asked the Secretary of State for War with reference to the proposed reduction of 82 officers, 3 warrant officers, and 153 sergeants, foreshadowed in the Army Estimates for this year, whether the reductions of 301 officers, t40 warrant officers, and 2,766 sergeants estimated for during the last three years have been carried out?

The hon. Member has apparently taken his figures for 1909–10 from Page 4 of the Army Estimate, but he will find on further reference to that page that these figures represent only the variation in the ranks concerned among certain large changes of establishment. Taking all changes into account, Vote A for 1909–10 shows an increase in these ranks on 1908–9 of 15 officers, 6 warrant officers, and 151 sergeants. The reductions approved during the last three years have been carried out by absorption, with the exception of a few warrant and non-commissioned officers, who will be absorbed as opportunity offers. I am not able to identify the particular figures quoted by the hon. Members for those years.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the marked increase in the number of recruits obtained in the regimental districts is sufficient to enable him to carry out an increase of the establishment of line battalions at Home to the standard of 1906–7?

The marked increase in the number of recruits has been accompanied by a no less marked decrease in the wastage. Consequently, it may turn out that the present establishment of the Home battalions will be sufficient to meet all requirements. This point cannot be determined until there has been some experience of the new condition of things, but it is not escaping attention.

Is it not a fact that with regard to infantry recruiting that, so far from being greater this year, there is simply a loss, as compared with the previous year, of 2,000?

No; there are 2,250 more recruits this year. In recruiting for the infantry there are fewer battalions than at one time, and consequently the distribution is different, but in proportion there are more recruits per battalion strength.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that many London employers have signified their willingness to give extra holidays on full pay, in addition to their army pay, to Territorials attending camp, he will endeavour to secure equally favourable treatment for Civil Servants by arranging that they shall receive both Civil and Army pay if they do their annual training outside their ordinary holiday.

I will answer this question. Civil Servants in the Territorial Force who attend camp for at least a fortnight will be allowed one week's leave on full Civil pay in addition to military pay. The second week will either be counted as ordinary leave on full pay or as special leave without Civil pay.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the revised instructions for foreign officers tra-velling in certain parts of Germany, which are now being circulated in military and official circles, are being issued with his sanction; and whether he intends to issue revised instructions for foreign officers travelling in the United Kingdom.

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

May I ask does the right hon. Gentleman adhere to the correctness of his answer to me in July last year that, provided you did not go near the fortifications in Germany you might sketch all over the country as far as he was aware?

There are some revised instructions; but, after all, they are not burdensome.

I do not think the right hon. Gentleman quite understood the meaning of my question. Does he still maintain that his answer to me on that occasion was correct?

As I have said, there have been some changes in the system since, but I do not think they are very material.

Before that, I am talking of. Does the right hon. Gentleman maintain that his answer to me was accurate and not misleading that you could go over the whole of Germany and sketch where you liked?

Yes, Sir.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any substantial difference in the regulations between British officers in Germany and German officers in this country?

Yes, I think our regulations are somewhat less stringent; but I do not think there is any great difference.

Is retaliation taboo alike in the field of arms and economics?

I do not see that the smallest advantage is to be gained by saying that such proposals are taboo.

asked whether the revised rules for the guidance of British Offi-cers travelling in Germany require them to report their movements to the military authorities or the police in any place which they may visit; and whether it is intended to apply analagous regulations to German military officers travelling in the United Kingdom?

In reply to the first part of the question as regards Alsace Lorraine and Eastern Prussia the reply is in the affirmative, and as regards the rest of Germany the practice is recommended in order to conform with the local custom. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the complaint of the Bakers' Society respecting the violation of the fair wages clause, as entered upon the contract form agreed to by the contractor for bread supply to the barracks at Newcastle-on-Tyne; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

From the inquiries which have been made there does not appear to have been any infringement of the fair wages clause in the execution of the contract. I can give my hon. Friend details in the matter if he desires them.

I shall be very pleased if the right hon. Gentleman will do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many sergeant-majors on full pay are connected with the depot of the Royal Irish Fusiliers at Armagh; how many are required for the work of the depot; what is the length of service of each sergeant-major connected with the depot; are any of them qualified for a warrant officer's full pension; if so, why are; any so qualified retained on full pay, seeing that one sergeant-major is now, and has been for some time, on indefinite furlough; whether there are warrant officers' quarters in barracks vacant; and, if so, why one of the sergeant-majors is permitted to reside out of barracks and draw lodging allowance?

There are three sergeant-majors present at the headquarters of the 3rd Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers at Armagh, of whom two are supernumerary to establishment. They have 23 years, 130 days; 22 years, 129 days; 23 years, 124 days service respectively. A warrant officer is not qualified for a full pension as such until he has completed 30 years' service, of which five years must be in the rank of warrant officer. All these warrant officers are now at duty. There is no warrant officer's quarter vacant.

asked whether any money has been spent, and, if so, what amount, on the cavalry officers' quarters at Bulford during the last eight months?

There are no cavalry officers' quarters at Bulford. No cavalry are stationed there.

asked what was the average yearly cost of the cavalry depot at Canterbury, including the contribution paid by the Indian Government, during the last ten years of its existence, the estimated yearly cost of the proposed new cavalry depots, and where will they be located?

The cost of the cavalry depot at Canterbury, which was abolished as a general depot for regiments in India in 1897, cannot be obtained without laborious investigation, and as the functions of that depot were entirely different from those of the proposed new depots, no useful purpose would appear to be served by making the comparison of cost. The localities of the new depots have not been finally settled.

asked whether in the clothing contracts for the Territorial Forces, as in the War Office contracts, there is a condition that all the clothing shall be made on the contractor's own premises; and, if so, whether steps will be taken by the County Associations to ensure that such condition will be observed?

:I have suggested to all county associations that they should in their forms of tender adopt the same clause as to sub-letting and fair wages as is adopted by the War Office; but, as I have already informed the hon. Member, it is not practicable to interfere with their discretion.

asked how many horses are required for horse and field artillery respectively of the Territorial Army on a peace footing; and how many have been actually secured?

The horse and field artillery of the Territorial Force have no permanent establishment of horses on a peace footing. Horses for the annual training in camp are allowed at the rate of 117 per horse artillery and 78 per field artillery battery. These horses are provided by the County Associations out of the grants for the purpose under paragraph 642, Territorial Regulations.

asked whether, to parade one battery of regular field artillery for shell practice under service conditions at artillery practice camps, the horses of the two other batteries are required and are actually used?

It is not essential for shell practice that a battery of Royal Field Artillery should utilise the horses of the other two batteries of the brigade, but whenever possible it is desirable that batteries should practice with the firing battery complete in horses. This is arranged as a rule by sending two brigades of field artillery to a practice camp simultaneously.

asked whether any contract for the supply of wall bars, beams, etc., to the military depot gymnasiums throughout the United Kingdom has recently been placed abroad; and, if so, with what firm or firms and for what reason?

An order for Swedish gymnastic apparatus was recently placed with a Swedish firm, as the apparatus submitted by them was considered more suitable for the requirements of the service than the apparatus submitted by others.

Is it not the fact that the apparatus referred to in the question can be made by an ordinary carpenter quite as efficiently and more cheaply than it can be made by the foreigner?

No, it is not the fact. It is a special Swedish apparatus made only by these people. It is rather dearer than the apparatus here, too. We think the apparatus can be better made by these firms.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the difference of the cost between the two?

No, I cannot tell, but Swedish apparatus is a little more.

Can he tell us whether it is the subject of a patent?

I cannot tell, but I should doubt very much whether it was. In these exercises the Swedes have been ahead of us.

If it is not the subject of a patent, surely it can be made by English as well as Swedish artificers?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there would not be a certain element of danger in using these things made in England?

I do not think there would be any element of danger. The real reason is we do not know how to make these things very well. The Swedes have brought Swedish exercises and training to a pitch of perfection which we have not yet reached, but which we hope to reach.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many sets of gymnastic apparatus there are at the headquarters gymnasium at Aldershot; how many, if any, of such sets have been supplied by foreign firms; and can he say whether superiority in style, finish, and durability is found to rest with the home-made or with the foreign-made apparatus?

In addition to the ordinary gymnastic fittings, Swedish apparatus, made by a Swedish firm, has recently been introduced at the headquarters gymnasium at Aldershot, and is considered better in finish and lasting qualities and more suitable to the requirements of the Service than the other apparatus which has been tried.

Do I understand that in durability the apparatus is better than the home-made article?

Yes, it lasts longer.

Then is the House to understand that not only do we go abroad for these things but pay more for them?

My hon. and gallant Friend has got Protection on the brain. It is efficiency we want.

asked if any notice has been taken by the Colonial Office of a petition presented to this House on 25th November last praying that an inquiry be made into certain allegations made in the petition respecting native adminstration in Natal; if the petition has been referred to any person or persons for inquiry and report; and if any reply will be made to the House to the allegations made?

I am not in a position at present to add anything to my reply to a similar question last Monday put by hon. Friend the Member for South Salford.

Is the right hon. Gentleman forgetting the very important Report of the Committee upon native affairs in Natal, and is it to be altogether ignored?

Oh, no; I am not forgetting that at all, but I am not in a position to say anything about it. I hope to be able to do so before long.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the question of the hon. Member for North Cork relates to a totally different matter to that referred to in mine?

If that be so, I am afraid I cannot add anything to my answer with regard to the question which my hon. Friend puts, with regard to which I am fully conversant. I am not in a position to say anything at present, but I hope to be able to do so before long.

Are we, then, to gather that the petition has been referred to someone?

Ah, that is exactly what I cannot say at present.

Then what has become of it?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the annual output of gold and silver in Rhodesia for the last 10 years, and the output of coal and lead for the last five years.

The figures are somewhat long for an oral reply, so perhaps my Friend will permit me to circulate them with the Votes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the annual increase in the supply of native labour in the Transvaal and the decrease of Chinese labour since the termination of the war in South Africa; the annual output of gold in the Transvaal during the last 10 years; the average profits earned annually during the last five years by producing companies; and the numbers of tons crushed annually during the same period.

Full figures of native and Chinese labour employed in gold mining up to March, 1907, are given at Page 182 of Cd. 3,528. In December, 1907, there were 129,618 natives and 37,118 Chinese employed; in December, 1908, there were 164,826 natives and 12,275 Chinese. The annual gold production of the Transvaal to the end of June, 1906, will be found at page 153 of the same Blue Book. In the statistical year 1906–7 it was £26,640,490; in 1907–8, £28,508,368.

The following are the profits of gold-mining companies as assessed for the profits tax:—

Will the hon. Gentleman have the answer printed? It is very important.

And the number of persons who have been ruined in consequence of the removal of Chinese labour?

It will be printed and circulated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the War Office have placed orders for canned meat with Australian firms; and, if not, whether he will state the reason, in view of the quality of the Australian goods in question?

It is the practice of the War Office to invite Australian firms to tender for supplies of canned meat, and also to furnish the various Agents-General with tender forms for distribution in Australia. Ample par- ticulars are given and full time allowed for consideration and return of tenders, but the responses are fewer than I should like to see. On the last occasion no Australian firm tendered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why at all?

No, I cannot.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been drawn to a scheme which is being put forward for alterations on a large scale in St. James's Park and the Horse Guards' Parade; whether it has been submitted to and considered by him; and whether he has any intention of adopting or recommending these alterations?

I have seen some reference in the Press to this scheme, but I have seen no official representation on the subject. I am sure that my honourable Friend and other Members will be relieved to hear that I have not the slightest intention of doing anything to destroy the historic associations or the present beauties of one of the most charming of the London parks.

asked whether the firm of Messrs. Clarkson and Sons, carmen and contractors, have been struck off the list of Government contractors for his Department; if so, what was the nature of the alleged irregularities charged against them; and is it proposed to take further action in the matter?

For some time I have suspected that Messrs. Clarkson, who, for many years, have held the cartage contract for the Royal Parks, and who, I understand, have contracts with the London County Council, the Lambeth Borough Council, the Holborn District Council, and the St. Pancras District Council, were not paying their carters the wages which were specified in the contract. I had great difficulty in securing evidence of this, but during the last three months I obtained information which convinced me of this fact, and also that Messrs. Clarkson had given gratuities in the nature of bribes to at least two of my employés in the parks. Within a few hours of definitely obtaining this information, I saw Messrs. Clarkson, cancelled their contract, warned them that their carts would not be admitted into any of the Royal Parks on the following morning, and forfeited a considerable sum of money owing to them, a part of which I hope, with the permission of the Treasury, to distribute amongst the employés who have been defrauded by Messrs. Clarkson of the wages to which they were entitled.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be good enough, as he has named the London County Council, to communicate the facts which have come to his knowledge to that body?

My answer to-day will be a communication to them, and I will afford them any information they like to ask for.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when we brought it before the County Council it was laughed at?

Why was it that the right hon. Gentleman found such difficulty in getting this evidence? Was it due to the fact that Englishmen are not allowed to do what they have a legal right to do—namely, to give evidence on their own behalf?

No. The difficulty was the unwillingness of employés to give the evidence which I wanted against their employers.

Were the men afraid of intimidation?

I have no reason to think so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman send the whole thing back to the Borough Council, so that they may deal with it?

No. I do not think that is my duty. I have acted so far as I am concerned.

asked what is the total number of Royal Marines on ships manned by nucleus crews; and by how much is this number short of the full complement for these vessels?

The answer to the first part of the question is:— As regards the second part, the figures for these vessels with full complement are:—

asked by how much the strength of the Royal Marines on the Chatham, Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Eastney Divisions was on 15th February below the full establishment as provided for in the last Estimates; and whether any difficulty has been experienced in obtaining recruits for the service?

The numbers voted in Estimates for 1908–09 were:—R.M.A., 3,482; R.M.L.I., 13,754; total, 17,236. The numbers below those voted were, en 13th February, 1909:—R.M.A., 143; R.M.L.I., 316; total, 464. During the last two years it has not been easy to obtain recruits of desirable educational ability and with the physique required. To meet the wastage it became necessary to lower the physical standard more than once during that period.

Has the standard been raised again?

Not to my knowledge. It is only lower with regard to the light infantry.

Is it the policy of the Admiralty to reduce the establishment to the lowest figures?

I am afraid I must have notice of that question.

asked whether the battleship "Benbow" was placed in the sale list this year; and how many rounds of ammunition for her two 16.25-inch guns were left over at the time?

The decision to sell the "Benbow" was taken late in last year, but the ship is not to be sold till 1909–10. The full equipment of ammunition for the two 16.25-inch guns of H.M.S. "Benbow" is available.

As there are no more of these guns in the service, and as the information cannot be considered confidential, cannot the hon. Gentleman say as to the number of rounds, which is the specific I point I asked him?

I am afraid it would not be in the public interest to make that statement. In any case it loes not arise, because the vessel will not be sold until the next financial year.

What is there confidential about it? There are no more of these guns in the service.

asked whether the orders for five cruisers of last year's programme were expedited in order to relieve unemployment; and, if so, on what dates they were laid down?

The arrangements in connection with placing the orders for the five cruisers of the current year's programme were expedited for the reason suggested; the orders were placed in November last. The keel of the "Liverpool" was laid at Barrow on the 17th ultimo. No report that the others have been laid down has been yet received. It should be understood, however, that the actual ceremony of laying the keel is not always a correct indication of the amount of work carried out in connection with the building of a vessel.

Can it really be said that vessels have been expedited which have not even been laid down in this financial year? And is the Admiralty responsible for the delay by changes of design or anything?

With regard to the question of delay, as I have said, the orders were placed in November last, and the vessels had to be completed in 21 months from the beginning of this year. There is no delay in the matter at all.

May I ask whether any of the workmen who were told they would benefit by getting their wages earlier will be benefited?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that shipwrights employed in His Majesty's Dockyard at Pembroke are working overtime; and whether, in view of the number of unemployed, he will take steps to have more men engaged and thus obviate the necessity for overtime being worked.

Overtime by shipwrights has only been worked casually, in order to complete work for docking operations, and as necessary during steam trials. At present no overtime is being worked by shipwrights at this dockyard.

asked if the Victualling Department of the Admiralty has now re-established the full war reserve of preserved meat, which was largely depleted owing to the quality of those stores having been seriously impugned at the time of the public anxiety owing to the revelations as to the Chicago methods of meat preservation?

The reply to the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative?

Is the meat tinned in tins or in cold storage?

I must have notice of that. I cannot say offhand.

asked if the Government will consider the propriety of appointing a Departmental Committee of experts drawn from the Geological Survey, and similar sources of competent opinions, to report upon the structure and uniformity of composition of the granites used for naval works, with a view to determining the most consistent and resistent type suitable for harbour and defence works?

The Admiralty, profiting by the considerable experience they have obtained since 1896 onwards in large works at Keyham, Dover, Gibraltar, Chatham, and the Cape, do not propose to appoint a Committee, as they are satisfied that granite suitable for their purposes can be obtained from many sources.

asked the names of the Scandinavian quarries from which granite has been taken in preference to granite from the Irish and British quarries in works already carried out for the Admiralty, and the names of the persons having large pecuniary interests in the Norwegian quarries to which this preference has been given?

As a result of the hon. Gentleman's request of 25th February, we have given the matter consideration, and have come to the conclusion that the amount of time and labour involved in the collection of the information asked for would be more than the Admiralty could properly undertake, particularly since it is to be doubted whether full and accurate information on the point is obtainable.

Are we to understand that the mere names of the persons supplying the granite cannot be given?

We are asked the names of people having large pecuniary interests.

That is the second part.

The hon. Member has asked the names of the Scandinavian quarries. There is no trouble in giving those names.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will request the Government contractor to supply the Admiralty, for the purposes of information to the House of Commons, with the names of the Scandinavian quarries from which granite is to be taken for works to be carried out for the Admiralty, and the names of the persons having large pecuniary interests in those quarries?

The Admiralty do not consider it desirable to call upon contractors for such information regarding the supply of materials for their contracts.

May I ask why my hon. Friend does not answer this question as to those having a pecuniary interest in the quarries in question, as in the absence of an answer a very sinister construction may be put on the action of these independent men, who are getting money into their own pocket?

I hope that my hon. Friend will put no sinister construction on it.

Certainly not.

The matter is in the hands of the main contractor. He has to tender at alternative prices for British and foreign granite. He has done so, and if the granite is up to sample it will be approved of.

May we not have the names of the Scandinavian quarries? Where is the mystery of that?

I do not think it desirable.

Why?

Have you inquired as to where this granite comes from?

The matter is in the hands of the contractor. We followed the practice which has been followed since 1896, when the late Government disposed of the contract for the Keyham Dock, on I which foreign granite was used. We invite tenders for the main work, inviting the contractor to tender at alternative prices for British and foreign granite. He does that, and if his sample is approved of by us he goes on with the work.

Is it possible that the Admiralty does not know the quarry from which this stone comes?

Is it a fact that the Government stipulate for certain British and Scotch quarries, and do not stipulate generally, so as to allow others to be allowed to supply the stone required?

We ask for British and foreign granite up to a particular sample.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know the names?

No; I do not. The matter of the granite is entirely in the hands of the contractor. It always has been.

Is the main contractor allowed to sublet the work or has he to get the approval of the Admiralty before he can sublet?

I should like to I look into the terms under which he is invited to tender before answering that.

You have not answered my question as to whether the Admiralty do not stipulate that certain British owners of quarries only are to contract to the Admiralty, instead of leaving it open to all quarry-owners to tender? Is there any restriction to the names of certain British quarry-owners?

No. I may say at once that there is not. I may repeat again that the matter is in the hands of the mam contractor to select his quarries, with the alternative prices. It is not correct to say if he sends in tenders for British or Scottish granite that the stone must come only from certain quarries. That is not the case.

asked the place of origin of the granite used in the Keyham Dock extension at Devon-port, the name of the contractor, the amount and date of the contract, and whether any stipulation was inserted therein that British or Irish granite should be used?

The Admiralty do not know the place of origin of the granite for Keyham, except that it came from abroad—probably Norway. The contractors for the Keyham Dockyard Extension were Sir John Jackson, Limited. The original contract was made on the 1st January, 1896, for a sum of about £2,940,000; later, further works were ordered, costing altogether about £483,000. No stipulation was made as to source of supply of the granite.

Is it not a fact that Sir John Jackson stood as a Tariff Reform candidate at the last election?

Is he not a political opponent of the hon. Gentleman who asks the question?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the state of employment in 1896 when the granite for Keyham was ordered as compared with the state of employment now existing?

Have the Admiralty any reports from their experts on the various qualities of granite to be supplied under these contracts and a comparison between British and foreign granites?

I should like to ask notice of that. All I know is that under the terms of the contract they are asked to supply alternative quotations for these granites, and, whichever is accepted, they have to come up to sample.

Was the sample of which we have heard this afternoon English or foreign?

In the case of Rosyth it will be foreign. It has to come up to this standard because we have accepted the foreign granite.

Have not the conditions of transit a good deal to say to this question of price?

A great deal of testimony has come into my hands to the effect that no convict labour has ever been employed in the Norwegian granite export industry. The workmen have their own trades union. Every worker is paid under a scale agreed on between the employers and the trades unions. The scale is revised every two or three years. There is no sweated labour in the existing Norwegian trades unions. The fact that the Norwegian quarries are close to the deep-sea fiords enables the producers to transfer the granite direct to Norwegian vessels and to carry it here at very small freights, which give an advantage to the Norwegian quarry-owners, whereas in this country the question of freightage is a considerable handicap to quarry-owners; and, in addition, I am rather inclined personally to think that the question of rentals and mining royalties also operates as a handicap.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the possible increase in the practice of smuggling under the protective tariff that it is intended to impose on this country, he will reconsider the policy of closing coastguard stations and detachments?

When, if ever, we find ourselves within a measurable distance of the contingency contemplated, it may be desirable to give fresh consideration to this matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any claim from David Parker, of Cellardyke, skipper of the fishing boat "John and Agnes" ML. 95, who has lost the whole of his nets to the value of £25, having been cut away by the ships of His Majesty's Fleet between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. on the 3rd instant; whether he will favourably consider this claim, and will further compensate him for the loss of his time while deprived of his means of livelihood; and whether he can now see his way to taking any steps towards safeguarding the lives and property of the fishermen in the Firth of Forth?

The claim has been received and inquiries are being made. If the claim is substantiated as a result of these inquiries, and it is clear that there was no negligence on the part of the fisherman, it would be in accordance with Admiralty practice to grant reasonable compensation. With regard to the last part of the question, I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to his question of 25th February. There has been no danger to life so far as the Admiralty are aware.

There is danger to property. When will the chart be ready?

If the charts are not ready by the time the squadron goes into these waters, I will: undertake that the Commander-in-Chief has placed before him the representations-made by the hon. and gallant gentleman.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Fleet is now in these waters?

No, I am not aware of that.

I desire to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that on Wednesday, 20th January last, on the occasion of an unemployed demonstration to Berkeley Square, during the time the people were in the square the police took it upon themselves to break up several banners belonging to the organised workers, and assaulted Mr. Greenwood their leader and other persons; and if he will have inquiry made into the matter?

The Commissioner of Police informs me that on the day in question a body of unemployed marched to Berkeley Square and1 halted at one corner in the middle of the roadway, when Mr. Greenwood, one of their leaders, began to address them. He was informed by the police that a meeting could not be allowed there, as traffic was-being completely obstructed, but he persisted and had to be stopped and escorted out of the square by the police, whereupon the crowd became disorderly and had to be dispersed. In the scuffle the poles of a banner were broken. The Commissioner assures me that no unnecessary force was-used in preserving order, and I see no ground for any further inquiry.

Is it not a fact that meetings are held there for the promotion of religious and temperance principles?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether he can arrange for a cheap issue of the Report of the Poor Law Commission, to be got out at an early date, for distribution to working men's clubs, reading rooms, and other similar institutes?

Arrangements have been made for the issue in a handy form of a cheap edition of the Report of the Poor Law Commission. The edition will be in three volumes, costing 1s. 6d., 9d., and 1s. 9d. respectively. It is hoped to have the books available for the public by the middle of next month.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention had been called to the increase in the number of circulars and advertisements issued by moneylenders, and to the increasing ingenuity and frequent illegality of the arguments and inducements by which they endeavour to get persons to apply to them for loans; whether he will submit to the Law Officers the question whether any of these circulars constitute infractions of the banking laws and other statutes; whether, having regard to the fact that many of the advertisements of these moneylenders are constantly inserted in newspapers all over the country, he will call the attention of the Public Prosecutor to any such advertisements which suggest illegal proceedings; and whether he will consider the advisability of including provisions as to such advertisements in any legislation to restrain lotteries and indecent advertisements, or otherwise deal with this matter by legislation?

I do not know what particular class of moneylenders' circulars my hon. Friend refers to; if he will send me any circulars which appear to him to constitute infringement of the law, I will look into the matter. I do not think this question can be dealt with in a Bill relating to lotteries or indecent publications.

asked whether he can state at what part of the working day the greatest number of fatal accidents occur in mills, factories, mines, etc.?

There are no full statistics on this subject as regards factories, but the hon. Member will find in the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector for 1902 the results of an analysis of the figures in certain sample districts, which showed that the greatest number of accidents happened between 11 a.m. and 12 noon. It would not be safe, however, to base any inferences on these results. As regards mines, the annual reports for 1890 to 1895 contain statistics showing the hours of the shift in which accidents happened; the second to the sixth hours of the shift were the hours in which most accidents occurred.

I wish to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is in a position to make a public statement as to the present position of the negotiations between the National Telephone Company and the Post Office to insure the uninterrupted continuance of the work of telephone construction; and whether, having regard to the recent large number of discharges of the company's telephone construction staff within the Glasgow area, he can expedite the negotiations at present in progress?

The negotiations between the National Telephone Company and the Post Office with regard to arrangements for the continuance of construction works are proceeding. I am not at present in a position to make a statement on the subject. I am informed that since the beginning of the year the National Telephone Company have discharged 17 men at Glasgow, but, of these, 6 have been re-employed by the company, 4 have entered private employment, and 6 have been employed by the Post Office. The only man who is at present unemployed had been only three months in the company's service.

What reason did the National Telephone Company give for discharging these men?

I am afraid I cannot say.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can now state the result of the inquiry into the loss of the "Isle of Erin"?

The inquiry into the loss of the "Isle of Erin" has not yet been held. The vessel was posted as missing on 17th February, and the date of the inquiry will be fixed as soon as possible.

I desire to ask the Prime Minister whether the Government intends to take any steps to prevent or restrict the importation into country of raw cocoa grown in countries where slave labour is employed?

His Majesty's Government are anxious to take any steps that may be possible to discourage the use of slave labour for the production of cocoa, but they are not prepared, without further consideration, to undertake to adopt the method suggested by the hon. Member.

Is it not a fact that the British Government have advised British cocoa manufacturers to continue the use of slave labour?

No, Sir.

Will the Prime Minister state whether the Government will be prepared to give instructions that no contractor shall be permitted to tender for the supply of cocoa or chocolate to any Government Department unless the contractor is prepared to give an undertaking that no raw cocoa produced by slave labour is used in the works of that contractor?

I am informed that no slave labour is employed in the production of the cocoa supplied to the Admiralty and the War Office, and there would, therefore, seem to be no occasion for making representations in the sense suggested in the hon. Member's question.

Is it not a fact that slave-grown cocoa has largely contributed to the rise of the Supplementary Estimate for Prisons?

The Home Secretary informs me that the prison cocoa is obtained from the Admiralty, and therefore my answer would apply to that as well.

Will the Prime Minister state whether he can indicate the date on which the Budget will be introduced?

No, Sir. I am not in a position to make any statement at present; but, in any case, the Budget cannot be taken before the 31st of March.

Will it be taken before or after Easter?

I cannot say.

Is the Prime Minister aware that, since the expiry of the Peace Preservation Act, there has been a large increase in the number of outrages with firearms in Ireland; that at the Clare Assizes on Tuesday last Mr. Justice Wright drew attention to the practice of carrying revolvers by persons who used them for the purpose of terrorising individuals, and the Grand Jury adopted a resolution requesting the Executive Government to take immediate steps to check the unlicensed and unregistered sale of firearms; and whether, having regard to the fact that in Ireland there are fewer restrictions upon the indiscriminate sale and use of firearms than in any part of the United Kingdom, he will take steps to ensure that the question of adopting more stringent measures to check the growing practice of carrying firearms shall be treated by the Government as a matter of urgency?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. There has been an increase in the number of offences in which firearms were used in Ireland, but it is impossible to say what proportion, if any, of the increase has been due to the expiry of the Peace Preservation Act. Mr. Justice Wright is reported to have made remarks at Clare Assizes to the effect stated in the question, and the Grand Jury passed the resolution referred to. His Majesty's Government are at present giving careful consideration to the question whether legislation should be undertaken with the object of restricting the possession of firearms in the United Kingdom generally.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Justice Wright received white gloves, there being no crime whatever in Limerick; and does he know that Mr. Justice Wright is the fourth judge on this circuit who has received white gloves?

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that in the county of Clare in three instances at the last assizes juries refused to convict persons charged with carrying arms to the terror of the public?

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that in the negotiations of the treaty between the United States and Great Britain recently ratified, the advice of the Dominion Government, the question being one of special Canadian interest, was sought and followed throughout by Great Britain; that the result of the correspondence in 1880 and 1881 between Sir A. T. Galt, on behalf of Canada, and the Colonial and Foreign Officers resulted in the Imperial Government consenting that the Government of Canada should be relieved from the obligation of new treaties with Foreign Powers to which objection was taken, and that Canada should have the option of acceptance or refusal, the time has now come for the concession to Canada by the Imperial Government of all the necessary powers to enable the Government of the Dominion to enter into direct communication with other British possessions and with Foreign Powers for the purpose of extending the trade and commerce of Canada abroad?

The Canadian Government already does negotiate with other British possessions. Sir W. Laurier about a year ago in the Canadian Parliament expressed himself as quite satisfied with the present practice of negotiating treaties with foreign Governments through His Majesty's Government, and I believe it would be impossible for any other arrangement to secure fuller and more effective presentation of Canadian views and wishes than has been obtained in recent negotiations about matters of Canadian interest with France, the United States, and Japan.

I desire to ask the President of the Board of Trade what action has been taken towards making representations to foreign friendly Governments with a view to securing that their ministers and officials should not interpret their tariff schedules so as to require that British goods which have been properly consigned under one class shall pay the higher duties levied for another class, and with what result?

Representations are frequently made through His Majesty's Embassies and Legations abroad in such cases in support of appeals against the decisions of subordinate Customs officials. The result, of course, depends upon the circumstances of each particular case. His Majesty's Government cannot influence the decisions of the foreign boards dealing with these matters, but they can and do take steps to secure a fair hearing.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Associated Chambers of Commerce have passed a resolution asking His Majesty's Government to try to arrange a treaty of commerce with France on the basis of equality of treatment of French and British manufactures in each country; and whether any steps have been or will be taken to open up negotiations with the French Government on this subject?

I am aware that the Associated Chambers of Commerce passed more than one resolution with regard to the French tariff proposals. The Board of Trade are not at present prepared to make any statement in reply to the second part of the question.

Will the President of the Board of Trade state whether he can inform the House what duty is imposed in Norway upon granite imported from Great Britain; and whether he will negotiate for the abolition or reduction of such duty, in view of the treatment shown Norwegian granite producers in this country?

No duty is leviable on granite in the form of rough hewn blocks or paving stones which may be imported into Norway from the United Kingdom. There are, however, duties on dressed or polished manufactures of marble, granite, and other stones.

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman, in referring to retaliation to make use of this instance of Norway?

I wish to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can inform the House what stage the negotiations for the All-Red Route have reached?