asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Earl of Crewe, on the occasion of the King's recent visit to Berlin, accompanied the King in his capacity of Secretary of State as the representative of the Foreign Office, or simply as a member, as in the case of Sir Charles Hardinge, the Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, of His Majesty's suite; was the Earl of Crewe present at the interviews on matters of international policy between the Emperor of Germany and His Majesty, and, if so, in what capacity; did he assume ministerial responsibility to the House of Commons in relation to the matters then under discussion and the conclusions which were the upshot of these interviews; and has he communicated to the Foreign Office the results of these negotiations?

Lord Crewe accompanied the King in his capacity of a Cabinet Minister. Any conversations or exchanges of views which take place on the occasion of the King's visits, and which have any official character, are reported and recorded at the Foreign Office.

Did Lord Crewe discharge the functions which the right hon. Gentleman as Foreign Minister ought to have discharged on that occasion?

No, Sir; I am responsible for the conduct of foreign affairs, and that responsibility remains unimpaired. It does not appear to occur to the hon. Member to ask who would have been responsible for the conduct of the affairs of the Foreign Office if I had gone to Berlin. That is just as reasonable a question.

I cannot give the right hon. Gentleman the information, but if I could I should tell him that the Home Secretary is responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was in a position to state the result of the negotiations which have been proceeding for the conclusion of a Convention with the Japanese Government for the mutual protection of British and Japanese trade-marks in China?

I am not yet in a position to state the result of the negotiations, but they are still proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had any information respecting the Southern Moroccan port of Agadir having been closed to commerce and British vessels having been ordered to leave it; and, if so, whether he could state the reason for this action?

I have not heard of any British vessels having been ordered to leave, but the port of Agadir is not one of those open to trade.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, as a result of official enforcements of Sunday observance in Egypt and of the concurrent intimidation practised by the Sunday Rest League of Cairo, Moslem workmen engaged in building operations there have to work upon Friday, their own religious rest-day, and to cease work upon Sundays; and whether he will urge upon the Egyptian Government the necessity of bringing official regulations and practice into conformity with the preferences of the mass of the population?

I have received no report on this subject. The matter is one of internal administration, as regards which the Egyptian Government are perfectly free to exercise their own discretion and are the best judges of what the preference of the population is.

May I ask whether by the Egyptian Government he means the Ministers of the Khedive acting for themselves or under the English control that dictates to them?

I mean the Ministers of the Khedive acting under control.

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that they are free to use their discretion in such matters as this?

I should think they are, and I have not the least reason to suppose that there has been anything whatever done to interfere with their discretion.

Is it suggested that the Ministers of the Khedive of their own choice caused workers and many officials in Cairo to abstain from work on Sunday and to work on their own sacred day?

I have not heard that they have done so, nor am I aware that there has been any complaint in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have acquired the lands of Killasonna, county Westmeath, from the landlady, Miss M'Cormack; when do they intend to divide this ranch; who are the parties to get a share; and how long ago since the Commissioners acquired this property?

The Estates Commissioners assume that the lands referred to are those of Kilfintan. The Commissioners have not yet acquired these lands, but the owner has intimated her willingness to accept their estimated price, and formal proceedings for sale are pending.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have acquired from Mr. Levenge, the landlord, by agreement, the lands of Cartron, or Corteen, Parish of Cloonguish, county Longford, for increasing the uneconomic holdings and restoring evicted tenants of the district; when will the land be divided; and the number of applications for this grazing ranch?

Proceedings have recently been instituted and are pending be-for the Estates Commissioners for the sale of these lands under the Irish Land Act, 1903. It is not possible to make any further statement at this stage of the proceedings.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners will consider the advisability of acquiring the untenanted lands on the O'Grady Delmage estate, county Clare, for the purpose of increasing the holdings of the small farmers in the district and giving farms to suitable applicants?

Up to the present no proceedings have been instituted before the Estates Commissioners for the sale of the lands referred to. It is not proposed to acquire the lands compulsorily. The lands are of poor quality and would not be suitable for evicted tenants.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners are yet in a position to say what steps have been taken towards the acquisition of the untenanted lands of Gurrane, Garryduff, and Templemary, on the Fuge estate, county Cork, with a view to the reinstatement of evicted tenants, allotments of land to qualified labourers, and enlargement of uneconomic holdings under the provision of the Acts of 1903 and 1907?

As regards the lands of Templemary, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question asked by him on 3rd December last. A petition praying that the other lands referred to in the question be not acquired compulsorily has been filed and is awaiting determination.

Are the Commissioners aware that this case is typical of a great many others in which the landlord is willing to sell the untenanted portions if he can get money advanced for the tenanted land, and can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to expedite the proceedings in these matters?

The Commissioners are pretty well acquainted with what are typical cases and what are not. I will call their attention to what the hon. Member says.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners can now state what action has been taken in respect to the proposed acquisition of the whole or part of the untenanted lands of the Leader estate, Dromagh, county Cork, with a view to pro- curing holdings for evicted tenants of the adjoining district, enlargement of existing uneconomic holdings, and allotments for industrious labourers; and whether, having regard to the fact that purchase agreements were signed by the settled tenants over four years ago, the Commissioners will expedite the completion of the purchase transaction so as to open the way for the acquisition of the untenanted lands?

The Estates Commissioners have had a preliminary inspection made of the untenanted land on this estate, and have intimated the price they are prepared to advance, but the owner is not willing to sell at the price offered.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland how many extra police are at Ballynacally, county Clare; and whether this district is at present in a perfectly peaceable state?

There are at present six extra police at Ballynacally in addition to the ordinary force of one sergeant and four constables. There was an organised cattle-drive on the demesne of Mr. W. H. Ball on 14th November, and the presence of extra police at Ballynacally is regarded by the constabulary authorities as absolutely essential to prevent interference with the stock on the demesne lands.

May I ask whether it is not a fact that since the date mentioned this locality has been perfectly peaceable, and whether in view of that it is necessary to maintain this large force of police? Let me also ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the charge to the grand jury by Mr. Justice Wright, in which he said that in the whole of county Clare there was not one single case of boycotting?

I have read with pleasure the observations of Mr. Justice Wright in regard to the state of the county referred to, and I am also in accord with what fell from the hon. Member as to the general condition of the county. But we have to remember that there have been disturbances there, and that there is particular liability to a recurrence of unlawful practices on account of the demesne lands being let to graziers. The fact that extra police are kept there does not imply any general imputation on people of the country.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the increase in the number of outrages with firearms reported since the expiry of the Peace Preservation Act, he will cause special inquiries to be made by the police with regard to the traffic in rifles and revolvers now being carried on in some parts of Ireland, and specially with regard to the sale of such weapons on the instalment plan?

This matter has not escaped the notice of the police, who are giving it careful attention.

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not consider, in view of what was stated by Lord Crewe in another place, that the introduction—[Cries of "Order," amid which the remainder of the question was inaudible in the Press Gallery.] Addressing Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Mr. Lonsdale said: Am I in order in asking a question of that kind?

The form of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question was not in order.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say whether he made any representation to the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland to contribute the cost of repair of the schoolhouse for the boys at Rathkeale, in the county of Limerick, having regard to the fact that the manager has signified his willingness to vest it in trustees on that condition, and having regard to the fact that the locality in years past subscribed £800, the total cost of the building; and, if so, can he say whether the Commissioners are willing to act on his representation?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the question asked by the hon. Member on this subject on 2nd June last.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman could not appeal to the Commissioners to contribute?

I really cannot interfere with the discretion of the Commissioners in a matter of this kind.

Did the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Commissioners?

I communicated with the Commissioners, and I cannot do anything further in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Church Temporalities Commissioners are paying £1 per week to a caretaker for herding a small holding near Knockaderry, in the county of Limerick, from which they evicted the late William Brown, and from which they receive no return for this outlay; and whether, having regard to this fact and also that the widow Brown is willing to pay a fair rent for the holding, he would use his influence with the Commissioners to have her reinstated?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question on the same subject asked by him on 3rd December last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he consents to the return relative to agrarian outrages of which notice appears on to-day's Paper?

I have written to the hon. Member on this subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will lay upon the Table a précis of any reports made to him by the late Under-Secretary, Lord MacDonnell, relative to the lawlessness in certain districts and the effectiveness of the machinery of the ordinary law in dealing with the same?

Did any such reports exist it would be clearly impossible and contrary to all sound precedent to produce them. As a matter of fact, communications made to me by Lord Macdonnell when Under-Secretary were made verbally in the course of frequent and friendly conversations.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the fact that at the Munster Winter Assizes of 1906 the Crown ordered 45 jurors to stand aside without cause assigned in the case of R. v . Meany, 21 in the case of R. v . Ward and Casey, and 15 in each of the two cases R. v . Leary, and R. v . Healy; whether he is aware that at the late Munster and Connaught Winter Assizes the practice of challenging jurors without cause was also freely resorted to by the Crown, as many as 66 jurors having been ordered to stand by in three cases from Sligo tried at the latter assizes; and will he state whether it is now proposed to cancel the rule of February, 1894, in pursuance of which such challenges were made?

I am informed that the numbers of jurors ordered to stand aside at the Munster Winter Assizes of 1906 are correctly stated in the question. As to the cases mentioned tried at the last Winter Assizes for Connaught, I desire to refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave to the hon. Member for North Sligo on the 14th day of December last. It is not proposed to cancel the rule referred to in the last part of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, if he will lay upon the Table a précis of the reports made by the police authorities in Ireland on the subject of the repeal of the Peace Preservation Act?

I have already informed the hon. Member that any reports which may have been made on this subject by the police authorities are confidential.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what are the arrangements in contemplation for the firing by the police of a certain number of rounds of revolver cartridges annually by every Member of the force; and will he state in what respect such arrangements are a variation of the arrangements hitherto existing in the case of men serving in counties?

The existing arrangements for the instruction of the Royal Irish Constabulary in the use of the revolver have been in force for a great number of years under successive Governments. The men are put through a course of practice. The Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary arranges the details.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the course of practice of which he speaks is only allowed when the constables are at the depot, and that after they leave the depot they never fire a single round?

I believe that is not the case. The Inspector-General deprecates discussions of this matter in the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of arming the constabulary with field guns, Howitzers, Maxim guns, and so forth, to enable them to carry out their duties?

I am afraid that the Chancellor of the Exchequer would object to that.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, except in the mounted force and except as recruits at the depot, the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have had any revolver-firing practice with ball cartridge during the last five years?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given to a question asked by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman on what ground the Inspector-General deprecates the bringing of this question before the House?

I do not know the precise grounds, but I certainly deprecate it.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will ascertain from the Inspector-General "Yes" or "No" whether it is a fact that the constabulary have never fired a shot out of their revolvers?

No.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have made an offer to purchase the estate of Stony, situate in the parish of Loragh, county Tipperary; and, if so, can he say how the negotiations now stand?

The Estates Commismissioners have had a preliminary inspection made of the lands, and have intimated to the owner the price they would be prepared to advance, but up to the present formal proceedings for sale have not been instituted before them.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the untenanted land on what is known as the Spaight property, situate near Ballina, in North Tipperary, has been offered for sale to the Estate Commissioners; whether an inspector has been sent on the lands; and, if not, will it be done before the lands are again let for another eleven months?

The lands in question have not been offered to the Estate Commissioners. If proceedings for sale are instituted the lands will be inspected in their order of priority.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether on the estate of R. G. Kellet, Barley Hill, county Meath, the owner constituted his brother a tenant since the passing of the Land Act of 1903; whether the Estates Commissioners are aware of this fact; and will they make inquiries before advancing money to purchase a tenancy so created?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the owner of this estate proposed to constitute his brother a tenant of certain lands with a view to selling them to him under the provisions of the Irish Land Act, 1903. The Commissioners have, however, refused to make any advance to the owner's brother for the purchase of the lands referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have refused advances applied for by some small tenants on the estate of R. G. Kellet, Barley Hill, county Meath; whether the refusal was due to the fact that the tenants refused to take very inferior land for the enlargement of their holdings whilst fairly good untenanted land was available on the estate; and whether, having regard to the dissatisfaction given by the inspector engaged in the case in other districts of county Meath, they will send another inspector to report before declaring any of the lands an estate?

As the hon. Member has already been informed, the owner and his brother arranged to make 100 acres in their occupation available for the purposes of distribution amongst the smaller occupiers on this estate. As these occupiers refused to accept the allotments and to complete the purchase of their holdings, the Estates Commissioners excluded their holdings from the sale and their purchase agreements were accordingly dismissed. The estate was visited by more than one inspector, and it is not proposed to have a further inspection made.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say what steps, if any, the Estates Commissioners have taken to purchase the untenanted lands on the Massy estate, situate at Glenville and Ballylin, near Ardagh, in the county of Limerick; is he aware of the number of tenants of uneconomic holdings on this estate; and whether, having regard to this fact, the Estates Commissioners will acquire these lands without further delay for the purpose of enlarging them and for making provision for the evicted tenants in the locality?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the lands have been inspected, and they have intimated to the owner the price which they would be prepared to advance if formal proceedings for sale were instituted.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the police reports, of which a précis has been laid upon the Table, are limited to a review of the condition of affairs existing in each county during the month of January, 1909, only; and will he, in order that the House may have before it a similar review of the condition of each county throughout the year 1908, lay upon the Table a précis of the periodical reports made by the police authorities in that year?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The object in placing the précis before the House was to give the latest information as to the state of the country which had been received from the police authorities. I do not see any sufficient reason for laying a précis of previous reports on the Table.

asked whether the précis takes cognisance of all matters reported upon by the police authorities; and, if not, what matters have been excluded from reference in the précis ?

The pr—cis takes cognisance of all matters reported by the police authorities as bearing upon the state of the country in regard to law and order generally. References to individuals which it would be inexpedient to publish were omitted, as also some matters which had no bearing on the question of public order.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether satisfactory arrangements have been made for warning natives of India as to the reception they are likely to receive in British Columbia; and whether, in view of representations by the Government of British Honduras to the effect that favourable opportunities exist there for the employment of Indian immigrants, inquiries have been made as to the correctness of such representations in order to the publication of satisfactory information on this subject also in parts of India whence emigration to Canada proceeds?

The Government of India have full information as to the prospects of employment open to natives of India in British Columbia, and it is understood that they have published as far as practicable warnings to Indians that emigration thither is undesirable. As to British Honduras, the Government of India have been informed of the openings for Indian labour in that Colony. It was at one time thought that Indians now in British Columbia who found difficulty in obtaining work there might desire to avail themselves of the opportunity of migrating to British Honduras; but there appears to be at present no large number of unemployed Indians in British Columbia, and the matter has been dropped. No desire has been expressed by the Colony of British Honduras to import Indian labour direct from India.

asked the under-Secretary of State for India whether he can assure the House that the Indian taxpayer shall in no case be charged on account of payment of wages to foreigners of any rates in excess of those ordinarily prevailing in the countries of such foreigners whenever stores for India are purchased in such foreign countries?

The Secretary of State has no reason to suppose that foreign employers of labour have any intention of acting as suggested by the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India, in view of the fact that the Indian Councils Bill is in reality little more than a skeleton or procedure Bill, and that the substantive enactments are to take the form of rules and regulations made by the Governor-General in Council, is it the intention of the Secretary of State to lay those rules and regulations before Parliament prior to their becoming operative?

It is in accordance with the established practice, fully accepted by this House on the strong recommendation of Mr. Gladstone in the case of the Indian Councils Act of 1892, that regulations, such as will have to be made under this Bill if it becomes law, should be made by the Government of India, and should become operative without being previously discussed in Parliament, and the Secretary of State has no intention of making any change in this respect.

Seeing that these rules have the force of law, and are therefore an adjunct to the Act, may I ask whether this House has not the Constitutional right to review an Act passed by itself?

As at present advised, we are merely following the precedents of previous administrations, which allowed a great deal of latitude to the Government of India in settling the details of an intricate Act.

May I ask, as the regulations have to have the sanction of the Secretary of State, whether it would not be quite reasonable, after such examination, to submit them to this House for review?

That, I think, is the original question in another form.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the authority of Mr. Gladstone, behind which he shelters himself, related to a question of the details whereas these rules and regulations affect principles? Does not that alter the case?

I am not prepared to accept the interpretation which my hon. Friend puts on this Bill. I think that the whole of the matters under the Act of 1892 were equally important.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware, with regard to Acts of Parliament in this country that rules and regulations are always laid on the Table of the House?

That is under an Act of Parliament.

May I ask whether—

I really think that further questions should be put on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether any arrangement has yet been come to with the Government of France as to the rates to be charged on petrol produced in British India and imported into France; and whether the French Government refuse to allow such importation on the same terms as are granted to Russia, Roumania, and the United States?

Indian petrol imported into France pays import duty according to the general tariff, whereas Russian, Roumanian, and United States petrol is admitted to the minimum rate by reason of treaty stipulations. The French Government is unwilling to admit Indian petrol to the minimum rate except in return for some special concession, and that the Indian Government does not see its way to grant.

Will the hon. Gentleman lay the correspondence on the Table?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Is the hon. Member aware that in all India the province of Burmah is the hardest hit by such duties on petrol, and whether it would not be wise to try and threaten retaliation upon the imported wines of France?

Does not the Government think that is an infringement of the most-favoured-nation clause?

No, I do not think so.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether the attention of His Majesty's Government continues to be directed to the decline of the native population of Fiji, estimated in 1871 at 140,000, reduced to 127,000 in 1881, after the epidemic coincident with the annexation, and now under 87,000; whether the Indian and non-native coloured inhabitants and the European population of Fiji show a death-rate comparable with that among the Fijian native race; and whether, since the despatch of the Governor to the Secretary of State received in October last, in which he alludes to such time as, by the dying out of the Fijian race, the Crown may become ultimus hœres to the land, inquiry has been made as to how far improved measures of administration may be expected to save from gradual extinction the native population of Fiji?

The death-rates per thousand per annum among the natives, Indian immigrant population and European inhabitants of Fiji, were as follows, for the three last years for which statistics are available:— 1905. 1906. 1907. Natives 37.99 37.40 39.14 Indians 20.34 20.98 19.87 Europeans 13.83 12.2 12.3 His Majesty's Government are giving close attention to the serious state of affairs indicated by these figures, and communicated last October with the Colonial Government in regard to further measures for checking the decrease of the native population, but have not yet received a reply. I may add, however, that the figures for the years 1905–07 are an improvement upon the figures for 1895–1904.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if he is aware that discontent exists in Trinidad as to the treatment meted out to the employees on the Government railway; if he could give the number of men dismissed last year, the nature of the offence justifying such dismissal, and the fine or punishment imposed in each case, the number of men reduced in position, and the nature of the offence calling for such charge; and whether any of the employees so treated had an opportunity of defence, and, if so, the nature of the decision?

I am not in the position to give the details asked for by my hon. Friend, as the report on the railways for last year has not yet been received, but the question will be referred to the officer administering the Government of Trinidad.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he is aware that rebates and preferences are granted to the Deutsche Ost Afrika Linie and Messageries Maritimes Companies, that these companies are subsidised by the German and French Governments, and that British merchants are, therefore, at a disadvantage on the East Coast of Africa, though more than half of the cargo and passenger traffic is British; and whether, in consideration of the growing importance of British Possessions on that coast, the Government has under consideration the need of promoting the establishment of a direct line of steamers or of subsidising the existing line?

I am aware of the conditions under which trade with the East Coast of Africa is at present carried on, and the question of steamship communication between this country and that coast is receiving the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he had received any information as to the result of the trial of Dinizulu?

Yes, Sir. The Governor has telegraphed that Dinizulu has been awarded four years' imprisonment on account of Counts 7 and 16 in the indictment, and one year or a fine of £100 on account of Count 5. It will be seen, on referring to the indictment printed in Cd. 4404 that these Counts refer to the harbouring of rebels.

May I ask, considering that Dinizulu has already been imprisoned for 15 months, and as the most serious charges for which he was arrested have broken down, and bearing in mind the very difficult position in which he was placed when the Bambaata family took refuge with him, whether the Secretary of State will advise a mitigation of the sentence?

With regard to the first part of the question I understand from a Press telegram, though I have not yet had official intimation of it, that the sentence is to run from the date of his first imprisonment 15 months ago, and therefore there will be a reduction of the sentence by that amount. There is also a Press telegram to the effect that the fine of £500 has been paid, but that is likewise unconfirmed. If that is so the sentence would be reduced to something over two years. As regards the further question, my hon. Friend will understand that as we have only received a telegram it is impossible and it would be undesirable to make any statement at present.

Seeing that Dinizulu has not been convicted of the serious offences of rebellion and murder which were charged against him, and having regard to the feeling of the native population and to the peace of the country, will the hon. Member consider the advisability of remitting the sentence passed altogether?

As I understand it, and so far as we know, it is the case that Dinizulu has not been found guilty of the more serious offences. With regard to the second part of the question I cannot add more than I have said.

I beg to give notice that in consequence of the hon. Gentleman's answer, I will, after a lapse of a reasonable interval, raise this question again.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain what the expression "imprisonment" means? Does it mean imprisonment with hard labour or simple imprisonment?

The only word used in the telegram I have received is "imprisonment."

Bad enough.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us a pledge that this information he has promised will be given before the House rises?

Yes, of course. When I said we must wait for information I did not anticipate that the House would rise so rapidly.

May I ask whether we may expect this further information by cable or whether it is to be dispatched by post?

We shall receive every information by cable. I expect it has arrived already. Of course, we would have to have a good deal of further information before I can answer the important questions put to me to-day.

But there will be no delay?

No, there will be no delay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the remarks contained in Paragraph 30 and the last sentence in Paragraph 32 of the Committee's Report on the Organisation of the Crown Agents' Office, His Majesty's Government regards itself as free from all responsibility in respect of loans arranged by the Crown Agents on behalf of any Crown Colony, or whether, in the last resort, His Majesty's Government guarantees all such loans; and whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to afford to Parliament adequate opportunities of reviewing the operations of the Crown Agents' Office?

The Secretary of State is responsible for the administration of the Crown Colonies, and loans cannot be raised by the Crown Agents on behalf of a Colony without his authority. But his responsibility does not extend to guaranteeing such loans. They are raised on the security of the revenues of the Colony concerned, and are not guaranteed by His Majesty's Government except in a few rare instances when such a guarantee has been specially sanctioned by Parliament. It is proposed that in future the accounts of the Crown Agents' Office should be published annually, and the Vote, which includes the Secretary of State's salary will afford an opportunity for calling attention to them.

May I ask whether the Government, although they disclose responsibility for the guarantee, is not responsible for the terms?

That is a question of which I would ask for notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the new rule issued by the principal medical officer of the general hospital of Colombo, prohibiting the admission of native Ceylonese to the paying planters' or passengers' wards; whether this is a violation of the declared objects in view when these wards were built and the practice which has hitherto been observed; whether the hospital is maintained out of public revenue; whether the surveyor and physicians and most of the nurses attached to the hospital are native Ceylonese; and what action he proposes taking in connection with the matter?

The hospital is maintained out of public revenue, and I believe that most of the staff are natives of Ceylon. I have no information regarding the introduction of the rule to which my hon. Friend refers, but the Governor will be asked for a report on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the doors of the corridor electric trains of the District Railway have been clumsily altered, so that, while they have lost their automatic character, it is difficult for the public to open them; if he is also aware that the number of conductors working on these long trains is too small to enable them to help the public to work the doors; and if he will take steps to enforce the provision of better doors or more conductors, or both?

I have communicated with the railway company on this subject, and have received a reply, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in these carriages at least 70 hanging straps have been provided for passengers who cannot find seating accommodation, and will he advise the company to provide more wooden seats instead?

I am afraid I cannot give any satisfactory answer to that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the case of murderous outrage in a Midland Railway carriage on Wednesday, 24th February, in which the assaulted person vainly endea- voured to communicate with the guard; if he is aware that it is the common practice of railway companies to place communication cords so high in carriages that they are difficult to reach; and if he will make such regulations as shall ensure the provision of practicable means of communication in all trains?

I may remind my hon. Friend that the first effect of pulling the communication chain is to apply the automatic brake to the train, and in this case the railway company inform me that the driver of the train in question noticed that the communication chain had been pulled, and ran the train to the next station, which was less than a mile away. As regards the position of the chain in the carriage, I am advised that it cannot well be improved, as the chain could not run across the door of the compartment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the United States of America now enjoys all the minimum duties of the French tariff which we enjoy?

All the products and manufactures of the United Kingdom are admitted into France at the rates of duty of the "Minimum Tariff." The products of the United States of America receive the minimum tariff rates on certain specified goods, of which I shall be happy to furnish a list to my hon. Friend if he so desires. Upon the rest a higher scale of duty is enforced than upon the corresponding products of the United Kingdom.

Are we to understand that the United States has been unable, by negotiations, to gain from the French as favourable terms as we have?

That would appear to be the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the details of the proposed new French customs tariff show that it is directed against imports not only from this country, but from Germany, America, and other protectionist nations; whether he has yet received any evidence that protectionist countries are exercising any greater power in the decisions of the French Government in this matter than this country; and if he will state whether it is possible for Germany to secure from France a reduction of the proposed new iron and steel duties without our sharing in that reduction by virtue of the most-favoured-nation clause?

The report of the Customs Commission of the French Chamber of Deputies which contains the new tariff proposals does not indicate that these proposals are directed especially against imports from any particular country. The report states, however, that the modification of the existing tariff has been rendered necessary by recent tariff changes in other European countries. I am not in a position to say how far the French Government may be influenced by representations from protectionist countries towards a modification of these proposals, but I know of no ground for thinking that such representations will receive greater consideration than will be accorded to the views of traders in this country. Full most-favoured-nation treatment in tariff matters is at present accorded by France to the products and manufactures of the United Kingdom. I have every reason to suppose that this country will continue to receive such treatment in the future, and will consequently enjoy the benefit of any reductions of duty, whether on iron and steel or on any other commodity which may be accorded to any third country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence have had under their consideration the proposed new French tariff; and, if so, whether he will arrange to have their recommendations published?

The Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence have had before them a summary of the opinions expressed by the principal Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations with regard to the effect of the proposals put forward by the French Customs Commission. The proceedings of the Advisory Committee are confidential, and I do not think it desirable to publish the nature of their deliberations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he would state what is the amount of the duty payable in France upon the importation of British locomotives and American locomotives respectively?

Locomotives of ordinary gauge built in the United Kingdom, are dutiable on importation into France at the rate of 15 francs per 100 kilogrammes, the rate of duty on narrow gauge locomotives being 18 francs per 100 kilogrammes. The corresponding rates on locomotives built in the United States are 20 francs and 24 francs per 100 kilogrammes respectively.

asked the Prime Minister whether any steps have been taken towards instituting the inquiry into the necessities of the Scottish universities, in view of the marked inferiority of the grants now made to these universities, compared with those for similar objects made to Ireland and Wales, and to the provincial colleges in England?

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer that a Committee to inquire into the needs of the Scottish Universities is now in course of formation, and that Lord Elgin has kindly consented to act as chairman. My right hon. Friend hopes shortly to be in a position to announce the names of the other members of the Committee.

asked the Prime Minister if he can in any way hasten the consideration of the Houses of Parliament Bill with a view of meeting the claim of the public for re-admission to the public galleries of this House.

I am sorry that the Houses of Parliament Bill appears to be regarded by some Members of the Opposition as a controversial measure, and that it has been blocked on every occasion that the second reading has been moved, and I regret that I see no prospect of finding any time for its consideration before 11 o'clock during the present month.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that the outside public and our Constituents have a right to be present?

Yes, Sir, I fully recognise that.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to reintroduce the Hops Bill of last Session?

I am not in a position to make any statement at present.

Does the right hon. Gentleman hope in a short time to make a statement?

I hope so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of prosecutions which have been instituted and the number of convictions obtained by the Board for the fraudulent substitution and sale of margarine for butter during the 12 months ending 31st December, 1908?

Whether the Secretary of State for the Home Department could state the number of prosecutions which have been instituted and the number of convictions obtained by his Department for the fraudulent substitution and sale of margarine for butter during the 12 months ending 31st December, 1908?

Whether the President of the Local Government Board could state the number of prosecutions which have been instituted and the number of convictions obtained by the Board for the fraudulent substitution and sale of margarine for butter during the 12 months ending 31st December, 1908?

And whether the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, could state the number of prosecutions which have been instituted and the number of convictions obtained by the Board for the fraudulent substitution and sale of margarine for butter during the 12 months ending 31st December, 1908?

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer these questions. None of the Departments referred to have instituted prosecutions of the kind mentioned. The matter would not come within the province of the Home Office or the Board of Trade, and the Local Government Board or the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries could only act if they were of opinion that a particular local authority had failed to execute or enforce the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts in relation to butter, and that their failure affected the general interest of the consumer or the general interest of agriculture in the United Kingdom, as the case may be. I may add that Returns are received by the Local Government Board showing the number of samples of butter examined by the public analysts, and the number of cases in which proceedings are taken by the local authorities where the butter is found not to be genuine. The Returns for 1908, however, are not at present complete.

Does not the Report of the right hon. Gentleman's own Department contain a paragraph to the effect that the legislation of the past two years dealing with margarine has not succeeded in stopping fraud?

That may be so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Butter and Margarine Act of two years ago is largely inoperative because of the reluctance or inactivity of the various Departments in this country?

No.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he can give the total decrease in wages recorded by the Board of Trade for the year 1908, and the number of employees affected by such decrease.

Subject to revision, and excluding changes affecting agricultural labourers and certain other classes for which statistics are not yet available, the total net amount of the changes computed from the date of each change to the end of the year, was a decrease of £1,012,112, and the number of employees affected by decreases was 465,036.

Do these figures apply only to skilled labour as represented by the trades unions, or do they cover unskilled labour as well?

I cannot say. They cover the whole area dealt with by the Board.

Do they cover unskilled as well as skilled labour?

I think it is difficult to draw the line in these calculations; they cover the whole area. I have taken the figures from the ordinary sources.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) why there are any restrictions on the importation of pigs from Ireland into England, as there is no swine fever in Ireland at present; and will he get such restrictions removed, if possible?

who answered the question, said: The restrictions referred to have force under certain Swine Fever Orders made some time ago by the English Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. The question of the removal of such restrictions is one for the English Board of Agriculture, and I cannot undertake on behalf of the Irish Department to interfere with their discretion, but I regret to say that the position as regards swine fever in Ireland is less favourable than this question asumes, 158 outbreaks having been recorded in the country last year, and 4, so far, this year—the latest on 26th February.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he can state the number of prosecutions which have been instituted and the number of convictions obtained by the Department for the fraudulent substitution and sale of margarine for butter during the 12 months ending 31st December, 1908?

During the year 1908 there were purchased on behalf of the Department 920 samples sold as butter and 2 samples sold as margarine. Of the samples purchased as butter 6 proved on analysis to be margarine. Proceedings were instituted in respect of these samples and convictions were obtained in five cases.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the figures that he has just read out apply to England or to Ireland, and whether he is aware that the Department in Ireland, when they want to take proceedings here to bring guilty parties to justice, finds it must act through some other Department of the Government, and whether it is proposed to allow the Vice-President of the Board of Agriculture to prosecute for fraud committed in Irish products in this country?

I really must ask my hon. Friend to put down that question. I am only answering for my right hon. Friend the Vice-President, and have given all the information I have.

Is he furnished with information to show that the Act is inoperative owing to the fact that the Department allow the handling of margarine and butter to be carried on under the same roof?

I must ask for notice of that also.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what extra pay, if any, is given to coastguards whose duties are increased owing to the abolition of the coastguard stations adjoining their own?

There is no material increase of duties, and no extra pay is given in the cases referred to by the hon. Mem- ber, as it is not considered that any changes involved in the abolition of adjacent coastguard stations have rendered it desirable.

Is it not the fact that the length of coast patrolled is very largely increased owing to the abolition of some of the coastguard stations?

If the hon. Member will be so good as to give me notice of the question I will inquire.

asked what length of notice is given to coastguards of their removal from one station to another?

No special length of notice is given, and the period varies according to the circumstances of each case. In case of closing a station, the men are warned some months in advance of the probability of a station being closed.

asked whether it is intended to make further reductions in the coastguard service?

The requirements of the coastguard service for the time being must govern the number of stations kept up.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the names of the Scandinavian quarries from which granite has been taken in preference to granite from the Irish and British quarries on the ground that the Norwegian granite is cheaper than Irish and British granite, and the names of the persons having large pecuniary interests in the Norwegian quarries to which this preference has been given?

The Admiralty have not the information asked or.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman tell me that he would inquire, and that there was no disposition to conceal the names?

I do not know yet, and I do not think the contract has been given. I do not know which Norwegian or Scandinavian company is likely to get the contract. The contract is made by the contractors for the whole of the work, and with the Norwegian quarries and not by the Admiralty.

Is it not the case that many of the owners of these Norwegian quarries are owners also of granite quarries in the United Kingdom?

Yes; I believe that is the case.

Is it not the case that the Norwegian quarry owners are at present employing skilled labour at a higher rate of wages than is paid in this country, and also that the reason why this contract will go to Norwegian quarry-owners, if it does go to them, is that the home quarry-owners have more remunerative contracts to carry out at home than the contract under discussion?

I cannot answer the last question; I have no knowledge of the contracts the home quarries have at present. I believe as a fact that the wages paid to skilled men by the Norwegian quarry-owners are higher than the wages paid at present in the home quarries.

In view of answers which the right hon. Gentleman has given, and in view of the facts stated by him that he believes it to be the fact that the contract for granite has not yet been made, will he now take steps to secure these orders for British producers?

I think the right hon. Gentleman is thoroughly aware of the procedure in these cases. The Admiralty give the contract as a whole for the whole work, and the contractor gets his materials wherever it suits him best. The contractor will no doubt in the execution of his contract endeavour to buy granite, but the duty of buying granite rests with the contractor, and not with the Admiralty.

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman has understood my question. The contractor would, of course, be perfectly willing to get his granite at home if the right hon. Gentleman will make it worth his while. My question is whether in view of the fact that the Government are spending themselves and urging municipalities to spend a great deal of public money in the effort to procure work for the unemployed, the Government will not endeavour to secure this work also for British employment?

The present Government, like the late Government, of which the right hon. Gentleman was a Member, is a Free Trade Government. It has entered into this contract upon precisely the same principles that the right hon. Gentleman entered into contracts when he was at the Admiralty.

If my right hon. Friend is going to adopt the suggestion of hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite that no granite except British granite is to be used, will he also say that no granite from outside Westmorland is to be used?