asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the date and cause of dismissal of Captain Gorges, alias Gaudeons, from the Army in the course of the last South African war; if that person was in the service of the War Department in 1907, in what country, and in what capacity; when, and at whose instance, has he been re-admitted to the Army; and what are his present rank, functions, and pay?

A gentleman called R. H. Gorges was appointed to the Border Scouts as a lieutenant in December,1901, and was permitted to resign his appointment on account of ill-health in April, 1902. He subsequently joined the 3rd Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, as a captain, in November, 1902, and resigned his commission in August, 1908. He performed the annual training with that unit in 1907 as a company officer. He was appointed at the instance of the responsible commanding and general officers in Ireland.

Where was he in 1907?

He was with his unit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that there is only a fortnight before the time for enlistment of members of the corps expires, he can state the day on which the scheme for the Inns of Court corps will be issued?

The scheme is very nearly ready for issue, and I hope it will be issued within the next few days.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether there has been any reduction in men, guns, or horses, in horse, field, or garrison artillery in India during the year 1908; and whether any reductions in this behalf are contemplated during 1909.

A reduction of 107 men is contemplated in the Royal Garrison Artillery in India during 1909. The establishment of horses is being increased by 558 owing to the formation of Ammunition Columns. I am not aware of any reductions in guns or horses.

Why are the men reduced?

It is merely a re-arrangement.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether he is going to continue to give prizes for horses suitable for the Army at agricultural shows this summer; and, if so, what class he proposes to encourage.

Yes, Sir. I propose to give prizes for all classes of horses suitable for military purposes.

Will some of these prizes be given to Ireland—to the agricultural districts?

I hope so, but I cannot say definitely at present. It might be made the subject of a special question.

I shall put a question down.

Should the societies apply, or will they be notified?

They must take the usual course?

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether 1,246,600 rounds of ammunition, valued at £5,907, have just been returned to the Royal Laboratory at Woolwich, having been condemned as unsafe for use; and if ammunition collected from South Africa and remade was afterwards found to be unsafe?.

The question refers to the statement made in paragraph 2 of the report of the Controller and Auditor-General on the Store Accounts of the Army for 1907–8. This report will come before the Public Accounts Committee and I am not therefore in a position to anticipate any discussion on the point by making any statement in reply to the question.

Was this ammunition made at the Royal Arsenal?

I cannot say; possibly it was re-made after the war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to appoint a Joint Committee composed of Naval and Military engineers, in conjunction with engineers other than those employed by Government, to carry out experiments in ballooning and aeroplane construction?

It is not considered that any advantage would be gained at present by the appointment of such a Committee as is suggested in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War, if any of the English firms tendering for the supply of wall-bars and beams, for which tenders were recently invited by the War Office, offered to fit up, free of charge at any depot in the British Isles, a complete set of wall-bars and double beams in order to demonstrate their ability to execute the order to the exact specifications and drawings furnished; and will he say if this offer was refused; and, if so, for what reason?

One such offer was made, but the price quoted was much above the accepted tender, and the offer was refused.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in asking for tenders for the gymnastic apparatus for the military depots in the United Kingdom recently supplied by a Swedish firm, exact specifications and drawings of the apparatus required were furnished by the War Office, or were the tendering firms asked to submit samples of their own design?

Specifications and drawings were issued at the tendering.

Does the right hon. Gentleman adhere to the accuracy of the answer he gave to a similar question last week that the principle of the Swedish firm, or the models of the Swedish firm, were more suitable for the purpose than the models of the English firm?

I said "Swedish apparatus."

asked the Secretary of State for War if the tenders of any English firms for the supply of gym- nastic apparatus required by the War Office for the military depots in the United Kingdom were refused on account of price; and, if so, will he give the names of the firms whose tenders were so refused?

The prices of certain of the English firms tendering were higher than those in the accepted tender. It is contrary to the practice of the War Department to disclose the names of unsuccessful tenderers.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the fact that the foreign-made beam supplied to the headquarters gymnasium at Aldershot badly collapsed in practice shortly after its installation, owing to its light construction; and will he take steps to have the defective beam replaced by a beam of British make, with a view to obviating a similar accident in the future?

The Noble Earl has been misinformed. The Inspector of Gymnasia reports that there is no truth whatever in the statement made in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state how the Army Council have arrived at the conclusion that one horse in four in this country is suitable for military purposes?

I explained fully in the debate on Army Estimates that this was only a rough calculation, and I gave the grounds on which it was based. It is, of course, impossible to verify such a calculation without statistics, and these, it is hoped, will be secured in the manner which I explained to the House.

When will they be secured?

We have already begun in certain experimental counties.

asked the Secretary of State for War what will be the rank of the commandants of the future cavalry depots; and if he can indicate, approximately, the strength of the staffs they will have under them?

The officers in command of the cavalry depots will have the rank of major. In. the case of those depots to which six regiments are affiliated there will be five officers and 103 other ranks on the permanent establishment, and in the case of those to which four regiments are affiliated four officers and 82 other ranks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will explain why the Order in Council of 15th February, 1909, defining the duties of the Assistant Financial Secretary to the War Office, is not, as the House was assured on 16th December last it would be, exactly similar in terms to the Order in Council of 10th August, 1904, defining the duties of the Director of Army Finance; and will he state what is the purpose and effect of the change of language introduced into the first-named document?

asked whether it is part of the duty of the Accounting Officer of Army Votes as such to offer to the administrative officers at the War Office and in commands independent advice on all questions of Army expenditure; and whether it is intended so to alter his functions that in future such advice shall be offered by him not in virtue of his independent position as accounting officer, but in virtue only of his position as deputy and assistant to, and the subordinate of, the finance member of Council?

I will reply to these questions together if the hon. Member will permit me. The Assistant Financial Secretary deals with all questions of the regularity of expenditure in his capacity as Accounting Officer, and in this capacity can only be overruled by the Secretary of State. With questions of economy or merit of expenditure he deals as deputy and assistant to the Finance Member of Council. This involves no departure whatever from past practice; but as the arrangement of the Order in Council of 1904 was liable to misunderstanding in this respect, the distinction was made clear in the new Order. My hon. Friend the Financial Secretary explicitly stated in the debate on the 16th December last that there would be some rearrangement of the wording.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of substituting a flannel shirt for the shaving appliances carried in the knapsack, which would give the soldier a change of clothing without materially increasing the weight?

This question was very thoroughly considered, and it was held that in view of the weight carried by a soldier a shirt should not be added. The weight of a shirt is lib. 1½oz., and that of razor and shaving brush is 4ozs. Further, the question of bulk must not be lost sight of.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the question of an increased scale of retired pay for quarter-masters and riding-masters, who retire with the honorary rank of major after 20 years' commissioned service, has been under the consideration of the Army Council; and if they have come to any decision in the matter?

The question is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War, what are the terms of agreement, if any, existing between Mr. Cody and the War Office; and whether he will permit English civilian engineers to co-operate with the balloon department at Aldershot in constructing air vessels?

Mr. Cody's present engagement terminates on 30th March, 1909. This engagement is being extended until 30th September, 1909, and no further extension is contemplated. As regards the second part of the question, permission cannot be granted to civilian engineers to co-operate in the construction of balloons at Aldershot.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether Mr. Cody has been paid by results?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will advise His Majesty's Government to Vote a substantial sum in this year's Estimates for the purpose of carrying out experiments in aeroplane construction.

I have nothing to add to the statement which I made in introducing the Estimates. The Army Council propose, during the ensuing year, to consider the machines of private inventors and to direct the attention of special officers to the study of the subject. What experiments may be made, or machines bought, as the result, it would be premature to forecast.

Is the subject receiving further consideration?

The whole thing is in the hands of the General Officer Commanding, with full power to deal with it.

asked the Secretary for War whether he will so modify the Territorial Army regulations that it shall not be necessary for groups of cavalry recruits, consisting of not less than five recruits in a group, to travel considerable distances in order to put in their 10 extra drills where this arrangement, involving as it does unnecessary expense to the taxpayer, can be avoided if the squadron sergeant-major were allowed, with the approval of the officer commanding the regiment, to attend at a convenient centre to give the required instruction; and whether he is aware that, under the existing regulations, the squadron sergeant-major is only permitted to attend outlying troops once a week?

The General Officer Commanding is permitted to send at his discretion the instructor to visit outlying detachments oftener than once a week if necessary. This arrangement should solve the hon. Member's difficulty.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether the Government will recommend the remission of the sentence of four years' imprisonment on Dinizulu, in view of the fact that he was not found guilty of the more serious charges against him, and the fact that under the circumstances his imprisonment may lead to unrest amongst the native population?

The only information at present at the disposal of the Secretary of State on the point raised in this question is a few sentences received from the Governor by cable. The Governor will send full information home by mail, but this cannot be available for some two weeks, and it would therefore appear to be premature to consider the question raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether the opium farm of the Straits Settlements provided last year nearly half of the revenue, and is estimated to provide $4,505,000 out of a total of $9,646,832 in the current year; whether the action of the Government will affect the revenues of the Colony to such an extent as to make the continuance of its contribution to the War Office of 20 per cent, of its receipts impossible; whether the present contribution is more than sufficient to meet the cost of the defences of the port of Singapore, and of the garrison and military works; whether a preventive service is to be established to carry out the new policy; whether such service will cover the Federated Malay States as well as the Straits Settlements; and whether he can state what sums will be required to recoup the Colony's loss, to provide for its defence, and for the preventive service, and how the necessary funds are to be raised?

The figures given by my hon. Friend are not quite accurate, as he has taken the revenue for last year, but the proportion between the opium receipts and the total revenue is not materially affected thereby. According to the figures supplied by the War Office, the cost of the garrison largely exceeds the amount of the Colonial contribution. His Majesty's Government have come to no final conclusions as regards the opium question in the Malay Peninsula, nor will they attempt to do So until after consultation with the Governor and consideration of the report of the Shanghai Commission. In these circumstances my hon. Friend will understand that it is impossible for me to give any fuller answer to his question.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he had any official medical reports upon the results of the cessation of the opium-using habit; whether such cessation is reported by experts to result in the increased use of alcohol and other stimulants; and, if the answer be in the affirmative, will he make such reports available for perusal by Members of the House?

No such reports have been made so far as I am aware.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if he was aware that local explanations of the official statement that no military expedition against the Munshis or neighbouring tribes in Nigeria has been suggested or sanctioned, assume that an expedition against the Munshi and other tribes, stopped by the Secretary of State, has subsequently taken place; whether there has in fact been warfare between Major Trenchard's expeditionary force and the tribes, in spite of the most explicit instructions to the contrary; or whether the House may be assured that on this occasion there has been no breach by the local authorities of Northern or Southern Nigeria of the direct instructions of the Secretary of State.

I have no knowledge of the local explanations referred to in my right hon. Friend's question. The action of the local authorities and of Major Trenchard has been, as far as I am aware, in complete accordance with the policy explained by me in this House on the 24th of November. Major Trenchard's force has encountered some opposition, but not of a serious nature. From the information received at the Colonial Office I am confident that Major Trenchard endeavoured to avoid the use of force by every possible means in accordance with the instructions issued to him.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether the members of the Indian community, who form a large majority of the population of Mauritius, are represented in the legislative council of the Colony; and, if not, whether their claims to recognition will receive favourable consideration from the Government?

Yes, Sir. Dr. Nallet-amby, a gentleman of pure Indian descent, is a nominated member of the Council of Government.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he was aware that owing to the high price of spirits caused by the increased duty the natives of the Lagos hinterland refuse to buy spirits at all; and that the spirit trade is thus at a complete standstill, and the outlook for the revenue is serious; and whether the Secretary of State has any intention of altering his policy so as to make it easier for the natives of West Africa to obtain spirits at a lower price?

I have seen a statement in the Press of the nature referred to in the first two paragraphs of the question. With regard to the last paragraph of my hon. Friend's question, the answer is in the negative.

Is it the fact that the spirit duties have been largely increased lately?

Oh, yes; they have been increased.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether, on the plea that some gun-running has been carried on from our territory into the Cameroons, the Colonial Secretary has, on the demand of the German Government, forbidden purchase or possession by the Ekoi on our side of the frontier of guns or ammunition, although the Ekoi on the German side are allowed to possess both; whether he is aware that our Ekoi are a race of hunters and depend on their guns for the greater part of their food, and that the prohibition is a hardship to them and is causing discontent, all the more because deserters from the German side frequently cross into our territory in search of loot; whether, if there has been any gun-running, it could be easily prevented by stationing a few guards along the three or four passes across the frontier; and whether, in view of the irritation caused among our people and of the opinion of some of the local authorities, the Colonial Secretary can see his way to modify the prohibition and restore to our Ekoi, under strict conditions and supervision, the right to possess firearms and ammunition?

No such demand on the part of the German Government has been put forward. The question would appear to refer to the Protocol signed by the delegates of the Powers at the International Arms Conference at Brussels in July last. Under this Protocol the importation of arms and ammunition for the use of natives is suspended for four years, with certain exceptions, within a specified area, which includes the Ekoi district. The restrictions are equally applicable to the tribes inhabiting German territory.

But is it at all certain that the German Government apply these rules to the people of their own territory?

That raises a question of fact of which I should like to have notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will take into consideration the advisability of bringing the East Africa and Uganda Protectorates under one administration?

Yes, Sir; but the Secretary of State doubts whether it will be feasible to make the arrangement at present.

Will the Government take into consideration the question of the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the whole subject?

I hardly think that arises out of the question on the Paper. If my hon. Friend will put down a question I will give him the fullest information I can.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if he has considered the petition of Sumonu Ewumi, alleging that he has been deprived of a concession properly and legally granted him by Lapoki, the Oba of Aye, by the negligence of a sub-commissioner representing His Majesty's Government; and, in view of the fact that the acting Governor refused inquiry into the case on 2nd January, 1908, referring the petition to the Court, and that on 21st January, 1908, the acting Chief Justice held that the Court had no jurisdiction to entertain the action, will he inquire whether Lapoki, the Oba of Aye, had the right to grant a timber concession to the petitioner, Sumonu Ewumi, was permission granted to another person to cut the mahogany logs out of the concession in question, and what price such person paid for such permission; and, if inquiry shows that the petitioner has suffered wrong, in view of our national responsibility towards the natives of the country, will adequate compensation be granted from the revenues of Nigeria?

The petition has been received, and the Governor will be requested to furnish a report for the consideration of the Secretary of State.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the costs of Dinizulu's trial, particularly whether the Chief will have to pay the costs of his defence upon points that were included in the charges against him without evidence, or whether the Natal Government will have to pay such costs?

Telegraphic inquiry has been made of the Governor, who replies that the trial being for criminal offences no order was made as to costs, from which I infer that the defendant pays the whole of his own costs. The Governor adds that evidence was led as to every count of the indictment.

How is it possible that this unfortunate man can pay the costs out of his very bare allowance of £500?

We shall be laying papers on the subject, but in any case I shall be able to make a statement regarding it.

We all hope so.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if it had not been for the munificence of a lady, Miss Colenso, Dinizulu could not have been defended at all; and will the Government take into consideration that fact, and reimburse the lady for the great sacrifices she has made?

We are aware that Miss Colenso has spent a great deal of money for various purposes in his defence, and the whole matter is receiving the earnest consideration of the Government.

Will the hon. Gentleman also take into consideration other persons who have been recently prosecuted by the Government?

Since the signing of the Indemnity Act is it a fact that we have no means whatsoever of coercing the Natal Government or exercising any control over her?

The hon. Gentleman must give notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether his attention had been drawn to a statement made by a Natal Minister that Dinizulu would not be allowed to return to Zululand; and whether that statement was made with the knowledge of His Majesty's Government and with its consent?

I have seen the statement referred to in the Press. It was not based upon any communications on the subject between the Natal Government and His Majesty's Government.

I hope no pressure will be placed on the Natal Government to do anything that is in any way unwise in this respect.

It is plainly undesirable to make any statement on this subject.

You can still keep on hoping.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies when he will be in a position to lay Papers regarding the trial of Dinizulu, or when he expects to be able to give information regarding the decision of the authorities responsible for arranging the conditions of Dinizulu's imprisonment, and for settling what is to happen to him after his term of imprisonment expires?

The Governor is reporting fully by mail, and Papers will be laid as soon as his report and record of the trial have been received. I understand that Dinizulu occupies a cell in the block of the Pietermaritzburg Gaol appropriated to European and Indian prisoners, and that he is allowed to have diet, certain articles of clothing, and a bedstead, like a European prisoner. Otherwise his treatment is in accordance with the gaol rules for native prisoners not sentenced to hard labour. He is, I am assured, in good health. It would appear to be premature to discuss at present the point raised in the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

I should like to know whether this Chief has been deprived of his own clothing, and whether the convict's uniform has been forced upon him?

I do not know about that, but I will inquire if the hon. Gentleman wishes to be informed about it.

As there is widespread interest in this matter, will the hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary of State to try and get the Papers laid as soon as possible?

I will tell the Secretary of State what my right hon. Friend has said.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether Dinizulu was arrested in 1907 on charges of treason and murder, was subsequently indicted on over 20 charges, and has been acquitted on all except three trivial ones; and, if so, whether he can say on what grounds a sentence of four years' imprisonment has been passed upon him?

I cannot say until the judgment of the Court has been received on what grounds the punishment awarded was fixed.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether, on Wednesday last, two Zulu chiefs were convicted in Natal of having harboured Bambaata's family and were sentenced to eight months' imprisonment and small fines; whether this is the same offence for which Dinizulu was convicted; and, if so, whether he can say why a much severer sentence was passed upon Dinizulu?

I have seen a Press report of the sentences, but no official information has yet been received. It is not possible, without having seen the evidence or read the judgments either in these cases or in that of Dinizulu, to compare the various sentences awarded.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the death-rate per thousand in England and Wales, France, and Germany respectively; and whether he can also give the respective death-rates in London, Berlin, and Paris?

The following are the figures for the year 1907:—

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us whether or not it is the fact that the death-rate in London has gone down in the last few years?

That does not arise out of the question, but I believe it is so.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the percentage of infants who died within a year of their birth during the year 1907, or during any year for which the figures are available, in Germany, France, and England and Wales; and whether he can give similar figures for Berlin, Paris, and London respectively?

The following are the figures for the year 1907:—

asked the President of the Local Government Board when he proposes to take action in reference to the application of the guardians of the city of Exeter for a Provisional Order annexing the parish of St. Thomas to the city for poor law purposes; and what is the reason for the delay that has taken place, seeing that a Provisional Order was applied for in November, 1907?

There has been a difficulty in dealing with this matter, partly on account of a case in the Courts involving a question as to the powers of the Local Government Board in connection with the alteration of areas where there is a Local Act, and partly as to the procedure applicable in this instance. The case in the Courts has now been finally decided, and I am in communication with the Exeter Guardians as to the course which they should, adopt in the matter.

Is it a fact that the case in Court to which reference has been made has been decided as long ago as November last?

Yes; but since then we have had to adjust the procedure to the conditions of all other cases similar to Exeter, and we are doing so as quickly as we possibly can.

Has he communicated with Exeter to that effect?

Yes.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he could state when the application of the local authority at Newmarket for a speed limit of ten miles was granted; and if he will make inquiry if it has been enforced?

An Order was issued by the Local Government Board on 19th January, 1907, fixing a speed limit of 10 miles an hour as regards certain roads in the Newmarket district. The Order came into operation on 1st February following. The enforcement of the Order does not rest with me, but with the police. I gather, however, that proceedings have been taken against a number of motorists for exceeding the limit prescribed.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what quantity of meat alleged to be unsound was re-exported from England in 1906–7–8; if this class of unsound food be destroyed when does this take place, and under what supervision; if it be re-exported what steps are taken to secure that this actually takes place, and is it necessarily despatched to the place where it was originally sent from and will he state if it is in any way marked as to its alleged character, such as unsound or diseased?

I have no information as to the re-exportation during the period referred to of meat alleged to be unsound. The Public Health (Foreign Meat) Regulations, which deal with unsound meat imported into this country, did not come into operation until 1st January in the present year. Any destruction of foreign meat under the Regulations must take place under the supervision of the medical officer of health, and after the importer has failed to comply within 12 hours with a notice from the sanitary authority requiring him to give a written undertaking to export the meat at his own expense or prove before a justice that it is not intended for human consumption. If the importer undertakes to export the meat, it rests with the sanitary authority to satisfy themselves that the exportation takes place. If within three days after the receipt of the undertaking the meat is not exported, the sanitary authority must cause it to be destroyed. The meat need not necessarily be despatched to the place from which it was originally sent. It is not required to be marked in any way before it is re-exported.

What measures are adopted for the destruction of this meat?

In the majority of cases it is taken to the local dust destructor.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has decided to appoint ladies as inspectors of children boarded out within the unions; and, if so, when such appointments will be made and the new system initiated?

The matter is under consideration, and I have not at present arrived at a decision with regard to it.

asked the Secretary to-the Treasury if he will ascertain and state from what Government source the person styling himself Captain Gorges, alias Gaudeons, was paid when in Ireland in 1907, the dates of the payments, the amounts, and through whom made?

I have no-information to give the hon. Member on this subject.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the undertaking which he gave to this House on the amalgamation of the Departments of Customs and Excise under The Finance Act, 1908, he can now inform the House of the number, age, and period of service of officers of all grades who have been retired from each of the said Departments before reaching the age of compulsory retirement; in how many cases the retirement of these officers has reduced the period of service which would have entitled them to the full scale of pension; and whether any officers in any grade have been continued in the service after reaching the age of compulsory retirement?

No officers have yet been retired in consequence of amalgamation, but 44 officers of Customs and 116 officers of Excise have been, or will be, called upon to retire during the financial year 1909–10, their ages ranging from 61 to 64 years and their length of pensionable service from 33 to 40 years; 94 of these will not have completed 40 years' pensionable service. The only officer continued in the service after reaching the age for compulsory retirement is Mr. Henderson, the new Commissioner, who, while still Secretary, was continued for two years from his 65th birthday (12th September, 1907).

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that early in December, 1908, the Government of India deported and imprisoned, without charge or trial of any kind, nine British subjects, and that these persons are still lying in prison and banishment, uncharged and untried; and whether, in view of the legal and constitutional responsibility imposed upon Parliament for the maintenance of law and order in India, he will inform the House upon what evidence His Majesty's Government have sanctioned what has taken place, and for how long it is intended to deprive the persons deported of their liberty?

I am aware that these British subjects are suffering detention under the Regulation of 1818. The action taken by the Government of India, within the terms of that law, has had the approval of the Secretary of State, and His Majesty's Government takes full responsibility. All the information on the subject that can be given con- sistently with the public interests has been already furnished by the Under-Secretary.

May I ask whether he thinks in cases where British subjects have been imprisoned without charge or trial in parts of the Empire for which the Government and this House has direct responsibility, there is any precedent for refusing to give to this House information as to the nature of the offences with which they are charged?

All the information has been given consistent with the public interest.

I desire to ask whether it is a fact that it has been stated quite recently in another place, on the authority of Earl Minto, that there was no such thing as an insurrection in India; and that at a native meeting political leaders have denounced outrages, especially the murder of a late Crown Counsel?

The hon. Member should give notice. He is asking the Prime Minister to refer to some statement made elsewhere, and there is no opportunity of doing so without notice.

Allow me to say what I stated was merely with reference to the question I wanted to ask.

It would be necessary to verify it to see whether the statement the hon. Member makes is correct. If the hon. Member gives notice in the ordinary way the Prime Minister will have an opportunity of considering it.

The statement was made a few days ago in another place.

I have said the hon. Member should give notice.

If the Government of India has evidence against these gentlemen, will His Majesty's Government ask them to be tried without delay, and if there is no evidence, or not sufficient evidence, will His Majesty's Government request their release?

I can add nothing to the answer I have already given.

May I ask whether he has information as to the extent to which the Native States of India have availed themselves of the like powers which they all possess?

The hon. Member should really put the question on the Paper.

May I ask the Prime Minister, with great respect, arising out of his reply, whether he adheres to the statement he made in this House a few days ago that no man ought to be convicted of any offence, even by drumhead court-martial, without evidence; and if so, will he state the evidence on which those men are being detained?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state, in view of recent utterances by Ministers, if the question of the relations of this House with the House of Lords takes precedence in importance with the Government as a dominant issue above that of Home Rule.

I do not know to what utterances in particular the hon. Member refers; but in any case I am afraid I must leave him to draw his own inferences from them.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any reports with reference to the construction of the Shanghai-Hang-chau-Ning-po Railway; is he aware that stipulations in the loan contract that material for construction should be purchased by tender, with a preference to British goods, have been violated; and whether, in view of the fact that the construction and control of this railway were to be entirely vested in the Imperial Chinese Government, he intends to take any action to secure that British money lent to China shall be employed for th9 furtherance of British trade?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, I am not aware that any purchases have yet been made of railway materials out of the loan funds, but it seems clear that, in other respects, the terms of the contract as to the disposal of these funds are not being observed; and His Majesty's Minister at Peking has, therefore, been authorised to make a formal representation to the Chinese Government in regard to the construction of this railway. In answer to the last part of the question, I must point out that whether money should be lent to China, and if so, on what terms, is primarily a question for those who have the money to lend; but we are anxious to do all in our power to secure that, when money has once been lent, the conditions on which it is lent should be observed. I would point out that for money to be borrowed and wasted is not in the interest of the lenders, and still less so in that of China herself, whose credit will certainly suffer thereby.

Will the hon. Gentleman agree that in this case export of capital to China will be bad?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to communicate to the House the terms of the new treaty concluded with Siam?

The text of the Treaty as signed has not yet been received; but as soon as it is received it shall be laid on the Table.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the agreement provisionally concluded between the Chinese Government and the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank for the construction of the northern half of the Canton-Han-Kau Railway violates the assurance given by the Viceroy, Chang-Chih-tung, to the British Consul-General on 9th September, 1905, that should it be necessary to borrow funds abroad for the construction of the Canton-Han-Kau Railway British financiers should have the first option of undertaking the business, and if bought abroad British firms should have the first option of supplying the machinery and materials; and what action is being taken by His Majesty's Government in reference to this matter?

Negotiations with regard to the loan for this railway are still proceeding, and, meanwhile, we think it is better not to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he could now say on which day he proposed to introduce the India Councils Bill?

I hope I may be able to put the Bill down for its second reading before the House adjourns for the Easter Recess, but I cannot at the present time name a definite date.

asked the Prime Minister whether he could grant facilities, by suspending the Eleven o'Clock Rule, at an early date for the purpose of taking the second reading of the Houses of Parliament Bill, owing to the public interest on that subject?

I hope that an opportunity will be found to-day of securing the second reading of the Houses of Parliament Bill before 11 o'clock, but I may perhaps point out to my hon. Friend that the suspension of the Eleven o'Clock Rule would only become effective in securing the second reading if the Bill were under discussion at 11 o'clock.

May I ask the Prime Minister if he is aware that this question is one of very great importance to the country, and that the people seem to think—

The hon. Member should wait until the Bill comes on before he makes a speech.

asked the Prime Minister if he was aware that the numbers of the so-called Foreign trawlers were increasing in those northern waters in which trawling was prohibited to British vessels; and if, in order to allay the discontent arising from the present position, he would consider the introduction in another place of the Trawling in Prohibited Areas Prevention Bill?

The Bill to which my hon. Friend refers will be introduced in this House within the next few days by my right hon. Friend the Lord-Advocate.

asked the Prime Minister when he could arrange that the Milk Bill should be introduced and printed; and whether, having regard to the discussion on the London County Council Bill he would have the Bill proceeded with on a very early day?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I cannot at present fix a day for the introduction of the Milk Bill, but I hope to bring it in early in the Session, and, so far as I am concerned, I shall do all I can to press it forward.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a matter of urgent importance to many local authori- ties, and may not my request that the Bill should be read a first time and printed for discussion be complied with within a reasonable time—certainly before Easter?

We will do our best to comply with the request.

Will the Bill apply to Scotland?

As at present advised, no.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government had received any official communication from the Government of the Dominion of Canada calling attention to the possibility of utilising a recently invented Canadian aerodrome for Imperial purposes?

An official communication has been received from the Government of Canada by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and has been transmitted by him to the War Office, where it is receiving attention.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it had been the practice of the Civil Service Commissioners for a number of years to hold annual examinations for women clerkships; whether a like examination was to be held this year; and, if not, would he, having regard to the time and preparation which a great number of young women spend with a view of competing, consider the advisability of holding an examination this year, so that those who approached the age limit should not be excluded, to their loss?

The holding of open competitive examinations for situations in the Civil Service must depend upon the needs of the public service. It is not considered that the requirements of the Post Office render a competition for women clerkships in that Department necessary in the spring of this year. Whether such an examination will be held in the autumn of this year will depend upon the requirements of the Post Office.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he would state whether the rate of wages given to gardeners and labourers in the parks in and around London was from 27s. to 30s. a week, excepting Kew Gardens, which was 21s. a week; and whether, if that were so, he would recommend the Board of Works to give to the gardeners and labourers in the Dublin parks an increase in their present rate, which was only 16s. a week, and also having regard to the fact that the Board of Works when fixing it took into account the rate of wages in the county of Dublin instead of in the city?

The rate of wages given to gardeners and labourers (including gangers) in the Royal parks is:—

was understood to ask whether the Dublin rate could not be brought up to the country rate in England.

reply was inaudible in the Gallery.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that two Dublin parks are now within the city area?

I understand that the men employed in them are in receipt of the city rate of wages.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider 15s. a week a living wage?

asked why assistant clerks were not granted 21 days' leave after five years' service, as recommended by the Tweedmouth Commission for all permanent Civil Servants, seeing that this concession was granted to officials of inferior rank to assistant clerks.

The Report of the Tweedmouth Committee referred to Post Office servants only. I am not prepared to increase the annual leave of assistant clerks, the amount of which was fixed after careful consideration.

asked what decision had been come to with reference to the position of Civil Servants, members of the Territorial Army, on embodiment of that force; would they have their posts kept open for them; and would their Civil promotion be in any way affected?

Their posts will be kept open for them, and their Civil promotion will not be affected.

asked what sum was expended in Scotland last year in promoting agricultural and dairy education?

Grants for the promotion of agricultural and dairy instruction in Scotland are made through the Scotch Education Department. The total expenditure in respect of which these grants were made amounted, in the latest year for which figures are available, to upwards of £18,000.

asked from what fund the purchase price of Vatersay farm and the cost of the supply of water to the intended crofters would be taken; under what Vote these expenses would appear in the Estimates; and when an opportunity would be afforded this House of discussing the whole transaction?

The expenditure referred to will be payable out of the funds of the Congested District Board for Scotland. The annual grant to that body appears on the Vote for the Secretary for Scotland's Office, and discussion will be competent when that Estimate comes before the House for consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Congested Districts Board have power to purchase and hold land, or have they to sell it again?

I think they can purchase and hold.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that that particular Vote shall be put on the Paper, so that it may be discussed?

asked whether the Secretary for Scotland was aware, that the rates for the parishes of Uig, Lochs, and Barvas, island of Lewis, had increased since last year from 16s. 3d. in the pound, 15s. lid. in the pound, and 17s. 9d. in the pound respectively, to 19s. 2d. in the pound, 25s. 2d. in the pound, and 28s. lOd. in the pound respectively; and, in view of the breakdown of local government in the island, in consequence of owners and occupiers being unable to meet their share in these heavy assessments, would he state what action the Government proposed to take in the matter?

The increase in the rates, as stated in my hon. Friend's question, is, as he is doubtless aware, in great part due to a decision of the Sheriff-Substitute altering the method of ascertaining the assessable rental, and to that extent does not imply a corresponding increase in the amount payable. The decision being at present under appeal, the Secretary for Scotland, as I have already stated, cannot utilise it as the basis of Government action.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer my question?

I have answered it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer this part of the question: "In view of the breakdown of local government in the island, in consequence of owners and occupiers being unable to meet their share in these heavy assessments, will he state what action the Government proposes to take in the matter?"

Until the appeal is decided the Government cannot take any action.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last year advances had to be made by the Government to the local authorities to save them from bankruptcy; and if a similar state of things arises this year, will he state what action the Government propose to take?

While the matter is sub judice we cannot take any action.

Is it not the case, apart altogether from the decision to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, that the rates in these parishes, and in many others in the western islands, are perfectly impossible, and that neither landlords nor tenants can pay them? Does he not propose to take some action in the matter?

The rates are very high, but until this question—which is a very important one indeed—has been decided, it will be impossible for the Government to take any action.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he could state the estimated saving in pensions due to employing short-service men instead of long-service men; and whether this saving and that on training-ships were an important factor in favour of the short-service system?

A continuous-service sea man or stoker who completes time would receive a pension of about £20 per annum apart from addition for petty officer time. A short-service man at about the same age would receive a gratuity of £50. It is not possible yet to give a reliable figure to-represent the total annual saving. I am therefore unable to determine the degree of importance of the factor of economy in the matter of the short-service system.

May I ask why it is that every effort is being made to reduce expenditure so far as the cost of the men is concerned, whilst the utmost extravagance is displayed in reference to the building of ships?

I am afraid I could not assent to either of the observations of the hon. Gentleman.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what date it was decided to vary the usual term of tenure of the command of the Channel Fleet; and when was that decision first communicated to the Commander-in-Chief of that fleet?