To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, what ancient monuments have been notified to the Board of Works as worth preserving by the Estates Commissioners since the passing of the Purchase Act of 1903; and which of them have been vested, or are proposed to be vested, in the Board of Works or in the Irish county councils in consequence of such notification. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I refer to the reply to the honourable Baronet's Question of 27th May, 1907, which gives a list of 52 ancient monuments, particulars of which the Estates Commissioners had communicated to the Board of Works, in pursuance of Section 14 of The Irish Land Act, 1903. The Commissioners have since communicated to the Board of Works particulars of the following:—

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he has seen the resolution of the Clare County Council complaining of the unfinished state of the works at Liscannor harbour, the neglect of the contractor in connection with the same, and the consequent dangerous condition of the harbour; and whether he proposes to takes any steps in reference to the matter immediately. (Answered by Mr. Birrell) The Board of Works inform me that they have received a copy of the resolution referred to in the Question, which was passed by the Clare County Council on 21st October last. The engineer to the Board of Works reported a year ago that the contract for the works had been practically completed by the contractors with the exception of the deepening of the harbour. Since that date some progress has been made with the excavation, and, as I informed the hon. Member on the 12th instant, the Board of Works are now negotiating with a view to taking over the completion of the works themselves. The Board will use their best efforts to get the works completed as soon as possible. In my Answer of the 12th instant I said that the Board were informed that the quarries are closed. The Board now ask me to say that though the quarries were closed for a short time last spring, they are glad to learn from more recent reports that the quarries are still being worked.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, how long does the Land Commission anticipate it would take it to deal with and complete the sales, to the value of some thirty-four millions of money, in respect of which agreements are already lodged, even if the funds to pay the purchase money were supplied to the Land Commission as rapidly as they could deal with the agreements; and what has been the average yearly amount of purchase money actually paid since the Act of 1903 came into force on 1st November, 1903. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Land Commissioners do not think it possible to anticipate the future in the manner proposed in the Question, depending as it does on contingencies which to a large extent they cannot control. The amounts hitherto advanced for all purposes of land purchase other than the Labourers Acts are as follow—

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made in the Belfast Summons Court, on 13th February, 1908, in a case in which a countryman was summoned for not driving his cart on the proper side of the road, by Mr. F. C. Johnston, J.P., the presiding magistrate, to the effect that the number of frivolous cases brought up in the last few weeks was ridiculous, and that they knew the police had instructions from headquarters that if they did not do certain things there would be transfers; whether any instructions have been issued to the Belfast police of the nature referred to by Mr. Johnston, or, if not, what is the nature of the instructions, if any, issued to the police in Belfast with regard to securing a certain number of arrests and convictions in any given period of time; whether any policemen have been transferred for non compliance with such instructions; whether the system referred to obtains elsewhere, and, if so, where; whether frivolous cases like those referred to are included in the criminal records of the country; and whether seeing that such a system is tantamount to putting a premium on the manufacture of petty offences by the police, he will order the immediate withdrawal of any such instructions to the police as those referred to by the magistrate. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The police authorities inform me that it is the case that Mr. Johnston, the presiding magistrate, made a statement to the effect mentioned in the Question, but that it is not the case that the Belfast police have brought frivolous prosecutions or that any instructions such as the magistrate mentioned have been issued in Belfast or elsewhere. Prosecutions for breaches of the Belfast City bye-laws have of late been more numerous than formerly. It had been the practice of the police to caution offenders in many cases, particularly those concerning breaches of the traffic regulations. Cautions have been found to be useless, and the Corporation on several occasions requested the Commissioner of Police to enforce the bye-laws more strictly. This is the only foundation for the suggestions contained in the Question. No transfer or threats of transfer have been made, nor any reference to securing a certain number of arrests and convictions in a given period of time. Prosecutions under the bye-laws are included under the head of minor offences in the usual Returns, and the results of such prosecutions are shown.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether Matthew Brady, of Stonefield, Virginia Road, county Meath, has applied to the Estates Commissioners to be reinstated in his former holding; whether they have entered into negotiations with the tenant at present in occupation to give up possession; and with what result. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners have decided that Brady is a suitable person to receive a holding, and the case has been referred to an inspector with the object of providing him with a holding. The Commissioners have not had any negotiations with the present occupier of Brady's former holding.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether Edward O'Brien, an evicted tenant on the estate of Mr. J. H. Nicholson, Balrath, Kells, county Meath, has applied to be reinstated in his former holding; what action has been taken; and whether, having regard to the fact that his former holding now forms part of an area of 5,000 acres given in the Returns prepared by the Commissioners as untenanted land, the Estates Commissioners will exercise the compulsory powers vested in them to restore this evicted tenant to his former holding. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners have inquired into the application of Edward O'Brien and have recorded his name as that of a person suitable to receive a holding. The case has been referred to an inspector with the object of providing O'Brien with a holding. The Commissioners approached Mr. Nicholson with the view of opening negotiations for the purchase of his untenanted lands, but he has declined to proceed.

To ask the Under - Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether under the terms of the Nyasaland concession to the British Central Africa Company, it is proposed to transfer certain lands in the Chiladzulu, Ingludi, and Malabri districts, at present in the occupation of natives, to the British Central Africa Company; whether the native rights to these lands was recognised at the time that the Protectorate was declared; whether the natives themselves have recently sent in a petition that the land in question should not be alienated; and whether, having regard to the circumstances of the case, the Government will see that the land is maintained as a Native Reserve. (Answered by Mr. Churchill.) The Secretary of State has not heard of any concession from the Government to the British Central Africa Company. Apparently the districts mentioned are part of those out of which lands may eventually be granted in certain circumstances to the Shire Highlands Railway Company. No petition on the subject has at present reached the Colonial Office, but in any case Native rights or interests will be carefully safeguarded, and nothing will be finally settled without a full Report from the Governor.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether it is intended to reinforce tke Indian troops now at Ahwaz, in Persian territory; whether it is intended to reduce this force; whether the original reinforcement was made with the knowledge and consent of the Persian Government; and, if not, whether there is any precedent for the use and reinforcement of a consular guard in the territory of a friendly Power without its knowledge and consent in order to protect the interests of a private trading company. (Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey). The first point in the hon. Member's Question was dealt with in my reply to the Question which he addressed to me on the 3rd instant. As regards the second point, the possibility of reducing the force must depend on the state of the district where it is stationed. As regards the third point, the Persian Government were informed that His Majesty's Government proposed to reinforce the Ahwaz consular guard, and the usual facilities were afforded for the passage of the reinforcements. The step was imperatively necessary for the protection of British persons and property, and was taken on the receipt of alarming reports from His Majesty's Vice-Consul as to the condition of the district, which were confirmed by the accounts sent home to their principals by the local agents of the Oil Concessions Syndicate

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, if he can state the profession, calling, or occupation of those who were in 1906 and 1907 appointed county magistrates, and of those who were appointed borough magistrates in Lancashire during the same period, (Answered by Sir Henry Fowler): The county magistrates appointed for Lancashire in 1906 and 1907 may be divided into—

To ask the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state upon what representation or requisition the temporary court in the central hall of the Royal Courts of Justice was erected; how long it was maintained; the number of days it was used as a court for the trial of causes, and by whom; and what has been the cost to the public of constructing, furnishing, and maintaining such court. (Answered by Mr. Harcourt). The temporary court in the central hall was requisitioned by the Lord Chief Justice, with the consent of the Lord Chancellor, on the 10th December, 1907, for use on the 16th idem. It was maintained for eight weeks, that is until the 10th instant. The court was used by Mr. Justice Darling for the trial of causes for one day, the 19th December, and for a half-day on the 20th December. The illness of a judge enabled Mr. Justice Darling thereafter to use one of the ordinary courts. The total cost of constructing, furnishing, and maintaining the court has been £27 10s.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many persons under 16 but over 14 were sentenced in 1906, either at quarter sessions or at assizes, to imprisonment for any period exceeding six months for offences, exclusive of homicide, not specified in the first column of the First Schedule to The Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1979; and how many youthful offenders over 14, detained in reformatory schools, were convicted and imprisoned in 1906, by courts of summary jurisdiction, either for escaping from the schools or for refusing to conform to the rules. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone). The Answer to the first part of the Question is three, and the second part, five.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether any inquiry has been, or will be, made by the Home Office into the circumstances attending the death of William Howe, woolcomber, in the employ of Messrs. Roper, of Lavenham, Suffolk, who died on 1st August, 1907, of anthrax, stated to have been caused by sorting horsehair; whether horsehair imported from abroad is disinfected under the regulations; whether horsehair produced in Great Britain has also to be disinfected; whether he is aware that several cases of fatal anthrax have occurred among animals in the immediate neighbourhood since the death of William Howe; and whether he will take steps to secure by regulation or otherwise more effective disinfection of materials, whether of foreign or British origin, and prompt and complete destruction of all matter and refuse from factories or warehouses suspected to be of an infections character. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) Full inquiry was made at the time into circumstances of this case. The question of the risk of anthrax to workers in horsehair has been under my consideration, and regulations were made by me last December under Section 79 of the Factory Act—to come into force on 1st April next—which will require all horsehair from China, Siberia, and Russia to be disinfected before undergoing any manipulation other than opening and sorting, and special precautions to be observed in opening and sorting. These are the only kinds of horsehair the risk from which is so great as to call for special regulations. In the case of horsehair of British origin the risk is very slight; of 1,322 animals attacked by anthrax in this country in 1906, 36 only were horses, and under the Anthrax Order of 1899 the carcase of every animal affected or suspected to be affected by anthrax is required to be burned or buried. I am informed by the Board of Agriculture that an outbreak of anthrax occurred in the immediate neighbourhood of the factory in question very shortly after the death of William Howe, affecting three horses; in future, under the new regulations, all dust collected from the opening and sorting screens, where China, Siberian, or Russian hair that has not been disinfected is opened or sorted, will require to be burned.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether his attention has been called to the reply of M. Helleputte in the Belgian Chamber of Deputies that his Department could do nothing to prevent the importation of worn-out horses shipped from England if not diseased, and that it remained for England to put an end to the trade, or at least properly to control one which causes torture to dumb creatures; whether he is aware that many of the English horses shipped to Antwerp are found to be in a terrible condition; and in view of that fact, whether he will introduce legislation to prohibit or control such traffic. (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have not yet seen the statement to which the hon. Member refers. A copy of it will at once be obtained, and M. Helleputte's observations will be carefully considered. The exportation of horses from this country is controlled by an Order issued by the Board in 1898, a copy of which and of the last annual Report of Proceedings under the Diseases of Animals Acts, which contains full information on the subject, I shall be happy to send to the hon. Member.

TO ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has considered the statements in the Report of Dr. W. Collingridge, Medical Officer of Health of the City of London, as to the dangerously dirty and infectious character of samples of milk, and as to the increasing percentage of unsatisfactory samples; and whether he can and will take immediate steps, and by administrative orders or by representation to local authorities concerned, to provide some temporary check or remedy to these evils pending the passing of the legislation promised. (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I have not at present received a copy of the Report referred to. I am, however, aware of its general purport, and I have asked for a copy of the Report itself. The Local Government Board have steadily pressed upon local authorities and especially upon rural district councils the importance of bringing about more cleanly and efficient methods in connection with the supply of milk. This they have done by correspondence, by calling for special Reports from medical officers of health in particular cases, and in many instances by causing inspection of rural districts to be made by their own medical staff, in which attention has been given to this matter. It does not appear to me that any immediate administrative action could with advantage be taken, but I trust that the effect of the Bill, which I hope to introduce, will be to secure more satisfactory control over the milk supply of the country.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether forms of declaration of conscientious objection to vaccination were supplied to all registrars in England and Wales on or before 1st September 1907; whether these forms contained instructions to the registrars that they should be handed to persons registering births taking place after the 31st day of August 1907; whether it has come to his notice that a few registrars have not handed these forms to persons registering births during the four months from 1st September 1907 to 31st December 1907; and whether he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter. (Answered by Mr. John Burns) Forms were supplied to the registrars in the month of September with a view to their being given to every informant of a birth registered on and after 1st October. The forms applied to births so registered if they occurred on or after the 1st September. I find that the Registrar-General only knows of two cases of the kind mentioned by my hon. friend, in addition to the one referred to in his previous Question. These cases were satisfactorily settled by forms being given to the informants by direction of the Registrar General. No other cases have come under my notice, and the matter does not seem to call for any action on my part.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he can say whether any fancy or other descriptive name, approved of by the Board of Agriculture, is used with margarine in its sale since the passing of The Butter and Margarine Act, 1907: and, if so, what is the name so used. (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) The Board have approved about 1,200 fancy or descriptive names for use in connection with margarine, but they do not know how many are in actual use.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to a case of selling beer in Ipswich without a licence in November; why the malting company, who, it is stated in evidence, sold the beer in cask to their employees, was not prosecuted on behalf of the Inland Revenue; and what steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence of such illegal sale. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) My hon. friend presumably refers to a case in which certain employees of the Ipswich Malting Company were prosecuted by the police for selling beer without licence. The Board of Inland Revenue had no evidence of sale by the company to their employees sufficient to justify the institution of proceedings against the company. They warned them, however, that such sales were illegal, and would entail proceedings for a penalty. I have no doubt that the steps taken by the Board are sufficient, in conjunction with the police proceedings, to prevent the occurrence of such malpractices in future. I may, however, point out that the initiation of proceedings does not necessarily rest with a public authority, it being open to any member of the public who has evidence of such unlicensed trading to prosecute the offender himself, under Section 3 of the Licensing Act, 1872.

To ask the Secretary of State for War if, in view of an order issued to County Associations that any insurance of horses of the Territorial Force is to be made by the County Associations out of the £5 allotted per horse, officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Territorial cavalry will be precluded from receiving from Government compensation for loss or damage to horses injured during permanent duty now granted to the Imperial Yeomanry. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) No compensation will be paid by the Government in respect of loss or damage to horses used by the Territorial Yeomanry. The grant of £5 for 15 days made to the County Associations (as against?£5 for 16 days hitherto paid) will enable the Association to take any steps (such as insurance) necessary to provide against damage or loss to hired horses. In the case of officers or men riding their own horses it is provided that the £5 shall be paid over to the officer or man on the same terms as those on which the Association receives it.

To ask the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the difference in the amount of retired pay attainable by the two classes of ranker officers; whether he is aware that a brevet major receives retired pay at the rate of £300 a year on reaching the age of forty-eight years, and a district officer of the Royal Artillery and an officer of the coast battalion of the Royal Engineers £292 a year on reaching the age of fifty-five years, whereas a quartermaster or riding-master only receives £200 a year on reaching fifty-five years of age; and whether he can see his way to adjust these discrepancies by levelling up the retired pay of quartermasters and riding-masters to that of one or other of the more favoured classes of officers. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) As it has recently been explained to the House, it has not been found practicable to take any steps towards increasing the retired pay of quartermasters. This decision also applies to riding-masters. The case of the quartermasters and riding-masters, as compared with that of the ordinary combatant substantive or brevet-major, was fully dealt with in the reply to a Question put by the Member for the Stowmarket Division of Suffolk on Monday last. As regards the district officers of Royal Artillery and coast battalion officers of Royal Engineers, it must be pointed out that they retire at the age of fifty-five on £292 if major, and on £210 if captain; that the promotion of such officers is by selection to fill vacancies; and that the technical nature of their work renders their duties more important than those of the quartermasters or riding-masters, who obtain their promotion automatically, the step hot being accompanied by any real increase in their duties or responsibilities.

To ask the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the feeling existing in the country as to lawless practices in the Church of England, the Government will give facilities for the further discussion of the Ecclesiastical Disorders Bill. (Answered by Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman.) I am afraid that this course is not possible.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty when the Navy Estimates may be expected to be circulated to the Members of the House.

The Estimates will be in the hands of Members on Monday the 24th.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War why the 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards has not yet been relieved by another infantry regiment and brought home and disbanded; and how much longer is this promised relief to the British taxpayer to be delayed.

It has not yet been found practicable to withdraw this battalion from the British Army of occupation in Egypt. At the present moment therefore I am not in a position to give my hon. friend any definite reply to the latter part of his Question.

Was not an undertaking given by the Secrerary of State that this battalion should be disbanded as a measure of relief to the overburdened British taxpayer?

I have no doubt that my right hon. friend will adhere to any promise he has given.

Well, he has not given effect to it yet.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War who will be the members of the advisory committee of the War Office to whom the new form of attestation for those enlisting in the Territorial Army will be submitted.

I am afraid I cannot at present state the names of the members as I have not yet had replies from all the persons whom I have asked to serve on the Advisory Council, but I hope I shall be able to give the names in a few days.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War why, according to the attestation paper to be used for Volunteers now serving who join the Territorial Army, a medical examination is necessary, when the leaflet lately issued by the War Office distinctly stated that in the case of such Volunteers no medical examination would be necessary; whether any orders will be issued on the subject; and, if so, when.

Will the noble Lord kindly refer to my reply to the Question put on Monday last by my hon. friend the Member for the Woodstock Division of Oxfordshire, in which I hoped I had made it quite clear that the medical certificate in the attestation form for Volunteers now serving only applied to those who wish to leave the arm in which they are serving and join another arm. As I explained, the attestation form will, before being taken into use, be carefully considered by an Advisory Council, and, if necessary, amended forms will be issued.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the circumstances under which Mr. Jellicoe has refused to continue the defence of Dinizulu; and whether obstacles were placed in Mr. Jellicoe's way in preparing his defence.

I have not yet received a Report from the Governor upon the retirement of Mr. Jellicoe from the defence of Dinizulu, but the Natal Ministers have asked the Governor to telegraph as follows: "The method of procedure adopted in Dinizulu's case is in strict accordance with law of this Colony; any allegations that may have been made against this Government as to the collection of evidence or of difficulties thrown in the way of the prisoner's obtaining witnesses for his defence are false."

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, before or in the course of his preliminary examination, Dinizulu has ever been informed who he is charged with murdering or inciting to murder, or what are the acts of treason alleged against him; and, if not, what is the law in Natal which allows vague and general charges of murder and treason to be made against a prisoner.

I cannot at present add anything to the information contained in the Governor's telegram of 7th February, which I read in reply to a Question on 10th February. The Secretary of State is still in communication with the Governor on the subject, and I hope to be able to supply further information shortly. My hon. and learned friend will recollect that Ministers have stated that the method of procedure is in strict accordance with the law of the Colony.

And although this has being going on since February, cannot the right hon. Gentleman yet state who this chief is charged with murdering?

We have asked for the information by telegraph, but have not yet got the answer.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies by what authority or under what law of the Colony of Natal has the preliminary examination of Dinizulu been held in gaol and access been denied to the public; and whether any objection to such a course was taken by his legal adviser, and with what result.

The magisterial inquiry was held at the gaol under the authority of a Governor's Proclamation, dated 6th February, 1888. Complaint was made by Mr. Jellicoe in his letter which was recently published in the Press of what he described as a secret inquisition, but the Natal Government state that the method of procedure adopted in Dinizulu's case is in strict accordance with the law of the Colony. I think my hon. and learned friend may rest assured that if there have been defects in procedure they will certainly be brought to light in the course of the defence.

Can we see the proclamation?

said that the trial would not be held in private, but it would take place before the Supreme Court. He would endeavour to see whether he could supply a copy of the proclamation.

Has the proclamation the force of law?

So I understand, but on a legal question I must ask for notice in order that I may consult the law officers.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that, in the year 1905–6, 1,768 indentured immigrants in Trinidad were committed to prison for breaches of the Immigration Ordinance; that 10s. is paid by the police court to the constable who arrests any deserting immigrant; and, if so, can he state the annual amount of such rewards, and whether such is paid by the planters or the Government.

It appears from the Trinidad Prisons Reports that the number of indentured immigrants imprisoned in 1905–6 for breaches of the Immigration Ordinance was 1,659; but the number so imprisoned in 1906–7 was 1,758. The Secretary of State s unaware of any arrangement or provision under which the payments indicated by the hon. Member could possibly be made; but if he so wishes, inquiry will be made of the local Government whether there is any foundation for the statement.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the annual income and expenditure on the Trinidad Government Railways, as also the wages, hours, and general conditions of labour of the employees on such railways; and, if not, as to whether he will obtain such particulars.

The receipts of the Trinidad Government Railway in 1906–1907 were £92,814 and the expenditure £63,074. The latter figure does not include charges for interest on loans which amounted to about £23,000, though the actual amount for the year is not before me. I am unable to supply detailed particulars as to wages, hours, and conditions of labour on the railway, but the Governor will be asked for a report if the hon. Member will indicate more precisely the information he desires as to conditions of labour.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any reform of the composition of the Legislative Council of Malta is contemplated by His Majesty's Government; and, if so, can he say what direction the reform will take.

Representations regarding the composition of the Legislative Council of Malta are before the Secretary of State, but I regret that I am unable to make any statement on the subject at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that prior to 1902 the Council was made up of thirteen elected and eight appointed members, and that in that year its constitution was altered and it was composed of ten appointed and eight elected members.

I am well aware of that. I gave the subject my best personal attention when I had the opportunity of visiting Malta.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies-whether there is any precedent for the Government of a Colony, as in the case of the Government of Natal to-day, proclaiming and persisting in maintaining martial law against the advice of the Governor of the Colony.

No, Sir, I do-not know of any precedent.

asked whether it would be within the competence of the Governor, on advice, to refuse assent to the Indemnity Bill and to give that intimation in quarters-where it would be appreciated?

said that the Indemnity Bill was first passed by the Natal Parliament, and then it was reserved to receive the assent of the Secretary of State.

The Governor will not immediately give his assent, but reserve it for the Cabinet?

According to constitutional practice an Indemnity Bill is always reserved.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there have been issued from time to time by the Colonial Office regulations to Governors of Colonies prescribing the conditions under which, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, martial law might properly be proclaimed; and whether he would lay those regulations upon the Table of the House.

After the Jamaica rebellion the subject of martial law was very carefully considered, and a circular despatch was sent on 26th January, 1867, to the Governors of all Colonies. This despatch, which deals with the grounds on which martial law should be proclaimed will be found printed in the Parliamentary Paper entitled Correspondence relating to native disturbances in Natal, laid in May, 1906 (Cd. 2905). Papers relating to the administration of martial law in South Africa will be found in the Parliamentary Papers Cd. 981 of 1902 and Cd. 1423 of 1903.

said that in the case of Governor Eyre it was stated distinctly that the responsibility for proclaiming martial law lay primarily with the Governor of the Colony as the Imperial officer.

asked whether, as far as was known to the Colonial Office, there was anything relating to disorder or threatened disorder among the population of Natal which justified, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, the continued denial of civil and legal rights to the population, whether white or black.

I should not like to choose any words on the spur of the moment to answer that Question.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information which may be made public regarding the progreess, or want of progress, of the Baghdad Railway project.

The first section of the Baghdad Railway, from Konia to Boulgurlu, a little beyond Eregli, was opened to traffic in October, 1904. From recent information it appears that no progress has been or is yet being made with the construction of the next section.

was understood to ask if further Papers would be issued.

I think my right hon. friend has already communicated all the information he has to the House by way of Question and Answer.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the omission of any reference in the last Report of His Majesty's Consul-General in Belgium as to the condition of employment, wages, and the cost of living, and the relation these bear to the trade of the country; whether he is aware that such information on Germany is supplied by His Majesy's Consul at Frankfort; and if he will issue instructions to all Consuls to supply such information in their Reports.

My right hon. friend is aware of the facts stated. For the reasons mentioned in the reply given to the hon. Member on 26th August last, he is doubtful how far general instructions to Consuls with regard to this matter are practicable; but the attention of His Majesty's Consular Officers in some of the more important industrial centres abroad will be directed to the matter.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, owing to the crowds that now nightly visit places of entertainment all over the country, he will consider the desirability of taxing all entertainment tickets or taxing the capacity of the halls, theatres, and other places that are licensed for public amusement. I beg also to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the desirability of altering the law as regards a penny stamp upon all receipts and making the stamp according to the amount for which the receipt is given, say, 1d. for every £50 or part thereof.

Both the suggestions are familiar to me and I assure my hon. friend that, like all suggestions relating to taxation, they will continue to receive my careful consideration.

Having regard to the precisely similar undertaking which the right hon. Gentleman gave to me in reply to a precisely similar suggestion a week ago, can he say whether in pursuance of that undertaking he has taken any steps or proposes to take any steps, to acquaint himself with the amount of revenues derived by France, Germany, and other enlightened countries from these sources?

I hope I shall neglect no relevant source of information.

asked when the Licensing Bill would be introduced, and whether a guillotine Resolution dealing with the whole progress of the measure would be brought forward?

I shall make statement to-morrow as to the course business next week.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he car state the number of factories and workshop that were not visited by factory inspectors during 1907; and what number have not been visited since 1905.

During 1907, 28,286 factories and 55,952 workshops were un-visited by factory inspectors, and about 6,500 and 21,000 respectively were un-visited by the district staff either in 1906 or 1907.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the number of boys and girls employed as half-timers in mills and factories in Belfast, their ages, wages, hours, and days of work; whether any, and if so, how many, are employed on three consecutive days of the week; and whether any, and if so, how many, are employed for part of each of the six working days in the week.

According to the latest statistics, which are those for 1904, 711 boys and 1,289 girls (2,000 in all), between the ages of twelve and fourteen years, were employed as half-timers in Belfast factories. I have no official information as to the wages of such persons, but I understand they are usually from 3s. to 4s. per week. Practically all are employed from 6.30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with two intervals for meals amounting to one and a half hours (i.e., in addition to the half hour allowed from 6 to 6.30 in the morning), on three alternate days in the week.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the taximeters affixed to motor cabs plying for hire in the Metropolis register different fares for identical distances; and whether any arrangements are made for a periodical test of the accuracy of such taximeters.

Different fares will often be registered for identical distances, because the fare chargeable for taximeter cabs is based on a combination of time and distance. Arrangements have been made for the periodical testing of the accuracy of all taximeters.

Have the police instructions to take action where the taximeters are registering wrong prices?

When complaints are received they will be inquired into by the police.

Should complaints as to overcharges be made to the Commissioner or to the Home Office?

To the Commissioner. If any are sent to the Home Office I will see that they are forwarded to the police.

asked whether the Mines (Eight Hours) Bill would be introduced under the ten minutes rule.

said that he was in the hands of the House. He had suggested introducing the Bill not under the ten minutes rule, because the Bill was before the House last year, and no alteration in its provisions had been made. But if it were desired that he should make a statement, he would do so.

asked whether it was proposed to submit a closure resolution in respect to the Bill?

No, Sir, it is not.

intimated that he would further communicate with the right hon. Gentleman.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in prisons where convicts are sentenced by the visiting justices to be flogged, warders are employed to do the flogging at the rate of 5s. per dozen strokes; whether he has any official information showing that warders often provoke prisoners to sin in order to get the flogging fee; and whether, in the interests of humanity, he will consider the advisability of arranging that trials before visiting justices for prison offences should be open to the public.

The payment for carrying out a sentence of corporal punishment in convict prisons is 2s. 6d. to each officer irrespective of the number of strokes. I am certain there is not the slightest ground for the suggestion that prison officers provoke convicts to commit acts of violence or mutiny in order to obtain this small fee. I see no reason for departing from the present arrangement for the adjudication upon serious offences in convict prisons by a Board of independent Visitors, unconnected with the official administration, which was sanctioned after full discussion in Parliament by the Prison Act, 1898.

Is it the case that the payment of warders for that purpose is proportioned by the number of strokes, and will not the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the desirability of engaging these warders on an entirely different footing?

If a better system can be devised I will consider it. The payment is made only to the warder who takes part in the actual punishment.

But is the amount governed by the number of strokes?

No, Sir.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can prescribe, as far as may be, the use of home-grown oak for the construction of railway carriages and wagons in the United Kingdom, in view of its greater power of resistance in accidents and general superiority to American and other oak.

The Board of Trade are unable to prescribe the use of any particular kind of timber, and I have no reason to believe that wood of insufficient strength is used in the construction of railway carriages and wagons.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what will be the reference to the conference which he has recently invited to consider details connected with the administration of British railways; whether he is aware of the urgent necessity of finding means of alleviating the grievances of farmers against railway companies; and what representation he has provided for agriculturists or for Ireland at the conference.

I do not propose to limit by any rigid terms of reference the scope of the inquiry to which my hon. friend refers, but questions affecting agricultural interests will be considered. Agriculture is represented at the conference by Mr. O. D. Johnson and a representative of the Board of Agriculture. I may remind my hon. friend that Irish railways are at present engaging the attention of a Vice-Regal Commission.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is able to confirm the statement made in the Report of Mr. Richard Grigg, on the condition of British Trade in Canada, that the increase in the cost of food, rent, fuel, and clothing during the ten years ending 1906 has been 44 per cent.; and whether he can state what has been the increase in wages during the same period.

As stated in Mr. Grigg's Report, the particulars referred to are based on the result of an unofficial investigation under the direction of a distinguished economist. They relate primarily to the city of Toronto. I understand from Mr. Grigg that he took steps to verify the substantial accuracy of these figures. There has apparently been a general increase in wages in Canada during the period referred to, varying for different trades. I am unable, however, to state a general average percentage of increase.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether he can state what Government grants, including those now due, have been earned by the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic School, Swansea, since the appointed day in September, 1904; and what amount has actually been expended by the local education authority out of these Government grants on St. Joseph's School.

The grants paid to the local education authority for Swansea in respect of children attending the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic School since the Appointed Day amount to £4,024 1s. 0d. Some of the grants in respect of the year ending 31st December, 1907, are still outstanding, but as the form of claim has has not yet been received the amount cannot be stated. The grants paid are not ear-marked as sums to be spent on the particular schools in respect of which they are paid and the expenditure upon each individual school is not separated in the accounts of most local authorities. I have no information, therefore, as to the sums actually expended by the local authority on St. Joseph's School.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a single penny of this money has been actually expended?

It must have been or the school could not have been maintained all. Still I have no information as to the actual expenditure.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether he can state what extra expense, if any, has been incurred by the Swansea Education Authority in consequence of its having taken over the management of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic School.

I am not sure what meaning the hon. Member attaches to the expression "having taken over the management of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic School," but if he refers only to the obligation of maintenance under the Act of 1902, I must refer him to my Answer to his previous Question.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether on 11th April last, the West Riding Education Committee suggested to the Board that the Garforth Church School should be confined to junior and infant children; whether on 2nd June the Board wrote stating that they could see no adequate reason for such reorganisation; whether on 20th June the Board reiterated their decision; whether on 10th July the Board reversed this decision; and, if so, what fresh material came before the notice of the Board to cause them so to reverse their decision.

The Answer to the first four Questions is in the affirmative. With regard to the fifth, consideration was not given in the earlier decision of 3rd June to the fact that the size of the premises necessitated that a certain number of children must, in any case, be excluded and that the school organisation of the district would be facilitated if the higher classes were transferred. On my attention being drawn to this aspect of the case I had no hesitation in giving the decision of 12th July.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, with reference to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Scotland, he has now satisfied himself that the disease was imported in foreign hay; and, if so, whether it is proposed to take any steps to restrict such importation.

My hon. friend has asked me to answer this Question, and to say that he is unable at present to add anything to the reply which he gave to a similar Question on the 17th instant.

Having regard to the fact that the hay from Rotterdam caused this outbreak and that the disease is prevalent all over the Netherlands, will the Board prevent hay coming into this country from that source.

This Question is receiving very careful consideration, but no decision has yet been arrived at. The inquiry is being made.

What inquiries are necessary? We know the hay caused the outbreak and you can prevent its importation.

It must be obvious to the hon. Member that in a matter of this kind careful inquiries are absolutely necessary.

But it is a well-known fact that foot-and-mouth disease is prevalent in the Netherlands, and does not the hon. Gentleman think it is the duty of the Government to stop the importation of hay from there?

I can assure the House that the Board are giving the most careful attention to the matter, and that whatever action they deem reasonable will be taken as soon as possible.

Is this foreign hay supplied to Army horses in Scotland?

There are none

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he will state when the correspondence with Lady Gordon Cathcart regarding Barra will be in the hands of Members.

asked if in addition to the correspondence already promised such additional documents as were necessary to enable hon. Members to understand the points at issue would be laid on the Table.

Proof copies have been received, and I am preparing full Papers to lay upon the Table. In reply to the hon. Member for Inverness I will consider what can be done.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether the Board of Works are responsible for the maintenance of the river wall at Wood Quay, in Galway City; how many lives have been lost by drowning at this place within the past ten years; and whether the Board of Works, if responsible for the maintenance, will provide a railing to prevent further accidents.

I am informed by the Board of Works that the responsibility for the maintenance of the river wall in question rests upon the Trustees incorporated under the Act 19 and 20 Vict., cap. 62, in whom the Lough Corrib Navigation is vested. The Board of Works have no information as to loss of life by drowning at this place.

Have the Board of Works any control over the trustees?

It would be better if the hon. Member would address the Question to the Secretary of the Treasury.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, if he can state the number of applications for reinstatement that have been received by the Estates Commissioners from evicted tenants in the county of Limerick or their representatives; whether they have sanctioned all of them, and in how many cases has reinstatement taken place; how many have been provided with equivalent holdings; and if he can say in how many of these cases has the settlement been brought about by the Estates Commissioners, and what steps they are taking to deal with the remainder.

I would refer to my Answer to similar Questions yesterday and the day before. The Estates Commissioners are preparing for presentation to Parliament a complete Return which will show all cases of restoration of evicted tenants, and in the meantime it is not proposed to prepare partial returns relating to particular districts. It is expected that the Return will be ready about the middle of next month.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether the Estates Commissioners, in June last, received a memorial from the tenantry of the Doongeelagh Estate, situate in Killadoon, county Sligo, Boyle (No. 2) District Council, praying them to communicate with the owners with a view to purchase; have they token any steps in the matter since; and if so, with what result.

The Estates Commissioners are unable to identify the matter in question from the particulars given. If the hon. Member will furnish the name and address of the owner of the estate, the Commissioners will be prepared to answer the Question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have received applications from two evicted tenants, named John Farrell and John Heslin, on the King-Harman estate, Lisnanagh, county Longford, to be restored to their holdings on this townland; and, if so, what is the cause of delay, as the farms were completely derelict during the past year; and when will they be reinstated.

The Estates Commissioners have received applications from the evicted tenants mentioned in the Question. The estate is the subject of proceedings in the Chancery Division of the High Court, and the Commissioners have not been able so far to effect the reinstatement of the evicted tenants. The matter will be further considered.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say when the Estates Commissioners will give a grant to James Dore, of Curraghnadeely, Rathkeale, evicted tenant on the estate of Viscount Southwell, to enable him to stock the land and repair the dwelling house; and whether he is aware that Dore was put into possession under an agreement as eleven months grazier, and finds it difficult without a grant to work the land and pay the rent, as he has no capital.

The Estates Commissioners duly inquired into the application for reinstatement lodged by James Dore, and communicated to the owner the price which they are prepared to advance for the purchase of the holding. The owner, however, declined to accept that price, and the Commissioners are not prepared to increase it. It is understood that Dore is temporarily in possession of the holding under a grazing letting, but until an agreement for purchase has been arrived at, the Commissioners cannot consider the question of giving him a grant.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say whether the Estates Commissioners, before completing the sale of the estate of Lord Southwell to his tenants, will include in it the case of Mrs. Mary O'Regan, of Castlematrix, Rathkeale, who is subtenant to the middle landlords, the representatives of Julius Delmege, deceased, of about nine acres, held at the yearly rent of £25.

The Estates Commissioners have directed the special attention of their inspector to the alleged sub-tenancy referred to in the Question. When the estate is being inspected the matter will be fully inquired into, and the Commissioners will then be in a position to deal with it.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the inhabitants of Ennistymon and district decided at a meeting to establish a new fair on the 22nd and 23rd of January, the landlord, who is the patentee, consenting; will he inquire why the sergeant of police told the traders of the town to take off their window posters announcing a new fair; on what authority and on whose instruction the sergeant acted; will he also say on what authority extra police were brought into Ennistymon from Lahinch, Liscannor, and Kilfenora, and posted at all the roads approaching the town on the morning of the 22nd January to prevent people entering with their cattle; whether the police took a note of the names of those who entered the town with cattle; and, if so, how many names were taken down; why were they not prosecuted as threatened by the police; and what was the expense of bringing those extra police into Ennistymon.

I am informed that certain shopkeepers of Ennistymon arranged to hold a fair on 22nd and 23rd January in addition to the established fairs, and advertised the fact accordingly. The patentee of the existing fairs and his lessee objected, and inserted notices in the local newspapers that no fair would be held on the dates named. Mr. Macnamara, the patentee, further informed the police that he would place men on the fair green and allow no cattle to be brought there on those days. The local police sergeant mentioned this fact to the shopkeepers, and as some of them were not disposed to persist in holding the fair against the patentee's wishes, the sergeant suggested that, in the interests of peace, they should remove from their windows the notices announcing the new fair. It is usual to send six policemen from neighbouring stations to Ennistymon fair to assist in preserving the peace. This number was brought in by the police authorities on 22nd January. No extra expense was incurred. The police did not interfere with people who brought in cattle. Only a few cattle were brought into the village, and no attempt was made to put them on the fair green. The police took the names of two persons who were causing an obstruction of the street with their cattle, but as they moved the cattle away on being spoken to they were not prosecuted.

Is it true that the police caused the posters to be removed from the shop windows? Had they any legal right to take that action?

I understand that they did not. They merely suggested to the shopkeepers that it would be better, but they did not enforce it in any way. In fact, they had no legal right whatever to do so.

Is it not desirable that the police should refrain from making suggestions in regard to matters as to which they have no legal right to act?

I think suggestions coming from the police in the interests of the peace are very valuable, and constitute a very desirable way of preserving the peace of Ireland.

I may say I never take a suggestion from any policeman.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state the general nature of the communications which have passed between Mr. H. G. A. Beamish and the Estates Commissioners for the purchase of the estate of the former at Gortrae, county Cork; is he aware that the agents for this estate, Messrs. Hussey and Townsend, wrote at one time offering to leave the settlement of the dispute with the tenants to the arbitration of the Estates Commissioners; were the lands inspected by Mr. Gerald McElligott, one of their inspectors, in May last; can he disclose the nature of the Report made by that gentleman, and whether there is any immediate hope of a sale to the tenants; and whether any lands have been evicted on this estate, and the present position of the evicted tenants.

The Estates Commissioners presume that this Question is intended to refer to the property of Mr. H. G. A. Beamish at Gortrae. This property has been offered for sale to the Commissioners, who have had it inspected and have made a formal offer for purchase. The question of price is now the subject of negotiation between them and the owner. The Commissioners cannot make any arrangements for the re-sale of the lands until the purchase has been agreed upon. It would be contrary to the Commissioners' practice to state details of the negotiations, or the purport of their inspector's report in such cases. There are two evicted holdings on the estate and the cases of evicted tenants will be dealt with if the Commissioners should acquire the property. The Commissioners have no knowledge of any dispute between the landlord and tenants in this case, or of any communications such as are alleged to have been made by the agents.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that Mr. Frank Persse, J.P., fired several revolver shots on licensed premises in the town of Loughrea, about 12 o'clock noon, in December last, smashing into pieces the public clock on the premises; whether this is the same Mr. Persse who, at petty sessions lately held in Loughrea, was summoned by a tenant, John Healy, for violently assaulting him in the rent office; was he fined on the occasion; and do the Government propose to take steps to prevent this gentleman from carrying firearms.

The matter referred to in the Question was not reported to the local police. They have, however, been informed that at about 3 p.m. on some date between 30th November and 5th December, Mr. Frank Persse, J.P., was drinking with another man in Mrs. Larkin's public house at Loughrea, and the subject of good shooting came under discussion. By way of demonstrating his good marksmanship, Mr. Persse is alleged to have fired one revolver shot at a clock which hung in the bar. The shot missed the clock, but hit the wall, knocking some mortar off it. It is stated that very few people were in the shop at the time, and Mrs. Larkin, the publican, can only say that she hoard a shot fired. The Government have no power to prevent Mr. Persse from carrying firearms. Mr. Persse is the same person who was recently fined 10s. for assaulting John Healy in the rent office.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether this Mr. Frank Persse, who has been convicted of assault, and who fired the shot in the public-house, is still a magistrate, and whether he is a brother of the Mr. Persse who is at present entertaining drawing-room companies in London with tales about alleged violence committed by Irish people?

Mr. Persse is a magistrate. I believe he is some relation of the other gentleman, but I am not aware of the exact relationship.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain the exact relationship of Mr. Persse to the gentleman who addressed a great mass meeting in the Duchess of St. Alban's drawing-room?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he can state how far the Estates Commissioners were successful in negotiating terms of purchase between Lord Gough, owner of the property in the Gort and Kilbecanty districts, county Galway, and the tenants; whether Mr. Frank Persse, J.P., agent of the property, while negotiations were pending, passed through the district of Kilbecanty on the evening of the 22nd January last, and fired several rifle shots, to the fear and terror of the people; and, if so, is it the intention of the authorities to prosecute in this matter.

In reply to the first part of the Question, I can only repeat my right hon. friend's reply to a similar Question put by the hon. Member on 9th May last, namely, "The Estates Commissioners have had several interviews with Lord Gough and the tenants' representative, and as a result the landlord agreed to sell the tenanted holdings at such prices as the Commissioners should consider reasonable, and also to sell such untenanted lands as the Commissioners should think necessary at the Commissioners' price. Lord Gough, however, made it a condition that the sporting right's should be reserved to him as he intended to reside at Lough Cutra, and upon the tenants demurring to this he offered to agree that if the tenants' crops should be damaged by game, he would pay such compensation as the Land Commission might consider proper. Lord Gough's offer appeared to the Commissioners to be reasonable, but the tenants refused to accept it, and the negotiations, therefore, came to an end. The Commissioners do not see that they can take any further action in the matter." As regards the remainder of the Question, Mr. Frank Persse was summoned by the police for discharging firearms on or near the public road, and the case was adjourned from the 6th instant until tomorrow, when it will be heard.

Will the Government bring the conduct of this gentleman under the notice of the Lord Chancellor?

I should like to know the result of the proceedings to-morrow first.

But the right hon. Gentleman knows well the result of the proceedings at the police court when he was fined 10s.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the attention of the Estates Commissioners has been directed to the action of Mr. Frank Persse, J.P., Gort, in recently planting a number of young trees on untenanted lands belonging to Lord Gough; whether these lands were offered some months ago to the Commissioners by Lord Gough to distribute amongst the congested tenants on his estate in the district; and having regard to the disturbed state of the district and the provocative conduct of the agent, do the Commissioners propose to make any representation to Lord Gough in reference to the matter.

The Estates Commissioners have no knowledge of the planting referred to in the Question, but my right hon. friend has been informed by Lord Gough that the trees which he has planted are on that portion of his home property which the Commissioners decided should be retained by him, and that he has not planted any portion of the untenanted lands which the Commissioners proposed should be sold to his tenants. The remainder of the Question is dealt with in my Answer to the last Question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the medical officer of health in Galway, at the instance of the Local Government Board, made a report with reference to the condition of the Forthill burial ground, Galway, and as to whether further burials should be prohibited therein; what did that report recommend and what steps, if any, have been taken to carry out the said recommendations.

Yes, Sir; and the medical officer of health reported that in his opinion there was not sufficient space for opening new graves. The Urban District Council, however, informed the Local Government Board that no new graves have been opened in this graveyard for some years past and that interments are limited to the case of persons whose grave spaces and vaults have been reserved owing to their having possessed rights of interment therein. In these circumstances, the Local Government Board have taken no further action in the matter.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that, at a meeting of the Waterford Board of Guardians held on 13th December last, the chairman proposed that, in consequence of Mr. Scully, who had been employed for many years as consulting engineer to the Board, having given evidence as to the amount of the damage done to Lord Ashtown's house at Glenaheiry by the bomb explosion, they should dispense with his services and employ another engineer; whether this course was agreed to by the Board with two dissentients; and what steps the Local Government Board took or intend to take in the matter.

The Local Government Board are informed by the Clerk of the Waterford Union that in the discussion on 13th of November the Chairman may have suggested that Mr. Scully's services should be dispensed with, but the only motion on the subject put to the Board of Guardians was that Mr. Scully should be asked to send in his account for the amount then duo to him, which motion was passed by eight votes to two. The Clerk adds that Mr. Scully is still in the guardians' service. The Local Government Board have taken no action in the matter, which appears to be one within the discretion of the guardians.

Is it not the fact that Mr. Scully is in the employment of the guardians only in respect of work which was current at the time of the proceedings, and that he has not been put on any new work?

I really do not know. The answer of the clerk is that Mr. Scully is still in the service of the guardians.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to find out whether the facts as to employment are not as I have stated.

The hon. Member had better put his Question down.

Has the right hon. Gentleman read the letter from Mr. Scully in The Times to-day in which he entirely corroborates the statement that he has been discharged?

No, Sir.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will get it and read it.

He has not the time to do it.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether the Local Government Board has received a complaint from James Breisland, of Belturbet, of irregularities in the election of urban councillors for that town, which took place on 15th January; whether one complaint was that the returning officer, who is also the town clerk of Belturbet, when he found that the number of votes for Mr. Breisland and another candidate were equal, gave a casting vote against Mr. Breisland; whether the proper course is for the returning officer to decide by lot between the two persons with an equal number of votes; whether the returning officer permitted Robert Bradley to vote in the said election, although his name was not on the register; and what steps will the Local Government Board take in the matter.

The Local Government Board have received a complaint from Mr. Breisland to the effect stated in the first two parts of the Question. In the case of an equality of votes for candidates the prescribed course is for the returning officer to decide by lot between the candidates. The Local Government Board have no information as to Mr. Bradley's vote. The Board have no jurisdiction in the matter. An election petition would appear to be the remedy in such cases.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been called to the fact that Armagh Gaol, being the prison for the counties of Monaghan, Cavan, Tyrone, as well as Armagh, insane prisoners from all those counties, on expiration of their sentences, become chargeable to the county of Armagh; and whether he will take steps to amend the law which imposes hardships upon the ratepayers of county Armagh.

The fact is as stated in the first part of the Question. Under the Act, 1 and 2 Vic. cap. 27, persons who become insane while in prison are removed to the lunatic asylum of the district in which the prison is situate, and there is no power to transfer such persons on the expiration of their sentence to the asylums of the districts from which they come. It is understood that there are in all the district asylums in Ireland patients who belong primarily to other districts, and matters are therefore substantially equalised. Legislation on the subject would involve the introduction into Ireland of a law of settlement, and the Government do not at present contemplate such legislation.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say whether the Estates Commissioners have yet considered the case of James Fitzgerald, of Ballingrane, in county Limerick, tenant to the middle landlord, Michael Ruttle, of a house and a half-acre of land on the estate of Lord Southwell, at the yearly rent of £4 10s. for inclusion in the sale of the estate; and whether, having regard to the fact that James Fitzgerald is a solvent tenant and has a small farm besides, they will give him the right to purchase his house and plot for one of his sons on the same terms as the tenants.

The Estates Commissioners have directed their surveyor and inspector, when visiting the estate in question, to inquire into and report upon the alleged sub-tenancy of James Fitzgerald in the holding of Michael Ruttle, a purchasing tenant. When the report has been received the Commissioners will be in a position to rule upon the case.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he could state the quantity and the value of the linen goods exported from Belfast for each of the ten years ending 31st December. 1898–1907, inclusive; the maximum quantity and value of the linen goods exported from Belfast in any one year; the minimum quantity and value of linen goods exported from Belfast in any one year; the average number of men women, and children employed in mills and factories connected with the linen trade in Belfast during the period 1898–1907, inclusive; the average wages earned by them, and the number of hours worked by them per day, respectively; the number of men, women, and children employed during the months of December, 1907, and January, 1908, the hours worked by them per day, and the average wages earned by them, respectively; and the total quantity and value of linen goods exported from Belfast during December, 1907, and January, 1908.

It is assumed that by goods exported the hon. Member means goods actually shipped from Belfast, including trans-channel shipments. I am informed by the Department of Agriculture that the quantity and value of linen goods so shipped from Belfast were: In 1904, 951,760 cwts., £7,138,200; in 1905, 998,500 cwts., £7,488,750; and in 1906, 1,089,880 cwts., £8,991,550. Prior to 1904 the Department did not collect such statistics, and the figures for 1907 are not yet available. For information upon the remaining points of the Question the hon. Member should address my right hon. friend the President of the Board of Trade.

To ask the Postmaster-General if he is aware that William Dowler, a postboy carrying letters from Corboy post office to meet the post running from Ballinalee to Edge-worthstown at Moat Farrell cross roads, county Longford, Ireland, a distance of three miles, and having to make two journeys daily, waits for the mails at the cross roads without any shelter, and working seven days a week, receives only the sum of 5s. 10d. weekly; and will he order an increase in Dowler's pay.

The post office messenger re ferred to is paid the wages stated for a duty occupying 2½ hours daily. These wages are fixed at the authorised rates, and I should not be justified in increasing them as there is no case for exceptional treatment. The messenger is timed to reach the cross roads only five minutes before the mails arrive there.