reported from the Committee on Group M. of Private Bills; That the parties promoting the London and District Electricity Supply Bill had stated that the evidence of Mr. John Hall Rider, Electrical Engineer to the London County Council, of the County Hall, Spring Gardens, was essential to their case; and, it having been proved that Mr. Rider's attendance could not be procured without the intervention of the House, he had been instructed to move that the said Mr. John Hall Rider do attend the said Committee To-morrow, at Eleven of the Clock. Ordered, that Mr. John Hall Rider do attend the Committee on Group M. of Private Bills To-morrow, at Eleven of the Clock.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether immediate effect will be given to Paragraph 357 of the Hobhouse Report concerning the deferment of stripes. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The revision of the Regulations regarding good conduct stripes has required very careful consideration, and I have been in communication with the Postmen's Federation on the subject. I am now on the point of issuing the revised rules, which will follow the lines indicated in the Report of the Select Committee.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what is the present number of public-house licences in Ireland, and how many of them are attached to promises of under £10 valuation and are thereby entitled to pay a licence duty of £4 10s. for a full licence and £3 17s. 1d. for a six-day licence; whether he is aware that in the country districts and smaller towns the valuation is often less than £1; and, except in Belfast, under recent revaluation, has the value of the licence and trade goodwill ever been taken into account in arriving at the letting value. (Answered by Mr. Hobhouse.) The number of public-house licences issued in Ireland in the year ended 31st March last, was 17,393, of which 7,190 were attached to premises of under £10 valuation. Of these, 6,149 were in respect of full licences at £4 10s., 900 in respect of six-day or early closing licences at £3 17s. 1d., and the remaining 141 in respect of six-day and early closing. The Answer to the last part of the Question is in the negative.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that it sometimes happens that the clerk to a bench of county justices is concerned professionally in cases in which the said bench is called upon to adjudicate; and whether, having regard to the possibility of a miscarriage of justice in such circumstances, he will introduce legislation to put an end to such a system. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) I am not aware of any such cases having occurred as would make legislation on the subject desirable. It is, I believe, generally recognised that where justices have to adjudicate between two parties, their clerk is under a stringent obligation not to act professionally for either side; but, if the hon. Member will let me know of any instances to the contrary that may have come to his knowledge, I will have inquiry made.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will compare the number of crimes throughout Ireland classified as agrarian and non-agrarian, respectively, under each of the headings firing at the person and firing into dwellings, for the years 1878 to 1907, inclusive, and the period of nine months ended 30th September, 1908.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department the amount at present received in licence duty from the existing on-licences; how much it is estimated these same on-licences would pay as licence duty under Schedule A. when the valuation under Schedule A. is conducted upon the revised basis expected to arise under the Licensing Bill. (Answered by Mr. Hobhouse.) My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. The net receipt of duty from existing on-licences in the United Kingdom (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The required figures are as follows— in the year ended 31st March, last was £1,834,892; exclusive of Scotland and Ireland the figure is £1,555,237. It is impossible to make any accurate forecast such as is asked for in the second part of the Question.

To ask the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the clerk to the Yeovil Education Committee is also town clerk, clerk to the borough magistrates, joint clerk to the county magistrates, registrar of the county court, clerk to the joint burial board, clerk to the Free School Charity, and a solicitor in private practice; that he never attends the meetings of the Education Committee; and whether such an appointment is sanctioned by the Board of Education. (Answered by Mr. Runciman.) No, Sir. The appointment of clerk to an education committee does not require the sanction of the Board.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in Ireland, except the City of Belfast under a recent revaluation, the value of the licence has never been taken into account in the valuation of licensed premises; that a number of public-houses are therefore inadequately valued and pay licence duty on a very low scale, particularly in country places, and will he consider the advisability of materially increasing the licence duty, especially on premises valued under £10, as a means of reducing the number of low class public-houses; and is he aware that a large proportion of Irish licensed houses are valued under £10 and so only pay £4 10s. per annum for a full seven-days on-licence, or £3 17s. 1d. for a six-days on-licence. (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The matter to which the hon. Member draws my attention will not fail to receive my careful consideration at the proper time.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state on what grounds a subsidy of £300 a year is to be given to a political body called the Inter-Parliamentary Union; when will the first payment be made; and whether he can state if any similar subsidies are contemplated for other political organisations. (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) Two years ago the House voted a sum of £5,000 for expenses in connection with the meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in London. The union is an entirely non-party organisation, including hon. Members who sit upon both sides of this House. The Government have undertaken on the same grounds to propose to Parliament an annual grant of £300 in aid of the expenses of the permanent organisation of the union when it has been satisfactorily established. I have not yet received particulars of the arrangements proposed, and am therefore unable to say when a payment is likely to be required. I am not aware of any other organisation having the same claims.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, bearing in mind the need of further encouraging thrift during periods of national prosperity, he will consider the advisability of arranging for facilities being given for the purchase of small quantities of approved Colonial securities, thus giving to the working class investor an opportunity of obtaining a reasonably remunerative rate of interest upon his capital. (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) I do not think it would be advisable for the Government to take such action in regard to securities for which the Government is not responsible.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any decision has been arrived at with reference to the future percentage of bonus payable under Clause 48 of the Irish Land Act, 1903. (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The matter is under consideration.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if a man who, on account of poverty, has had his poor rate remitted is thereby disqualified for an old-age pension. (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) Perhaps I may answer this Question. The excusal of the payment of rates on the ground of poverty, would not, I think, disqualify the person excused for receiving an old-age pension.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the widow of a private soldier, who had not applied during his lifetime for a pension to which he was entitled, is permitted to claim and receive such pension after her husband's death as from the date at which he became entitled to it. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The reply is in the negative; but if the hon. Member has any particular case in view I shall be glad to consider it as a special case.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether private soldiers enlisted on or before 1st September, 1864, and discharged by reduction of establishment or invalided, having, by uninterrupted possession of good conduct pay with one or more good conduct badges for six months immediately preceding discharge, become entitled to full rate of good conduct pay added to pension, whether temporary or permanent, to which they were otherwise entitled on attaining fifty years of age, are paid the pension in full from the date of their attaining fifty years of age, notwithstanding any delay that may have occurred in the making of official application for it. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The hon. Member is alluding to awards of deferred pension on reaching the age of fifty years after fulfilling the conditions stated in the Question. A soldier is directed in his small book to apply to the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital when he becomes eligible for the award. If he neglects to make this application at the proper time he is only eligible to recover arrears thereof up to a maximum of three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the bayonets with which the Yeomanry have been armed have been called in; and whether, under these circumstances, the Yeomanry will be re-armed with sabres. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The bayonets with which the Yeomanry are armed will shortly be called in. The question whether the Yeomanry will be re-armed with sabres is under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for War what are the conditions under which men belonging to the Army Reserve have been authorised to reside in the Colonies; and what arrangements have been made for recalling them to the colours in case of sudden emergency. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) As regards the first part of the Question, the conditions are contained in Paragraphs 57 to 62 of the Army Reserve Regulations. As regards the second part of the Question, the arrangements are set forth in Paragraphs 146 to 148 of the Mobilisation Regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for War can he state the number of men that would be required under his control if the hours of those men who were working more than eight per day were reduced to eight per day. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) My hon. friend is presumably referring to the various factories and departments under the control of the War Office. No overtime is worked in them, except in cases of emergency, as when stores have to be hastened and completed for issue at an earlier date than that originally anticipated, and in the case of men whose work necessitates their attendance before and after the usual hours, such as engine-drivers and stokers, warders, timekeepers, etc. In all these cases it would be quite impracticable to put on extra hands.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he is aware that in the county of West Suffolk six months ago 240 applications were sent in for 3,000 acres of land, but up to the present time nothing has been done by the county council to meet these demands; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to compel this county council to carry out its obligations under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1907. (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) The Board are aware that no land has as yet been actually acquired for small holdings in West Suffolk, but the county council have not been idle. Every applicant has been interviewed by subcommittees, valuers have been employed to advise on suitable land, the county council are now negotiating for the acquisition of several properties in different parts of the county, and we hope to receive several schemes from them in the near future.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he will state how many of the applications for small holdings which have been approved by the County Council of Gloucestershire were from bona fide agricultural labourers; and to how many such applicants have small holdings been granted. (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) Eighty-two, nine of whom have been supplied with small holdings. There are, I may add, other approved applicants who are engaged as agricultural labourers at certain periods of the year.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the butchers have demanded a warranty after the 2nd of next month from British farmers as to the freedom from tubercular disease of all cattle sold by them, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to require butchers after the same date to give a guarantee that all beef sold by them as British shall be home-grown and home-fed. (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) The President of the Board of Agriculture does not propose to introduce legislation in the direction suggested.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether any county councils have omitted to appoint a small holdings and allotments committee under the provisions of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908; and, if so, which council or councils are so in default. (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) No, Sir.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been directed to the fact that the Russian agents in Persia have actively interfered in the struggle between the Shah of Persia and the national party in that country, and have materially contributed to the destruction of the Persian Parliament and constitution; and whether His Majesty's Government have addressed any representations to the Russian Government on this matter. (Answered by Secretary Sir Edward Grey.) I am not aware that Russian agents have actively interfered in the struggle in Persia, though the representatives of both the British and Russian Governments have from time to time given advice to the Shah. The Russian officers who took part in the fighting at Teheran in the summer were in the service of the Shah, and were not acting as agents of the Russian Government. The exigencies of the situation have occasionally forced both British and Russian Consuls or Vice-Consuls, as at Tabriz recently, to enter into communications with one political party or the other; but the policy of both Governments has been to limit this as much as possible. It must be remembered that the prolonged disturbance in a province on the Russian frontier has caused great loss to Russian trade; at one time there was also some danger to Russian lives and property; and the British Vice-Consul informs me that the Customs, in which Russia has a special interest, have not been collected for five months. The only step, however, hitherto taken by the Russian Government has been to place 400 men on their own frontier, as a precautionary measure. None of these men have so far been allowed to cross into Persian territory; and I see no occasion to make any representations, for I do not suppose that any British Government would have acted differently under the circumstances.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have received an application from Edward McDermott to be reinstated in a holding in lieu of his farm on Lady Hegate's estate, County Donegal, from which he was evicted; whether he is aware that his name was placed on the list of persons entitled to a farm; and if he can state the cause of the delay. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners have received an application for reinstatement from Edward McDermott, and it has been noted for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land for the purchase of which the Commissioners are in negotiation.

To ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that in the case of railways in India worked by companies there has been an increase in the pay and emoluments of the revenue branch of the service consequent on their growth and expanded traffic, especially in the case of the heads of the traffic, engineering, and locomotive departments, whereas on the State railways, even in a system so extensive as the Northwestern Railway, the rates of pay of the chief traffic and locomotive officers remain on the same scale as when the railways were first started, although the pay of all railways in the engineering department has lately been improved; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists, and the Government of India has been approached on the subject by the officers affected; and whether he has received any representations upon the subject from that Government or from the railway board. (Answered by Mr. Buchanan.) The answer to these Questions is in the affirmative. Proposals on the subject are at present under my consideration.

To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Colony of St. Lucia is the only West Indian Colony in which the subjects of the Crown have no legal remedy in respect of claims against the Government; whether instructions have been given by the Colonial Office to the Acting Governor of St. Lucia not to proceed with a Bill intended to extend to that Colony the provisions of the Petitions of Right Act, 1860; and whether the Government will consider the advisability of withdrawing such instructions and of promoting a Bill to give the same rights to British subjects in St. Lucia as are enjoyed in the other West Indian Colonies. (Answered by Colonel Seely.) The Secretary of State has already formed the opinion that a Crown Suits Ordinance should be proceeded with in St. Lucia, giving the inhabitants of that Colony in future a right of suing the Crown analogous to that possesed under the common law by subjects in this country and regulated by the Petitions of Right Act, 1860; and he is now in correspondence on the subject with the Governor of the Windward Islands who is, at present, on leave in this country.

To ask the Postmaster-General if he will state what was the measure in money of the contracts placed in 1907 for waterproofs, boots, bicycles, and tools for the use of his Department, and how much of that sum was placed with firms having their premises in Wales. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The figures are as follows: Waterproofs, £13,950; boots, £14,595; cycles and parts, £27,656; tools, £3,985. No tenders were received from, and consequently no orders were placed with, firms in Wales. As I told the hon. Member on 27th July, I should be very glad to receive tenders from Wales. Apart from the contracts about £11,600 was spent locally for repair and hire of cycles, and rather more than £600 of this went to Wales.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether it was agreed at the Postal Union Conference at Rome to supply reply coupons available for correspondents who wish to get replies to their letters from any place abroad; whether the cost of these coupons is fixed at 3d. each; whether, as the postal rate to the United States of America has been reduced from 2½d. to 1d., the price of a reply coupon to that country remains unaltered at 3d.; whether he will institute a system of exchange penny postal stamps with every part of the British Empire and the United States of America, so that a correspondent who wants a reply to his letter may be able to send a British stamp that can be exchanged at any Post Office in the Empire or the United States of America for a stamp similar of value, the accounts to be adjusted half-yearly, or more often, if necessary, by the Governments. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) Under the system adopted at the Postal Union Congress at Rome, a reply coupon can be bought at any Post Office in this country for 3d. and exchanged for stamps to the value of 2½d. in almost any country, thus affording a convenient means of prepaying the reply to a letter or transmitting a very small sum of money. Contrary to expectation the demand for these coupons has so far been very small; and unless the demand increases, as the system becomes better known, I do not consider that there is sufficient reason for creating a coupon of lower value, for which there is less necessity, and for which, therefore, there would probably be even less demand.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that instructions were issued to surveyors by a previous Postmaster-General stating that retirement at sixty years of age should be enforced upon all Post Office officials in order to assist promotion and secure efficiency; whether he is aware that a superintending official of telegraphs at Manchester has been permitted to remain after this age; and whether he will state what reasons exist for this special treatment. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The circular to surveyors, to which the hon. Member refers, did not make retirement at sixty years of age compulsory. Under the Orders in Council retirement is not compulsory until the age of sixty-five is reached. As I informed the hon. Member in answer to a Question on 15th May last, the rule is that all pensionable officers of whatever grade, whose conduct, capacity, or efficiency falls below a fair standard, are called upon to retire at sixty years of age; but retirement at sixty is not necessarily enforced in the case of officers whose conduct is good, and who are certified by their superior officers to be thoroughly efficient. There has been no exceptional treatment in the case of the supervising officer at Manchester to whom reference is made.

To ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that, when a labourer at Bushey Park is performing acting gatekeeper's duties, twenty-five hours per week are added to the time he is employed in his usual occupation; and, if so, whether he can see his way to allow a labourer whilst performing these duties a reasonable amount of extra remuneration. (Answered by Mr. Harcourt.) At present a labourer performing acting gatekeeper's duties receives 4s. 8d. per week extra remuneration for twenty-five hours additional on-duty. I am prepared to recommend that in future a labourer shall receive 7s. per week extra remuneration for this duty.

To ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, under the will of the late Mrs. Waldo-Sibthorpe, a sum of £6,000 was bequeathed upon trust for the Naval Hospital at Haslar, in memory of her husband, Commander George H. R. Erroll; and whether the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have come to any decision as to the best manner in which this legacy will be expended on the Haslar Hospital. (Answered by Mr. McKenna.) The Answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The matter referred to in the second part is still under the consideration of the Board of Admiralty.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the engrossing clerks in the Sasine Office, Edinburgh, engaged in the work of registering titles and other deeds relating to heritable property in Scotland, have during the process of registration valuable documents in their possession, and that their tenure of service is regarded as temporary; whether the claim of those clerks, embodied in a Memorial of July, 1905, to the then Secretary for Scotland, to be recognised as civil servants has been considered; and whether, in view of the character of their duties, it is intended to make any change in their status. (Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) I am aware of the conditions under which the engrossing clerks in the Sasines Office perform their duties. The claims of the engrossers for admission to the established Civil Service have been considered, and I am unable to recommend that their status as fixed by existing Minutes should be altered.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a communication from the editor of the Scottish Prohibitionist, drawing his attention to the constantly recurring cases in Dundee of merchants defrauding the public by the use of false and unjust weights and measures, and to the fact that the Press does not give publicty to the convictions obtained by the authorities against such merchants; and whether steps will be taken, for the protection of the public, to ensure that the reports of such convictions would be duly published. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) The communication referred to in this Question has been sent to me by the Secretary of State. I have no control as to the action of the Press and do not see my way to interfere.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the nuisance caused, particularly in quiet professional neighbourhoods, by such street noises as the whistling for motor cabs; and whether the Government propose to take any steps to remedy this grievance. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) I am aware that the whistling for motor and other cabs is in some districts a considerable nuisance, but, on the other hand, the system is a convenience to the public. The police have no power to stop the whistling, but the Commissioner is considering whether any change can be suggested which will mitigate the annoyance.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will state which countries admit British vessels to their coasting trade proper and to the trade between themselves and their possessions respectively; which countries exclude British ships altogether from their coasting trade; and what is the tonnage of British vessels allowed to participate in the coasting trade of each of these countries as aforesaid. (Answered by Mr. Churchill.) My hon. friend will find information on all these points in Memorandum No. XXV. in the published Papers laid before the Colonial Conference, 1907 [Cd. 3524]. For his convenience I have directed that copies shall be sent him.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what have been the total imports of hops into this country in each

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether any Crown leases of sporting rights include the right to erect butts upon common land, involving the destruction of turf and diminution of feed, and include the right to burn gorse and heather; and whether he will arrange that copies of all Crown leases of sporting rights in any county shall be deposited at the office of the county council for inspection by any person interested on payment of a reasonable fee. (Answered by Mr. Hobhouse.) The right of sporting granted in Crown leases over Crown waste lands which are subject to common rights of grazing is concurrent with and without prejudice to those rights of grazing, and may be exercised in any way that does not appreciably interfere with them. Any person who has any claim to exercise such common rights over any Crown waste will, on application to the Commissioners of Woods, be informed as to how his rights are affected by any lease of sporting that has been granted; but the Commissioners do not see their way to adopt the suggestion that all such leases should be deposited for inspection at the offices of the county council.

To ask the hon. Member for the Barnstaple Division, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of the Royal Commissioners, 1907, on the Courtenay Almshouses in Tavistock; and whether the Earl of Devon is responsible for the continuance of this charity. (Answered by Mr. Soares.) I am not aware of any Report having been made by Royal Commissioners in 1907 on this charity, but in the Report made to the Charity Commissioners comprised in a Return to an Order of the House of Commons and ordered to be printed 1st August, 1907, it is stated that Lord Courtenay's Almshouse appears to be a private almshouse, the property of the Earl of Devon, who chooses the inmates and maintains and controls the house. Of course, if there is any fresh evidence in the matter the Charity Commissioners would be willing to consider it.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the amount of the Suitors Fund at the present moment, and state whether it is put to any public use. (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The cash liability of the Paymaster-General to suitors in the Supreme Court of Judicature, England, amounted on 30th September, 1908, to £2,380,216 7s. 9d. To the extent of £1,932,134 15s. 6d. this liability is not represented by cash in the Paymaster's hands, but by a contingent claim upon the Consolidated Fund. This claim arises from the fact that in 1870 (under the Act 32 and 33 Vic, c. 91) Government securities in which funds in Court had been invested were cancelled. This operation effected a reduction in the amount of the National Debt, and a corresponding liability was imposed on the Consolidated Fund. The original liability was £2,764,744 1s. 10d., which has since been reduced to £1,932,134 15s. 6d. The remainder of the Paymaster's liability to suitors was represented on 30th September last by: (1) Cash to the amount of £377,992, lodged with the National Debt Commissioners and employed by them to earn income for the purpose of paying the interest due to suitors in respect of moneys placed on the deposit; and (2) by a working balance of £70,090.

To ask the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made with the scheme for junior and senior officers training units for the Territorial Force; and when a scheme will be approved for the Inns of Court battalion. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) Offers to furnish contingents have been accepted in respect of eight Universities and 103 schools, and contingents of varying strength have actually been formed at these places. Other offers are under consideration or in process of acceptance, and the organisation and training of the corps is being developed as rapidly as possible. As regards the Inns of Court, the scheme for the re-constitution of the battalion as a training unit is now being dealt with.

To ask the Prime Minister whether he would be prepared to consider the desirability of appointing a Committee, to consist partly of representatives of Government Departments and partly of outside experts, to suggest to the Central (Unemployed) Body and local distress committees schemes of work which, while not competing with existing industries, shall afford employment during the next few months to those whose names are placed on the registers of unemployed seeking work. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) I cannot help thinking that the Central (Unemployed) Body and distress committees, co-operating as they are with the local authorities and acting in consultation with, their expert officers, are better able to find practicable schemes of work than would such a committee as my hon. friend suggests. I have no doubt that they would willingly consider any practical proposal that was put before them from any quarter.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the totally unwatched condition of the north coast of Devon and to the two wrecks that occurred there recently without being observed or assisted by the coastguard; and, if so, what steps, if any, he proposes to take to provide for the more efficient watching of this part of the coast.

Before that Question is answered may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that an inquiry is to be held at Barnstaple on 20th November next which will embrace the question of the efficiency of the coastguard in the neighbourhood?

The circumstances in which the two wrecks occurred are, it is understood, being considered by the Board of Trade. Although the coastguard co-operate as far as their duties permit in rendering assistance in cases of shipwreck, it is not part of their regular duty to patrol the coast for the purpose of watching for casualties, as will be evident from a perusal of the Blue-book (Command Number 4091) presented to Parliament this year.

May I ask if in this duty of patrolling the coast these coastguards do not render very efficient service in finding wrecks of this kind, and would it not be better if more men should not be dismissed?

I have said it is not part of the regular duty of these men to patrol the coast for the purpose of watching for casualties.

In view of this reduction of coastguards may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that there is no harbour of refuge on that side of the Bristol Channel between Land's End and Bristol, and whether he will give his early consideration to the provision of a harbour of refuge?

That is a Question which should, I think, be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if any coastguards have been reduced from the service on the north coast of Devon during the past two years, and whether any have been or are to be reduced during the present year either on this coast or anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

The only coastguard station closed on the north coast of Devon during the past two years is Morthoe, with two men, which was closed on the 25th March, 1907. As stated in the House by the late Financial Secretary, certain reductions in the coastguards are necessary, as there is a redundance both of men and stations—and these are being gradually carried out, thirty-three stations and detachments having been closed during the present year.

Is not Morthoe situated in the very bay in which these wrecks occurred. Will he reconsider the point if it is redundant?

That matter is being inquired into by the Board of Trade.

asked to what extent the number of the coastguard had been reduced?

asked for notice.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if the life-saving arrangements on the north coast of Devon have been maintained, as promised, in fully as efficient a condition as they were before the reductions in the coastguard took place.

The Board of Trade is the Department responsible for life-saving arrangements, and this Question would appear to be one for that Department.

May I ask whether in the discussions which arose on the Secretary of the Board of Admiralty's salary it was not promised that the efficiency of the life-saving apparatus would not be affected by the closing of any of the coastguard stations, and are not the Board of Admiralty responsible, therefore, in some degree?

Yes; but the Financial Secretary pointed out that there would be certain stations closed because of redundancy. The whole question of carrying on the life-saving appliances, which we do not desire to be reduced in any way whatever, is now under consideration by both Departments, including the Board of Trade, whoso particular function I am advised it is.

Will the hon. Gentleman postpone the further reduction of coastguard stations until the Life-saving Appliances Committee have reported?

asked for notice of the Question.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty in view of the fact that on the 24th instant a member of the Rugby football team which represented London against the Australians on that date was conveyed to Portsmouth at public expense on board a torpedo boat specially detached for the purpose, whether he will refund to the National Rifle Association the sum paid to the Admiralty in respect of the journey from Malta of W. O. Raven to join the rifle shooting team which recently represented the mother country in the Colonies.

There is no official knowledge of the incident referred to. No reason is seen for reopening the question as to the payment of the expenses of Mr. Raven's journey to the Colonies.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty can he state the number of men that would be required under his control if the hours of those men who were working more than eight per day were reduced to eight per day.

The hours worked in excess of forty-eight hours a week per man during the current financial year are equivalent to the ordinary working hours of an average total of 380 men in the six home dockyards, but such employment in excess of forty-eight hours a week could not be avoided by entering additional men. It may be observed that the total number of men at present employed in the home dockyards is 31,438, so that the time worked in excess of forty-eight hours a week represents slightly over one per cent. on the ordinary working hours.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of Bombay declined to introduce the principle of communal representation of Mahomedans upon municipal councils; and whether, if the answer be in the affirmative, the rejection of this principle is consistent with its introduction into the reforms now under consideration by the Secretary of State in Council.

The Resolution of the Government of Bombay of July last is mainly to the effect that on account of the way in which the Mahomedan population is locally distributed in that part of India, its just representation on municipal committees could be better secured by other expedients than that of communal representation. The latter part of the Question is matter for argument, and the Secretary of State does not propose to discuss it.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in conformance with the recommendation of the recent Police Commission, a now grade of deputy superintendent of police was created; and whether European inspectors of long service are ineligible for such appointments.

The Answer to the first Question is in the affirmative. In accordance with the Report of the Commission, and the Resolution of the Government of India thereupon, this new grade is to be filled by Indians and not by Europeans.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, following upon the endowment of four Government scholarships for encouraging the scientific study of Sanscrit and Arabic by natives of India, the Government of India proposes to take similar steps for the encouragement of the like studies on the part of Indian Civil servants.

Such studies on the part of Indian Civil servants are already encouraged by the otter of substantial money rewards for passing examinations in the languages referred to, and it is not intended to establish scholarships for this purpose.

Are the rewards sufficiently encouraging?

Yes, the money reward is 2,000 rupees for proficiency and 5,000 rupees for an honours degree.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that these rewards hardly cover the cost of tuition, and that further encouragement is necessary?

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of Mysore has directed the introduction of religious and moral instruction into all Government schools and colleges, for the express reason that irreverence of all kinds and disrespect for authority has been on the increase; whether specific religious instruction during school hours is now given in Mysore from the sacred books of the Hindus, Mahomedans, and Christians; and whether the Government of India proposes to adopt the same method of dealing with the present unrest in India at the root.

The Secretary of State has seen a resolution of the Government of Mysore directing the introduction of a system of religious and moral instruction in all Government schools and colleges in that State with effect from the 1st November next. The measure is in the nature of an experiment, and its working will be watched with interest.

Will the Government of India follow the example in this behalf of this native State which has found so much favour in the eyes of the hon. Member for Merthyr?

I think we had better wait and see how the experiment works.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any arrangement has been come to between the denominations concerned with a view to settling the differencees about the garrison churches in India; and, if so, whether that arrangement involves the building of additional churches at the expense of the Indian taxpayer.

The Secretary of State is in communication with the authorities of the churches concerned, but he is unable at present to make any statement on the subject.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State is now prepared to consider the advisability of presenting to Parliament all or part of the Reports relating to the recent famine relief operations in India, in view of the publication of a Report by the Government of the United Provinces, and of the interest which the account of such relief work would have in connection with the question of unemployment.

As soon as the Report of the Government of the United Provinces reaches him, the Secretary of State will consider the expediency of presenting it; and he will do the same as regards the reports of other provinces where relief operations have been undertaken.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India what was the cost to Hindus, Mahomedans, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and Animists for the upkeep of Anglican and Roman bishops, priests, structures, and cemeteries for 1906–7 and 1907–8; and whether the Government of India contemplate adding to the Indians burden by putting Presbyterian divines, structures, and cemeteries on the Indian Exchequer.

The last figures available are those for 1906–7, which are contained in a Return issued on 3rd March last. The total cost of the Ecclesiastical Establishments in India for that year was about £153,000. The cost of the Presbyterian Establishment is included in the above total.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how many belong to the Presbyterians?

I cannot say.

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

Is the Under-Secretary aware that the natives of India respect Christians for respecting Christianity?

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Portuguese Government are encouraging the recruiting of native labour from their Colonies for the Rand Mines; and whether payment is made to the Portuguese Government for each native recruited.

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer this Question. The recruiting of Portuguese natives for the Rand Mines is regulated by the Agreement of December, 1901, printed at page 189 of Cd. 2104. Articles VI. and IX. specify the payments to be made to the Portuguese Government.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the nature of the title of the Victoria Falls Power Company, Limited, to the Victoria Falls on the Zambesi and the adjoining land; whether it is freehold or leasehold, or what is the nature of the tenure; when it was granted; how much land it includes; whether it gives the monopoly of using the Falls for power purposes or for the transmission of power to a distance; and what is the price current paid to the company, and to whom it is paid.

My predecessor in reply to a Question from the hon. Member for the Cirencester division on the 14th of May, 1907, gave certain particulars as to an indenture and agreement providing for the lease of the Victoria Falls by the British South Africa Company to the African Concessions Syndicate Limited. In that agreement power was taken to assign any or all of the rights and benefits accruing under it to the Victoria Falls Power Company, Limited. The Secretary of State understands that such assignment has been made. The answer above referred to gives part of the information desired by my hon. friend but further inquiry is being made into the matter.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give to the House regarding certain Bills passed by the Natal Government relating to the administration of Native affairs, and providing, amongst other things, that the Minister for Native Affairs and other officers exercising administrative functions under Native law shall not be subject to any court of law in the Colony by reason of any Act or matter whatsoever done in connection with their official duties, and generally making law in Zululand the ipse dixit of a magistrate; and whether, before His Majesty gives assent to these measures, their text will be laid upon the Table of the House and an opportunity given to discuss them should any considerable body of Members desire to do so.

The Bill to provide for the better administration of Native affairs is printed in No. 5 in Cd. 4194. It has not yet been received in its final form and until it has been so received and reported on by the Governor I am not in a position to make any statement with regard to it.

Can we have an assurance that the Government will not give their assent until the House has had an opportunity of considering the Bill?

said that if any considerable number of Members wished to discuss it opportunity might be found.

Will the Bill be laid before the House when received in its final form?

It is impossible for me to say until I have seen it.

As a matter of procedure has not this House a right to claim that a Bill which is reserved and which deals with native affairs shall be reprinted?

That is a question of which I should like notice.

Has the hon. Gentleman any idea when the Bill in its final form will be received?

I cannot say exactly. I am anxious to give the House the fullest information.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any information respecting the reported murder of an English settler and his two daughters in the New Hebrides; and whether the same was caused by the recruiting laws in force there under the Conventions.

A telegram was received on the 22nd instant from the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific reporting that a British settler, Mr. Creig, and his two daughters had been murdered by natives at South Santo on 12th October, and their house pillaged. H.M.S. "Prometheus" and native police (French and British) had been sent to the island. His Majesty's Government have no other information on the subject, but they have telegraphed asking that full particulars may be sent by mail. I fail to attach any meaning to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's Question.

The hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of my Question.

I have said I fail to attach any moaning to it.

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire whether in the past similar outbreaks were caused by the recruiting laws?

I do not see how that arises out of the Question.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Government will now consider the case of Overiami, ex-king of Benin, who has been in banishment from his country and people for nearly ten years, with the view of permitting him to return home; and if he is aware that the British mission to Benin was the original aggressor, and also that there was no direct evidence inculpating the ex-king with the disastrous results to the said mission, for which he has suffered punishment.

The case has been considered, and I regret to say that I cannot hold out any hope of its being possible to agree to the return of Overiami. The Secretary of State is fully aware of the circumstances as described in the Papers presented to Parliament in August, 1897, but, as the mission was a pacific one and the officers taking part in it were unarmed, the term "aggressor" seems hardly appropriate. There can be no question as to the part played by Overiami in the matter.

asked whether it was a fact that the officers and men were especially warned not to go there.

replied that if his hon. friend would look back he would find in the Blue-book that it was quite a mistake to regard the mission as the aggressors. The state of affairs described in the Blue-book was very shocking and made it impossible for the Government to reconsider this matter.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether British Indians resident in the Transvaal have taken the step of becoming naturalised as Portuguese subjects in Portuguese territory, and have thereafter been able to enter the Transvaal freely; and whether the Secretary of State for the Colonies recommends British Indians to follow this procedure in order to live freely in the Transvaal.

I have no information as to any such incidents as are referred to by my hon. friend.

asked whether naturalisation as Portuguese would enable these Indians to get over the difficulty.

said he had looked up the documents, but as the subject involved a legal question he asked his hon. friend to put down a precise Question.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a number of British Indians domiciled in the Transvaal, upon returning from India by Delagoa Bay without having registered under the Asiatic Law Amendment Act, have been arrested at the Transvaal frontier; whether, among those arrested, there were an aged woman, a paralytic, and a number of infants, who were exposed for a day and night in the open air; whether for two days they were offered only religiously unclean food and prevented from receiving other food; whether a number of the women and children were separated from their male protectors and sent to Johannesburg in trucks; and whether His Majesty's Government will appeal to the Government of the Transvaal to adopt other methods in dealing with such cases.

The Secretary of State, on his attention being drawn to allegations of ill-treatment of Indians, telegraphed on 13th October to inquire. The following reply was yesterday received from the Governor:—"Your telegram of 13th October, No. 1, on 29th September fifty-nine adult and seventeen minor Asiatics entered Colony without necessary certificates of registration. They were removed from train at Komati Poort where the accommodation provided them was sufficient and clean. Ample food including rice was provided them but they preferred to obtain their own from outside lockup which they were allowed to do. Usual lockup regulations considerably relaxed in their favour. They were subsequently taken to Barberton for trial, fifty eight adults convicted and sentenced to fine of twenty five pounds each or in default to two months imprisonment, despatch follows by mail. Ministers promise further report on subject of diet of Indian prisoners." I have not at present any further information.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what are the precise advantages of being a subject of the British Empire?

There are innumerable advantages, but those advantages are somewhat minimised when you deliberately break the law.

What about the infants exposed in the open air?

We have telegraphed for information, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman there is every desire to avoid unduly harsh treatment.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether licensed premises were closed throughout the Dominion of Canada on the day of this week on which the Canadian Parliamentary elections were hold; and if he has any information as to the working of this regulation.

The Dominion Elections Act of 1900 provides that no spirituous or fermented liquors or strong drinks shall be sold or given at any hotel, tavern, shop, or other place within the limits of any polling division, during the whole of the polling day at an election. I have no information as to the working of this regulation.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, seeing that it is the duty of the Treasury under the Exchequer and Audit Act to see that no money is issued from the Consolidated Fund for payments other than such as are authorised by Parliament, and having regard to the fact that, although the Old-age Pensions Act requires all property of every kind to be taken into account in estimating the means of applicants for old-age pensions, instructions have been issued to pension officers to disregard furniture to the extent of £30 belonging to applicants, it will be the duty of the Comptroller of Exchequer issues before authorising any payment to the Post Office in respect of old-age pensions, and the duty of the accounting officer of the postal department before authorising payments to local post offices, to require evidence that such payments are to be applied only in payment of pensions to persons qualified and at the rate specified by the terms of the Old-age Pensions Act; and whether in order to avoid the possible deadlock that may arise when the money is required for payment of pensions, he will revise the instructions and make them consistent with the provisions of the Old-age Pensions Act.

No issues will be made from the Exchequer to the Post Office in respect of old age pensions.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advantages of replacing the present bronze coinage with nickel, such as has been recently introduced in India, where the anna is minted at a size slightly larger than a sixpenny piece, with undulating edges for difference.

I am not aware of any advantages which would justify the expense and disturbance to trade which would accrue from such a change.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the harm arising from the consumption of alcoholic stimulants previous to the commencement of work in the morning, he will consider the desirability of inserting in the Licensing Bill a clause giving to the licensing justices the power of requiring licensed premises to remain closed on week-days until 8 a.m.

I beg to answer this Question on behalf of my right hon. friend. I cannot at the present stage undertake to put down an Amendment to the Bill in the sense desired by my hon. friend; but I am disposed to agree that it is a matter deserving of discussion, and I observe that he has an Amendment to Clause 20 on the Paper for the purpose.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say at what hour of the day it is beneficial to take half-a-noggin?

I beg to ask the Prime Minister if he can say when the Report of the Welsh Church Commission is likely to be issued.

I beg to answer this Question on behalf of my right hon. friend. The Report of the Welsh Church Commission is in a forward condition, and it is hoped will be considered by the Commission before the end of the present session.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many extra police would be required to join the force in the event of one day's holiday in seven being granted to all the Metropolitan Police instead of one in fourteen days.

The Commissioner of Police in his evidence before the Select Committee which is now considering the question of granting a weekly rest day to police forces, estimated the number to be added at 1,555 men.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has the intention of carrying out this reform during this session?

The matter is under the consideration of the Committee.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of Sarah Mulne, brought from Russia to England by her parents when about two years old in 1894, admitted to the Whitechapel Union in 1900, and continued there as a pauper patient until the guardians ordered her discharge for the purpose of her being sent to America on the personal application of her mother, the father in the meantime having gone to America and become a naturalised citizen in the United States; whether he is aware that, after being rejected in America, the girl was returned to Liverpool as being the port from which she came, and admitted to the Mill Road Infirmary of the West Derby Union, where she still remains; and whether, seeing that the ratepayers of the West Derby Union will be saddled with the future care and maintenance of this girl of fifteen years because Liverpool is the port from which she came, he is prepared to take any and, if so, what, action in the matter.

As at present advised, I doubt whether I have any power to take action in this matter, but I will make full inquiry, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that firms of match importers had current contracts in existence for considerable quantities of matches for future delivery made prior to the First Reading of the White Phosphorus Matches Bill on 30th July, 1908; and, secondly, that on the passing of such Bill there would probably be considerable stocks, both in wholesale and retail hands, which could not in ordinary course be sold and consumed prior to the 1st January, 1910; and whether the Government would be prepared to accept an Amendment by way of proviso to Clause 2 of the Bill and Clause 3 of the Bill, whereby first the matches delivered in the United Kingdom in pursuance of contracts bona fide entered into prior to 30th July, 1908, and secondly the matches bona fide imported into the United Kingdom prior to the passing of the proposed Act, would be exempt from the penalties and provisions of the Act.

According to the information in my possession, the period of grace allowed by the Bill, which was eighteen months from the date of the introduction of the Bill, was ample for the purpose of the disposal of stocks delivered under contracts existing at that date; only one representation to the contrary effect has reached me, and that just recently. There would be difficulties in the way of exempting particular stocks of matches from the operation of the Bill, but I shall be happy to consider any evidence of hardship that can be shown to be caused by the provisions of the Bill.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that it sometimes happens that the clerk to a bench of county justices is concerned professionally in cases in which the said bench is called upon to adjudicate; and whether, having regard to the possibility of a miscarriage of justice in such circumstances, he will introduce legislation to put an end to such a system.

I am not aware of any such cases having occurred as would make legislation on the subject desirable. It is, I believe, generally recognised that where justices have to adjudicate between two parties, their clerk is under a stringent obligation not to act professionally for either side, but if the hon. Member will let me know of any instances to the contrary, that may have come to his knowledge, I will have inquiry made.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state how long a time the experiment described by Surgeon-Colonel Lawrie, in his evidence before the Royal Commission on vivisection as having been made by Dr. Gaskell, lasted, including the time occupied in the dissection of the necks of two dogs, and during how much, if any, of that time an anæsthetic was employed upon both or either of the dogs; and, if an anæsthetic was used, what anæsthetic it was.

Particulars of the experiments are to be found in the evidence given before the Royal Commission. I cannot further discuss in this House a case which is under the consideration of the Commission.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he would inquire into the case of Jane Elizabeth Morrice, who was sentenced at the Middlesex sessions on Saturday last to five years penal servitude and two years police supervision for stealing 1d.

As I have already stated, I cannot reply to this question until the ten days within which the prisoner may apply for leave to appeal against her sentence have expired.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the practice of the Chief Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to refuse to take into its force time-expired soldiers of His Majesty's Army who have passed into the Reserve; and, if so, on what grounds these men are refused employment in this force.

No, it is not the practice to refuse to take Army Reservists into the Metropolitan Police. There is a large number now serving.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, at any rate, one case came under my notice of a man being refused on the ground that he still had some years to serve in the Reserve?

There is a regulation limiting the number to 600, for obvious reasons.

Is that limit at present approached in any degree?

I imagine that the limit has been reached, but I will ascertain.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade how many foreign-made motor cars were imported into the United Kingdom during the year 1907 and their value, and also the value of the parts and accessories imported; and how many British-made cars were exported during the same period and their value, and the value of the parts and accessories.

The total number of imported motor cars consigned to the United Kingdom from foreign countries in 1907 was 4,791, of a declared value of £2,075,555. The value of parts and accessories of motor cars consigned from foreign countries was £2,472,289. During the same year 2,318 British-made motor cars were exported, valued at £857,647. The value of British-made parts and accessories exported was £467,311.

Were any of these foreign cars sold to tariff reformers in this country?

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people emigrated from the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, respectively, in 1906, and how many immigrants entered America in the same year.

I will have such information upon the subject as is available printed in the Votes.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now say what action has been taken with regard to the proposal of the French Government that French plate bearing French assay marks should be admitted into this country without liability to further assay and hall marking.

The French Government were informed in July last that, after full consideration, His Majesty's Government felt that the difficulties which prevent the adoption of such a proposal are insuperable.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been, and are being, taken to create through the Board of Trade a systematic and co-ordinated organisation of labour exchanges in this country.

The subject is being thoroughly explored by the Board of Trade in relation to the general questions of unemployment, under employment, and casual labour. I have at present no statement to make upon it.

Is there any truth in the rumour that special appointments have been made by the Board of Trade in connection with this organisation?

There is no truth whatever, so far as I am aware.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the system of labour bureaux in New South Wales free railway tickets are given to men seeking work?

I have no information on the subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman search the records?

I shall be glad to get all the information I can.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that quantities of boneless meat have been imported during this year, entailing much labour and expense on the part of the sanitary authorities of the ports where it is landed; that this meat is consumed by the whole country and not alone by the inhabitants of the ports of importation, while the ports' authorities are called upon to pay for the inspection; and whether he will see that they are reimbursed their extra expense or that a national system of inspection be instituted.

I would refer my hon. friend to the Answer I gave yesterday to a Question he put to me on the subject of the importation of boneless meat. I am afraid I could not hold out any expectation that the suggestion in the last part of his present Question could be adopted, but I may repeat what I said yesterday, viz., that the Foreign Meat Regulations recently issued will have the effect of preventing the importation for consumption in England and Wales of meat of the class referred to.

Is not this meat sent in greatest bulk to the ports where there is an absence of inspection?

If any facts with regard to that are laid before me I will gladly consider them.