To ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the raising of the load-line on British ships, and the method by which the provision was made, namely, by order of the Department; also can he give the date of such order and of its operation. (Answered by Mr. Churchill.) Yes, Sir. My attention has been called to the alteration of the load-line tables to which my hon. friend refers. It was made by a Minute of the Board of Trade signed by the President on 1st March, 1906, and came into operation on and from that date.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the assistant clerks (new class) employed in the General Register and Record Office of Shipping and Seamen may expect a reply to their petition of the 12th March, 1908, in which they ask for promotion to the Second Division on the ground that they are employed on superior duties. (Answered by Mr. Churchill.) Under Clause 15 of the Order in Council of November, 1898, promotion to the Second Division is only to be given exceptionally on the ground of special merit. In accordance with a decision which has been arrived at, the case of the assistant clerks (abstractor class) will be considered on the next vacancy, and on each alternate vacancy thereafter, with a view to considering whether a promotion should be made from that class. I may add that the staff have been informed of the position of the case.

To ask the Postmaster-General if he is aware that recent changes in classification have reduced the maximum rate of pay of town postmen in Montrose from 24s. to 23s. per week; whether he is aware that, while the maximum at Montrose for eighty-five units of work is 23s., North Berwick for instance, with only fifty-four units, receives 25s.; and if steps can be taken to place Montrose postal servants in a better position. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) At Montrose the volume of work is represented by eighty-five units, and the index number for the cost of living as supplied by the Board of Trade is ninety-three. Montrose has, therefore, been properly placed in Class IV. At North Berwick, where the volume of work is represented by fifty-four units, it has been anticipated, by analogy, that the cost of living index number would be above the normal, and the office is, therefore, provisionally put in Class III.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what is the initial salary for a teacher in Irish primary schools; and whether, seeing that the adequacy of the initial salary has a considerable effect in inducing good men to enter the teaching profession, he will, in the interests of education, reconsider his scheme for the allocation of the proposed grant by increasing the initial salaries for all teachers and by recasting the scale of increments. To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what provision is made for assistant teachers in Irish national schools in the allocation of the proposed grant; and whether, seeing that these men pass the same examinations, undergo the same course of training, do equal work, and are responsible in their schools as principals, and that according to the existing rules they are all paid only third-grade salary regardless of qualification or efficiency, steps will be immediately taken to make sonic adequate provision for this large body of Irish teachers in the new grant. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The initial salary of national school teachers is for

To ask the Secretary for Scotland if he has any information to the effect that trawlers working in the Moray Firth sometimes obtain hauls of salmon; and, if so, whether he has received any complaints to this effect. (Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) The only information at my disposal will be found on pages 76–7 of the Appendices to Part II. of the Fishery Board's Report for 1905. I have received no complaints. men £56 and for women £44, together with residual capitation grant in each case. I am in communication with the Commissioners of National Education with the object of arranging for the allocation of the new grant in such a manner as will ensure some benefit to all classes of teachers, assistants included.

To ask the Postmaster-General what are the respective units of work and cost of living at Brentford, Chiswick, Acton, Richmond, Twickenham, Southall, Kingston, Wimbledon, Woolwich, Blackheath, and Hanwell. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The following is the information asked for:—

To ask the Secretary for Scotland if he can state whether any, and, if so, what, decision has been arrived at in the matter of stationing a fishery cruiser at Longhope. (Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) I am not aware that the question of having a cruiser stationed at Longhope has ever been proposed or considered. The number of cruisers at the disposal of the Board is not sufficient to permit of one or them being detailed for duty at this place in particular.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the Grimsby-Norwegian trawler "Viking" was recently detected trawling within the three-mile limit off Lybster, Caithness, and whether, in order to prevent a repetition of this offence, he can see his way to station a fishery cruiser in this neighbouhood. (Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) I am aware that the trawler "Viking" was recently detected employed in trawling within the three-mile limit off Lybster, and that the case has been reported for prosecution; it is not practicable to station a fishery cruiser off Lybster, but frequent visits to the coast of Caithness are made.

To ask the Postmaster-General what was the extent in money of the contracts placed for uniforms, clothing, caps, etc., for use in his Department in Scotland in the year 1907; and how much of that sum was placed with Scottish firms having their premises in Scotland. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) Separate contracts are not made for the stores of this kind required in Scotland. Their cost in 1907–8 was about £21,000. The sums paid for such stores to firms in Scotland was about £3,200, but these stores of Scottish manufacture would be used anywhere in the United Kingdom, not necessarily in Scotland.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether his Department makes separate contracts with Welsh firms for tailoring, boots, waterproofs, etc., for postmen employed in Wales. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) No, Sir.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the names of the prisons in which manufacturing is carried on; what articles are made in each; and which, if any, employ steam power. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) Manufacturing is carried on in all the prisons in England and Wales, a list of which, and of the various employments, and industries carried on in each, is given in the Annual Report of the Commissioners of Prisons and Directors of Convict Prisons for the year ending 31st March, 1907. Steam power in connection with manufactures is used at Portland convict prison only, for cutting handstones for the Admiralty.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the building bye-laws submitted by the borough of Hornsey have yet been approved; and, if not, whether they will be approved before the Recess. (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) The bye-laws would have been confirmed last month but for a request from an objector, who asked for the confirmation to be postponed while he consulted various sanitary experts. He has now written sending copies of the Reports of the experts, and the Board are communicating with the town council on the subject with a view to an early settlement of the matter.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if the delay in approaching other Powers in connection with Foreign vessels trawling in the Moray Firth arises from the attitude of the English Board of Agriculture and Fisheries; and if the policy of the Scottish Fishery Board and the Irish Board with regard to closing areas against trawling meets with the approval of the English Board. (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) The policy to be adopted in this matter involves international considerations, and must be determined by the Government from the point of view of the United Kingdom as a whole. Communications with respect to it are proceeding as rapidly as possible between the various Departments concerned, but I am not in a position to add anything to the statements recently made by my right hon. friends the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary for Scotland.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Board of Fisheries desires the creation of one Board of Fisheries for the whole of the United Kingdom. (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) The Answer is in the negative.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether in its amended form the Irish Universities Bill contains proposals which would enable the senate of the Royal University of Ireland, or its successors, to continue to hold the examinations of that University over a period as long as may be thought reasonably required in order to afford due opportunities for undergraduates of that University to complete their academic degrees. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I would refer my hon. friend to the Answer which I gave on 29th June to a similar Question put by the hon. Member for East Kerry.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners will give the date upon which Mr. John J. Therry, junior, became a judicial tenant of the three evicted farms on the Grehan estate, Kildorrery, County Cork; whether a fair rent was fixed in the Land Court or by a private arrangement with his father, Mr. John Therry, agent to the estate, and what are the terms; whether, seeing that Mr. John Therry, junior, lives over twenty miles away from these farms, and in another county, and does not use or cultivate them as ordinary farms in accordance with proper methods of husbandry, the Estates Commissioners will make further inquiries into all the circumstances with a view to the reinstatement of the tenants who have been evicted from these holdings; and when were the tenants in question evicted. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I am informed that an agreement and declaration, fixing a fair rent in this case, was lodged with the Land Commission on 4th November, 1903, the name of the tenant being John Therry, junior. The Estates Commissioners are of opinion that the lands could not he acquired compulsorily under the Evicted Tenants Act, but they are prepared to consider any representations to the contrary which may be made to them. The former tenants appear to have been evicted in 1890 and 1894.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether Mr. Patrick Lavery, of Ballyline, Ballylongford, as representing John Lavery, an evicted tenant, has made an application to the Estates Commissioners for reinstatement; and, if so, with what result. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Esstates Commissioners have fully invest-gated this case, and have decided to take no action upon the application.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many libraries have been established in Ireland by local authorities under the Acts of 1855 and 1902. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I am not in a position to furnish a complete Answer to the Question. The Local Government Board have a record of the cases in which loans have been sanctioned for the erection of libraries since 1900, in which year the power of sanctioning such loans was given to the Board. In many cases libraries have been erected by private beneficence and no loan was necessary.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give the names of the two destroyers bought by the Government to take the places of two ships lost, and with the names of the ones they replace; and whether they equal them in strength.

The purchase of two vessels is not yet completed, as the necessary trials have not yet been carried out to ascertain fully their capabilities. They are to replace the "Gala" and "Tiger." If the trials are satisfactory, it is considered they will not be less suitable for the service than the vessels they are to replace. Their names are not yet determined.

Are these the vessels mentioned in last night's debate as having been bought?

Yes, but they will not be taken over unless the trials prove satisfactory.

Then they have been bought?

Certainly.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the class which provides officers for the Navy is less than one-twentieth part of the total population, and that those families which formerly supplied the engineer officers are now totally debarred from doing so because of their inability to pay the cost of training and maintenance of their sons at Osborne and Dartmouth; and will he consider the advisability of reducing the demands of the Treasury upon the parents and guardians of naval cadets in order to put a stop to this state of affairs.

I think my hon. friend should address his inquiries on this subject to my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty.

And if I put the Question to the First Lord he simply radiates pleasure and advises me to consult the Treasury.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, having regard to the importance of having a complete census taken of all suitable horses in the United Kingdom before any scheme with respect to the encouragement of horse-breeding for Army purposes is formulated, whether the Government propose to undertake such a census, and when.

It is hoped that the County Associations will be able to supply all the required information without resorting to a general census. The Government do not, therefore, propose to consider the question of taking such a census until the Associations have been proved to be unable to produce the in formation.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what means the County Associations have of obtaining this information?

The matter is new to them. We have had a considerable number of communications from them as to their willingness to do all they can to furnish us with information as to the number of horses available.

Do they hold out any hope that they will be able to supply the Government with an effective census?

That will be a matter of experience. I think it is only natural that we should see what we can get from the Associations.

Will not the Government reconsider their decision and attempt themselves to get this very necessary information?

I think it would be better to wait and see what the County Associations can do.

Will the Government make any grant towards the expenses of the County Association in carrying this out?

Have the War Office received any complaints from those who lent horses to the War Office for camping purposes that they experienced great delay in securing payment?

That hardly arises out of the Question on the Paper.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that there is abundant land to build on opposite the part of Woolwich Common he proposes to take; and whether, in the interest of the public, he will consider the possibility of taking this land instead of that proposed to be taken, and thus leave the public the use of the common they have always enjoyed.

I can assure my hon. friend that before the present site for the Royal Army Medical Corps building was finally selected, all possible suitable sites were duly considered; the proposal to build on Eltham Common being dropped in deference to public opinion. In the case of the site now selected the erect1on of a building behind the reservoir will not in any appreciable degree interfere with the amenities of the district, special care being taken not to remove the trees.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Woolwich Common is the only recreation ground for Woolwich and Plumstead, with a population of 150,000, and as there are other places which can be used for these buildings will he leave the Common alone?

The Common is the freehold of the War Office, and we are careful in view of the fact stated by the hon. Member not to take more of the land than is absolutely necessary.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can state the number of people who have died from plague in India during the last year; and what steps have been taken to deal with this scourge.

In the year ending 31st December last the number of deaths from plague was 1,204,194. If the twelve months ending 30th. June, 1908, be taken, the number was 252,781, showing a very satisfactory decrease. Some account of the measures now adopted in combatting plague is given in the Return recently presented on the moral and material progress of India for the year 1906–7. They include the destruction of rats, the evacuation of infected quarters, the improvement of insanitary areas, and inoculation. Grants aggregating £200,000 a year have been made to Local Governments in this year's Budget for expenditure on sanitary improvements with special reference to the prevention of plague.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider 250,000 deaths a matter which can be deemed a source of satisfaction?

Yes, because taking the whole year the mortality has been steadily decreasing.

Can the hon. Gentleman supply the corresponding figures for the previous year, showing the increase or decrease as the ease may be?

Certainly.

Is it not the fact that plague has now been going on for eleven years, and has it not been fomented by the serum which the plague officers have distributed in places which have been free from it?

Unfortunately it has been going on a long time, but at present it is steadily declining, owing to the action of the plague officers.

Is not the poverty of the people the real cause of the plague?

I do not think that can be substantiated. It is one of the redeeming features of the situation that plague does not follow famine. It prevails mostly in the more well-to-do parts of India, and not in famine districts.

asked if the total of 1,204,194 was not under ½ per cent. of the population—

That leads to a matter of argument.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the mortality from plague in India, for the period during which the epidemic has prevailed, works out to an average of about 2·135 per 1,000 of the population; whether the mortality from tuberculosis in the United Kingdom last reported was abort 1·6 per 1,000 of the population; whether, having regard to the general rates of mortality prevailing amongst Eastern populations, the death rate from plague in India implies any greater failure to stay its ravages on the part of the Government of India than may be established against the administrators of this country for the high death rate resulting from tuberculosis; and whether he will take steps to make known the efforts made in India to diminish the death rate from plague.

The first figure given by the hon. Member is approximately correct, but the two averages quoted cannot in the Secretary of State's opinion be compared in the manner suggested. The steps taken to combat plague have already been made generally known through the Moral and Material Progress Report, and by other published statements.

Is there any reason to suppose the Government of India have been neglectful of their obligations in this important matter?

The figures show, on the contrary, that they have been very active indeed.

Is it not the fact that previous plagues have generally been got rid of in seven months, whereas owing to the active operations of the Government this one has lasted eleven years?

Is it not the case that the severity of the plague is greater in Bombay Presidency than anywhere else, and does not that district suffer from a continual famine?

As I have said, I do not think the connection between plague and famine can be substantiated. The figures point the other way. The plague has been most prevalent in the Punjab. The figures show perfectly clearly that the plague does not follow in the footsteps of famine.

Are not the chief factors in the reduction of plague in India the destruction of vermin and improved sanitation?

Yes, Sir.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Secretary of State is in possession of any information enabling him to fix the probable date of the termination of the preliminary examination of Dinizulu, or whether any definite charge has yet been formulated against that chief.

No, Sir, I regret that up to the present it has not been possible to fix a definite date. If the prisoner is committed for trial the indictment will, of course, formulate definite charges.

Is it not the fact that this preliminary examination has been going on for upwards of seven months, and that 100 witnesses have been examined on behalf of the prosecution?

Yes, the examination has been going on for a long time, and a great number of witnesses have been examined; but at present it is not possible to say when this prolonged examination will be concluded.

Have any witnesses for this man's defence been examined?

As soon as the case for the prosecution it? concluded witnesses for the defence will be called.

Have any definite charges been formulated?

A great many charges have been brought, but definite charges have not been and will not be formulated until he is committed for trial, which is uncertain.

Has this preliminary investigation to decide as to this man's guilt or innocence?

At present it is uncertain whether he is guilty or innocent; this is a preliminary investigation into various charges.

But the hon. Gentleman said witnesses would be called for the defence.

Yes, after those for the prosecution.

Is there any precedent in Colonial affairs for a preliminary examination lasting over seven months?

I cannot say definitely, but I believe this is a very exceptional case.

Is the gift of self-government to the Transvaal to be counterbalanced by the withdrawal of self-government from Natal?

No, and I do not think that question arises.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a Bill has been introduced into the Natal Legislature for the purpose of d creating a special tribunal for the trial of Dinizulu; and, if so, with whom, under that Bill, rests the power of appointing y the Judges to form the tribunal; and n whether the law administered, and the rules of evidence applied, will be those in force in the Supreme Court of Natal.

The Bill has not yet been introduced and I am not, therefore, in a position to make any announcement. I hope, however, to be able to make a full statement before long.

Is it not the general opinion of Members of e the House that the conduct of the prosecution of Dinizulu is vindictive and tyrannical to a degree, as well as absolutely abhorrent and contrary to the whole spirit of English justice?

The hon. Member b has possibly more knowledge than I of the opinions of hon. Members.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement as to the experiments which have been undertaken in cotton-growing in Australia; and whether this industry is likely to develop in the Commonwealth.

My information is that cotton-growing has been tried on a small scale in Queensland, but so far without marked success. The area under cotton during the season 1905–6, viz.: 171 acres, had fallen by 1906–7 to 138 acres. Hopes are entertained that with the invention of a mechanical device for the picking of the cotton the industry will become firmly established, since the soil and conditions appear eminently suitable for the growth of this crop. Small areas in the Northern Territory have also been planted with cotton, while the tropical portions of Western Australia have long been regarded as suitable for its cultivation.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether at the opening of the Transvaal Parliament the Governor made a speech referring to the condition of the gold mining industry, and the effect upon it of the policy of repatriating the Chinese labourers; and whether he has official information of what was said by Lord Selborne on that occasion.

Yes, Sir. The speech contains the following statement: "The policy as regards indentured Chinese labourers which was adopted last session has been justified by complete success. Since March, 1907, and up to the end of May last, 31,157 Chinese labourers had already been repatriated, while the number of native labourers coming from all parts of South Africa to the mines has been and continues to be more than sufficient for all requirements. It is satisfactory also to note that while the gold output has been steadily increasing, the cost of mining has been undergoing steady reductions, and as a result of the efforts of the Government and of the leaders of the mining industry, that industry is to-day on a sounder basis than ever before, both as regards its present position and further expansion."

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if a protest has been received from the unofficial members of the Legislative Council of Port-of-Spain against the appointment of a Government director in connection with the Trinidad Dock and Engineering Company, Limited, at a salary of £250 per annum, such salary being paid by the Government; whether such director was recently pensioned on the ground of ill-health and the Finance Committee unanimously passed a resolution against such an appointment, but the Secretary of State made the appointment without their consent, intimating that it must be endorsed, if necessary, by the use of the official majority; and, if so, will lie state what action, if any, the Government intend to take with a view to more respect being paid to the wishes of the direct representatives of the people.

The protest referred to has just been received. Pend- ing the Secretary of State's consideration of the protest, and the return of a reply to the unofficial members of Council, it would be premature to make a statement on the subject in this House.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the great dissatisfaction and disappointment caused by this overruling of the unanimous decision of the Finance Committee by the official Vote?

It would be inadvisable for me to make any partial statement now. I hope to be able to make a full one in a few days.

Is it not the fact that the Government made it a condition of their co-operation in the establishment of this dock that they should have this official voting power?

I can add nothing to my Answer.

I beg to ask the Undersecretary for the Colonies when he will lay upon the Table the promised Papers with reference to the recent suspensions from the Legislative Council in East Africa.

Papers will be laid at the end of this week.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a loan from the St. Vincent eruption fund for the purpose of clearing volcanic ashes from the Carib Canal has twice been recommended by him to the Governor of the Windward Islands, with the concurrence of the Administrator of St. Vincent and the Legislative Council; whether the I Governor stated that, in his opinion, the decision to refuse sanction for the loan should be reconsidered in the interests of the island; whether the Administrator concurred in this opinion; and whether, if so, he will now reconsider his decision. I beg also to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his suggestion that a loan, not exceeding £5,000, should be made from the surplus revenue of St. Vincent for the purpose of re-opening the Carib Canal has been favourably received by the Governor of the Windward Islands, the Administrator of St. Vincent, the Legislative Council, and the community; and, if not, whether he still insists on it as preferable to a loan from the eruption fund.

It is true that the grant of a loan from the eruption fund has twice been recommended by the Governor of the Windward Islands, with the concurrence of the Administrator of St. Vincent, though we have not been informed that the Legislative Council also concurred. The Secretary of State has not yet received a reply to his telegram, agreeing, on certain conditions, to a loan from surplus revenue. He does not, however, propose to depart from the decision of his predecessor, in which he has already expressed his concurrence, that the invested portion of the eruption fund should be held as a reserve against future disaster and should not be invested locally.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider it a serious interference with the wishes of the Colonies not to pursue the course unanimously suggested by the Governor, the local Administrator, and the Legislative Council, and approved by all members of the community?

I cannot say it is approved by all Members of the community. No doubt it would be to the advantage of some but in the view of the Secretary of State and his predecessor it would not be to the advantage of others.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Chief Constables there are in the Metropolitan districts; how many of these have been raised from the ranks; what were the qualifications of those who hold these-positions which caused them to be preferred to those who have spent their lives at the business; and whether he will in future, in making these appointments, refrain from bringing in outsiders unless it is impossible to find suitable candidates among those already in the force.

There are live Chief Constables in the Metropolitan Police district, none of whom has been raised from the ranks. Their qualifications, for their duties were acquired in His Majesty's service at home and abroad. As regards future appointments, I can only say that, in the event of a vacancy, I shall not limit the area of my choice, but shall appoint the person who, in my opinion, is best filled to fill the post.

May I ask if under the regime of the present Government the promotions from the ranks have been more numerous?

reply was inaudible.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the average hours of duty of warders in. convict prisons, reckoned on the basis of a working week of six days and calculated from the figures given in the official standing orders, are eleven hours-ten minutes per day exclusive of meal times; and whether, it view of this fact, he will take steps to remedy the grievance by creating a third division of warders to relieve the duties of the existing staff.

The longest average hours of duty of warders in convict prisons reckoned on the basis of a working fortnight of twelve days and calculated as above are ten hours thirty-three minutes. It is impossible to give an average reckoned on a weekly basis, as the hours vary in alternate weeks. The Directors have not heard of any alleged grievance.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has observed that, by the Return relating to the licence transfers just issued, out of a total number of 6,960 on-licences in the petty sessional divisions of London, 1,637 such licences, or 23·5 per cent, of the total, were transferred during the year 1907, and that 160 cases occurred in these districts where such licences were transferred twice or more during the period; and whether the police have instructions to call the attention of licensing benches to cases where the frequency of transfer would suggest the inference that the licence is not required.

I am aware of the figures to which my hon. friend draws attention. I do not think any special instructions to the police in this matter are needed. All the facts as to frequency of transfers are in each case before the Justices, who are the authority to determine whether a licence is redundant, and who can draw their own inferences from them.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been directed to the statements of Mr. J. W. Logan, who was for many years a Member of this House, that the ladies, of whom his daughter is one, who were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment in connection with the agitation for woman suffrage, are placed in solitary confinement for twenty-three hours out of the twenty-four, have prison dress, have coarse prison food to eat, are not allowed to have letters or books or newspapers, except one book a week from the prison library, which they are not allowed to read until after 5 p.m., and that the one hour out of the twenty-four in which they are not in solitary confinement is spent half in chapel and the remaining half at exercise in a yard where they are not allowed to speak to any person; in what respects, if any, does this punishment differ from the prison discipline enforced on prisoners guilty of heinous crimes; how many ladies are at present subject to this treat ment for offences of a political character which has been inflicted on them in the discretion of a magistrate; and whether he will in these cases advise the exercise of the prerogative of the Crown for the removal or reduction of the cruel and humiliating incidents of such an imprisonment.

The prisoners are treated as all other prisoners in the second division. They are in separate confinement for about twenty-two and a half hours out of the twenty-four, one hour being given to exercise and about half an hour to chapel; they wear the authorised dress for the second division; are given the same diet as offenders of the first division who do not maintain themselves; they are not allowed to converse with each other, nor to receive letters until they have been in prison one month. They are allowed two library books a week. They may read these at meal hours and after working hours. This punishment differs from that of prisoners "convicted of heinous crimes" in the following particulars: The diet of the latter is not so good, and for the first seven days not so plentiful. They are not allowed letters until they have served two months, and they are not allowed library books until they have served one month, and then only one per week. They are not altogether separated from other criminals. There were twenty-one of the suffragist prisoners yesterday, but as any of them can secure their release at any time by giving security for good behaviour, I cannot say whether the number is the same now. I cannot advise the exercise of the prerogative of mercy.

Are these ladies, whom the right hon. Gentleman has termed criminals, compelled to wear prison clothes formerly worn by ordinary women criminals?

They are under the rules which govern the second division.

Have they not, as a matter of fact, worn the cast-off clothes of other prisoners?

I really cannot quite say. Of course, new clothing cannot be supplied to all the prisoners who come in, but every care is taken that the clothing should be supplied in a state of perfect cleanliness.

Are these ladies obliged to take whatever exercise they get practically in association with those who have been convicted of ordinary criminal offences?

That is not the case. They are kept apart from ordinary criminals.

Do they have a separate exercise ground or simply march round with the other inmates of the prison?

They are carefully kept from association with the ordinary prisoners.

Has the right hon. Gentleman reason to believe that any one of these ladies has herself made a complaint?

I have received no complaint myself from any one of them.

What good object is served by limiting the number of books allowed to these ladies?

That is a Question that might be asked in regard to the general prison rules, and I am not at all satisfied that the rule is adequate, but I do not think the question necessarily arises now.

Are the books given to these ladies only such books as are in the prison library—goody-goody Sunday-school books?

May I ask——

Order, order. Notice must be given of any further Questions.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a telegram sent to him on Thursday from Mr. Collinson, the honorary secretary of the Humanitarian League, directing his attention to a sentence of imprisonment for twelve months with hard labour and twelve lashes, passed by Mr. Justice Bigham at the Newcastle Assizes, on a man named Rogerson, under the provisions of the Garrotting Act; whether the punishment of the lash has yet been inflicted; if so, whether he has investigated the circumstances of the crime,, and satisfied himself that the case is one in which it would be improper to advise the exercise of the prerogative of the Crown for the remission of the punishment of flogging; whether, if the flogging has not yet been inflicted, he will investigate the circumstances with a view to its remission if consistent with the interests of justice; and whether, having regard to the fact that the punishment of the lash is confined to one class of crime, is at all times in the discretion of the judge, and is never-ordered by the great majority of the Judges, he will in cases in which prisoners are sentenced to such punishment consider the facts of the case with a view, if possible, to the remission of the punishment.

My attention, has been drawn to this case, and I have made inquiry, with the result that I find that there are no grounds which would justify the exercise of the prerogative. The prisoner can, under the-Criminal Appeal Act, apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to appeal against his sentence. In this, as in other cases, the order for corporal punishment will not be carried out till after the lapse of the ten days during which the prisoner can make his application. While I am ready to consider any representations that may be made to me for the exercise of the prerogative on behalf of prisoners sentenced to corporal punishment, it would, in my opinion, be improper, having regard to the provisions of the Criminal Appeal Act of last session, to take the action suggested by the hon. and learned Member.

Has the punishment yet been inflicted?

I believe not.

You ought to know.

I am giving the hon. Member what information I have.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the police seized a box into which the public were throwing money for the unemployed in Hyde Park on Monday evening; and whether the box and its contents will be restored to the men.

Yes, Sir; a collection of money was being made in contravention of the Park Regulations, which forbid such collections being made without the leave of the Commissioners of Works. As the collectors persisted after warning by the police, the latter, in the execution of their duty, siezed the box. A case is pending in Court in connection with this incident, and the magistrate dealing with it will be asked to give 'instructions as to the disposal of the money, which amounts to 9s. 4d.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on different dates since January, 1905, six children have been drowned at the Barnes side of the Thames, near Hammersmith Bridge, through accidents which might have been avoided by proper protection of the river bank; and whether, as the place named is continually used by playing children, his Department can, through the Thames Conservancy, take immediate action effectively to guard against a continuance of these cases of drowning.

I have ascertained from the Home Office that six children have been drowned at the spot indicated since January, 1905, and that the police have been instructed to pay every attention to the place, particularly in school holiday time, with a view to preventing further fatalities, though it is doubtful whether anything short of the provision of a wall or railing on this somewhat steep embankment will make it safe. The Thames Conservancy inform me that they are under no obligation to fence towpaths to prevent people falling into the river, but they are ready to give the local authority permission to construct protective works, provided these do not interfere with the use of the towpath or navigation.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been specially directed to the Report, published on Saturday by his Department, made by Captain A. P. Trotter, relating to his inquiry into the fire which broke out recently in an electric carriage on the Liverpool and Southport Railway, and, having in view the liability to such fires inseparable from all electrically-driven railway carriages, what regulations have been made for the protection of the public from the consequences which might ensue from any such fire upon any of the London passenger railway tubes; and whether a copy of such regulations has been ordered to be publicly-exhibited at the stations of all such railways for public information and assurance.

The Board of Trade have made special requirements regarding the construction of tube railways with the object of guarding against the risk of fire. These requirements, however, relate to materials, ventilation, insulation, lighting and such matters, and a knowledge of them by passengers would not, I think, add to safety. I may add that hydrants and fire, hose are fixed on every platform, and fire extinguishers are carried in every carriage. Copies of Mr. Trotter's Report have been sent to the railway companies which have adopted electric traction.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any official information showing that a group of capitalists in America have formed a combination called the Beef Trust to control the beef supply of that country, which has been the subject of official investigation by the United States Senate, that that combination has secured control of four-fifths of the imports of beef into this country, and is now in process of securing, by acquiring the means of retail distribution, the same control of the beef supply here that the Beef Trust has already secured in America; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any, and, if any, what, action in the matter.

I am aware of the official report of the United States Commissioner of Corporations (published in 1905) as to the operations of the six firms constituting what is known as the "Beef Trust," and I am also aware that these firms deal with a large proportion of the imports of beef into the United Kingdom. The operations of these firms in regard to the supply of this country are receiving the careful attention of His Majesty's Government.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the facts he has stated constitute a prima facie for an inquiry by a Select Committee?

No; as at present advised, I have not arrived at that conclusion. The matter, however, is receiving constant attention.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of meeting the evil effects of this trust, the Government will not take into consideration the advisability of allowing cattle to be imported from countries where there is no cattle disease?

That is a question of much delicacy, and I fear I could not do justice to it within the limits of an answer.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that by the casting vote of the chairman of the Eye Guardians the Press representatives were excluded from the last meeting of the Board, after the chairman stating that it was undesirable to give persons an opportunity of advertising themselves; and whether he will inquire if the exclusion prevented publicity respecting the punishment of a girl suffering from a contagious disease, and the overworking and ill-treatment of female inmates.

I understand that at the meeting referred to the representatives of the Press were, by the casting vote of the chairman, asked to withdraw during the reading of the correspondence only. They were informed that it was competent to them to return immediately the correspondence had been dealt with, but they did not avail themselves of this permission. Had they done so, they would have been present when the punishment book was under discussion. The clerk informs me that their exclusion did not prevent publicity respecting the matters mentioned by my hon. friend, that no question of ill-treatment of any inmates was referred to, and that he is not aware of the existence of any such question.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the habitual disregard of the provisions of the Motor Act and the impossibility of enforcing its provisions, he will consider whether it would be desirable to omit the Act from the operation of the Expiring Laws Continuance Act.

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this Question. The effect of omitting the Motor Car Act, 1903, from the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill would practically be to restore matters to the position in which they stood prior to the passing of that Act. It was the unsatisfactory condition of things then existing that led to the legislation of 1903, and I do not I think the suggestion of my hon. friend could practically be adopted. I may point out that, if it were, motor cars could still be used on the highways, but they would be freed from any statutory limit of speed, and that it would no longer be necessary that they should be registered and carry identification marks, or that the drivers should be licensed. The penalties to which offenders would be liable would also be lessened.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if there had been no Motor Car Act motor cars would have been limited to a speed of twelve miles an hour, and that under present conditions the law is openly and systematically violated by persons in high stations?

I have nothing to add to the Answer I have given, except to say that both the Home Secretary and myself are quite prepared to consider sympathetically any representations with a view to our actions when they emanate from local authorities, who are responsible, and who, so far, have taken very little action in the matter.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has any information as to the probable date when the Report of the Royal Commission on the Poor Law may be expected; and, if so, whether there is any reasonable ground for expecting that it may be presented by the time that Parliament reassembles in October or during that month.

My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I stated on 20th May last that the Royal Commission hoped they might be able to present their Report in the autumn, but that it was impossible to give a precise date by which it would be issued. I have since made further inquiry on the subject, but I cannot add anything to what I then stated.

I will repeat the Question very shortly.

I beg to ask the Postmaster- General whether he is aware that our postal authorities despatch all British parcel mails for Ecuador via the Straits of Magellan, a route of over 10,600 miles, and the average time for this mail is eighty-five days, while, if this parcel mail was despatched by the Isthmus of Panama, a distance of 5,600 miles, it would be delivered in Ecuador in twenty-five days; whether he is aware that the present arrangement gives foreigners an advantage over British manufacturers because goods are ordered from countries where rapid transit can be ensured; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.

All parcels from the United Kingdom for Ecuador are sent by way of France pending the conclusion of an Agreement for a direct service, as to which I have for some time been awaiting a further communication from the Government of Ecuador. The route via Panama is, so far as I am aware, available for parcels sent from this country to France for transmission to Ecuador; and a notification to this effect appears in the Post Office Guide. I am making inquiry of the French Administration whether any obstacle has arisen to the use of this route, and I will acquaint my hon. friend with the result. I should add that the time taken via Magellan is less and that via Colon is more than the hon. Member supposes.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to the anomalies in parcel post charges from Great Britain and Ireland to our Colonial possessions and to foreign countries; whether parcels to Canada of three pounds weight cost 1s. 8d., while to India the same parcel can be sent at a charge of 1s., also by parcel post; whether goods from Germany and other foreign countries can be sent by parcel post to Great Britain and to our Colonies at a considerably lower rate than from the United Kingdom to foreign countries and our Colonial possessions; and whether he will agree to the appointment of a Select Committee of business men in the House of Commons to inquire and report on the question of foreign, inland, and Colonial parcel post charges.

I am aware that the parcel post scales are not free from anomalies, and I have for some time been considering whether and what improvements can be effected. But in many cases the charge is determined by the special circumstances of the country concerned. I do not see that any advantage would be gained by the appointment of a Select Committee.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing, the President of the Board of Agriculture, when the interim Report of the Small Holdings Commissioners, which he hoped would be ready early in July, will be laid upon the Table.

The Report is in a forward state of preparation, and I hope it may be found possible to issue it at the end of the month. Its preparation has involved greater labour than was originally anticipated.

Will it be ready before the holidays.

I cannot say. There is, I believe, a great deal still to be done.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether, in the case of every applicant who can satisfy either the council of the county or the Commissioners that he has sufficient capital and experience to manage a small holding, the Commissioners will say that, within a reasonable period from the date of his application, he will have the opportunity of obtaining land in or near his own locality at what is approximately the market price of such land, after allowing only for the cost of equipment and management.

I can only say that it will be the duty of the Commissioners and of the Board to see that the provisions of the Act are carried out in their integrity.

If an individual applicant fails to satisfy the county council on this point, has he a right of appeal?

I cannot answer a hypothetical Question.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what is the number of applications which have been sent direct to the Commissioners under the Small Holdings Act.

2,360.

Then what has happened to the others? 18,000 applications, I understood, had been made.

The Question is as to the number of applications made direct to the Commissioners. The rest, over 16,000, have been made direct to the various county councils, which is the best way.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what is the total number of persons who have made applications for land under the Small Holdings Act; how many of these applications have been considered; how many applicants have withdrawn their applications or failed to attend the local inquiry; how many applicants have been rejected as unsuitable; how many applications are covered by schemes already submitted to the Commissioners; how many applications are standing over until suitable land can be obtained; and whether the Commissioners have yet decided to establish a record containing full particulars of all applications made.

So far as the Board are aware 19,647 applications have been received. We do not as yet possess full information on the other points to which my hon. friend refers, inasmuch as several councils have not yet completed their inquiries, but on receipt of Reports from all the county councils of their proceedings under the Act the Board will for all practical purposes be in possession of full particulars of all applications made.

Is there any intention of establishing a record of the applications made?

No, Sir. The President of the Board of Agriculture does not intend to establish a separate register, but when the returns come in from the various county councils they would constitute an effective list.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of applications are not made owing to the hours at which the meetings of the sub-committee are held? Will he consider some means of giving an opportunity——

That is another matter altogether. Notice had better be given.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what is the total number of persons specially appointed under Clause 1 of the Small Holdings Act, whether as Commissioners or assistants, for the purpose of ascertaining the extent of the demand for small holdings in England and Wales and the extent to which it is reasonably practicable to satisfy it.

Six.

was understood to suggest that that was a small number in view of the extent of the demand for small holdings in England and Wales.

Are there two Commissioners and four Assistant Commissioners?

There are two Commissioners and four inspectors doing the work.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Board will direct that no part of the expenses incurred by a county council in ascertaining the demand for and under the Small Holdings Act and the suitability of applicants can legally be included in expenses of management, so as to increase the rent of the holdings; and whether he can say what arrangements the Board propose to make for the payment of these preliminary expenses. I beg also to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Board will direct that the salaries of all agents and officers specially appointed by county councils to assist in the establishment of small holdings under the Act should be apportioned up to the date at which such holdings are actually established; and whether the portion of the salary up to that date will be repaid by the Board.

The Board have no reason to suppose that county councils in fixing the rents to be paid by small holders will act otherwise than in conformity with the Act, and they see no necessity for the issue of any special instructions in the matter. The manner in which the expenses of county councils (other than those which are either repayable by the Board or must be taken into account in fixing rents) should be met is under consideration.

Do the Commissioners say it is impossible to charge the expenses of management against the small holders until the small holdings have been established?

They have made no statement as far as I am aware. It is their duty to see that the Act is carried out.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether steps are being token to test the legality of the poll taken on 24th June, 1908, with regard to the conversion of the Royal London Friendly Society into a mutual insurance company; and whether the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies will undertake that the resolutions in favour of conversion said to have been carried by such poll shall not take effect until the legality of the poll has been established.

We have no power to take steps to test the legality of the poll of a meeting of any friendly society, neither has the Chief Registrar of friendly societies any jurisdiction as to the legality of the poll, which is a matter that can only be settled by an action in the King's Bench Division of the High Court. He has, however, to be satisfied that the resolutions of such meetings have been passed in accordance with the provisions of the Friendly Societies Act before he can give effect to them.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the action of Judge Ruegg at Tunstall, who upon application from an old man who was receiving compensation at the rate of 12s. 6d. a week converted that annuity into a lump sum of £20 and a reduced annuity of 9s. 6d. a week in order to enable the applicant to obtain a pension under the Bill recently before this House; whether that Bill contains any provisions which will either render penal or neutralise the effect of such arrangements for increasing the burden upon the taxpayers; and, if not, whether he will introduce Amendments to the Bill in another place dealing with the matter.

Clause 4 (3) of the Bill is designed to "neutralise the effect" of such arrangements as that referred to in the Question.

Will that clause be retrospective in action?

I cannot answer for the moment.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he can yet say when he will appoint the Departmental Committee to inquire into the working of the Inebriates Acts in Scotland.

I hope very shortly.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a memorial from the people of Valtos, Uig, Island of Lewis, directing attention to the failure of the fishing industry and pressing for the establishment of relief works, such as the construction of roads, which are badly needed in the district; and will he state what action he proposes to take in the matter.

The petition referred to by my hon. friend has been received and has been referred to the Congested Districts Board. It is now under consideration.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a memorial from the Cottars and Crofters Association, Uig, Island of Lewis, pointing out that there is land in the parish now used as sheep ranches and deer forests sufficient for the settlement of 1,800 families; and, in view of the fact that this land was formerly in the occupation of small holders, will the Congested Districts Board communicate with the proprietor with a view to some arrangement being arrived at by which the land may be made available, for the people.

This is the same memorial referred to by my hon. friend in his previous Question. It is receiving consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the Question?

I can add nothing to the Answer I have given.

A most unsatisfactory Answer.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he will state in how many instances local authorities in Scotland have applied for powers to regulate the speed of motors cars in their districts; and will he state whether he would favour local authorities being empowered to limit speed in their districts without appeal to the Scottish Office.

Eighty-four applications have been received from local authorities. As regards the second part of my hon. friend's Question, I cannot anticipate the decision which His Majesty's Government may reach when an opportunity for legislation occurs.

Have any applications for power been refused?

I will inquire.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland in view of the fact that, in order to meet the immediate necessities of poor relief in the Island of Lewis, certain payments in advance of grants-in-aid, not under ordinary circumstances payable till later in the year, have been authorised, will he state the actual amount of such payments, and to whom they were made; and will he state the amount of the demand note the non-payment of which has necessitated special assistance from the Government.

Advance payments have been made as follows:—1908. 16th May: to Inspector of Poor, Uig, £100; 19th June, to Inspector of Poor, Barvas, £150; 19th June: to Inspector of Poor, Lochs, £150; 11th July: to Inspector of Poor, Uig, £150. With reference to the second part of my hon. friend's Question I am taking steps to ascertain the precise amount of the demand notes in respect of which payment has not been made.

I will repeat the Question this day week.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the manner in which Justice of the Peace Courts are constituted in Scotland, and to the fact that certain Justices are constantly called thereto, while others are never at any time asked to attend; will he say who is responsible for the choice of Justices to sit on the Bench at any particular time; and will he issue instructions by which the work will be more equally divided.

No expressions of any dissatisfaction with the existing state of matters have reached me. But I may explain to my hon. friend that the procedure and attendance at Justice of the Peace Courts are subject to the regulation of the Justices themselves. All the responsibility for the arrangements and sittings rests with them, and I could not assume any power on the subject.

Is it possible under the present system for a Justice of the Peace Clerk to pack a Bench if he feels so inclined?

I should not like to say that was possible in any Court in Scotland. May I suggest to my hon. friend that now I have given him the cue he should in any case that comes to his notice apply to the Clerk of the Peace in whose jurisdiction it arises.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Local Government Board have been made aware of the fact that, following the recent inquiry in Charleville in March under the Labourers Acts, forty-two applications for the extra half-acre out of 104 approved by the district council were rejected by the inspector, and that dissatisfaction prevails amongst the deserving labourers of the district owing to the large number of rejections; is the Board aware that the reason assigned by the inspector for the rejection of these forty-two applications is that the present plots were badly kept; that the forty-two rejected applications include those of Messrs. T. Moffit, M. Ryan, P. Cagney, J. Collins, J. O'Gorman, and several others whose plots are considered, as model plots by the judges who inspected them on behalf of the Munster Dairy School, and Agricultural Institute; that Mr. T. Moffit secured a first prize in 1906, and a second prize in 1907, for a well-kept garden, and Mr. M. Ryan a first prize of first class on similar grounds; and whether, in view of these facts, the Board will re-open the inquiry, or take other requisite steps to prevent industrious deserving labourers being deprived of the advantages given to Irish labourers by legislation for the improvement of their conditions of life.

It is the fact that the inspector rejected forty-two applications for additional plots, and in some, but by no means all, of the cases the ground of rejection was that the existing plots were badly kept. In the cases of Moffit and Ryan specially referred to, the applications were disallowed, partly because the existing plots are badly kept, and partly because they are already considerably more than half an acre in extent. Moreover there are less than seven and a half acres in the holding, from which it was proposed to take these and six other new allotments, making four acres in all; manifestly a most unreasonable proposal. The inspector's order was issued in May last. The Local Government Board see no reason why the inquiry should be re-opened, and in any case they have no power to re-open it.

Then the applications were not rejected because the plots were badly kept?

No, in some cases, the reason was that the existing holdings were considerably more than half an acre.