I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has taken in reference to the petition of the prison officers in His Majesty's local prisons asking that they may be placed upon the same scale of pay as the officers of His Majesty's convict prisons; and, if any, whether they have satisfied the legitimate representations of these officers. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) The petitions to which the hon. Member refers were most carefully considered by myself and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and, as a result, improvements in the pay of the local prison officers were granted which were, I believe, amply sufficient to satisfy their legitimate claims. These improvements, which I explained in answer to Questions asked in this House on 15th November, 1906, and on 11th April last, included an increase of the maximum salary of the several warder ranks, an increase of annual increments of pay, and, in a large number of cases, increased lodging allowances.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the fact that the house of a small farmer named Macnamara, residing at Drumandoora, has been twice fired into lately; and whether the police have made any arrests in connection with these outrages. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I refer to my Answer to a similar Question put by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh on Monday last.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on 6th December there were extensive cattle-drives at Ballyhealy, county Dublin, at Mr. Flanagan's farm near Ross, county Roscommon, and from the property of Mr. Scanlon at Leitrim; whether the police were employed in protecting these; farms; and whether there have been any arrests. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The police have no information that any cattle-drive has taken place at Ballyhealy, county Dublin. On 6th December, nineteen cattle were found to have been driven off Mr. Flanagan's farm at Ross, county Sligo, and on 3rd December it was found that twenty cattle had been driven off Mr. Scanlon's farm at Leitrim, county Roscommon. These two farms had received attention from police patrols, but policemen were not constantly employed in protecting the farms. No arrests have been made in these cases.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether any arrests have been made for driving the cattle of Mr. Quinn from the lands of Ragaculla, near Mill-town, county Galway, on 4th December; and whether any police were employed in protecting the same. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The police authorities in form me that Mr. Quinn's cattle were not driven from his land. The only foundation for the Question appears to be that on the date mentioned a police patrol visited the farm for the protection of the cattle.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a speech of the Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, at Manchester, on 5th December last, in reference to a forthcoming Irish University Bill; whether the speech was made with his authority; and whether the terms of such speech, or any and what parts of it, were submitted for his approval before the speech was delivered. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I call the hon. Member's attention to a letter, published in The Times and other newspapers of 4th February, from the Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, which will give him all the information he is entitled to. I never asked the Provost to make any speech, and had no desire that he should do so; but I told him that if he did make a speech he was at liberty to state that the proposed Government measure left-Trinity College alone.

To ask the Secretary of State for War what were the amounts of the purchases of. Foreign-made horseshoes and nails made by the War Office in the years 1903 and 1904, respectively. (Answered by Mr. Secretary-Haldane.) In 1902–3 orders for 298,600 pairs of shoes and 46,670 nails, costing the sums of £6,790 and £12, respectively, were placed abroad. In 1903–4 orders for 292,000 pairs of shoes and 19,964,000 nails, costing the sums of £8,355 and £2,312 3s. 8d., respectively, were placed abroad. In 1904–5 no orders for shoes and nails were placed abroad.

To ask the Secretary of State for War the number of soldiers who were in prison on 31st December, 1907, under sentence of court martial; and whether any, and, if so, how many, were imprisoned by field courts martial in the South African War. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) 177 soldiers were in prisons on 31st December last under sentence of court martial, of whom only one was imprisoned by order of field court martial in the South African War.

To ask the Secretary of State for War how many general and district courts martial were held during the year 1907; how many soldiers were tried by such courts; what was the number of acquittals and convictions; and what were the terms of imprisonment inflicted. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The proceedings of all the courts martial held during the year 1907 have not yet been received, and I am not, therefore, in a position at present to give the information required.

To ask the Secretary of State for War how many reservists are now residing respectively in Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand; and to what arms the reservists in question belong. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The detailed figures are too long to read out to the House, but I will have them printed and circulated with the Votes. The totals are as follow—

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the conversion of long Lee-Enfield Rifles provided for in the Estimates of 1907 has been completed; and when, and to what units, the first issue of the converted rifles will take place. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The conversion of the long Lee-Enfield rifles provided for in this financial year will not be completed until the next financial year. About 3,000 will be completed this year. No issues have as yet been arranged, and none can be made until personal equipment for carrying ammunition in chargers is available. It is, however, not desirable to make any issue of the converted rifles until a sufficient number is in store to allow of its being carried out rapidly and continuously.

To ask the Secretary of State for War on what grounds the 4th Militia Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment has been ordered to disband and the 3rd battalion of the same regiment has been retained; when, according to the Return [Cd. 3364, of 1907], there were wanting 443 rank and file to complete the establishment of the 3rd battalion, and only 118 to complete that of the 4th battalion. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The question of the retention of Militia battalions for the Special Reserve was considered on the grounds of their suitability to fulfil the administrative conditions which will be in future required of the majority of the Special Reserve battalions. The 3rd battalion of the Gloucester regiment, being at the depot, was accordingly retained.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to difficulties that have arisen in obtaining the benefits of the Vaccination Act, 1907, in cases where the father of a child has been personally precluded from making a statutory declaration in consequence of absence from England on business as a sailor or otherwise at the time of the birth of his child and for the four months afterwards allowed by the Act in which the statutory declaration is to be made; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps, by legislation or otherwise, to enable under such circumstances the wife to make the necessary statutory declaration, under the provisions of Section 35 of the Vaccination Act, 1867, in the absence of her husband. (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) My attention has not been called to difficulties of the kind mentioned since the passing of the Act of last session. The Law Officers advised in 1898 that, under ordinary circumstances, the father was the only person who could obtain certificate of conscientious objection, and a similar view would no doubt apply to the making of a declaration under the recent Act. I am not empowered to decide whether, in circumstances such as those mentioned in the Question, the mother would be the person competent to make the declaration; but it seems to me that, if she did so, proceedings ought not to be taken against the father.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that at a meeting of the Berlin Stadtveror-denetenversammlung on Friday last the number of unemployed in Berlin was officially stated to be 30,000; and whether he can state how this compares with the present number of unemployed in London. (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I understand that the statement mentioned appeared in a German newspaper, but I do not know whether it was official. There is no Return of the total number of unemployed persons in London at the present time, but I am informed that the number of persons registered by the London Distress Committees between 14th October last and 31st January was 25,561. Some of these have, however, since found work. There were 5,406 persons on the register of employment exchanges in London at the end of December, and the Returns made to the Board of Trade by various trades unions show that the number of members of those unions who were out of employment at that date was 5,581. I am not in a position to state how far persons are included in more than one of these numbers. I should add that a trustworthy comparison between London and other capitals in respect of this matter cannot well be made unless it could be shown that the statistics were compiled on the same basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion does the number of on-licences extinguished in each year under the Licensing Act 1904, bear to the total number of on-licences in England and Wales; and what does the total reduction of such on-licences work out to on the average per licensing district of England and Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his attention has been called to a case in which the amount of compensation money payable under the Licensing Act, 1904, was determined by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue in pursuance of Rule 31 of the rules made by the Secretary of State under Section 6 of the Licensing Act, 1904, and in which the Commissioners had issued their certificate of award as to the amount to be paid to the persons interested, and in which, on receiving notice of an intention to appeal to the High Court against such award, the Commissioners issued a new award; and whether he proposes to take any steps by legislation or otherwise to prevent such action in the future. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) I do not know to what specific case my hon. friend refers, but I am informed that there are not infrequent instances of an award by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue being reconsidered in the light of new

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he has any official information showing how far the present unemployment in Berlin is due to strikes in the building and timber trade; and whether he can state how many of those at present tabled as unemployed belong to these trades. (Answered by Mr. Kearley.) So far as I am aware there is no strike at present in the building or wood-working trades of Berlin, but there is a large amount of unemployment resulting partly from disputes occurring last year and partly from the high rate of interest ruling for loans to builders. Figures published by the Berlin Trades Council, however, indicate that of the total unemployed membership of trade unions on 15th January making returns, about one-half consisted of building and wood-working operatives. I may add that the percentage of trade union members returned as unemployed on that date to the Berlin Trades Council I was 14·1.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what is the percentage of unemployment shown by the latest official Returns of Germany; and what was the amount of unemployment in the United Kingdom at approximately the same date. (Answered by Mr. Kearley.) It has been repeatedly explained by the Board of Trade that the official Returns of German trade unionists unemployed cannot be properly compared with those of the United Kingdom, because for several reasons the proportion of the unemployed members of trade unions in the United Kingdom who are entitled to unemployed benefit (and so certain to report themselves as unemployed) is much greater than in Germany, where the percentage returned as unemployed is accordingly understated. At the end of December last the official percentage for Germany was 2·6; but for the reasons given above I can quote no comparable figure for the United Kingdom.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether in connection with the investigations now being made into working class conditions in certain foreign countries, he can state the average number of rooms per working-class family in Berlin. (Answered by Mr. Kearley.) The results of the German investigation are not yet available, but the Census of 1900 indicated that the most usual number of rooms occupied by a working class family in Berlin is two.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether premises in Edinburgh have been taken for the accommodation of the Scottish Education Department; and whether these will in future be the headquarters of the Department. (Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) Since 1904 an Assistant Secretary of the Department has been stationed in Edinburgh with great advantage to the work of the Department, as it has enabled many questions out with the sphere of the inspecting staff located throughout Scotland, but yet not important enough to be made the subject of special reference to the Department, to be disposed of by personal interview. The only accommodation available for the use of this officer hitherto has been a room in the Royal Scottish Museum, which has proved to be unsuitable in many ways, both as affording no accommodation for an adequate clerical staff, and as being inconvenient for the reception of deputations. There are also other special officers of the Department stationed in Edinburgh, for example, the Accountant of the Department and the Consulting Architect. It has been thought expedient to bring these various officers together, and to put at the disposal of the Assistant Secretary an adequate staff for dealing with those sections of the Department's work for which he is responsible in the first place. Premises suitable for housing this staff and for the reception of deputations have been found by the Office of Works at 14, Queen Street, and will be in the occupation of the Department from Whitsunday next. They will also be used by the Vice-President and by the Secretary of the Department for the purpose of receiving deputations or for transacting business in other ways as occasion may arise. These premises will admit of further transference of clerical work from London to Edinburgh from time to time as that may be found expedient and possible, but it is not possible even were it desirable, that the whole work of the Department should be transferred to Edinburgh at present; and the headquarters of the Department will, therefore, continue to be in London. The Edinburgh office will be in no sense a separate office but will deal, under the general direction of the Secretary of the Department, with such parts of the work as it may be found most convenient from time to time to entrust to the staff stationed in Edinburgh.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland, whether he has received from the Nith Fishery Board a petition asking him to extend for a fortnight the fishing in the Nith; and, if so, whether he can yet give his decision. (Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) This petition was received too late to permit its request being considered as applying to 1907, and it is now under consideration with a view to the current year. If my hon. friend will repeat his Question, say, in a month's time, I shall hope to be able then to give him a reply.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he will give the amounts and percentages, according to the latest year available, corresponding with the amounts and percentages of the aggregate local receipts and expenditure in England and Wales for the year 1868, as appearing at page 6, of the Return on Local Taxation prepared by the late Lord Goschen in 1870, and ordered to be reprinted in 1893 (Cd. 201, 1893). (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. The aggregate receipts of the local authorities in England and Wales during the year 1904–5 amounted in round numbers "to £143,600,000. The following figures show approximately how this sum was raised:—£56,050,000, or 39 per cent., from public rates; £5,450,000, or 3·8 per cent., from tolls, dues, fees, fines, and penalties; £3,200,000, or 2·2 per cent., from sales, rents, and profits of property not elsewhere included; £19,600,000, or 13·7 per cent., from Government Grants and other receipts from Imperial funds; £33,400,000," or 23·3 per cent., from loans; £19,550,000, or 13·6 per cent., from gas, water, electric lighting, tramway, and light railway undertakings; £6,350,000, or 4·4 per cent., from other miscellaneous receipts. Total, £143,600,000 or 100 per cent. Sums received by the Metropolitan Water Board, whether from loans or otherwise are not included in the above amounts. Of the aggregate receipts of £143,600,000, approximately—£108,600,000, or 75·6 per cent., was expended by authorities acting for acres wholly urban; £5,000,000, or 3·5 per cent., by authorities acting for areas wholly rural; £30,000,000, or 20·9 per cent., by authorities acting for areas partly urban and partly rural. Total, £143,600,000 or 100 per cent. I may mention that in the above statement county councils (other than the London County Council) and drainage boards are, as in the Local Taxation Returns, treated under the head of authorities acting for areas which are partly urban and partly rural. The expenditure of harbour authorities is included in that of urban authorities.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of income-tax payers entitled to relief on earned income under The Finance Act, 1907, and who were not aware that 30th September was the last day for sending in claims, have therefore lost the benefit of that relief; and whether, as that was the first year in which the Act came into force, he will extend the time for sending in such claims this time to 1st March next. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) It is expressly provided by Section 19 (4) of the Finance Act of last session that the allowance in respect of earned income shall only be given if claimed before 30th September. This provision was necessary for administrative reasons, and ample notice of the necessity for making the claims before 30th September was given in my Budget Speech on 18th April last, public attention being also frequently called to it by observations in the Press during the summer, as well as by church door notices, and, wherever practicable, by personal intimation to individual taxpayers by the Revenue authorities in August after the Act became law. In view of these facts, and of the explicit statutory provision already referred to, it is impossible to admit claims which have been delayed beyond 30th September by the taxpayer's, or his agent's, carelessness or inadvertence; but in order that as little hardship as possible may be inflicted as a result of the taxpayer's unfamiliarity with the new machinery, instructions have been given that the expression, however informal, to the surveyor of taxes within the statutory time-limit of an intention to claim the allowance shall be treated as a "claim" within the meaning of the section, and further, that special consideration should be shown in cases in which the delay was wholly due to causes, such as prolonged illness, which are shown to be outside the taxpayer's own control.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies in Ireland, having had the original deed of assignment of premises in Belfast from Messrs. F. A. and G. A. Brittain to the Monarch Laundry Company, Limited, lodged with him by mistake for a copy, refuses to give up the original deed, or allow a copy to be substituted, though there appears to be no statutory requirement that he should have either deed or copy; will he state why the deed is retained by the Registrar, and whether there is any reason why it should not be returned to the company. (Answered by Mr. Kearley.) On behalf of the Board of Trade, I will answer this Question addressed to my right hon. friend, the Chief Secretary. The Board of Trade have made inquiries, and the facts appear to be as follows: A deed was filed in the ordinary course by the Monarch Laundry Company, Limited, at the Joint Stock Companies Registry in Dublin. Subsequently an application was made for permission to remove the deed and to substitute a copy. The Board of Trade were advised that they ought not to authorise the removal of an original document from the file without an order of a competent Court, and the applicants were so informed.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he will state how many national school teachers in Ireland are, by themselves or their wives, licensed publicans or spirit grocers; whether the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland permit a teacher or his wife to be holder of a licence; and whether they take any effective steps to prevent it. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Commissioners of National Education inform me that they are not aware that any national school teachers, or the wives of such teachers, are licensed publicans or spirit grocers. Teachers are strictly forbidden to keep public-houses or houses for the sale of spirituous liquors, and the Commissioners decline to recognise as a teacher any person whose husband or wife, as the case may be, keeps such a house.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state the number of prosecutions which have taken place in Lurgan since November last for breaches of the Licensing Acts in regard to bona fide travellers, the names of the police engaged in each case, and the number of cases in which the defendants had been convicted. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) Since November last there has been one prosecution against a publican in Lurgan for a breach of the Licensing Acts in regard to bona fide travellers, and thirty-three persons found on his premises were also prosecuted. Acting Sergeant W. Sullivan and Constable L. P. Hargaden were the policemen engaged in the prosecutions. The case against the publican was dismissed with a caution by a majority of the justices, and the cases against four of the persons found on the premises were also dismissed; whereupon the summonses in the remaining cases were withdrawn.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, if there is any rule or order of the Local Government Board prohibiting Poor Law officials from being members of political associations; and, if so, can he say on what date it was issued. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) There is no rule upon the subject in question, but the Local Government Board, when addressed on the point, have stated that in their opinion Poor Law officials should take no part in political matters beyond recording their votes.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he could state what is the cause of the delay in completing the sale to the tenants on the Mansfield estate, Killygordon, county Donegal, the agreements to purchase having been signed over two years ago, and the sale sanctioned by the Estates Commissioners last June, while the tenants are still paying the old rent; and whether he can say when the sale will be completed. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners inform me that there has been no delay in this case which could

To ask the Secretary of State for War, what was the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men,

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty how many men are now being employed in the construction of the dock at Rosyth, in what capacity, and at what scale of pay.

No work is being done at

To ask the Secretary of State for War what was the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Royal Garrison Artillery serving with the colours on the 1st October, 1905, and 1st February, 1908, respectively. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The figures for 1st October, 1905, and 1st January, 1908, are as follows (figures for 1st February, 1908, are not yet available)—

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea when any is likely to be done?

No, Sir, the plans are in course of preparation.

How many men are employed on the plans?

I cannot say.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can state when the Coastguard Vote will be taken.

The coastguard service is included in Vote A. and Vote 1., but I am not in a position to state at present when these Votes will be taken.

And I understand that on that Vote my right hon. friend will be prepared to make a statement?

Yes, I hope so.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what grades of workmen employed in His Majesty's dockyards have petitioned for better conditions of service; and whether he can say if the replies to those petitions have been in the affirmative or the negative.

Petitions have been received, as usual, from practically all grades of workmen. The Admiralty decision in all cases will be promulgated at an early date.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that although first-class Royal Naval Reserve men at Rosslare received a bonus of £5 each, the second-class Royal Naval Reserve men, doing the same duty, for the same period and under the same rule of service, received no bonus at all; whether he is aware that great dissatisfaction prevails amongst the latter class; and whether he will consider their claims to a bonus commensurate with their service.

First-class men, that is men who are specially qualified, can, according to the Regulations, earn a gratuity not of £5 but of £50, in lieu of pension. Second-class men who qualify for the higher rating under the conditions laid down when the new Regulations were introduced in April, 1906, would be entitled to the same privilege.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he will inform the House of the circumstances under which a railway survey fifteen miles from Lundi Kotal is being carried on under fire and under protection by several companies of the Khyber Rifles; whether the local tribes object to the construction of the proposed railway and desert their villages; whether it is still proposed to follow the mountain route; whether the proposed cantonment at Torsappah is finally abandoned; whether the survey of the river route is also going on; whether the Afghan and Indian Governments are argeed on the interpretation of the Durand agreement as to the frontier towards Dacca; and whether the hostility of the Mohmands has been overcome.

A civil engineer was deputed by the Government of India at the end of last October to examine the country within British limits beyond the point in the Kabul river known as "mile 300," construction of a railway to which was sanctioned in July, 1905. The object was to ascertain the best alignment for a prolongation of the line, should such a project be sanctioned. The engineer had an escort of 100 Khyber Rifles. Desultory firing from the left bank of the Kabul river was reported on 27th November, but on the 6th December the local officers reported that the trouble had ceased. There were no casualties. No opposition to the survey was made by the tribes in British territory. The return of the engineer in charge to Peshawur on the completion of his survey was reported on 2nd December. No decision has been arrived at as to the prolongation of the line beyond "mile 300."' The proposal for a cantonment at Torsappah may be regarded as finally abandoned. The frontier with Afghanistan towards Dacca has never been settled, and the surveys have been carefully confined to British territory. There can, of course, be no question of construction, or even surveys in debatable territory till the frontier has been amicably settled with His Majesty the Amir's Government.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the results of the system of taxation of land values in the German Colony of Kiau Chow, he will consider the advisability of adopting a similar tax in the Colony of Wei-Hai-Wei, in order to make up the annual deficit of £7,000, and so relieve the charge upon the British taxpayer.

There is already a land tax in Wei-Hai-Wei, and I am afraid that the circumstances of Wei-Hai-Wei are so different from those of Kiau Chow that there is little prospect of obtaining any substantial increase from taxation of land in the former.

What are the differences between the two places?

Oh, they are too numerous to be cited in answer to a Question across the floor.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the attention of His Majesty's Government has been drawn to the extensive flogging of natives in Zululand; and whether inquiry will be made as to the number of natives flogged and otherwise punished under the administration of martial law in Zululand during the month of January, and as to the reasons for such treatment.

The attention of the Secretary of State was recently drawn to reports of this kind in the Press, and he made inquiry of the Governor, who replied as follows: "McKenzie reports that during the recent operations by troops in Zululand five natives were tried and sentenced to be flogged." I have not at present material to answer the rest of the hon. Member's Question, but inquiry is being made.

Is it the case that the floggings have been so numerous as stated?

It was in consequence of the report that appeared in the papers that I telegraphed an inquiry and the answer was that five natives were flogged. If my hon. friend has any special information I will ask the Secretary of State if he will cable a further inquiry.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it was by this Government, and, if so, when, that the caravan and canoe taxes were abolished in Northern Nigeria and replaced by a land value tax; and whether he will inquire as to the desirability of making a similar change in taxation in the northern territories of the Gold Coast.

The decision to abolish the caravan tolls and the canoe licences in Northern Nigeria was taken by Lord Elgin, and received the concurrence of the Treasury in January, 1907. It is not the case that these forms of taxation were "replaced" by a land value tax, as the Land Revenue Proclamation was issued in 1904. The nature of this tax is fully explained in Sir F. Lugard's Memorandum laid before Parliament last year [Cd. 3309]. It is not merely a tax on land values, but includes, with necessary modifications, various forms of tribute formerly exacted by the native emirs. These authorities receive a proportion of the amount thus raised, sometimes a half, or even more; and this is their main, if not their sole source of revenue. The introduction of a similar system in the northern territories of the Gold Coast is not desirable. It would be difficult, if not impracticable, to introduce it. IT Northern Nigeria, it was merely a re organisation of a system to which the people had been accustomed long before the country passed under British control.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what number of slaves have claimed their freedom in the coast strip of the East Africa Protectorate since the issue of the Abolition of the Legal Status of Slavery Ordinance, 1907; what amount of compensation has been awarded to their masters; whether any compensation has been awarded to slaves under Clause 12 of the Ordinance; and, if so, how much.

No report has yet been received from the Governor on the working of the Ordinance, but he will be asked to give the desired information, which will then be communicated to the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the law relating to the rights and duties of concubines, alluded to in Clause 15 of the Abolition of the Legal Status of Slavery Ordinance, 1907, is the same in the Zanzibar territory comprised within the East Africa Protectorate as in other parts of the protectorate; and if not, what is the difference.

Outside the coast area a concubine has no rights and is under no obligations as such. The law is unaltered in this respect by the recent Ordinance. Within the ten-mile strip concubinage has hitherto been recognised in the same way as other forms of domestic slavery. This recognition of concubinage is maintained for the present under the Ordinance because of the danger that its abolition would result in a large number of women, now in a status which is sanctioned by Mahomedan law and therefore involves no loss of self-respect, being reduced to a life of promiscuous vice in the coast towns. The measure adopted is similar to that which has been found to work satisfactorily in Zanzibar, but its effect is being carefully watched, and if experience should show the necessity for a change the matter will be reconsidered.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Durham, I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, before the Convention of 1906 was signed, whereby Canada adhered to the Treaty of 1894, between Great Britain and Japan, the effect of that treaty, and especially its effect in allowing the unrestricted immigration of Japanese into Canada, had been pointed out to the Canadian Government in any communication from the Imperial Government; what was the nature of such communication; and what was the reply thereto of the Canadian Government.

In 1905 when the Canadian Government raised the question of their adherence to the treaty with Japan the late Secretary of State inquired whether they were prepared to adhere to the whole treaty without reserve or wished to adhere subject to similar limitations respecting immigration and other matters to those stipulated when Queensland adhered. The Canadian Government replied that they were prepared to adhere absolutely and without reserve.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Republic of Brazil is now giving, or is about to give, a preference of 20 per cent. on all imports of hardware and cutlery from the United States of America; and, in such case, if he will detail what steps His Majesty's Minister at Rio de Janeiro is taking to obtain a similar concession in respect of Sheffield hardware and cutlery, and if they are likely to prove successful.

I am not aware that 20 per cent. preference has been, or is about to be, accorded to the United States by Brazil on the imports named by the hon. Member for Sheffield. If the hon. and gallant Member will furnish me with any information I will inquire further.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government, having decided that they will no longer prohibit the entry into this country of bounty-fed sugar, have addressed any representations to the Russian Government with a view to the removal of the duties originally imposed by them upon imports of Indian tea viâ the Black Sea route, in consequence of the accession of Great Britain to the Brussels Sugar Convention.

Representations were made to the Russian Government a few days ago.

was understood to ask whether there was any truth in the statement that Germany is likely to depart from the Convention?

No, Sir.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will inform the House as to the number and condition of the prisoners of war who, with Osman Digna, have been detained at Damietta since 1899; and whether His Majesty's Government will now extend to Osman Digna and his fellow prisoners the clemency of the Crown and procure their release under such conditions as may be deemed expedient.

Lord Cromer reported on 8th March, 1907, that many of the Dervish prisoners had been released, that only eight of the principal members were still detained and that their wives and families, numbering twenty-three individuals, remained with them. They were treated as political prisoners, were comfortably housed, and well fed. They were not subjected to any severe disciplinary regulations. Their children were being educated. Lord Cromer agreed with Sir Reginald Wingate and Slatin Pasha that it would not at present be desirable to send these men back to the Soudan. Their presence would be dangerous to the peace of the country; whilst on the one hand they would probably, if they returrned to the Soudan, become centres of intrigue for the malcontents, on the other hand they would require protection from the very numerous people who are still suffering from the acts of these men and their adherents when they were in power. The question ha" also been considered by Sir Eldon Gorst, and he entirely concurs in the opinion expressed by Lord Cromer. Till we are convinced that the return of these men to the Soudan would be safe, no other decision can be come to.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to appoint a small Committee to draw up a Code of Law or statement of principles of Prize Law as a basis of instructions to the representatives of this country at any international conference assembled for the purpose of arriving at an agreement upon Prize Law.

I cannot at present make any detailed statement as to the course His Majesty's Government will adopt: the whole question is at present engaging the careful consideration of the Departments concerned.

When are we likely to have the proceedings at the conference. They have been promised and we do not know what was actually done.

I will inquire.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Government which was a party to the Sugar Convention postponed the date for ratification of the additional Act until its Parliament should have had an opportunity of discussing the matter; whether there was any, and if so, what, reason why His Majesty's Government fixed a date for ratification of a Convention made after Parliament rose, which precluded all effective discussion by Parliament; and whether he will give an assurance that in all cases where it is possible the date for ratification of all international agreements to which His Majesty's Government is a party shall be fixed at such date as will give Parliament an opportunity of effective criticism.

His Majesty's Government did not fix any date for the ratification; they desired the earliest date, in order that the trade might know as soon as possible what the settlement was to be, but they agreed to the date considered necessary by other Powers who were under a constitutional obligation to bring the matter before their Parliaments. I cannot, with every desire to afford opportunities for discussion, give an assurance such as the hon. Member desires without altering what has hitherto been the constitutional practice. I may, however, remind the hon. Member that the line which His Majesty's Government have followed in the matter was announced on 6th June last.

Is it the fact that the Government have ratified the additional Act?

No, Sir, we have not actually deposited the ratification, but we are to do so in a few days.

On behalf of the hon. Member for West Marylebone, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the publication of Consular Report, No. 3592, on Santos for 1905–6, and Report No. 3954, on Cuba for 1906, has been delayed until January, 1908; and whether he will endeavour to secure the more prompt preparation, transmission, and publication of Consular Reports, in view of the great inconvenience caused by the delay to those trading with foreign countries.

With regard to the two Reports mentioned, the delay in their issue was due to the absence of the necessary statistical information and other valid reasons. No effort is spared to effect the issue of these Reports as quickly as possible. It is to be observed however, that it is often impossible for consular officers to obtain in good time the statistics necessary for their compilation. Consular officers have instructions to report by a special despatch any information of importance to British trade, for the use of the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade, and this is constantly done.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the plundering of Armenian villages in the region of Diarbekr last November; and whether any representations in regard to the matter have been made to the Porte.

Yes, Sir; His Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople reported at the time on the serious situation at Diarbekr. The condition of the whole of Armenia has been engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government, and Sir N. O'Connor has made earnest representations on the subject.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay Papers in reference to the state of affairs in the Armenian districts of Asia Minor since August, 1904.

Papers will be laid as soon as possible.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information with regard to the recent disturbances in the North-West of Persia, whether the interests of any British subjects are affected, and, if so, what steps have been taken to safeguard them.

A state of general unrest prevails in the province of Azerbaijan, and especially on the northern portion of the Turco-Persian frontier, owing to the recent movement of Turkish troops. I am not aware that the interests of any British subjects are affected, though anything which threatens seriously the relations between Persia and Turkey must naturally continue to engage the attention of His Majetsy's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he had received a telegram from the committee of the National Party in Egypt complaining of the Foreign Secretary's statement that the Egyptians did not possess the qualities suited for self-government, and indicating that Egypt would continue to struggle for liberty and independence; and whether, having regard to the irritation caused by the erroneous statements in his speech, the right hon. Gentleman would make an explanation in order to smooth away the injurious effects of it.

I only received the hon. Member's Question as I entered the House. No such telegram has reached me as yet; but I would observe that very seldom one can please everybody in any speech delivered. If it should turn out that I have not succeeded in doing so I should not think that the fact would require explanation.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, with a view to providing the funds for old-age pensions he will consider the desirableness of imposing a tax upon betting transactions and racing stakes, as is done in British Colonies and foreign countries.

The adoption of my hon. friends suggestion would appear to involve as a preliminary step the validation of betting transactions—a somewhat far-reaching proposal, which he will not expect me to discuss within the limits of a Parliamentary answer.

Does that apply to stakes? I think they ought all to be confiscated by the State.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the amount estimated to be received during the current financial year in respect of the tax upon playing cards, and the licensing of dice manufacturers and the stamping of dice; and whether, having regard to the fact that playing cards and dice are used mainly for gambling purposes, he will consider the desirableness of repealing the tax and licensing duties upon them.

The duty derived from playing cards in 1906–7 amounted to £32,672. It will probably be about the same for 1907–8. The tax on dice was repealed in 1862. I do not think that the fact that playing cards may be—and no doubt in some cases are—used for gambling purposes constitutes a reason for exempting them from taxation.

Is it not the fact that although the tax on dice has been repealed, a licence is still necessary for dice manufacturers, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the imposition of a tax on playing cards implies State regulation of gambling?

Not necessarily.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the great growth of local expenditure and of local indebtedness, he will consider the desirability of co-ordinating the control of local and national finance.

I am not sure that I understand precisely what my hon. friend means by "co-ordination of control," but the whole subject of the relations of local to national finance is engaging the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to a scheme of compulsory national insurance propounded by the late Canon Blackley, the object of which is to compel every person, by payments made prior to attaining twenty-one years of age, to provide for himself sick pay and a pension for old age; and whether he will consider the advisability of inaugurating some such scheme, while applying his own scheme for old-age pensions to persons already above the age when payments under Canon Blackley's scheme would commence.

The main provisions of Canon Blackley's scheme are familiar to me. I cannot at this stage make any announcement as to the proposals in regard to old-age pensions which the Government will lay before this House.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the Resolution unanimously passed by this House on 20th March last, on the Motion of the hon. Member for Bethnal Green, he is prepared with any proposal to check the growing judicial practice of committing debtors to prison.

The Government propose to refer the question of imprisonment for debt to a Select Committee.

Is there not a steady increase of committals year by year? Is it not time some action was taken on a unanimous Vote of the House of Commons passed a year ago?

The Vote was given on the undertaking that the Government would refer the Question to a Committee.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is able to communicate to the House information as to any labour treaty announced in France as recently concluded between His Majesty's Government and the French Republic.

Communications on the subject are passing, but I am not in a position to make any further statement at the present time. No treaty has so far been concluded.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that during the year 1905, there were reported to the police 3,822 indictable crimes in the county of Stafford, including one case of murder, three attempts to murder, four cases of conspiracy to murder, twenty-one cases of malicious wounding, three cases of unnatural offences, six cases of indecency with males, thirty-five cases of indecent assault on females, sixteen cases of larceny of horses and cattle, and cases of killing and maiming of cattle; if he can state when the figures for 1906 will be available; if he can state how many of these crimes were committed in the Kingswinford division of the county; and if he can now state whether there is any diminution of these classes of crime in this county or in the parishes comprising the Kingswinford division of the county.

The figures given by the hon. Member correspond closely to those in the Criminal Statistics for 1905, though there are one or two slight inaccuracies. The figures for 1906 will be available in two or three weeks time. I have no information as to how many of the crimes were committed in the Kingswinford division.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman could not obtain the information asked for from the ordinary police records of the county.

replied that there were no separate criminal statistics available for different constituencies.

asked the right hon. Gentleman to answer the last part of the Question on the Paper.

I am quite aware that there are differences of administration in Ireland and England; but I am dealing with an English question, and my hon. friend must show that there is good reason for his request before I can put the officials to the trouble and expense of getting out the information he asks for.

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange for a day for a debate on the state of crime in England?

asked as to these figures which concerned the whole county, whether there was any difficulty in obtaining convictions.

I am not aware that there has been difficulty in obtaining convictions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in a large number of these cases the juries refused to convict?

I am quite aware of the motive for asking these Questions; but I do not think anything is to be gained by my attempting to reply.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many convictions there were, having regard to the number of indictable offences?

I have not the figures in my head, but I will get the figures if the hon. Member wishes for them.

Can these people whose cattle have been killed or maimed obtain compensation from the rates?

I must ask for notice of that Question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any county or any division of a county in Ireland where there has been anything like as much crime of a serious character as is indicated here?

There is a great deal too much crime in England, but I cannot give any statistics offhand.

You know the fact very well.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the persons concerned were of Irish extraction?

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that it is occasionally the practice for magistrates, especially during the hearing of appeal cases, to take part in the decision of cases without having heard the whole of the evidence; and whether he will issue instructions regulating the conduct of justices, thereby preventing such abuses in the future.

I have no knowledge of any such practice. If my hon. friend will furnish me with the information on which his Question is based, I will consider whether I can take any action in the matter. I may point out, however, that I have no power "to issue instructions regulating the conduct of justices."

I shall be glad to furnish the right hon. Gentleman with the information.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the special expense of police protection of a public monument at Battersea that bears a controversial inscription; and whether he will consider the advisableness of introducing legislation with a view to prevent the erection in public places of monuments bearing inscriptions calculated to offend a large section of the people.

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that Question, may I ask whether, before adopting the suggestion of the hon. Member, in view of the increase of crime and disorder in London and with a view to the better protection of His Majesty's subjects in the exercise of their lawful rights, he will consider the advisability of applying the Irish Crimes Act to this part of the country?

I think I will answer the Question on the Paper. Yes, Sir. The total amount of extra police duty which the protection of, this monument has necessitated in the Borough of Battersea alone has been equivalent to the special services for one day of no less than 27 inspectors, 55 sergeants, and 1,083 constables. At present six constables are daily employed in this manner. In addition to this, large numbers of police have on several occasions had to be specially employed in other parts of London to cope with disturbances arising out of the same matter. This involves a considerable charge on the general body of London ratepayers, and the difficulty would grow acute if it were to become the fashion for parties or sections, for example on the tariff question, to put up public statues or memorials with a view to defaming the actions and views of opponents. If this became common, it would be necessary to make those who erect such statues responsible for the cost of their protection, but as things stand I do not think there is ground for introducing legislation.

Could the Home Secretary give any information how it is that, in spite of all this disturbance and expense to the ratepayers, no single offender has been sent to prison?

That, perhaps, is the unfortunate part of the business. As the hon. Member knows, proceedings have been taken in the cases of individuals.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Home Office is unable to take steps to prevent this heavy expenditure falling on the ratepayers, and whether he is aware that a large body of students of the London University is quite prepared to remove the offensive monument, if they are allowed to do so without inter ference by the police, without expense to the ratepayers?

I am afraid I have no suggestion to make, unless the borough of Battersea contributes to the expense of guarding the statue.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the inscription on the statue is neither more nor less than an exact statement of the facts admitted. I understand, by Professor Starling and Mr. Bayliss?

Order, order! The hon. Member is raising a very debatable question.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the hardship inflicted upon jurors of the working-classes when, in addition to the loss of wages, they are compelled to pay railway fares amounting to a substantial sum when such jurors reside at a distance from an assize town; and whether, having regard to such hardship and to the public service upon which such jurors are engaged, he is prepared to make provision for the payment to jurors of travelling expenses not exceeding the parliamentary railway fare.

My attention has been called to this matter, but I have no authority to make provision for the payment of jurymen's travelling expenses. Legislation would be required for that purpose, and I fear I can make no promises in regard to it.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, when declarations are made by conscientious objectors under The Vaccination Act, 1907, before a justice of the peace without going to petty sessions, a fee of 1s. has to be paid by the person making the declaration; and whether the justice of the peace before whom the declaration is made is obliged to demand the payment of the fee and pay it over to the county fund as a clerk's fee.

A fee authorised by a Table of Justices' Clerks' Fees can be demanded only when a clerk has rendered the service in respect of which the fee is authorised. I am advised that when a declaration is made before a justice in the absence of the clerk, no fee should be demanded.

I beg to ask the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the fact that two lads were on Monday at Penzance sent to prison for a month with hard labour for sleeping out, and, if the facts and crime be as stated will he order their immediate release.

said he was inquiring into the matter.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will cause a complete list of the various running powers of the railways of the United Kingdom to be issued, so that traders may be able to send their goods by the shortest and cheapest route, instead of the route most in the interest of the receiving company, which is often the longest and most expensive.

I understand that the information as to the running powers possessed by railway companies desired by my hon. friend would, if published, be misleading, inasmuch as in many instances running powers, although possessed, are not exercised, and in many other cases they are only exercised partially or intermittently. If my hon. friend, however, will move for a Return, we will consider how far we can afford him useful information. In reply to a further Question by Mr. STRAUS—

said it was not compulsory on companies to use these powers.

And therefore the public must suffer.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the complaints from coal merchants, in consequence of the refusal of the railway companies to pay compensation for loss of coal in transit, and of their insistence on the payment of the freight charges on the gross weight of the consignment as declared by the colliery owners at the point of loading, irrespective of any loss in weight that may have occurred in transit; and whether, having regard to the fact that the allowance for shortage by the colliery owners is now almost entirely suspended he is prepared to take any action in the matter.

The question of the withdrawal by the railway companies of free carriage of a wastage allowance has been brought to the notice of the Department under the Railway and Canal Traffic Acts and is at the moment being considered, but so far as the matter is one between the colliery owner and the merchant the Board have no authority to intervene.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he has received any information as to certain irregularities of the committee of the Aberdeen Coal Company, affecting the local harbour dues, dock and labour charges, and the Board of Trade coal tonnage Returns; and, if so, what steps are being taken in the matter; or, if not, whether inquiries will be made.

The Board of Trade have received no information on the subject, but if the hon. Member will furnish particulars as to the alleged irregularities, inquiries will be made.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether postmasters outside London have to sign a document saying that they are unable to find men to act as casual postmen at Christmas at 4d. an hour, before they are entitled to allow them 6d. an hour; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of changing this practice.

I am not aware of any case in which a postmaster has been asked to sign a document of the kind. Perhaps the hon. Member will furnish me with the document in question, and I will then inquire into the matter.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether, as a result of the Committee which recently sat in regard to Post Office employees, the Belfast office is to be reduced in rank or raised to be a first-class office.

I hope shortly to be in a position to make an announcement respecting the various changes following upon the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee, and in the meantime I am not able to state how particular offices will be affected.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to a case brought before Mr. Bros at the Lambeth Police Court, on 20th December last, in which it was stated that the defendant had been in the habit of addressing scurrilous postcards to the plaintiff, and to an action tried by Mr. Justice Darling, on 16th January, for libel by postcard; whether he has any official information showing that such cases of the abuse of the Post Office are frequent; whether the regulations of the Post Office forbid the delivery of offensive postcards; and, if so, whether he will take measures to see that the regulations are enforced, and to prosecute the offenders in all cases brought to his knowledge.

The regulations of the Post Office forbid the delivery of grossly offensive postcards, and I have no reason to think that this rule is not generally enforced. The card in this case clearly ought not to have been delivered. I am making inquiry on the subject, and I will send the hon. Member a further reply.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General how many messenger boys were on duty at the Stratford Post Office on 2nd February, the number of hours they were on duty, and the amount of pay they received for their services on that date.

Seventeen telegraph messengers were employed at Stratford Branch Office on Sunday, 2nd February; ten were on duty from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and seven were on duty from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Telegraph messengers in London are not paid specially for the Sunday attendance which they are required to give, as a rule, every third Sunday, but are allowed "time off" in the week in place of it. I may add that the whole question of the attendance of telegraph messengers in London is occupying my attention.

On behalf of the hon. Member for the Hoxton Division, I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the advisability of creating limited competitions for boy clerks in examinations for situations as sorter, telegraphist, and other Post Office appointments, in view of the fact that large numbers of boy clerks, now employed in the Post Office, have to be discharged at the age of twenty, although the training they have received in the methods of the Department would prove of incalculable value.

I am in sympathy with the desire of the hon. Member to create opportunities for boy clerks to secure established appointments; and I have already arranged that every boy clerk employed in the Post Office whose service is satisfactory, shall have the opportunity of competing for a permanent situation. The posts of registry assistant in London are reserved exclusively for boy clerks; a fixed proportion of certain clerical posts in the Engineering Department is also reserved for them; and those who are not admitted to competitions for these clerical posts are allowed to take part in the limited competitions for the situations of learner and sorting clerk and telegraphist in the provinces. To extend further the opportunities to boy clerks for entering limited competitions for non-clerical posts would seriously interfere with the prospects of the telegraph messengers, and to this I regret that I cannot consent.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education if he will state the reasons why the Board of Education refused to receive a deputation of managers and persons interested in East Hardwick School, situate in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

The circumstances of this case did not appear to necessitate the attendance of a deputation, but persons representing the managers of the school have had interviews with the Board of Education on two occasions within the last six months.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether it is proposed to grant £1,250 to build a new school at Pontfadog, Denbighshire, without requiring any contribution from the rates, and in spite of the petition of sixty-two ratepayers against it.

In the event of the conditions for the payment of a grant being satisfied in this case the grant made would certainly not cover the whole cost of the school and some contribution from local sources would, therefore, be necessary.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether the plans for building new schools with the assistance of the grant provided in the Appropriation Act, 1907, have been approved by the Board of Education before the preliminary inquiries have been completed.

Plans for building new schools are submitted, considered, and approved in the ordinary course of office administration quite independently of the question of a building grant. The Board's approval of the plans does not in any way commit them to making a grant in aid of the cost of executing them.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether it is proposed to make a grant out of the fund provided in the Appropriation Act of 1907 for schools at Gwersyllt, Denbighshire, and at Flint to make good a numerical deficiency of public elementary accommodation.

No grants will be made to make good a numerical deficiency of public elementary school accommodation.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education, whether inquiries have been held with regard to the applications for grants out of the fund provided by the Appropriation Act, 1907, to build new schools at Penycae, Minera, Llantysilio, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, Pontfadoc, and Bylchan, in the county of Denbigh, and at Gwaenysgor, in Flintshire; and if the ratepayers or parents who objected to the proposal were heard.

No, Sir. All appeals against the provision of new public elementary schools are carefully considered by the Board, who are empowered, if they think fit, to hold a public inquiry to assist them in arriving at a decision. It is not, however, and never has been the practice of the Board to hold an inquiry in every case irrespective of whether the particular circumstances appear to require it.

Have there been any inquiries in this particular case?

I cannot say, but if inquiries appear to the Board to be necessary they will be held.

As a matter of fact has an inquiry been held in any case of an application for a grant?

I am under the impression that there have been several.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education, whether it is proposed to make any grants for building schools out of the sum provided in the Appropriation Act of 1907, in contravention of Section 18 (1) (c) of the Education Act, 1902.

It is proposed to make grants for building schools, but the Board will take care that the section, which the hon. Member quotes, is not contravened.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education, whether those who petitioned for a grant out of the fund provided in the Appropriation Act, 1907, for a new school at Penycae, in Denbighshire, were informed that no charge would be made upon the rates; and, if so, whether that information was given with the knowledge of the local education authority or of the Board of Education.

The Board have no knowledge of what information was given, whether by the local education authority or by any other persons.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is able to state what action the Board intends to take with respect to the unsatisfactory Returns in connection with swine fever; and whether he will now appoint a Departmental Committee to consider the question, and especially the policy adopted by the Board during the last few years.

The question of swine fever has been engaging the earnest attention of my noble friend and the officers concerned for some time past, and as a result of further experimental investigations which have been conducted by the veterinary officers of the Board it has been decided to issue new Orders on the subject which will it is believed enable the operations against the disease to be conducted in a manner fully calculated to ensure their eventual success, whilst at the same time modifying to a considerable extent the restrictions imposed on the movement of swine for breeding purposes and for slaughter which have been found to cause hardship. It is also proposed to use our powers of slaughter more freely so as to enable premises to be freed from restrictions at an earlier date than would otherwise be the case. The suggestion that a Departmental Committee should be appointed will be kept in mind, but any inquiry of the kind would occupy some months, and my noble friend is anxious to bring the new Orders into force with as little delay as possible. Their results will, of course, be carefully watched.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether, in view of the fact that a new destructive disease affecting potatoes, known as black scab, has been lately introduced into England, and is known to have occurred in nine counties in Scotland, the Board of Agriculture are taking any steps under the powers conferred on them by the Destructive Insects and Pest Act, 1907, to limit the spread of the disease; and whether the Board will at once take steps to keep the infected areas under the supervision of a competent inspector, in order to prevent the disease being spread through the sale of such potatoes from these areas.

A leaflet descriptive of the disease to which the hon. Member refers and of the measures to be taken with respect to it has been printed both in English and Welsh and widely circulated. The possibility of dealing with the disease under the Act of last Session is under consideration. The enforcement of any Order which may be issued will rest with the local authorities.

Will the Board take care to exercise supervision?

replied in the affirmative.

I bee to ask the Member for South Somerset, as representing the Board of Agriculture, what steps are being taken as to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Midlothian; if he has any further information on the subject to give to the House; and why a similar statement to that made in the House of Lords yesterday was not made in this House.

The promises at Gorgie, Midlothian, on which foot-and-mouth disease occurred, were at once declared an infected place, and thereupon the provisions of the Foot and Mouth Disease Order of 1895, which prescribe the steps to be taken to prevent the spread of the disease, were brought automatically into operation. I shall be glad to supply a copy of the Order to my hon. friend. The premises are of course being carefully watched by the police. Orders were also issued yesterday prohibiting absolutely the movement of animals in the district surrounding Edinburgh to the south of the Firth of Forth pending full inquiry. Our chief veterinary officer considers that the existence of the disease must be regarded as established, and in view of the importance of the matter he went to Edinburgh last night and will advise as to further procedure. A staff of inspectors has been dispatched to Edinburgh and is engaged in tracing any other possible centres in which disease exists or to which it may have been conveyed. The information given by my noble friend yesterday did not reach me until after Questions in this House had been completed. I may add that I have just received intimation that a Report his been received from Mr. Douglas to the effect that there are on the infected premises 110 cows and one calf. Five fat cows have recently been removed from the premises, and have presumably been slaughtered. Inquiries are being made as to that. Three cows have recently been moved on to the premises, but they do not appear to have been the original cause of the outbreak. It has been ascertained that manure from the dairy has recently been sent to two different sets of farm premises in Midlothian, and inquiries are being made as to the manner in which it has been disposed of. The premises are being carefully watched by the police, and everything possible is being clone to prevent the spread of the infection.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give to the House any information as to the cause or supposed cause of this outbreak?

The cause is being most carefully inquired into, but at present I am unable to make any statement. I may be able to do so later.

On behalf of the hon. Member for the Hoxton Division of Shoreditch, I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a small body of men designated temporary clerks, who have been employed in certain departments of His Majesty's Civil Service for a period of fifteen or twenty years, have been given notice to retire; and whether, in view of the fact that these men will not receive pensions, and that their salaries have not been subject to any increment, he will state the amount of bonus which will be awarded to them for their long services.

I have nothing to add to the Answer which I gave the hon. Member to this Question on the 20th August last.

On behalf of the hon. Member for the Hoxton Division, I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether consignments of empty card-, board boxes bearing English wording, and not marked in accordance with the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, are being regularly imported into this country; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my Answer to a similar Question by him on 15th July last, to which I have nothing to add except that the Board of Customs are not aware that since that date there have been any importations of empty cardboard boxes bearing English wording and not marked in accordance with the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that we are now paying an annual grant-in-aid of £164,000 to British East Africa, and that the revenue of British East Africa has steadily increased from £108,857 in 1903–1904 to £395,828 in 1906–1907, and in view of this progress towards financial equilibrium, he will undertake that in future no more money shall be given to this Colony in the form of a grant-in-aid, but only by way of loan.

The revenue of the British East Africa Protectorate for 1906–1907 was £461,363, but this figure, which represents the gross revenue, including the receipts of the Uganda Railway, is not properly comparable with the figure given in the accounts for 1903–1904, viz., £108,857, which represents net revenue only. On reviewing the financial situation of the Protectorate as shown by the complete accounts for the last six years, and having regard to the probable out-turn of the current year, I do not feel justified in giving the undertaking suggested.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication of how long we are to go on subsidising this Colony?

It is impossible for me to prophesy what will be the receipts of the Uganda Railway or the total revenue of the Colony.

asked whether there was any objection to taking this reasonable precaution as to the recovery of the money by the British taxpayer in case the Colony did become self-supporting.

When the Colony does become self-supporting we can then consider the question.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if, in view of the impossibility of enforcing Sub-section 6 of Clause 3 of The Whale Fisheries (Scotland) Act, 1907, providing that whales shall not be killed within a distance of forty miles from the coast, he will take power to prohibit the landing of whales during such period as the Fishery Board may from time to time prescribe.

Any person holding a licence to shoot and land whales, who contravenes the subsection referred to, apart from the penalty incurred runs the serious risk of losing his licence under Subsection 8, Section 2 of the Act. I have no reason to suppose that this consideration will not have due weight with licence-holders.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the fact that the prosperity of the Shetland Isles is absolutely bound up with the herring and white fishing, and that this all-important industry is seriously menaced by whaling operations and the depredations of trawlers; and if it will be possible to maintain a fishery cruiser permanently in northern waters.

The Shetland fishing has recently been very successful, but, in any case, the resources at the command of the Fishery Board and their obligations to the remainder of Scotland do not permit of the allocation of a vessel exclusively to Shetland. But these islands will continue to receive a liberal share of such policing resources as the Board at present command.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the expediency of instituting a system of registration of title has finished its inquiry; and, if so, whether he can say when the Report is likely to be issued.

It is not yet possible, so I am informed, to name a date.