asked whether His Majesty's Government had received official notification of an agreement between China and Germany providing for the loan to China of £3,000,000 for the purpose of constructing the Hankow-Canton Railway; did China undertake to give Great Britain the right to subscribe the loan on terms equally advantageous to any offer she might receive from Foreign Countries; and, if so, had China complied with the conditions of the agreement?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh on the 15th inst., to the effect that negotiations with regard to the loan for this railway are still proceeding, and meanwhile I think it is better not to make any statement on the subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to furnish any information he can as early as possible?

Our position is that the conditions into which the Chinese Government have entered should be kept. With regard to the exact position of the negotiations, I can really say nothing until some decisive point is reached.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had received any information to the effect that the guards of the Russian Consulates were to be increased and Russian troops to be sent to keep order as Teheran; and what steps the British Government intended to take in the matter?

With regard to the guards at the Russian Consulates in Persia, I am giving such information as I possess on the subject in reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Darwen Division. I have received no. confirmation of the rumoured dispatch of Russian troops to Teheran. With regard to the last part of the question, the disturbed zone being near the Russian frontier and remote from the sea, His Majesty's Government are not taking action in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a reply bad been received from the Belgian Government to his despatch of November-last regarding the annexation of the Congo Free State; and, if so, when could he communicate the purport of such reply to Parliament?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I cannot say till the reply has been considered when it will be presented to Parliament.

Considering the importance of this reply, might I urge the right hon. Gentleman to lay it before Parliament as early as possible?

Yes, certainly, I will lay it as soon as possible; but precisely because of its importance it is desirable that some consideration should be given' to it. Until the reply has been considered, I cannot say whether it would-be better to present it at once, or to make our reply to it and present the two together.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he could give the House any information as to the reported movement of Russian troops into Persian territory, and also of Russian; gunboats into Persian ports?

I have received information from the Russian Government that in view of the disturbed state of affairs in the neighbourhood of the Russian frontier and at Resht, it is intended to increase the Russian Consular Guard at that town by a half-squadron of Cossacks, for the protection of the lives-and property of Russian subjects and other Europeans. The merchant vessel on which the Cossacks are to be conveyed is to be escorted by a warship on the Caspian Sea. The Russian Consul will, I am informed, continue to hold himself aloof from all intervention in the struggle between the Nationalists and Royalists in that district.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the papers on the affairs of Persia would be laid; up to what date papers would be published; and whether he had yet ascertained whether the Russian Government had any objection to the publication of the Memorandum addressed by them to the British Government on the affairs of Persia?

I hope to be able to lay a portion of the Persian correspondence before Easter, but the papers are so bulky and the pressure of work has been so great, that it will be impracticable to publish the more recent correspondence until after Easter. The Russian Memorandum to which the hon. Member refers will be included in the later publication if the Russian Government raise no objection.

asked whether the Russian officers in Teheran were still in the service of the Shah of Persia; and whether any danger to their lives would be considered by the Russian Government to be a justification for intervention in the internal affairs of Persia?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am not in a position to say what would be considered by the Russian Government to be a justification for intervention in Persia.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to suppose that the action of these Russian officers in the Shah's service has been other than useful in preserving order during the crisis at Teheran?

I have not heard any complaint of the Russian officers in recent months.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had any official information of the despatch by Russia of troops to Teheran, and, if so, as to the route which they would follow; were those troops being sent to protect the lives of the Russian officers in that capital; and, in view of the fact that the recent acts of those officers in relation to the internal affairs of Persia had caused resentment among the populace, would he, in the interests of the European community, make friendly representations to the Russian Government for their removal?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the last part, I do not think I should further the object which the hon. Member apparently desires by replying to his question in the affirmative.

asked whether, any joint representations had been made by His Majesty's Government and that of Russia to the Shah of Persia to the effect that His Majesty should redeem his pledge to restore the constitution, and thus bring the present disorders to an end?

As I have previously stated in the House, joint representations have more than once been made by His Majesty's Government and the Russian Government to the effect that His Majesty the Shah should redeem his pledge to restore the constitution?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any fears were entertained for the safety of Europeans in Teheran, in view of the recent excesses of the royalist soldiery; and would he consider the strengthening of the guard at the British Legation by the despatch of a reinforcement through the port of Baghdad, with the permission of the Turkish Government, or through Persian territory?

The most recent information received does not indicate any exceptional danger in Teheran at the present moment to the safety of Europeans, beyond the risks usual in any place where disorders are prevalent. As regards the second part of the question, I have received no information from His Majesty's Minister to the effect that the despatch of a reinforcement to the Legation guard would be either necessary or desirable.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what Consulates the Russian Government propose to protect by the despatch of half a squadron of Cossacks?

reply was inaudible in the Press Gallery.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the facts that European interests had been sedulously safeguarded by the constitutional party in Persia, and that that party was now in possession of considerable districts of Persia, he would oppose any act of intervention by a Foreign Power which would make it difficult for the constitutional party to maintain their present control over the revolutionary movement?

I cannot give a reply which would deprive His Majesty's Government of their freedom to decide what course they would take under circumstances which I hope will not arise.

May I ask which party can be properly described as the Constitutional in Persia—those who favour the constitution of the day before yesterday, or those who favour that of 25 centuries ago?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have given their adhesion to the view that the proposed European Conference, if summoned, should confine itself to ratifying agreements already arrived at between the States affected by the recent infractions of the Treaty of Berlin; and could he inform the House of the grounds upon which the present dispute between Austria, Hungary, and Servia, arising out of the annexation of Bosnia, cannot be referred to the Conference for settlement?

His Majesty's Government have always held that preliminary agreement as to the questions in dispute should be arrived at between all the Powers before a Conference is summoned. Negotiations are still in progress, and I am unable to give further information at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had any official information showing that Mr. Brown, a British subject and the chief of the telegraphists of the Indo-European Company at Tabriz, had been robbed and insulted by the royalist soldiery while attempting to repair the wires which they had cut; and, if so, what steps His Majesty's Government had taken in the matter?

I have received no information on this subject, but will inquire.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say whether the Estates Commissioners have yet acquired a suitable holding in lieu of his evicted farm for Denis Cronin, of Ballingarry, in the county of Limerick, representative of his mother, Catherine Cronin, deceased; whether he is aware that, over 12 months ago, they referred this case to one of their inspectors for consideration in connection with an allotment of untenanted land; and, as Cronin has not yet obtained it, will they provide for him without further delay?

The Estates Commissioners have noted Cronin's name for consideration in connection with the allotment of lands in respect of which they have instituted proceedings under the Evicted Tenants Act. The lands have not yet been acquired.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say of the 98 cases of evicted tenants reinstated by the landlords in the county of Limerick since the passing of the Land Act of 1903 all of them were inquired into by the Estates Commissioners' inspectors, with the view to ascertaining whether they have been reinstated on fair terms so that they can in future pay their annuities; and whether they have all received grants or advances to enable them to work their farms themselves instead of having to let them for grazing?

Of these tenants 47 were reinstated at prices suggested by the Estates Commissioners after inspection. The holdings of the remainder have been inspected or will be inspected when the estates on which they are situate are being dealt with by the Commissioners. The quarterly returns published under Section 3 of the Evicted Tenants Act contain particulars of the grants made to evicted tenants.

May I ask what grants have been made to the tenants?

I do not know at present what grants have been made in individual cases. They obtain grants when necessary in order to enable them to work the farms.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any augmentation of the grant to the Intermediate Education Board was in contemplation to meet the additional expenses of inspection, so as to obviate any reduction of the school grants?

The answer is in-the negative. The Commissioners of Intermediate Education inform me that they have provided by reinvestment and otherwise for such an increase in their income, provided their receipts from local taxation remain unaltered, and such a reduction in their expenditure, as will, they hope, enable them to distribute each year as school grants an amount similar to that distributed during the last four years.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is now in a position to state what amount will be awarded out of the public funds to the relatives of the late Constable Goldrick?

:A grant of £l00has been made to the father of the late Constable Goldrick.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can name the intermediate school inspectors for Ireland?

As the appointments of inspectors are not yet completed, I am not in a position to mention any names.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether legislation will be required before the Intermediate Education Board can substitute inspection for examination as the basis for the payment of grants?

I understand that the legal members of the Intermediate Education Board are of opinion that legislation would be necessary before the Board could substitute inspection for examination as the sole basis for the payment of the school grant. Under the Intermediate Education Act, 1900, inspection can be taken into account as one of the bases of distribution.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the affidavit of County Inspector Holmes, read at the Sligo assizes on the 10th instant, with reference to the charge against 17 men of intimidating Protestant farmers in the Riverstown district who had refused to join the United Irish League or subscribe to its funds; and whether, now that if he is aware that the magistrates constituting the majority of the bench who refused informations in this case are, and were then, prominently identified with the United Irish League, he will cause the conduct of these justices to be brought again under the notice of the Lord Chancellor?

The 17 men referred to in the question have now been returned for trial. The case is therefore sub judice, and I cannot discuss it, or the action of the magistrates who were concerned in its initial stage.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say whether the Estates Commissioners have made any offer to the Land Judge for the purchase of the Fuller Estate, King's County; whether the Land Judge has taken any steps in regard to the sale of this estate; and whether, in either event, the threatened proceedings in bankruptcy against some of the principal tenants will be stayed pending a satisfactory settlement by purchase?

I am informed by the Registrar to the Land Judge that there are no proceedings for the sale of this estate pending in the Land Judge's Court.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that fair rents were fixed on the Magennis estate, in North Antrim, by the Land Commission on the basis that bog-plots would be given to the tenants at a certain rate, and at this rate bog-plots were given to the tenants until the death of Major-General Magennis, the landlord, in 1907; if he is aware that since the death of Major-General Magennis the rents of these bog-plots have been trebled and quadrupled, a thing which presses hardly on the tenants after these bad seasons; and will he introduce a clause in the Land Bill to prevent landlords putting such rents on bog-plots during a statutory term?

So far as the Land Commission have been able to examine the fair rent files of this estate, it does not appear that the rents were fixed on the basis stated. The Commissioners cannot say whether the bog rents have been raised since the death of Major-General Magennis. I am not at present aware of any necessity for the legislation suggested, but I will look into the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will ex- plain the increase in the Estimates for Law Charges and Criminal Prosecutions, Ireland (Class 3, Vote 15), and particularly the reasons why the item of fees to the Attorney-General and the Solicitor-General shows an increase of £ and the item of fees to counsel other than the Law Officers for taking Crown prosecutions, etc., shows an increase of £1,200 as compared with last year's Estimates?

The Law Charge Vote for the coming year shows an increase of £2,165 over that for the current year. This total includes, besides the two items mentioned in the question, an increase of £265 under the sub-head Crown Solicitors, and an increase of £200 for defence of public officials. The former is due to an addition to the clerical allowances of the Treasury Solicitor in Ireland, the latter is based on current expenditure, the sub-head being one which it is difficult to estimate with accuracy. The increased estimate for tees to Law Officers is based on current expenditure, and is due to an increase in the number of prosecutions. The estimate of £l,000 under this sub-head has been exceeded in each of the last four years. The increase in fees to counsel is due to a possible increase in the number of prosecutions having regard to the expenditure in 1907–8.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he was aware that, although he stated early in the last Session that the case of Mrs. Rose Egan, an evicted tenant from the Rosse estate, near Ferbane, in the King's County, was under the Estates Commissioners' consideration and that she would shortly be reinstated, nothing has yet been done; and whether, in view of the approach of the sowing-time, he will use his influence to have her case speedily attended to?

As I stated in my reply to a question asked by the hon. Member on 2nd December last, the Estates Comsioners have informed the owner of the price which they are willing to advance for the evicted farm provided the evicted tenant is reinstated and signs a purchase agreement. No purchase agreement has since been lodged by the owner.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he could state the number of local authorities in Ireland which have put into operation The Tuberculosis (Ireland) Act, 1908?

The hon. and gallant Member's question is premature. The Act does not come into operation until the 1st July next.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has received copies of the daily consular and trade reports of the United States of America; will he say whether, in view of the advantages which the circulation of similar Irish reports would confer on Ireland and Irish traders, he will direct one of the Boards under his control to collect the necessary information, that commercial reports of the markets affecting the various Irish industries may be available for those concerned; or will he consider the advisability of securing a duplicate of the American daily trade reports for circulation in Ireland?

I understand that the materials for the reports in question are supplied by the Foreign Consuls of the United States. I have no means of obtaining similar information with regard to foreign markets affecting Irish industries, but the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction are willing to have a duplicate copy of the United States Report kept in their office for reference.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether part of the untenanted land and part of the deep bog on the Robinson estate, county Roscommon, has been recently disposed of by the landlord to a Customs' pensioner, whereas both are badly required to meet the needs of the agricultural population already on the estate; and whether the Estates Commissioners have taken, or propose to take, any steps to safeguard the people's interests in the matter?

The Estates Commissioners have received a communication from certain tenants on this estate to the effect stated in the question. The estate is not pending for sale before them, and they have no power to interfere with regard to it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any stations in India are united by Marconi wireless telegraphy?

There are at present four wireless telegraphy stations in India, but none is equipped with the Marconi system.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether among those concerned in the desecration of Queen Victoria's statue at Nagpore were several persons belonging to the local agricultural college, at which much seditious literature was found; whether the students from this college, after passing into the service of Government, are sent to spend their lives in rural districts amongst landowners and cultivators; and whether, in view of the danger that the loyalty of this, the most important class in India, is likely to be debauched by the ex-students of such a college, the Government proposes to take special steps to repress the spread of sedition in this and in other educational institutions?

The two persons convicted in connection with the offence mentioned were a student and an ex-student, respectively, of the local agricultural college. The Government of India will no doubt take whatever steps are practicable to check the spread of seditious propaganda from such institutions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the Indian peasant pays the bill, the Government will exact the clearest and most irrefutable proof that China is pari passu with India reducing her opium cultivation, before India is called upon, to the prejudice of her own revenue and her own taxpayers, to make reductions which, in the absence of such proof, may only result in transferring business from Indian to Chinese growers of the drug?

The present arrangement for the progressive restriction of the export of opium from India holds good till the end of 1910. The Chinese Government are aware that the extension of the arrangement will depend on satisfactory evidence being given that production of opium has been correspondingly reduced in China.

May we hope that there will be some evidence besides that of the Chinese officials' assurance on that behalf?

We will take care that that matter is considered.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Indian peasant is most averse to the cultivation of opium and would abandon it but for the advance given by the Government to promote its cultivation?

I am not sure whether I can take that on the assurance of my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the Government have introduced the Indian Councils Bill in another place, he will lay the correspondence which has passed on the subject between the Secretary of State and the Government of India, and between the latter and the governors, lieutenant-governors, and chief commissioners of provinces, before the Bill comes down for discussion in this House?

A very large amount of correspondence between the Secretary of State in Council and the Governor-General in Council, and between the Governor-General in Council and the local Governments, has already been laid upon the Table of the House, and gives full information as to the general intentions with which the Indian Councils Bill has been framed. The Secretary of State has announced many of the decisions arrived at. Details of the regulations are still under consideration and discussion, and the Secretary of State cannot undertake to publish the correspondence relating to them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has now received any report of the incident of the hauling down of the British flag at Cook Island, to which his attention was recently called; and whether he can make any statement with regard to it?

His Majesty's Government have learnt by telegraph that His Majesty's ship "Cambrian" conveyed the Commissioner of the Cook Islands to two islands of the group where disturbances had taken place, that the Union Jack was rehoisted, and order restored without any bloodshed, the ringleaders being arrested. The fuller report by mail cannot be expected for some weeks.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman furnish me with such part of the Report as he thinks it proper to give when it arrives?

Certainly, I shall be glad to give you the fullest information on the subject when I receive it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, notwithstanding the protocol of the Powers signed in July last, under which the Ekoi district is exempted from the prohibition to import arms and ammunition, the Ekoi tribe on our side are still forbidden to possess arms and ammunition; if they are forbidden, will he state the reason; and whether the German authorities across the frontier have forbidden their Ekoi people to possess arms and ammunition and enforce the prohibition?

As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend's question on Monday, the Ekoi district is included in the specified area within which the importation of arms and ammunition has been suspended. The restrictions apply equally to the Ekoi people on the German side of the frontier, and I know of no reason for supposing that they have not been enforced by the authorities there.

May I ask whether, seeing that the local authorities are of opinion that the restriction is not being enforced on the German side, he will cause inquiry to be made to see if it is the fact?

My hon. Friend seems to have information which is not in my possession. I think it is probable that for once my information is superior to his.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the draft South Africa Act or any part of it has received the approval in advance of His Majesty's Government; whether certain of its sections, as they stand, have the effect of disfranchising a large class of the coloured population, especially in Natal; and whether His Majesty's Government will take precautions to protect those who at present stand enfranchised, whether they exercise the privilege or not, from being deprived of it?

His Majesty's Government have not at present expressed approval of the draft Bill in whole or in part. I would point out that Clause 35 provides that if the South African Parliament should alter the existing qualifications of voters which are preserved by Section 36 no person who is actually at the time registered as a voter shall be removed from the register by reason only of any disqualification based on race or colour.

May I ask whether the attention of the hon. Gentleman has been drawn to the fact that the declaration given by the Commission implied that the Government had given its consent in general terms?

Oh, no, Sir. It is not the case that they expressed approval or disapproval. The matter is of course one of very great importance. If the hon. Member wishes for further information I should be much obliged if he will put down a question.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any idea when it will be possible for the House of Commons to consider the draft Constitution; and whether in the interval the House may rely on the Government watching with great jealousy the great interests of the natives?

It is a draft only. The Parliaments of South Africa meet on the 30th of this month to discuss it, and one cannot usefully make any statement until they themselves have seen the draft.

asked the Lord-Advocate whether he can furnish the number of unemployed at present under the distress committees in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee?

The number of unemployed on the relief works registers of the distress committees at the present time is given as follows:—

May I ask how many of these men have been given work? What proportion have been given work?

No, Sir; I cannot answer that question.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in order to avoid the inconvenience, delay, and expense entailed by the present system of legal procedure in Scotland, lie will consider the advisability of setting up a branch of the Court of Session in the West of Scotland to deal at least with commercial cases arising in that part of Scotland?

After having conferred with my Noble Friend the Secretary for Scotland, I am of opinion that such inconvenience, delay and expense as may be caused to litigants in the West of Scotland, owing to the fact that the Court of Session holds its sittings in Edinburgh, are not sufficient to justify judicial changes of the importance and magnitude involved in the proposal of my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to state when the second reading of the Indian Councils Bill will be taken?

I am anxious to take the second reading before the Easter recess, but I cannot yet name a definite date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statistics as to the existence of royalties in the Aberdeenshire granite quarries, and as to the proportion which rent bears to the expenditure on wages and machinery in determining the cost of the granite produced?

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

May I ask whether information has not been sent to the right hon. Gentleman's Department by those concerned showing that the element of rent amounts to an infinitesimal part of the cost of production?

I will inquire. I have no personal knowledge of the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, m the Admiralty contract now being executed by Messrs. Freeman, at Portsmouth, he specified for British granite; and, if so, why he did so if granite of a not inferior quality could be obtained from Norway at a lower price?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member for Stepney on 1st March.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what experiments have been made and what information has been collected by the Admiralty with a view to ascertaining the comparative merits of British and Norwegian granites; and what was the result of such experiments and information as to their respective merits for heavy dock work?

Experiments are being made, and information collected, as to the comparative merits of British and Norwegian granite, but these investigations are not yet concluded.

In view of the great public interest taken in this matter, will the official inquiry be made public?

I cannot give an undertaking on that point.

Will the experiments be made in the ordinary way?

We have had long experience of Norwegian granite at the Admiralty, and are thoroughly convinced of its general merits.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the report of the British consul for Gothenburg for the year 1907 to the effect that the wages paid to granite workers in Norway are so low that they can even undersell their Swedish competitors; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of extending the Fair Wages Clause in Admiralty contracts to prevent such labour competing with British trade unionists.

The answer to both parts of the hon. Gentleman's question is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the case of the Haulbowline contract, the granite specification was for stone from the lower beds of the quarries; whether he can state if the Norwegian granite actually supplied in fulfilment of this contract was governed by the same qualification; and what steps were taken to ensure that granite only from the lower beds of the quarries were used?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. So long as the granite from Norway comes up to an approved sample referred to in the contract particulars for the work, it would be accepted.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what proportion of the Granite used at Keyham was obtained from foreign countries?

One-third of the total quantity of granite used at Keyham was obtained from Norway.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any, and, if so, what, arrangements are being made to house the workmen who will be transferred from Woolwich to the new torpedo works at Fort Matilda; and whether a deputation of the workers who have visited the housing accommodation now provided on the spot have expressed discontent with the prevailing tenement system and have also expressed a desire for the provision of cottage homes?

The new torpedo works at Greenock are being erected in the vicinity of populous towns, and it has not been considered necessary to make any special provision for housing the workmen. The deputation referred to have not yet represented their views to the Admiralty, but facilities for this will be afforded.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state in what form he intends to ask the approval of the House for the proposal to entrust Ministers with power to make preparation for the rapid construction of four additional battleships to be laid down on the 1st April, 1910, the collection of guns, gun-mounting armours, and other war material, as mentioned in his explanatory statement?

The approval of the House was asked by my introduction of the Naval Estimates.

Does my right hon. Friend mean that the Admiralty will consider itself at liberty to spend money on this purpose without any specific vote of the House?

Yes, Sir. If His Majesty's Government come to the conclusion that it is necessary to give these orders in advance they propose to authorise the Admiralty to do so.

What sum of money is taken in the Estimates? I cannot find any.

No sum is taken in the Estimates, and for the obvious reason that it is impossible at this moment to forecast what sum or whether any sum will be necessary for the purpose.

Under what Vote of the House will the Government consider themselves entitled to spend money? Are we to understand the answer of the right hon. Gentleman as indicating that by the passing of the present year's Estimates we are giving him a blank cheque as to the future?

Not a blank cheque in the ordinary acceptance of the word. The circumstances are fully set out in the Note to the Estimates, which indicates that under certain circumstances the Government may find it necessary to give orders in advance. No money will be paid in respect of any orders except with the prior sanction of this House.

Are we to understand that by passing the Estimates of this year we are to be held to be justified or authorise the Government to incur any liability which they may think desirable?

Not any liability, but the specific liability referred to in the Estimates.

How much?

The amount of money cannot be specified. If it could be specified it would have been indicated in the Estimates. The procedure taken by the Government, although the particular form may be novel, is very usual. Only two years ago, with regard to the expenditure on cooling machinery, precisely the same method was adopted, with this exception, that instead of appearing as a Note to the Estimate a communication was simply made by the Financial Secretary in a speech at this Table.

I wish to—

Order, order. This debate may be continued when Vote A is under discussion.

asked the Lord-Advocate whether he could state the names of the witnesses for the prosecution who were examined by the Procurator Fiscal in the charge of alleged assault against a constable in Glasgow; whether he was aware that the accused admitted his guilt in the presence of the Lord Provost of the city; and what further action he proposed taking in the matter?

The Procurator Fiscal examined all the witnesses whose names were submitted to him by the complainer's agent, who can no doubt supply them to the hon. Member. I am not aware that the accused constable made the alleged confession, and, as I adhere to the views expressed in my answer of the 4th inst., I do not propose taking any action in the matter.

Do I understand that the complainant's witnesses were examined?

Yes, they were examined by the Procurator Fiscal.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether all the mines and torpedoes recently used in the Firth of Forth had been recovered?

No torpedoes were lost in the Firth of Forth during recent exercises. Six old mine cases were not recovered and one mine case was lost through breaking adrift in bad weather.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether any of them were charged?

I could not say whether or not they were charged; but even if they were charged there is no danger.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Government proposes to appoint Commissioners to carry out the Small Holdings Act in Wales, and, if so, how many; and whether Welshmen will be appointed?

One Welsh-speaking inspector—Mr. John Owen—is already at work in Wales, and it is proposed to appoint another at an early date.

Will he be able to speak Welsh?

Yes.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether any county councils, and, if so, which, had submitted to the Board orders for the compulsory acquisition of land; and whether the Board have as yet confirmed any such orders?

Cambridge, Hunts, Soke of Peterborough, Devon, Leicester, Warwick, Dorset, Norfolk, Monmouth, Gloucester, Northampton, Salop and Carmarthen have submitted compulsory orders. Seven orders have been confirmed.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) how many prosecutions have been instituted by the Department against British and Foreign-owned vessels, respectively, during the past two years, for breach of the regulations prohibiting trawling in Irish waters outside the three-mile limit; and whether the Department will withdraw those regulations which protect Foreign-owned vessels against British competition?

Two of the cases prosecuted by the Department for illegal steam trawling within the past two-years were for offences committed, in the opinion of the Department, in extra-territorial waters. The skipper in each of these two cases was a British subject. No similar prosecution of a foreigner took place. The Department do not propose to withdraw the regulations referred to in the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what useful purpose is served in prosecuting British subjects and allowing foreigners to fish?

It does not appear that any foreigners transgressed the law.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question, which is What useful purpose is served in prosecuting British subjects and allowing foreigners—

Order, order. The hon. Member has had an answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can furnish any information as to the number of unemployed among trades unionists at present in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee respectively.

The Returns of unemployment received by the Board of Trade from trade unions do not cover the whole body of trade unionists, and are not equally representative of all districts. Moreover, some of these Returns do not distinguish districts. I am consequently not in a position to give the information desired.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any figures at all?

I can give no figures that afford any accurate guide.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, with reference to the recent outrage on the Midland Railway between Grindleford and Dore and Totley stations, if he is aware that Mr. Blackwell, the assaulted person, pulled the communication chain two minutes after leaving Grindleford station, and that the train travelled three and a half miles before stopping at Dore and Totley station; that Mr. Blackwell was informed by the guard that the latter noticed that the brakes were on, but he thought that this was caused by the driver being pulled up by the signals being against him, so that Mr. Blackwell failed in his endeavour to communicate his need for help to the conductors of the train; that officials of the Midland Railway have called upon Mr. Blackwell, expressing to him their opinion that he was not attacked and that they could not believe any of his statements; if he is aware that Mr. Blackwell is badly bruised and cut and is in the doctor's care; that Mr. Blackwell's firm have taken the matter up with the general manager of the Midland Railway, but have not yet had a reply to their representations; and what action he intends to take in these circumstances?

I have asked for the observations of the railway company upon the points raised in my hon. Friend's question, and I will communicate with him on receipt of their reply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has seen the agreement for the reduction of competitive services entered into between the London and North-Western and the Midland Railway Companies during last year; and, if so, whether he can lay a copy of it upon the Table of the House?

There is no obligation on the companies to deposit the agreement referred to at the Board of Trade, and I am consequently not in a position to lay a copy on the Table of the House.

Is it a fact that they entered into this agreement to vary the powers given them by this House without coming to the House for leave to do so?

Would the right hon. Gentleman also give me an answer to the first part of my question, whether he has seen the agreement?

The Board of Trade itself receives from the railway companies a great deal more information than our statutory authority gives us a right to exact, and it is very properly treated as confidential.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether it ought not to be laid before this House when it is so far-reaching and important?

I have not made any statement to the House in regard to this agreement at all. I have carefully refrained from doing so. Any information that I may have is not information that arises from statutory powers. It may be of great advantage to the Board of Trade to have upon this sort of matter information beyond that which the law requires the companies to give, and, therefore, we ought not to do anything to interrupt this satisfactory state of things.

May I ask whether the powers given by the Act have been varied by these two companies?

I cannot answer a question on such a complicated matter as railway agreements without notice.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of inserting on behalf of the Board of Trade in future railway Bills provision that such agreements should be laid before Parliament?

I do not think that is desirable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the standard rate of wages and hours of work in the quarrying industry in Norway and the United Kingdom?

The usual earnings in a full week of quarriers in Aberdeen are about 25s. to 26s. for a week of about 56 or 57 hours. I have no figures on a comparable basis as to the earnings in Norwegian quarries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman get the figures for Norway?

I will consider that. I am not able to say until I know what would be the process by which they may be obtained and what would be the expense.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us the figures, so that the House may judge whether they are of a comparable basis?

I shall be very glad indeed to give the House any Board of Trade figures which they may require with regard to this or any other matter, but, of course, I should have to state how far they are comparable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Great Southern and Western Railway Company (Ireland) and their men have accepted the conciliation board system of 1907; that the sectional and central boards' representatives have been appointed, and the men's claims presented in the usual way through the head of the respective departments; whether he is aware that the company refuse to allow such conciliation boards to operate unless approached by petition to do so; and what steps, if any, he is taking in the matter?

The difficulty to which the hon. Member refers has been brought to the notice of the Board of Trade by the employés' secretary, and also by my hon. Friend the Member for Derby. A suggestion has been made to meet the point, which I trust will prove to be satisfactory.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in accordance with the precedent of the German tariff, he will publish the Report of the Advisory Committee of the Board of Trade on Commercial Intelligence on the proposed French tariff?

I do not think it would be desirable at present to publish the report in question.

Could any Member of the House see the report if be called to the Board of Trade?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is the intention to publish a report of the cost of living, etc., in the United States on lines similar to the reports on Germany and France?

Yes, Sir; the investigation is now in progress, but it may be some considerable time before the report can be presented.

Will the question of wages be included as well?

I think so. The idea is, as far as possible, to give a perfectly comprehensive report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of the cotton manufactures exported from the United Kingdom to France, and the value of the cotton manufactures imported into the United Kingdom from France during each of the last three years?

I will have a statement giving the information desired by the hon. Member printed with the Votes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the average hours of work per day of the men and women employed in the cotton mills in Lancashire when they are running full time; and what are the average hours of work of men and women employed in cotton mills in France?

The full-time hours of labour of men and women employed in the cotton mills in Lancashire are 10 per day, except on Saturdays, when the hours worked are 5½. In France the full-time hours of labour of men and women in cotton mills are 10 per day, including Saturdays. The number of hours worked per week are thus 55½ in Lancashire and 60 in France.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of the supposed premature burial of James Blood, at Leigh, North Staffordshire, on 4th March last; whether he has directed any inquiries to be made concerning this case; if so, what is the result of such inquiries or, in the alternative, if he will cause inquiries to be made?

The matter is not one as to which the Secretary of State has, properly speaking, any jurisdiction; but he is making such inquiries as are possible to ascertain what took place.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state the amount of compensation to be awarded to the 14 persons who received bullet wounds at the hands of the alien murderers, Jacob and Hefeld, and to the parents of the child who was killed on the same occasion?

The amounts cannot be stated until the local committee who are administering the fund have completed their investigation of the cases and made their awards.

When will the report be available, and what are the conditions?

I cannot say when the local committee will be able to report finally. They are not under the authority of the Secretary of State. The funds consist partly of sums collected by subscriptions and of a grant of £100 from the Royal Bounty Fund.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the £5,314 15s. 5d. given in command Paper 10 was expended in the purchase of 116,400 yards of 52-inch brown canvas, or whether a larger quantity was purchased with this sum of £5,314 15s. 5d., if so, where all the canvas represented by £5,314 15s. 5d. was manufactured; and what is the difference in price between British-made and foreign-made canvas?

The Secretary of State is informed by the Prison Commissioners that the sum of £5,314 15s. 5d. was expended in the purchase of 116,400 yards of 52-inch brown and 52-inch striped canvas. This material was manufactured in France. The principal item was 52-inch brown canvas (about 100,000 yards), the bulk of which was purchased at 4-10d. per yard less than the lowest tender received from any British firm, representing a difference in value of about £160.

Do I understand from the reply that the whole of this £5,000 will be spent?

Yes. Of course, this £5,000 does not represent the whole of the purchases of the Prisons Department. Nine-tenths are purchases directly from British firms.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these purchases from British firms are manufactured in the United Kingdom or whether these firms were merely agents?

There is another question upon the Paper upon that subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to a sentence of three months' imprisonment with hard labour passed by Mr. Justice Darling on 12th March on an ex-soldier named Edwards or Lane for the offence of playing a musical instrument in the street and asking for alms; and whether, in consideration of his excellent character whilst in the Army and the fact that he is disabled through paralysis, he will order his release?

The case is one where the Court of Criminal Appeal, in a judgment delivered by Mr. Justice Darling, reduced the sentence from nine months to three. The Secretary of State doubts if in such a case he can properly interfere further; but he is making inquiry as to the facts, and will let my hon. Friend know the result.

May I ask whether, so far as the Home Office is aware, the only offence of which this poor man was guilty was playing a musical instrument and asking for alms?

This man has been repeatedly convicted for a long series of years of persistent begging.

For begging, and the man got three months hard labour for asking for alms