To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a very large number of telegraph messengers are employed on sorters' and postmen's work during the Christmas period; and whether he will issue instructions that only lads over sixteen years of age, who can be guaranteed nomination for full-time appointments within a reasonable period, shall be so employed this year, and that the places which cannot be filled under the above conditions shall be given to unemployed men. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) A certain number of telegraph messengers are employed at Christmas-time on postmen's work and a few on sorters' work, the respective work being that of which they have some knowledge. These boys are, as a general rule, over sixteen years of age and, as far as possible, established appointments will be found for them. In many cases their employment is only for a few hours on Christmas Day. General attention has been drawn to the desirability of giving work genuinely to unemployed men to the greatest extent practicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police in London have any instructions to interfere with the speed of light motors in the main thoroughfares of London when those vehicles are travelling at less than twenty miles an hour; and, if so, what those instructions are. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) The police cannot, interfere with the speed of light motors which do not exceed the legal speed limit, unless there is an offence under Section 1 of the Motor Car Act, that, is, unless the car is being driven recklessly or negligently, or at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances of the case. The police are instructed to take proceedings when they can obtain sufficient evidence to support a charge for any of these offences, but this is often a matter of much difficulty.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he will grant telegraphic, facilities to the village of Icklesham, Sussex. (Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I am prepared to afford the desired facilities if the necessary guarantee is forthcoming, and I have so informed some of the residents who have written to me on the subject.

To ask the Prime Minister what minimum length of Ministerial service entitles a Minister to a political pension. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) The period varies from four to ten years according to the office or offices held. For full details of the method of calculation I may refer the hon. Member to the Act, 32 and 33 Vict., c. 60, which governs the grant of these pensions.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will consider the claims of employees who are to be displaced during the reduction period of licensed houses; and whether he can, under the compensation clauses of the Licensing Bill, secure to these workpeople, who have lost their employment through the closing of unnecessary houses, a sum of not less than six months wages. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) I am afraid that it is not practicable to make any satisfactory provision for these cases.

To ask the First Commissioner of Works if he will say why motor cars are excluded from some of the parks in London, in some cases from certain roadways, in others at certain hours, while horse carriages are granted permission to use these roadways and enter the parks at these hours. (Answered by Mr. L. Harcourt.) Motor cars are excluded from Hyde Park between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. during the months of May, June, and July. They are also excluded from the road between the Achilles statue and the Magazine. This is done in the interests of that portion of the public which does not use and does not like motor-cars.

To ask the Lord Advocate if he can say when the House will have an opportunity of discussing his salary, so that the question of the Coats' contract for coal may be brought before the House. (Answered by Mr. Thomas Shaw.) I have made inquiries, and regret to find that the opportunity will not arise during the autumn session.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in valuing the estate of a person who holds a licence for the sale of intoxicating liquors, for the purpose of death duties, any, and, if so, what, valuation of the annual licence is adopted. (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) If a licence is valued separately from the licensed premises for the purpose of estate duty, the valuation depends on the nature and amount of the interest of the deceased in the licensed premises and on the particular circumstances of the case, as was indicated in the reply given by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer upon 20th June, 1905, to the hon. Member for the Appleby Division of Westmoreland.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in valuing licensed property for death duties under Section 7 of the Finance Act of 1894, the Inland Revenue Commissioners proceed on the method laid down by Mr. Justice Kennedy, in the case of Ashby's Cobham Brewery, on 24th July, 1906, or adhere to the principles laid down in the Memorandum of the Inland Revenue Commissioners of 1905. (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The Commissioners adhere to the procedure indicated in the paper of 3rd May, 1904.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if there has been a large and continually increasing number of deaths from cancer in Ireland since calf-lymph was used for vaccination. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) Nothing, as far as the Local Government Board are aware, has been advanced to show that there is any connection between calf-lymph vaccination and cancer. Calf-lymph has only been in general use in Ireland since 1900, and the cancer death rate had been increasing for many years previously.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether it forms part of the duties of the police to keep under observation, and to report to the Inspector-General, the operations of local branches of the United Irish League which the police have good reason to believe are engaged in the promotion of intimidation and boycotting; and, if so, whether reports made by the police in such matters are brought under his personal notice and that of the Law Officers. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) It is the duty of the local police to report to the Inspector-General all matters affecting the public peace which come under their notice, including, when necessary, the operations of local branches of the United Irish League I have no reason to doubt that all reports of importance are brought to my notice and that of the Law Officers.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland in how many counties, outside the eight which have been declared by proclamation to be in a state of disturbance, has cattle-driving been resorted to during the past eighteen months. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) Outside the eight counties referred to, cattle-drives have taken place within the last eighteen months in fourteen counties, namely, Cavan, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Kerry, Kildare, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Queen's County, Tipperary, Tyrone, and Waterford.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many persons are at the present time under a rule of bail for cattle-driving, how many of these persons are owners and occupiers of agricultural land, and in how many cases have the recognisances been estreated. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) In the two years ended 30th September last 1,029 persons were bound to the peace in connection with cattle-driving, and the recognisances of four persons who were detected driving cattle on a second occasion were estreated. It would be impossible, without imposing undue labour on the police authorities who are already fully occupied, to ascertain how many of these persons are still under a rule of bail or how many are owners and occupiers of agricultural land.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will give full particulars of the outrage committed at the residence of Mr. Francis E. Mullane, at Templemore, County Tipperary, on the night of Sunday, 25th October, and state the result of the police inquiries into the occurrence. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) On the evening in question an explosion took place on a window-sill of Mr. O'Mullane's house, breaking the window and driving several pieces of metal, apparently portions of an axle-box, into the room. An arrest has been made and proceedings are pending. It is, therefore, undesirable in the interests of justice to give any further particulars.

To ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state the reason for the delay in gazetting the officers of the late Volunteer battalions of the Hampshire regiment to the new Territorial battalions of that regiment; and when such Gazette will be issued. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The officers of all the battalions of the Hampshire regiment have now been gazetted to the Territorial Force. I have already explained to the House the difficulties which have led to delay in gazetting officers to the Territorial Force.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Ayrshire County Association are entitled to certain grants specified in the regulations which they are authorised to administer on behalf of the Territorial Force in the county; whether the Ayrshire County Association have made repeated requests for payment of these grants to enable them to meet their liabilities; whether, in the belief that these grants would be promptly paid, the Association have made contracts which they are unable to carry out unless the money is promptly paid to them; and whether they have made respectful representations that these grants should not be longer withheld nor should they be doled out in payments to account which may suit the convenience of the Financial Department or the War Office without regard to the obligations which they, the County Association, have entered into in terms of the regulations for the Territorial Force and County Associations, 1908. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The Association is entitled under the regulations to such advances as may be approved on account of the grants admissible, a settlement taking place after 1st November. To obtain approval of an advance they must satisfy the chief accountant of the command that the amount claimed on account is not excessive in relation to the grants likely to be earned, and in pursuance of these conditions an advance of £4,000 was made on 11th September. Such delay as has occurred in making any further advance has arisen through failure on the part of the Association to justify it.

To ask the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the fact that the Militia have been transferred to the Special Reserve and consequently form part of the Regular Army, he can see his way to grant a similar privilege to the officers of that force, in respect of the entrance of their sons to Woolwich and Sandhurst, as is enjoyed by past and present officers of the Regular Army. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) This privilege is granted to officers of the Regular Army or Navy or to persons who have been employed in the position of officer on active service in the field. An officer of the Special Reserve has not in peace time the same duties or liabilities, as for instance foreign service, as an officer of the Regular Army, and is, therefore, not entitled to the privilege unless he has been employed on active service in the field.

To ask the Secretary of State for War what was the nature and terms of the communication which led the authorities, on the occasion of the recent visit of the Postmaster-General to Bradford, to hold in readiness to start for Bradford fifty men of the 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers, with horses, and 100 men of the York and Lancaster Regiment, stationed at York, each served with twenty rounds of bail ammunition, and also the men of the Royal Field Artillery stationed at Bradford Moor Barracks. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The Mayor of Bradford expressed himself as apprehensive of a disturbance in the city and, though he trusted that no disturbance would take place other than what the police would be able to cope with, he thought that, as a precautionary measure, it would be desirable that as many men as could conveniently be spared should be held in readiness to assist the civil power in the maintenance of order.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that Hounslow Heath is now closed to the public; if so, would he state the reasons which led to this interference with public enjoyment; and whether, in consideration of the health and enjoyment of those who reside in and resort to that district, he would allow of the public being admitted on some portion of the heath. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) This heath is War Department training ground, and it has always been closed to the public. The only access had been through holes in the fence which the tenant for the time being failed to repair. General access to the ground would not be consistent with the purposes for which it is used by the troops stationed at Hounslow. This principle has always been acted on by the military authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether means can be found to retain the original number of instructors in those battalions of the Territorial Army which have separate companies and separate headquarters in different country towns, and have hitherto had separate instructors at each headquarters. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The whole question of instructors is now being carefully considered by the Army Council. I do not think it is probable that as the result all companies which have separate headquarters possibly close together will necessarily have separate instructors. General Officers Commanding-in-Chief are empowered in special cases to employ temporary instructors.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the non-commissioned officer instructors employed to train the Territorial Army are under the control of the Territorial Army officers or of the Regular Army; and what means the officer commanding the Territorial unit has of geting rid of unsatisfactory instructors or of enforcing discipline directly as in the regular service. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The instructors are under the control of officers commanding Territorial Force units. Serious cases of breach of discipline must be referred to the officer commanding the district. The removal of unsatisfactory instructors is carried out by the Army Council on the application of the colonel commanding.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been arrived at by his department respecting the erection of new machinery of an improved type for the purpose of discharging coal from steamers at the Woolwich Arsenal pier; and, if so, can he say when the work will be commenced. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) It is not intended, at present, to erect new machinery for the purpose of discharging coal from steamers at the Woolwich Arsenal pier.

To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, in removing Mr. Ghandi from Volksrust to Johannesburg, on 25th October, he was marched in daylight through the streets in convict dress; whether part of his prison duties is to do scavenging; and whether, if these statements prove to be correct, the Secretary of State for the Colonics will feel it his duty to advise the Transvaal Government to avoid this aggravation of punishment for the political offence of resisting the Government demand for digit impressions, particularly in view of the resentment felt in India against the regulations of the Transvaal for the registration of our Indian fellow subjects. (Answered by Colonel Seely.) Mr. Ghandi was convicted of failing to produce the certificate required under Act No. 36 of 1908, and was fined £25, or in default of payment two months imprisonment with hard labour, subject, however, to review. He was brought from Volksrust as witness in a case at Johannesburg 27th October. Escort was provided from Johannesburg gaol, and he travelled from Volksrust under ordinary conditions in his prison kit. He arrived at dusk, and was conducted from station to fort without handcuffs. When in Court as a witness he did not appear in prison clothes. He has never done scavenging, but worked on agricultural show ground digging holes for trees, and weeding in municipal plantation, and gaol garden. He never performed hard labour on public streets.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he will state the average price per acre and also the average number of years purchase of the valuation or annual value paid for land purchased under the Small Holdings Act in each county in England and Wales in which land has been purchased under that Act; whether the prices are higher than those prevailing in the respective counties before the Act; whether he is aware that some county councils consider the prices asked exorbitant; and what remedy the Government contemplate for this difficulty. (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) The Act has not been long enough in operation to afford any useful data for the comparison suggested. Where a county council considers that the price of rent asked for land is exorbitant it is open to the council to apply for compulsory powers, in which case the price or rent to be paid is fixed by arbitration.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he will state what is the estimated number of sheep and cattle, including horses, respectively, grazing on Crown lands in Wales. (Answered by Mr. Hobhouse.) The Commissioners of Woods, who are the authority concerned, inform me that they have no information on this subject.

To ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will state what measures he has taken with a view to attracting to Ireland some of the foreign manufacturers of articles in general use who may now be willing to establish factories in the British Islands; and if, further to promote the same object, he will give a list of such industries and of the places in Ireland at which he suggests that they might be profitably located. (Answered by Mr. T. W. Russell.) The Department have made inquiries from various sources with a view to ascertaining particulars with regard to industries in foreign countries which are likely to be affected by the Patents and Designs Act. The particulars thus obtained and other information bearing on the question have been communicated to the Irish Industrial Development Association, Incorporated, and were forwarded by the latter, at the Department's suggestion, to the various urban councils, corporations, and local bodies through Ireland, with a view to each district communicating direct with firms, whose addresses were given, and pointing out to them the particular industrial facilities which such district affords for the establishment of manufactures. Several districts have already taken this action. In addition the Department have assisted the development associations by arranging for a small deputation of three persons, representing the development associations, Irish manufacturers and the Department, to visit the Continent with a view to getting into touch with firms affected by the Patents Act, and bringing under their notice the opportunities afforded by Ireland. They have furnished this deputation with necessary information for this purpose bearing on Irish industrial resources and opportunities. Under the circumstances the Department do not consider it necessary at this stage to publish a list of the nature referred to in the Question.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the total number of municipal officials and employees of all grades in permanent employment, including those employed in the Poor Law services for England and Wales, not including London, and for London alone, respectively. (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) The Answer is in the negative. The hon. Member may, however, be interested to see a Return on the subject of the number of employees of certain local authorities which was issued last year (No. 136, of Session 1907).

To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Deer Forest Commissioners at page 44 of their Report state in a note to the schedule of lands in the Island of Lewis, which they considered suitable for the creation of new holdings or for the extension of existing holdings, that in considering the case of Lewis it cannot be left out of view that the congestion is very great, and the demand by crofters for access to the lands scheduled is of a very urgent nature; and, in view of the fact that this Report was written as far back as 1895, and that the demand for land has been much accentuated since that date, will he endeavour to settle people on the land in the Lews and other congested areas under the powers contained in the Congested Districts (Scotland) Act, seeing that there is no prospect of the Small Landowners (Scotland) Bill becoming law in the near future. (Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) I am aware of the opinion expressed by the Royal Commission on the Highlands and Islands of 1892, and of the existing congestion of population in the Lews. No proposition has been submitted to me or to the Congested Districts Board by the proprietor inviting their co-operation in the settlement of small holders on existing farms.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, under the provisions of the Licensing Bill, a licensed public-house will be entitled to be kept open during the hours during which it is enacted that licensed promises must be closed, provided such public-house is not open for the sale of intoxicating liquor. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) Without pledging myself to the exact expressions used by the hon. Member I may say that it is proposed to insert a provision in the Licensing Bill declaratory of the existing law in the sense suggested by him.

To ask the Chief Sectetary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is intended to take immediate measures to carry into effect the recommendation of the Departmental Committee on Forestry in Ireland; and whether he can explain why the Treasury never put any obstacle to enormous expenditure on warships whilst raising every opposition to the development of Irish resources and the employment of its people. (Answered by Mr. T. W. Russell.) I answered a similar Question put by the hon. Member for East Clare on the 20th ultimo, and I have nothing at present to add to that reply.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will take into consideration the advisability of appointing a Produce Commissioner for Ireland with similar functions to those entrusted to the Produce Commissioner representing New Zealand in Great Britain, with a view to look after the transit-market and other facilities necessary to carry on international trade. (Answered by Mr. T. W. Russell.) It is not proposed to appoint such a Commissioner. The circumstances of Ireland, which is so near to, and has such rapid means of daily communication with, Great Britain, are entirely different from those of a distant Colony like New Zealand. The transit and marketing of Irish produce are matters to which the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction devote constant attention. The Department take action in various ways with a view to assist Irish producers to develop their trade in Great Britain. For instance, they give instructions in the packing and grading of different kinds of produce, they arrange for exhibits of Irish products at grocers' etc., exhibitions held in various important towns, and thus bring under the notice of British buyers the high quality of Irish agricultural produce and afford the Irish producer an opportunity of new markets for his goods; they give advice as to suitable markets, and help to bring buyers and sellers into communication with each other. Their transit inspectors watch the manner in which the produce is carried both in Ireland and in Great Britain, and a special staff is wholly employed in Great Britain for the detection of frauds affecting the sale of Irish produce. The hon. Member is referred to the Department's Seventh Annual Report for further details as to what is being done in these important matters.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, as representing the Board of Works, whether he is aware that labouring men are engaged doing painters' work by the contractor on girders and other metal work at the Royal College of Science, Merrion Street, Dublin; whether this is in accordance with the Fair Wages Resolution of this House; and, if not, what action he proposes to take. (Answered by Mr. Hobhouse.) I am informed that a labourer has been engaged by the contractors in coating the structural girders at the Royal College of Science, Dublin, with preservative paint. This is in accordance with the invariable practice, both here and in England, for work of the kind and is not a violation of the terms of the Fair Wages Resolution. It is not finished painting, requiring the employment of a skilled workman, but is coating of a rough description carried out for preservative purposes only. These girders will ultimately be covered by concrete or plaster. All painting work on metal and elsewhere, properly assignable to skilled workmen, has been and will be executed by such workmen and paid for at the usual current rate of wages.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state at what stage the negotiations between the Estates Commissioners and the Land Judge have arrived in the purchase of the estate of A. E. Humphreys, county Cavan; and when may the tenants expect to be allowed an opportunity of purchasing. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Estates Commissioners inform me that the papers in this case are now with their inspector, who will report in due course. The estate is being dealt with in its order of priority, and, until the Commissioners are in a position to purchase the estate, they can make no arrangements for its resale to the tenants.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state whether one Michael M'Cabe, of Corfree Gowna, county Cavan, applied for an additional half-acre allotment in the Mullahoran rural district at the recent inquiry; was the same sanctioned by the council and confirmed by the inspector's order; and will he state now, if this plot is not to be supplied, what are the reasons for refusing. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The owner of the farm from which the additional half-acre allotment was proposed to be taken appealed to the Local Government Board who, on consideration, allowed the appeal. The labourer is stated to be nearly eighty years of age, and the Local Government Board are of opinion that the half-acre already in his possession is sufficient for his needs.

To ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government intend to introduce legislation with a view to safeguard the people of the three Kingdoms from the danger arising from the recklessness and speed frequently practised by the drivers of motor cars upon public roads. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) For the reasons given by me and by my right hon. friend the President of the Local Government Board, in reply to numerous Questions of the same kind, the Government do not intend to introduce legislation on the subject during the present session.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the number of pensioners at present in receipt of the Greenwich old-age pension of 5d. a day, the number of men who are entitled and qualified to receive it but who do not receive it, and the average length of time a man has to wait after qualifying for it before he is paid it; what is the procedure followed in promoting men on to the list, are they promoted strictly in the order in which they qualify, or is it necessary that interest should be brought to bear in each individual instance; and will he state whether men on discharge who are entitled and qualified to receive it eventually are fully informed of the necessary steps to take.

The reply to the first Question is 8,640. With regard to the second Question, the hon. Member is mistaken in assuming that any persons are entitled to Greenwich Hospital Age Pensions. The number who are qualified but have not received an award is 4,700 approximately. At present few pensioners receive age pensions before they are sixty-five, though a person may be qualified at fifty-five. The names of eligible men are registered as they apply. The only considerations which influence the Admiralty in making selections to fill vacancies are the age, circumstances, and necessities of the men. Applicants for Greenwich Hospital Age Pensions are already naval pensioners who are in regular communication with the Admiralty, to which Department they must be fully aware that they should make their applications.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the statement made by his predecessor in his Memorandum issued 23rd February, 1907, and confirmed by him in his speech of 1st May of the same year, in which it was laid down that, as the Fleets at Home will be combined for war under the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet, the Channel, Atlantic, and Home Fleets will carry out periodic peace exercises together under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet, still holds good; whether the command of the combined Fleets has at any time been entrusted to the Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet in accordance with the terms of the Memorandum, and, if not, why not; and whether the practice of withholding from the officer who will command in war the opportunity of commanding in peace the force with which he will be entrusted in time of war is followed in any country except our own.

The present Board have not renewed, and do not regard themselves as bound by, the statement referred to by the right hon. Gentleman. The command of the combined fleets was entrusted to the Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet in October, 1907.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether it was not the fact that on the occasion when the Commander-in-Chief took over his command a large proportion of the vessels was under the command of somebody else. He also asked the right hon. Gentleman to reply to the last part of his Question.

In the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's question it is assumed as a fact that in other countries in every case all the ships which would be placed under the command of the Commander-in-Chief in time of war are, in fact, placed under his command in time of peace. I do not agree with that assumption. I can only refer to the most recent case of a serious war when, as a matter of fact, the Japanese Admiral was superseded by Admiral Togo when war was considered imminent.

The right hon. Gentleman has not yet answered either of my questions. May I ask him whether it is the fact that, when the Commander-in-Chief nominally received command of the whole force, half the force was under the command of somebody else, and whether, as he has quoted an illustration, the Commander-in-Chief of the German North Sea Fleet in time of peace is not the Commander-in-Chief in the event of war?

I have no knowledge of who will command in the event of war in the case of the German Fleet. With regard to the right hon. Gentleman's other question, the statement I have made that the combined Fleets were placed under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet in October, 1907, is strictly accurate.

May I ask for an answer to my question whether, when the vessels were nominally placed under the command of the Commander-in-Chief, he was deprived of the command of half of them?

He may have been deprived of command of them for a time, but the whole of the ships were placed under his command on mobilisation.

For how long?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he had informed the Commander-in-Chief that the present Board were not bound by the specific declaration made by a previous Board, and, furthermore, whether he would state to the House why the official request of the Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet to be allowed to exercise this Fleet last August was refused by the Admiralty.

The hon. Gentleman's second Question does not arise out of the Question on the Paper, and, as it would involve matters of considerable discussion I would ask the hon. Gentleman to give me notice. With regard to his first Question, the Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet has been informed that the statement referred to was not adhered to.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the misgivings which were expressed in the past as to whether subjects of general education were neglected in the syllabus of the cadets at Osborne and Dartmouth, whether he can see his way to publishing a Report on the last midsummer examinations in English and naval history.

I am unaware that any person of consequence has expressed misgivings in the past. The answer to the hon. Member's Question is in the negative.

Are we to understand from this Answer that the Admiralty, when it suits it, will read the favour- able Reports, but will refuse unfavourable ones when asked for by a Member of this House.

No such inference can be drawn from the reply I have given to the Question.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the experience of the hon. Member for Woodstock as a University and Civil Service examiner, whether he will allow the hon. Member to see the Director of Naval Education's instructions to examiners under which recent examinations have been held at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth; and, if so, will he leave it to the discretion of the hon. Member to answer a Question addressed to him in the House as to whether the instructions do or do not deprive exaaminers of a necessary safeguard against anybody responsible for teaching the cadets being cognisant of the Questions that are going to be asked.

As I have already declined to give my hon. friend the Member for King's Lynn such permission, I must decline to give it to my hon. friend the Member for Woodstock. It would be invidious to draw distinctions between my two hon. friends.

Is it a fact that the Questions set for the examinations are actually revealed beforehand to any member of the staff charged with the tuition of the cadets?

I must ask for notice of that.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the rule laid down in the Board's Memorandum in December, 1904, that not more than two battleships were to be absent at any one time from the Channel Fleet for the purpose of refit has been abrogated; and, if so, for what reason has the change been made, and has any rule new been framed, in substitution for that which has been abrogated, laying down the number of battleships which may be absent from the Channel Fleet at any one time for purposes of refit.

The Answer to the first part of the hon. Member's Question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second portion, the reason was given in my reply to the hon. Member for Lanark on 27th October. With regard to the last portion of the Question, no rule has been made, but the Commander-in-Chief is relied upon to assist in avoiding an accumulation of repairs.

Is it open to the Commander-in-Chief to revert to the ancient practice of sending the whole of the Fleet into repairs at the same time, which was the ordinary practice until this Order was made?

That would not be regarded as a reasonable exercise of his discretion.

asked whether the original rule which had been superseded in the case of the Channel Fleet was still applied in the case of the other Fleets.

It would depend in each case on the number of vessels available in the event of war. Where the number of ships in any fleet is only just sufficient, or barely sufficient, to meet war requirements, then, undoubtedly, the rule would apply. But where there is a superabundance of vessels, it is not necessary strictly to apply the rule.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a party of officers from the Naval War College went for a reconnaissance to the Isle of Wight a few weeks ago and found there some German officers engaged upon selecting suitable places for landing troops; whether the German Government grants similar facilities for reconnaissance to British officers; and, if not, whether the Government propose to prohibit foreign officers from exercising this freedom of investigation until their own Governments grant similar privileges to British officers.

The circumstances related in the first part of the hon. Member's Question are entirely devoid of foundation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of my Question?

The latter part of the Question falls to the ground if there is no foundation for the first part.

asked whether it was the accepted policy of His Majesty's Government to allow foreign officers of any country to reconnoitre over any portion of this country at their will and not to make any representations to other countries to get similar facilities.

The sea is the dominion of the right hon. Gentleman and not the land.

May I ask whether it is not the fact that all the naval fortresses of Germany are under the direct control of the naval department, and whether it is open to British officers to reconnoitre in their vicinity?

We have no evidence that any German officers have reconnoitred in the neighbourhood of British fortresses. Whether or not German fortresses are under the supervision of the German Admiralty has nothing whatever to do with the Question on the Paper.

That is not the Question I asked. The Question I asked was whether it is open to British naval officers to reconnoitre in the vicinity of German naval ports.

If they are believed to be reconnoitring for purposes of espionage they would not be allowed.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he had addressed inquiries to the Naval War College as to whether the facts were as stated in the Question.

I have, and I am told that the whole story is a mare's nest.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement in the paper to-day that the German Emperor is going for a trip on Count Zeppelin's airship, and will he take precautions?

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that Mahomedan British-Indian subjects returning from the Haj complain that they do not receive adequate protection and assistance from the British Vice-Consul at Jeddah; and, if the Answer be in the affirmative, whether he will make inquiries in view to the comfort and convenience of British-Indian subjects in the Hedjaz.

No authenticated report of complaints on the subject has reached the Secretary of State. Inquiry is being made by the Foreign Office.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the plant of Bande Mataram has been confiscated; and, if so, whether he will inform the House for what reason.

Only a conditional order of forfeiture, which does not affect the use of the press, has as yet been passed; the case for making the order absolute is now being heard.

Has not this paper been distinguished for its active disloyalty to the Crown, the British Government in India, and the British nation?

I beg to ask the Under- Secretary of State for India whether it is intended to establish a regular postal and telegraph service between India and Lhassa; and, if so, what steps, if any, have been taken in the matter.

His Majesty's Government have no intention of taking any steps, in existing circumstances, with a view to the establishment of a postal and telegraph service between India and Lhassa.

May I ask if under the Convention which exists between England and Russia a telegraph service can be established between India and Lhassa without the assent of the Russian Government?

Under that Convention both England and Russia stipulate that they will not take advantage of any concessions for telegraphs without the assent of the other.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, in connection with the Rangoon River training works, on which an expenditure of nearly £1,000,000 sterling has been sanctioned, the Government of India has had its attention called by a local expert to the probable existence of an unforeseen danger which would jeopardise the whole work; whether the Government of India, notwithstanding this warning, declined to take any action in the matter; and whether the Secretary of State proposes to take any steps to have the existence or otherwise, of this danger definitely ascertained before the work is proceeded with.

The Secretary of State has received no information regarding the Rangoon River training works since the scheme was submitted for his sanction in August, 1907. He will ask the Government of India to report on the point raised by the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give any reason for the delay in sanctioning the construction of the proposed bridge over the Lower Ganges at Sara Ghât, and when this sanction may be expected to be given.

There has been much doubt as to the best site for the Lower Ganges bridge, which required careful investigation. It has recently been decided to adopt a site at, or near, Sara Ghât, and the Secretary of State does not anticipate that there will be any delay in commencing operations.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the attention of the Secretary of State has been called to the efforts now being made in various self-governing British Colonies to exclude from such Colonies His Majesty's Indian subjects on the ground of differences in race and colour; and whether he will consider the desirability of providing by legislation that no white person born or domiciled in any such self-governing Colony shall be eligible for any post of profit under the Indian Government.

The Secretary of State does not consider it desirable to take action as suggested in the Question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many native States in India Europeans are prevented from settling or holding any office under the State?

That hardly arises out of the Question on the Paper.

May I ask whether this treatment by the Colonies of His Majesty's subjects on the ground of colour is not aggravating the unrest in India itself?

That is a matter of opinion.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Ceylon Government has recently informed the Secretary of State for India that it declines to repeal the import duty on Indian tea; and, if so, whether the reasons for this decision have been given and can be communicated to the House.

The views of the Ceylon Government have been communicated to the Secretary of State for India. The Ceylon producers are strongly opposed to the repeal which, in the opinion of the local government, would not be in the interests of the Colony. It is held that the removal of the import duty would result in Indian tea being exported in circumstances which would lead the purchaser to suppose that it was the produce of Ceylon. The further objection is taken that, if this concession were made to India, it could hardly be refused in other directions. The late Secretary of State was of opinion that this is a matter in which the local view must prevail, as no Imperial interest is involved, and my noble friend sees no sufficient reason to adopt a different attitude.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information regarding the action taken by the Ceylon Government upon the representations of the local Chamber of Commerce and Planters' Association to the effect that the sale in Colombo harbour of low-class teas leads to the undue and undesirable lowering of the standards of quality of tea in the market.

I have no official information on the subject to which my hon. friend refers. It is one which is being constantly discussed in the local newspapers, but so far as I am aware no action has been taken by the Ceylon Government.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any complaint as to the character and quantity of the diet being served out to British-Indians imprisoned in the Transvaal gaols for non-compliance with the registration law; whether the Director of Prisons has refused to substitute a diet of rice for that of mealie meal at present being served and cooked with animal fat abhorrent to the religious and caste scruples of British-Indians; whether the prisoners in question are hard labour prisoners who, in consequence of this action of the authorities, complain of being half starved; and whether he will use his influence with the Transvaal Government to see that these prisoners are treated humanely.

Yes, Sir. The Secretary of State has received complaints as to the diet of the Indians and has made telegraphic inquiry. The Governor states that the Indians arrested at Komati Poort on 29th September were provided with ample food, including rice, but that they preferred to obtain their own food outside, which they were allowed to do. Ministers further state that the ration of mealie meal which is used in the Transvaal prisons obtains in Natal and Cape Colony as far as Indian prisoners are concerned. It has figured in the Transvaal dietary scale since 1901, and is issued not only to Indians but to other Asiatics. Ministers do not state specifically whether the point regarding caste was considered, but as the scale has been in force for so long without, as far as I know, any protest, it must presumably have hitherto been accepted as free from objection on this score.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, since the surrender some years ago of all ordnance property in Dominica to the local Government, the old military burial-ground on Morne Bruce has been allowed to fall into ruin; and whether he will make representations with a view to securing its proper preservation.

The Secretary of State has no official information on the subject, but the Administrator will be asked for a Report.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in July Dinizulu was committed for trial on charges of high treason, public violence, sedition, rebellion, murder, conspiracy to murder, incitement to murder, and breaches of the Firearms Act of 1905; whether all the charges upon which he was committed for trial by the magistrate have now been dropped except that for high treason; and whether he can state upon what grounds those charges were not proceeded with by the Natal Government.

The charges on which Dinizulu was committed are correctly stated in the Question, but I cannot say until the indictment is received what charges may have been dropped. The Government is sending a copy of the indictment home, and it shall be laid in due course.

asked whether, in the event of the charges in the indictment failing to be proved, any further charges could be made against Dinizulu.

That is a hypothetical Question which I cannot answer.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in August Dinizulu was so seriously ill that he was removed to a hospital; whether on his recovery he made a personal application to the Natal Government to be allowed out on bail; whether any response was made to this application; and, if so, what it was.

Dinizulu was removed to hospital in August and was subsequently returned to gaol. It would appear from the telegrams printed in Cd. 4328 that the regular life which he has been compelled to lead has considerably benefited his health. He applied to the Governor to be released on bail on 29th August, and the reply returned was that power to bail rests with the Supreme Court, with whose discretion the Governor could not interfere.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state what amount has been paid to Dinizulu either by the Imperial or Natal Governments for arrears of salary or for the expenses of his defence.

£500 has been paid by the Natal Government.

Is it not well known to the Secretary of State that the expenses of Dinizulu's defence will amount to between £2,000 and £3,000, and can the hon. Gentleman say how they are to be met?

The Secretary of State is not aware what those expenses will be. He will be very glad to know.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the police force of Cyprus has been largely below strength for the past two years; and, if so, whether steps will be taken by an increase of pay or otherwise to complete the establishment.

Provision has been made in the Cyprus Estimates for 1908–1909 not only for an increase in the rates of pay of the police force, but also for an addition of thirty-one constables to the authorised establishment. The additional expenditure involved this year is £6,108.

Will preference be given in filling these vacancies to those who have served His Majesty in similar forces in different parts of the world?

replied that the claims of such men would be borne in mind.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Natal has yet investigated the charges made by Miss Colenso with regard to the flogging and other ill-treatment of natives in Natal or Zululand, as set forth in her letter to the Prime Minister of Natal, dated 10th August last; whether that Government have supplied the information asked for by the Secretary of State in his telegram of the 17th September last to the Governor of Natal; whether the Natal Indemnity Act of this year would, in its present form, provide an indemnity even for such acts as are charged by Miss Colenso; and whether he can give an assurance that before the Royal Assent is finally given to that Act the same shall be modified by, at least, the excision of Section 4 thereof.

I fear I am not at present in a position to add anything to the correspondence published in the last Blue-Book [Cd. 4328].

Is it the fact that the Act of Indemnity has not yet received the final sanction of His Majesty's Government?

Yes, that is so.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the numbers of Chinese and Kaffirs, respectively, now confined in the compounds in the Transvaal, and the death-rate among the Chinese and Kaffirs according to the latest Returns.

The latest official Return shows that at the end of August 151,762 coloured persons were employed and 17,270 Chinese; according to the Transvaal Chamber of Mines the number of Chinese employed at the end of September was 14,655. The death-rates per 1,000, for the quarter ended 30th June, were 32·035 for natives, and 16·002 for Chinese.

Do these figures relate to deaths from disease only?

No, Sir. The figures included deaths from all causes. The Chinese have a much better rate in regard to disease than natives, but their deaths from murder, homicide, and suicide were about six times greater.

Is not the net result that the death-rate among natives is more than double that among the Chinese, and therefore the effect of substituting native for Chinese labour has been—

Order, order.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of. State for the Colonies when the reform of the Constitution of Malta, as foreshadowed in the speech of the President of the Board of Trade to the elected members of the island last year, is to be carried into effect; and whether there are any Papers relating to the proposed reform that could be laid upon the Table of the House.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the Member for Jarrow yesterday. There are no Papers relating to this matter which could be usefully laid at the present juncture upon the Table of the House.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether British-Indians in the Transvaal may, by becoming naturalised as Portuguese subjects, escape the disabilities laid upon them in the Transvaal by the legislation against Asiatics.

No, Sir; not as far as I am aware.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the balance-sheet of the accounts of the Uganda Railway, issued as Cd. 4354; and whether these accounts can be presented in future in sufficient detail to show separately the receipts from passengers, goods, Government stores, etc., to show the cost of maintenance and what expenditure on permanent way, etc., has been met out of revenue, and generally on lines more consonant with sound accounting and with the practice of the best railway companies.

My hon. friend will find detailed accounts of the working of the Uganda Railway both in the annual Blue-book Report of the East Africa Protectorate presented to Parliament and in the Railway Report of the Protectorate for the year 1907–8, of which copies may be seen in the Library of the House of Commons.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to whether the main line from Essen to the North and West Coast of Germany has been, and is still being, reserved exclusively for the carriage of Government goods, chiefly armaments, so that ordinary trade is sent by a longer route; and, if no reports have been sent in, will he cause inquiries to be made by our Consular agents.

I am under the impression, that there is a German law of 1876 respecting railways, according to which no such reservation is made except in time of war, but I will make inquiry as to the facts.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Shah of Persia promised England and Russia to summon Parliament when order was restored in Azerbaijan; whether order has been restored in that province by the Parliamentarians; and whether the Shah has failed to fulfil his pledge on the advice and support of his Russian officers.

The Answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. With regard to the situation in Azerbaijan, His Majesty's Acting Consul-General reported on 28th October that the town of Tabriz was perfectly quiet and the bazaar open, but that the Julfa road was still exposed to disorders. With reference to the last inquiry in the Question, I am not aware that the Russian officers in the service of the Shah have acted as alleged; but the Russian Government have throughout acted in cordial co-operation with us in advising the Shah to summon a Parliament.

Have any further steps been taken to press this matter on the Shah?

That is dealt with in the Answer to another Question.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British and Russian Governments have renewed their advice to the Shah of Persia to summon a freely-elected Parliament; and, if not, when they intend to do so.

The British and Russian representatives at Teheran renewed identic representations on 14th October in the sense mentioned.

Is it not the fact that the Russian officers in the service of Persia have been highly instrumental in preserving order and so have assisted materially both Powers which are parties to the Convention?

That is dealt with in a separate Question also.

May I ask if the advice given to the Persian Government by the Russian and British Governments has been to summon a freely-elected Parliament?

The general object has been to secure the carrying out of promises made in that direction.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Bahamian turtling schooner "Georgie" was seized in the month of May, 1908, by the Cuban authorities and conveyed to the port of Santiago, where, the owners were fined for alleged illegal fishing in Cuban waters; whether the "Georgie" was at once released and the fine remitted in consequence of the energetic action of the British Consul at Santiago; whether the schooners "General" and "Emma Smith" were seized by the Cuban authorities under identical circumstances and taken to Cienfuegos, where there is no British Consul; whether His Majesty's Minister at Havana failed to take the necessary steps for their release, and whether, as a consequence, the catch in these cases was confiscated, the vessels and crews detained for three months, and the owners heavily fined; whether the Government propose to take steps, and, if so, what steps, to obtain suitable compensation; and whether he is aware that captains of vessels hitherto engaged in this industry now refuse to continue in it because they fear they will be killed by the Cubans.

The information received by His Majesty's Government with regard to the incidents referred to by the hon. Member is to the following effect: The Bahamian schooner "Georgie" was seized by the Cuban revenue cutter "Baire" on 23rd May, and taken to Santiago de Cuba. The commander of the "Baire" stated that the vessel was, at the time of her capture, one mile from the shore. The master of the "Georgie" stated that she was five miles from the shore. The "Georgie" was not accused of illegal fishing. A fine was imposed on the vessel, because one live turtle and thirty-three shells of turtles below the legal size were found on board her, and these and the remaining turtle shells on board were confiscated on the ground that the animals from which they were secured had been taken in Cuban waters. His Majesty's Minister at Havana was immediately informed of the incident by His Majesty's Consul at Santiago, and made representations to the Cuban Government. In consequence of these representations, the fine was entirely remitted, and the vessel finally released by a Government decree of 14th August. The schooners "General" and "Emma Smith" were seized on 11th May, but not under similar circumstances to the "Georgie." On 12th May, the day after the capture of the schooners, the British Vice-Consul telegraphed particulars to His Majesty's Minister at Havana. The latter lost no time in approaching the Cuban Government, and did, I am convinced, all that it was possible to do to expedite the release of the vessels. Owing to his representations, the fines were reduced from $940 in the case of the "General" to $440, and from $830 in the case of the "Emma Smith" to $330, and the vessels were released on 30th July. His Majesty's Government, as at present advised, are not aware of any sufficient ground for claiming compensation in the cases of the "General" and the "Emma Smith," which there is reason to suppose were both seized in territorial waters within the three-mile limit. In the case of the "Georgie," any further evidence in support of a claim for compensation will receive their careful consideration. They have no information to show that captains of Bahamian turtling vessels have ceased to continue their industry.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if an order was recently given by the captain of the Cuban revenue cutter "Aileen" that the British flag flying on the British turtling schooner "Emma Smith" should be taken down; and if he can say on what grounds such an order was given.

There is nothing in the Reports received from His Majesty's Minister at Havana, nor in the depositions of the master and mate of the "Emma Smith," to corroborate the statement that the schooner was called upon by the Cuban revenue cutter "Aileen" to haul down the British flag.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the nature of the investigation recently carried out by the Cuban authorities, with a view to determining the guilt, or otherwise, of the masters of certain British turtling schooners alleged to have been illegally turtling in Cuban waters; and can he say whether the accused masters were given an opportunity of denying upon oath the truth of the charges brought against them.

The investigation in question was instituted by the Cuban Department of Finance. At this investigation the masters of the vessels were afforded the opportunity of making their depositions as to the facts, but whether such depositions were taken on oath there is no evidence at present before His Majesty's Government to show. At the instance of His Majesty's Minister at Havana, a further inquiry was undertaken by the Cuban State Department. His Majesty's Minister was satisfied that the schooners were within territorial waters, but a part of the fines was remitted as a result of his representations.

Was not that portion of the fine which was remitted that which the schooner was not liable to pay as she was taken into harbour under force majeure?

That may have been so, but the evidence went to show that the vessels were actually fishing in territorial waters, and, of course, under those circumstances we could not put forward any claim.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if a sailor on board the British schooner "Empress," engaged in the Bahama turtling business, was recently shot by an officer on board a Cuban revenue cutter; and, if so, what was the reason for such action on the part of the said officer, and what steps are His Majesty's Government taking to safeguard the lives of British subjects in these waters.

It is true that Charles Bethel, the cook of the schooner "Empress," was wounded by a shot from a Cuban official of the revenue cutter "Baire." According to the Cuban official account, this was the result of an accident, but the crew of the "Empress" maintain that the shot fired was intentional. The discrepancy between these statements has been brought to the notice of the Cuban Government by His Majesty's Minister, who has pressed for compensation for the sufferer. His Majesty's Government are always ready, as I have before stated, to take the necessary steps for the protection of British interests, but no special measures beyond the demand for compensation seem called for at present, till we know what reply we receive.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a Return of the number of applications for old-age pensions received in the administrative County of London to date, giving the number claiming 1s., 2s., 3s., 4s., and 5s. respectively; and will he give the ratio per 10,000 of the estimated population on 30th June last.

Up to 24th October 34,047 applications for old-age pensions

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he attributes the greater ratio in Ireland to the greater longevity of the Irish people or their greater power of imagination?

Is it not due to the extensive emigration of the younger people?

I beg to ask Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give a complete Return of the number of applications received up to date for old-age pensions, giving the number claiming 1s., 2s., 3s., 4s., and 5s., respectively; and will he also give the ratio per 10,000 of the estimated population on 30th June last of claims from England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, separately.

The number of applications received up to 24th October and the ratio per 10,000 of estimated population on 30th June last are as follows:—

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total number of licensed houses valued for death duties by the Inland Revenue Commissioners during the last completed year; and what was the total number of licensed houses in the United Kingdom on 31st March, 1907.

No separate record is kept in the Estate Duty Office of licensed houses valued for death duties. The total number of Excise licences issued in the year ended 31st March, 1907, in the United Kingdom, for consumption "on" the premises was 124,348, and for consumption "off" the premises was 39,512, but there is no information as to the number of licensed houses in the United Kingdom.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis the £30 worth of furniture, referred to in the instructions to the pension officers, was calculated; and was it adopted as the British equivalent of the £50 real and personal property allowed to be deducted under the New Zealand Pension Act, 1898.

The test applied in the selection of a limit of allowance for furniture was what might reasonably be required to make a home habitable, and it was felt that a sum not exceeding £30 would meet the case. This conclusion was reached quite independently of the limit adopted under the New Zealand Pension Act, 1898.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will see that the officers appointed to carry out the Old-Age Pensions Act in the Highland counties of Scotland are acquainted with the Gaelic language.

I am not aware that any difficulty has arisen in the Highland counties of Scotland in connection with the Gaelic language and the working of the Old-Age Pensions Act, nor have I received any complaints on the subject. But, if my hon. friend will inform me of any cases of hardship which may come to his notice, I will see that the necessary steps are taken to deal with the matter.

Provision was made for that in the Crofters Act of 1896, and other Acts.

And similar provision will be made in this case.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reference to the proposed contribution of £300,000 in aid of expenses under the Unemployed Workmen. Act, 1905, during the coming winter, whether it is intended to present to this House a Supplementary Estimate for this expenditure before the expenditure is undertaken; if so, when will this Supplementary Estimate be presented; and, if not, can he inform the House by what procedure and out of what moneys this contribution will be obtained.

The House has already voted £200,000 out of the £300,000 on a Supplementary Estimate presented in July last. It is proposed to submit a further Supplementary Estimate of £100,000 early in next session.

May I ask whether the Supplementary Estimate cannot be so framed that the money may be used for other purposes than subsidising distress committees?

I must ask for notice; I am not quite sure as to the applications.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if the reduction in the national indebtedness referred to in the Budget statement will be affected, if the receipts into the Exchequer estimated in the Budget are not realised.

No, Sir. The sums applicable to the reduction of debt, referred to in the Budget statement, consisted mainly of the realised surplus of 1907–8 and the capital included in the fixed debt charge for the current year. The amounts available from these sources are not dependent on the realisation of the Budget Estimate of revenue. So far as I can see at present, the Budget arrangements with regard to the reduction of debt are not likely to be interfered with.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to a resolution of the magistrates of Birmingham to the effect that, owing to the inadequacy of the compensation clauses of the Licensing Act, 1904, as interpreted by Mr. Justice Kennedy, they are unable to reduce the number of redundant licences in Birmingham at a satisfactory rate, and urging the Government to increase the rate of reduction; and will he say how many licences will be extinguished in the city of Birmingham if the Licensing Bill becomes law.

My right hon. friend has asked me to answer this Question. His attention has not been called to any such resolution. It is impossible to give, in actual figures, the number of licences that will be reduced under the Government scheme, since that must depend in part upon the modifications of the statutory scale that may be proposed by the licensing justices, and sanctioned by the Commission.

was understood to ask if figures could be given showing the extent of the reduction without the modifications?

It is easy for anyone to obtain them.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the three lady suffragettes, Mrs. Drummond, Mrs. Pankhurst, and Miss Pankhurst, were, previous to their imprisonment, compelled to undergo the indignity of being stripped and searched by prison wardresses; and, if so, can he state if he is prepared to take steps with a view to the prevention of such indignities in the future.

All prisoners, of whatever class, have, under the rules sanctioned by Parliament, to be searched on admission to prison. These rules it is necessary to maintain. Female prisoners are not stripped, but have to change to prison clothes in the presence of two female warders, by whom they are searched. The Prison Commissioners will see that as much privacy is allowed as is consistent with the necessity for efficient search. In regard to the three ladies mentioned, as my right hon. friend said last Wednesday, the usual practice was modified by the Governor, who allowed them to change their clothes in a locked cell.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state when the Report of the Truck Committee will be presented to the House.

The Lord Advocate, who, as my hon. friend is aware, is Chairman of the Committee, informs the Secretary of State that he hopes that it may be possible to present the Report towards the end of the present month. As my hon. friend knows, the work of the Committee has been very laborious.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the police authorities have any record of the number of accidents and of deaths arising out of motor traffic in England and Wales, or either, during the first six months of the present year and, if so, will he state what that record is.

The only figures available are those for London. I must refer my hon. friend to the Answers the Secretary of State gave to the hon. Member for the Newbury division on 26th October, and to the hon. Member for the Mansfield division on 21st October.

Is any record kept of accidents outside London?

The figures are being collected.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now say what is the nature of the revision of the French tariff proposed by the Customs Commission to the Chamber of Deputies; will the proposed revision, if carried out, involve the levying of a higher rate of duties upon British imports into France; and, if so, can he say the extent of the increased duties upon elastic fabrics.

My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I understand that the Customs Commission of the Chamber of Deputies has for some time been considering proposals for the revision (mainly in the direction of increased duties) of the French tariff. As regards elastic tissues the Commission have recommended that the "minimum" tariff rates of duty shall range from 200 to 600 francs per 100 kilograms according to the nature of the weft. The existing rate is 200 francs per 100 kilograms for all descriptions.

Are His Majesty's Government prepared to take any steps to prevent injustice to British manufacturers?

Has any Report been received as to what will be the effect of this new arrangement on the Bradford trade?

As to the last Question I should like to have notice. Of course, the Government will take all reasonable and judicious steps to secure the interests of British traders.

Is it not the fact that no matter what duty any country may put on goods, it does not affect our exports in the least, but merely raises the prices of the manufacturers in foreign countries to our prices plus duty?

That is rather leading to a debate.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to a clause in the policies of assurance companies which stipulates that such companies are not bound by the acts of their agents or representatives unless the same be countersigned by the general manager; and, if so, whether he is prepared to take steps by legislation or otherwise to make such companies responsible for the acts of their agents or representatives when acting as such on behalf of the company.

I do not know whether any insurance company issues policies containing a clause stipulating that the company is not bound by the acts of its agents or representatives unless countersigned by the general manager. My attention has, however, been called by the hon. Member to a clause in a policy issued by an insurance company in which it is stated that no agent or other representative has any authority to dispense with the express performance of any of the conditions referred to in the policy and that no alterations of the policy or any endorsement thereof will be valid as against the company unless the same be countersigned by the general manager of the company. The clause as worded does not appear upon its face to be illegal. I must however add that the whole question of the responsibility of this class of company for statements made by their agents is receiving attention.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade why the Statistical Abstract of the British Empire for 1907 was only issued on the 29th October, 1908; and whether he will consider the possibility of securing the publication of an official volume of such interest at a shorter interval than ten months after the end of the year to which it refers.

I think the hon. Member must refer to the Statistical Abstract for the United Kingdom which has just been issued, and not to the Abstract for the British Empire. The reason for the late issue of this volume this year has been already explained in reply to a Question, addressed to me on 14th October by the hon. Member for Norwood, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the amount of elastic tissues sent from Great Britain to France in 1907 and from France to Great Britain in the same year; and what was the rate of duty levied on the British-made fabrics by France and on the French fabrics by Great Britain.

Particulars of the exports of elastic tissues from this country are not separately recorded in British Official Trade Accounts, but, according to the French official Returns, 47,466 kilograms (8,718 cwts) of elastic tissues, valued at 711,990 francs. (£28,450 were imported into France from the United Kingdom during the year 1907. The exports of elastic tissues of French manufacture from France to the United Kingdom in 1907 amounted, according to the same. Returns, to 51,510 kilograms (1,014 cwts.), valued at 875,670 francs. (£35,027). The import duty levied in France on elastic tissues of British manufacture is at the rate of 200 francs per 100 kilograms (£4 1s. 4d. per cwt.). No import duty on elastic tissues is levied in this country.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say the nature of the steps taken to secure the proper treatment of British manufacturers?

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he will cause a register of names to be kept during the next three and six months at all relief works opened for unemployment throughout the Kingdom showing for how many consecutive days each individual man has worked, with a view to discovering how many genuinely unemployed are in real want of work.

I think that this information is already in the possession of the distress committees, although they are not required to keep a register in a prescribed form.

How is the information collected if no register is kept?

The distress committee have, I think, clerks who have to fill in forms, a copy of which I shall be pleased to send the hon. Gentleman.

Would the forms show how many consecutive days the men work?

I should think so.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, with reference to the three cases of injury resulting from vaccination performed by Dr. Cossham, at Cirencester, if the premises where these children, or any of them, lived were in such an insanitary condition that the child could not be safely vaccinated; and, if so, if he will, in accordance with the rules as to payments to public vaccinators, prohibit the payment of fees in this case, or take other proceedings against the vaccinator.

Two of the cases referred to were of a trifling kind, and need not, I think, be further considered. A public vaccinator is precluded from vaccinating a child if, in his opinion, the condition of the home is such that the child cannot safely be vaccinated; but I understand that in the third of the cases in question, the public vaccinator, at the time the operation was performed, had not formed the opinion that the home was too insanitary to allow of vaccination being safely performed. The insanitary conditions were discovered subsequently. I am, of course, desirous that everything practicable should be done to minimise the risk of accidents of the kind which occurred in this case, and I am considering whether some further instructions might be issued with a view of securing this result.

Is it not the fact that in all cases recently investigated in which vaccination has gone wrong the excuse has been that the premises were insanitary, and does not that show a universal neglect of the law?