that the registered unemployed engaged upon the work referred to receive wages at the rate of 20s. per week of forty-eight hours, that certain deductions are made for boots and railway fares, and that there is an allowance of 6d. per week for tobacco or pocket money. The distress committee, in conjunction with the town council, have made arrangements for the board and lodging of such of the men as desire it, not exceeding forty-eight, in a wooden building in Washburn Valley. If a man elects to board himself he can do so, or he can board with the keeper of the building at 9s. 6d. for board and lodging from Monday morning to Saturday at mid-day, or 11s. for the full week. The men may arrange for board and lodging elsewhere, subject to the terms of the arrangement being communicated to the distress committee. Some of them adopt this course. The wages are only paid for time worked, but between 2nd January and 13th March there were only seventeen hours during which the work was stopped on account of inclement weather; but it is stated that on many occasions a large proportion of the men refused to work whilst others worked full time. The arrangements were made by the distress committee and were considered to be sufficient to meet all reasonable requirements.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has received a Report from a committee of the ratepayers on the subject, and whether he is aware that the men have to walk seventeen miles to and from their work; whether he is aware that it is a celibate colony; and whether he will allow the men the privilege which is granted to the men at the Hollesley Bay Colony to return home at least once a month free of railway fares.

I have investigated the subject on the spot, and, bearing in mind that these are relief works, I have come to the conclusion that on the point neither of treatment, of accommodation nor of food have the men any more to complain of than the ordinary navvy or ordinary labourer in that particular district would have to encounter if he were not working on relief works.

Is it not a fact that the chairman of the distress committee who is responsible for carrying on the experiment once said that he would rather sweep the streets than accept work under the distress committee on the terms which obtained?

In answer to that I think I had better quote the observations of Mr. Herbert Brown, who is the chairman of the distress committee. He is reported to have said—"Several have returned to the city at the end of the first week, a few have stayed only a day and then disappeared. Moreover, it has frequently happened that men on the spot have deliberately refused to turn out to work. They have put their hand out of the door, and feeling it rather cold have sat round the stove all day." As to the question of food the same gentleman says:—"The men have no fault to find with the food or accommodation. They have bacon for breakfast; they are supplied with a light luncheon to take out with them to eat at noon, and on their return at five or six o'clock they have a substantial meal provided of meat and potatoes."

Is it not a fact that the men are only supplied with eight ounces of food between the time they go out in the morning to the time they return in the evening; is it not a fact that there is only accommodation for forty-eight men, of whom forty-six have been working regularly, and that the men have on wet days gone back to their quarters with wet clothes, and having no opportunity to dry them, have had to go out to their work next day with them still wet?

The best authority on the matter of food is the buxom lady who cooks it. She said when interviewed—"They ought not to be delicate for they eat plenty. They have eaten eighty-six lbs. of butter this last month. I bake over twenty stone of bread every week, and look here (opening one of the largest ovens) here is thirty-six lbs. of beef, and there is seventeen lbs. more stewing in that big pan, and I will be surprised if there is a scrap left after to-morrow's dinner. Why those chaps have appetites like horses, and I like to see it, if they would only waken up."

I would like to know if the bacon supplied for breakfast is obtained from the firm of O'Mara & Co., Limerick.

If it is, I have not the least doubt that it is of its usual excellent quality

It is the best in the world.

I think notice should be given of any further Questions.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board what are the trades covered by the Returns of Unemployment in New York State to which he has referred, and whether he can distinguish the unemployed in the indoor and outdoor trades respectively.

There are some thirty different trades covered by the Returns referred to. They are not classified under indoor and outdoor trades, although in most cases it might be possible to distinguish them, but, as I intimated yesterday, I would suggest that the hon. Member should himself consult the Returns.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any precedent for the prosecution of any subordinate member of the crew of a fishing vessel for an offence committed by the vessel at sea; and whether it has been the regular practice of all the maritime Powers of the North Sea to hold the master of the vessel, as the representative of the owner, solely responsible.

My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to the hon. Member's Question. The Board of Trade are not aware of a subordinate member of the crew of a fishing vessel having been prosecuted in the circumstances referred to. I believe it is the practice of the North Sea maritime Powers to regard the skipper as responsible in such circumstances.

Arising out of that Answer, may I ask if the hon. Gentleman is aware that prosecutions of subordinates are taking place at the present time in Scotland—such men are in fact being prosecuted to-morrow?

I do not represent the Scottish Office; I therefore cannot answer the Question.

I thought the hon. Gentleman might like to know.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, as a result of the wreck of the "Berlin," he will take steps, either in concert with the Postmaster-General by allocation of subsidies, or otherwise, to secure that the entrances to the Continental harbours used in the cross-Channel traffic shall be adapted to the steamers using them, and thus to promote the safety of the British travelling public.

My right hon. friend has asked me to answer this Question. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, a formal investigation has been ordered into the loss of the "Berlin." Until the result of that inquiry is known, it is impossible to say what steps might be taken.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, what action, in view of the penalty inflicted upon George Gourlay for his responsibility in the recent accident at Arbroath, he proposes taking, or what penalty will be imposed upon the railway company or companies for, according to the verdict of the jury in Edinburgh, the lax state of affairs existing at Elliot Junction on the date of the accident.

The Board of Trade are not aware of any statutory provision under which the Railway Company could be subjected to a penalty. The question of their civil liability is not a matter for the Department.

:I beg to ask the Postmaster-General, if he is aware that the sub-office postman stationed at Thornley commences work at 6.40 a.m., and continues till 2.30 p.m., which completes his full day's work, and for which he receives 16s. per week; that he is then called upon to perform three hours extra very night from 6 to 9 p.m., and for which he receives the sum of only 1s. per week, or about ¾d. per hour; and, if so, whether he will grant this man an increase in pay, especially in view of the profit made each year out of the postal system.

:I have called for a Report on this subject, and on its receipt I will send the hon. Member a reply.

On behalf of the hon. Member for the Tiverton Division, I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works how many trees have been lopped and cut down, respectively, in Kensington Gardens during the present financial year; what sums of money have been received for the timber; and how many new park trees have been planted.

The trees lopped number 374, and eleven have been cut down. The amount received to date is £67 12s. There is, however, a large quantity of wood at present unsold. No trees have yet been planted in Kensington Gardens this year, but I hope to plant some there this autumn.

asked whether the branches had been burned. Could they not have been given to the poor?

Yes, Sir; and before Christmas notices were put up that the poor would be allowed to remove any of the smaller wood that would be of use to them, and orders were given that no wood should be burned before 1st March. I am sorry to say that the poor did not avail themselves of that opportunity, probably owing to the wood being in a green state.

On behalf of the hon. Member for the Tiverton Division, I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works it his attention has been called to the state of the asphalte upon the path leading from the Duke of York's Steps to Storey's Gate; and if the asphalte will be relaid shortly.

Temporary repairs, where necessary, will be made in the course of the year, but no general relaying can be undertaken on the present Estimates.

said provision would have to be made for the work in next year's Estimates, and Parliamentary authority obtained for it.

:I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Education, how many of the pensions granted under the Education Minutes of December 1846, are given to claimants who were employed before August 1851, when the 1846 Minutes were rescinded; whether he can say how many of the recipients are women, and the number of the pensions at each scale of £20, £25, and £30.

Four hundred and eight of the teachers now in receipt of code pensions were employed before August 1851, of whom 190 are women. One hundred and forty-one of these pensions are £20, 179 are £25, and eighty-eight are £30 a year.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, what proportion of the £5,882,500 annual grants, £2,752,000 grants in lieu of fees, £2,485,000 aid grants to local education authorities (total £11,119,500), in the Estimates of 1907–8 for the Board of Education, will be allocated to schools not provided by, and consequently not under the complete control of, local education authorities.

None of the grants are allocated to particular schools, but are paid to the local authorities in aid of their expenditure on the maintenance of schools. The grants referred to are calculated upon average attendance, and it is impossible to say now what the average attendance in voluntary schools will be during 1907–8, but in the statistical year ended 31st July 1906, it was approximately equivalent to 46 per cent. of the total average attendance in public elementary schools in England and Wales.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he is aware that on 12th March the President of the British Commission to the Milan Exposition publicly announced that the diplomas and medals awarded to exhibitors had been received; if he will explain why these are being withheld by the Commission; if he is aware that, when the British Commission was organised, it was stated in a Report presented by the Executive Commissioner to the President and Members of the Commission that the awards would consist of diplomas and medals; if he is also aware that the Executive Commissioner has written to certain exhibitors who have applied for the medals and diplomas awarded them to the effect that the Exposition authorities do not present an actual medal but a diploma therefore; whether he is aware that medals have always been issued with diplomas at international expositions; and will he explain why the British Commission to the Milan Exposition issued such a misleading Report.

I am informed by the President of the British Commission that he did not make the statement attributed to him in the first part of the Question repecting diplomas. In point of fact the diplomas are daily expected from Milan but have not yet arrived. As it is the intention of the Commission to present the diplomas and the medals at the same time the non-arrival of the former accounts for the delay of which the hon. Member complains. I understand that it is not the case that medals have always been issued with diplomas at Inter- national Expositions, the usual practice being to present diplomas alone. This is the course actually being taken by the authorities of the Milan Exhibition, but the British Commission have determined to purchase and present bronze medals with their diplomas to Exhibitors to whom medals, &c., have been awarded. The Report referred to was based upon a misunderstanding which is regretted, but I understand the facts to be as I have stated.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that the President got a Japanese Decoration for putting a Jap on the jury instead of an Irishman?

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, in what manner the case of the clerks to the surveyors of taxes is being dealt with; whether the finding of the Department will be laid upon the Table of the House; and, if so, when will this be done.

:I understand that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on whose behalf I replied to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member on the 7th instant, is considering whether any improvements can be effected in the organisation of surveyors' offices. His inquiries are at present of an informal nature and are with a view to ascertaining whether a prima facie case is made out against the present arrangements. He is not in a position to lay any Papers.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether some steps can be taken to improve the quality of the photographs sold at the National Gallery, and to insure that copies of the principal masterpieces are procurable.

I am informed that there is at present no official sale of photographs of National Gallery pictures, but that information is officially given as to where the best photographs may be obtained, and this information will be conspicuously posted in the entrance hall as soon as the re-decoration is complete. The sale of reproductions is under the consideration of the trustees.

But is it not the fact that photographs are sold now in the National Gallery?

Is it not the fact that there is a private stall for which no rent is paid—not an official stall—at which the photographs complained of are sold?

If hon. Gentlemen will put down a Question as to this private stall, I will endeavour to answer it.

Has the hon. Gentleman no information as to the private stall?

Only what I have given to the House.

Letthe hon. Gentleman go and see it for himself.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that Mr. William Garnett, Low Moor, Clitheroe, has given his tenant farmers notice to quit on 12th May 1908, without assigning any reasons for so doing; and whether he will ascertain the real reason from Mr. Garnett, so as to make it clear that it is not in consequence of the passing of the Agricultural Holdings Act of last session.

My noble friend placed himself in communication with Mr. Garnett on this subject, and has received from him the following reply:—

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if the Board can see its way to the issue of a leaflet to county councils and farmers' clubs containing information to farmers regarding free access to Mr. Robert H. Elliot's demonstration farm at Clifton-on-Bowmont, in the county of Roxburgh.

The Board do not think that the issue of a leaflet would be appropriate in this case, but we shall be glad to insert a notice as to Mr. Elliot's generous offer in the next number of our Journal.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if it is within the knowledge of the Government that rewards have been offered to those giving information as to the presence of trawlers in the waters of the Moray Firth outside the three miles limit, whether many men innocent of trawling in the prohibited area have been subjected in consequence to severe penalties; and that trawlers refrain now from entering the Moray Firth for shelter, even in stress of weather, thereby entailing on themselves much loss and danger.

I have no official knowledge of rewards such as those referred to by my hon. friend having being offered. Neither am I aware that any trawler has, in consequence, been detected or subjected to any penalty. I understand that the Moray Firth is as freely used as ever for shelter by all classes of fishermen.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he can state what arrangements exist for protecting the rights of the Crown against assertions of private or exclusive ownership of the right to fish for salmon and trout in parts of the River Tweed, the River Teviot, the River Jed, and the Liddell Water, and in the streams that flow into those rivers; and whether any public authority has made arrangements for receiving early information of any active assertions of private or exclusive ownership over such fisheries in those waters.

The Crown rights, which are under the management of the Commissioner of Woods, only extend to salmon and fish of the salmon kind, not to the river trout. As stated in answer to a previous Question, inquiries were instituted some years ago as to the Crown rights to salmon fishings in parts of the Tweed, but the results were not considered at the time such as to justify pursuing the question further, and no special arrangements were therefore required for protecting Crown rights. The matter is now being considered, and if the hon. Member will communicate to the Commissioner of Woods any information he may have as to any apparent infringement of Crown rights, the facts will be inquired into at once.

Has the Commissioner of Woods and Forests any authority to inquire what is going on?

I should prefer that that Question were addressed to the Minister responsible for that Department.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that Mr. Justice Kenny, at the recent Roscommon Assizes, directed the Crown Solicitor not to permit any of the jurors who tried a particular case, and brought in a verdict not in agreement with his views, to be empanelled in any future cases coming before him; and whether the Crown Solicitor is in any way bound by this direction.

:My right hon. friend has asked me to answer this Question. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the similar Question put by the hon. and learned Member for South Donegal.†

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have reinstated all the evicted tenants on the Vandeleur property in West Clare on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the 12th, 13th and 14th instant; and whether, if all were not reinstated, he will make inquiries why they were not, and when they will be reinstated.

The

†See Col. 485.

Will the right hon. Gentleman continue to use his influence with the Estates Commissioners with a view to settling these West Clare tenants?

I do not think the Estates Commissioners require any pressure from me. They are most anxious to expedite their work.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the boycotting of Mr. Thomas E. Taylor, of Blacklion, county Cavan, which was discontinued about 20th February last, was resumed with additional severity on Monday, 4th March; whether this boycotting still continues; and what steps are being taken to deal with the case.

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I ask if his attention has been called to the fact that according to the last Returns there were only seventy-three indictable offences in county Cavan and 336 non-indictable offences, whereas in the county of Sussex there were in the same period 1,540 indictable offences and 7,282 non-indictable offences. And I would ask whether it is decent for the hon. Gentleman, in view of the fact that his county shows twenty times as many indictable offences—

Order, order.

How do the two counties compare for population?

I propose to answer the Question on the Paper. I am informed by the police authorities that it is not the case that the boycotting of Mr. Taylor has been resumed with additional severity. Two or three persons have refused to supply him with goods, but he has no difficulty in obtaining supplies from others in the locality, or in disposing of his produce. In the circumstances, no action has been called for, but the police will, of course, afford to Mr. Taylor any protection which may become necessary to secure the exercise of his legal rights.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have received an application for reinstatement from Michael Regan, Corona, Drums, on the Simpson Estate, in county Leitrim; and if the same will be considered by them.

The Estates Commissioners have received the application in question, and have had the case investigated by their inspector, whose report is under consideration.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have received an application for reinstatement from Francis Murphy, Drumdarkin, Cloone, on the Ensor Estate, in county Leitrim; and if the case will be investigated by an inspector.

The Estates Commissioners have received the application, and have referred it to their inspector for investigation in connection with the proposed sale of the Ensor Estate, which is at present before them.

:I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have received their inspector's report with regard to the reinstatement of Francis Donlon, Errew, Carrigallen, on the La Touch Estate, in county Leitrim; and, as the person at present in occupation of the farm is willing to give it up in case he is compensated, and as the landlord does not object to this arrangement, if the Estates Commissioners will have the evicted tenant reinstated without further delay.

The Estates Commissioners have not yet received their inspector's report on this case, and are therefore not at present in a position to consider the question of reinstating the evicted tenant.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have received an application for reinstatement from Mrs. Ann Kerrigan, who is at present in America, for the farm of land formerly belonging to her at Clooncarne, on the Clements Estate, in county Leitrim; and if the same will be considered.

The Estates Commissioners have not received an application from Mrs. Kerrigan.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what action has been taken by the Estates Commissioners in connection with the untenanted land at Ennismore, on the Listowel Estate, North Kerry, which has been offered to the Estate Commissioners for the reinstatement of evicted tenants, the enlargement of uneconomic holdings, and making allotments to labourers; and whether he can state how soon the land will be acquired by the Estate Commissioners.

The Estate Commissioners inform me that they have made an offer to the owner in this case, but have not yet heard whether he is willing to accept it.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is the intention of the Government to renew the Licensing (Ireland) Act, 1902, which expires this year.

The question of undertaking the necessary renewing legislation is under consideration.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will ask the Estates Commissioners to communicate with Mr. J. D. Crosbie, Ballyheigue, county Kerry, who holds from Trinity College some 400 acres of untenanted land situated near Ballylongford, North Kerry; and whether, as Mr. Crosbie is willing to sell his interest in this land, the Estates Commissioners will take immediate action to secure the same for the reinstatement of evicted tenants and the removal of the congestion which exists in the district

I have referred this Question to the Estates Commissioners, who inform me that they will make inquiries with regard to the untenanted land mentioned.

:I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the importance of encouraging urban councils in Ireland to build workmen's houses, he will consider the advisability of granting loans for such purposes, on the same terms as regards rate of interest and time of repayment as were granted under the Labourers (Ireland) Act of last year.

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. friend the Chief Secretary on the 26th ultimo to a similar question by the hon. Member for Limerick.†

:I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what is the amount of the Board of Works loan borrowed by the late Conor Haugh, of Doonaha, West Clare, still remaining due; when was the last instalment paid to the Board of Works; and whether the Board of Works have taken any steps to recover the amount of the loan still due.

I am informed that a loan of £110 was made to Connor Haugh in 1883 and the last instalment that has been paid on account thereof

†Sec (4) Debates, clxix., 1447.

:I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he would consider the advisability of making Dublin the head office for Ireland, as far as the Post Office Savings Bank is concerned, owing to the delay occasioned to parties living in rural districts, having only one daily delivery of letters, having to wait about five days, when they wish to withdraw money from the Post Office, before they get a reply from London, and also as it would be the means of giving more employment to Post Office officials in Ireland.

The question whether it would be advisable to transfer to Dublin the administration of the Irish business of the Post Office Savings Bank has been considered on several occasions, and it has been found that there is greater administrative convenience and economy in keeping the Savings Bank accounts at a single centre. The hon. Member has no doubt not overlooked the fact that withdrawals up to £1 may be made at any Post Office Savings Bank in the United Kingdom without previous notice.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister when he will introduce a measure to carry out the decision come to by the House and the Government that the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act should be immediately repealed.

To ask the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the Resolution passed in this House last Wednesday which declared that the presence of the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act on the Statute-book is a gross violation of the Constitution without parallel in any other portion of His Majesty's dominions, and for which he voted, he proposes to introduce a Bill for the repeal of the Act mentioned; and, if so, at what date.

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer the noble Lord's Question at the same time. My right hon. friend the Chief Secretary stated in the debate that it was impossible for the Government to undertake immediate action in this matter. There are more urgent questions on hand, particularly Irish questions; and the powers given to the Government under this Act are not being used.

Is the Resolution null and void then? My Question refers to the Resolution, not to the language of the Chief Secretary.

I do not think the Resolution is null and void because it is not immediately put into effect.

Do the Government really propose to tolerate on the Statute-book an Act which, according to the Resolution of last Wednesday, is "a gross violation of the Constitution without parallel in any other portion of His Majesty's dominions"?

It is tolerated for many reasons. In the first place, there is the difficulty of getting it expunged; in the second place, we have other things to do; and then, as I have said, the Act is treated as of no effect by the present Executive.

It remains as a memorial of the Cecils.

asked the Speaker's ruling with regard to the Motion dealing with the acquisition of land by local authorities, which was down for consideration that evening. The hon. Member for Norwich had at the last moment altered his original notice of Motion in substance as well as in form. It now included a proposal for compulsion; and it further added a provision that the value at which land was to be purchased should be that at which it was assessed for purposes of taxation—a matter to which there was no allusion, direct or indirect, in the Resolution as it originally stood on the Paper.†Would it, he asked, be in order for the hon. Member to move the Resolution in its new form, and to what extent was it in the power of an hon. Member to vary his notice of Motion at the last moment?

said the rule might be stated thus:—It was open to any hon. Member to vary his Motion, but it must not go beyond the notice of Motion which was originally given. In his opinion the second Motion, of which the hon. Member gave notice yesterday, did very considerably go beyond the limits of the Motion of which he first gave notice. Therefore in calling upon him that evening he thought he must ask the hon. Member to omit the words enabling local authorties to acquire land "compulsorily, and to base the purchase price on the value at which the land was assessed for purposes of taxation." The reason for the rule was obvious. Hon. Members seeing a Notice on the Paper to which they possibly might have no objection might make arrangements for not being present or might avoid preparing themselves to speak upon it, but if at the last moment some entirely new Motion appeared on the Paper they might find themselves taken by surprise

reported from the Committee of Selection; That they

†The original notice of Motion was as follows:—"That, in the opinion of this House, it is desirable that more complete powers should be conferred upon Local Authorities empowering them to purchase land on fair terms, and enabling them to hold the same until such times as it is considered advisable to utilise it for public purpose."

The amended notice of Motion read:—"That, in the opinion of this House, a measure is urgently needed enabling Local Authorities to acquire by agreement or compulsorily, and by simple and inexpensive machinery, such land within or adjoining their several districts as may, in their judgment, be needed for the requirements of the community; and further, that, in all such cases of Land Acquisition, the purchase price should be definitely based upon the value at which land is assessed for purposes of taxation."

further reported from the Committee; 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 Railways (Contracts) Bill; Mr. Lambton, Sir William Holland, Mr. Abel Smith, Viscount Helmsley, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Beale, Mr. Mond, Mr. Clement Edwards, Mr. Myer, Mr. Brunner, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Akers-Douglas, Mr. John Williams, Mr. Menzies, and Mr. Wedgwood.