asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, what is the maximum speed of the armoured cruisers "Invincible," "Indomitable," and "Inflexible"; and what is the maximum speed of the squadron to which they belong?

The maximum speed of the armoured cruisers of the "Invincible" class is:— "Invincible" 26.65 knots "Indomitable" 26.1 knots "Inflexible" 26.5 knots Assuming that the maximum speed of the squadron means the maximum speed of the slowest ship, the speed for the squadron to which these ships belong is 23 knots.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Imperial Government paid the counsel's fee for the defence of Dinizulu, or any portion thereof?

It having been represented to His Majesty's Government that there was imminent risk of the defence of Dinizulu breaking down through lack of funds, they decided after communications had passed between the Natal Government and themselves on the subject to guarantee the sum of 2,000 guineas towards counsel's fees. The Governor of Natal made an intimation accordingly to Mr. Schreiner, but at the request of the Natal Government it was arranged that the guarantee should not be disclosed until after the conclusion of the trial. The sum of 2,000 guineas was paid to Mr. Schreiner through the Government of Natal on behalf of His Majesty's Government soon after the conclusion of the trial. Of this sum Mr. Schreiner retained £1,999 11ss. 3d., representing the amount of advances made by him to his colleagues in the defence of Dinizulu, on account of their fees. The balance of £100 8s. 9d. he returned to the Governor, £1,650 of his own fees remaining unpaid.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman in connection with this matter whether he can say how the case of Dinizulu stands now, and whether there is any intention of revising the sentence upon him?

I do not think that arises on the question.

May I ask whether there is any precedent for this?

There can hardly be a precedent, because so far as I am aware there is no precedent for the remarkable state of affairs which obtained in this case.

May I ask the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he can say what the total cost of the defence amounted to, and whether he is aware that if the Crown had chosen to prosecute Dinizulu in this country he would have been entitled to be paid the whole of the costs of the defence in the same way as the whole of the costs of the prosecution are paid under the Poor Persons Defence Act?

The hon. Member must give notice of that.

On what date will the Supplementary Estimate for this be taken?

I am not quite sure as to the particular form; but, of course, the House will be asked to Vote the money.

May I ask whether Mr. Schreiner has foregone his fees?

Yes, sir; that is the case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he can state the names of the Commission appointed to inquire into the administration of Mauritius, and when the members of the Commission are to leave for Mauritius; can he state the terms of reference to the Commission; whether the reference is in accordance with the terms of the resolution unanimously voted by the Legislative Council of Mauritius at a meeting held on 2nd February; and can he state whether the expenses of the Commission are to be defrayed by the Imperial Government?

I regret that matters are not sufficiently advanced to enable me to make any statement on the subject referred to by my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to lay upon the Table of the House the Papers in connection with the state of affairs in Mauritius since 1907; and, if so, whether these Papers will include the correspondence dealing with the financial position of the island, the recital of grievances against Mr. Cameron, the acting Colonial Secretary, the loans for improving the machinery of sugar factories, and the popular request for a Royal Commission?

The question of laying Papers on the Table can hardly be considered with advantage pending the appointment of a Royal Commission and the receipt of its Report.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say when he can give any information? I will repeat the question in a fortnight's time.

If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to repeat the question I may be able to give him the information. If not then, soon after.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the low rates of salary received by the inspectors of immigrants in the Fiji Islands, he is prepared to consider favourably some revision of their rates of pay?

asked the same hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the low rates of salary received by the inspectors of immigrants in the Fiji Islands, he is prepared to favourably consider some revision of their rates of pay?

I will answer these questions together. The salaries of the officers in question will be considered when the Secretary of State receives the report of a Committee which has been appointed in Fiji to examine the general question of the salaries of officials in that Colony.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information regarding the Trinidad Working Men's Association; whether it consists of Europeans or of natives of Trinidad; and what proportion of the population of the island it may be considered to represent?

I have no precise information as to the membership of the Trinidad Working Men's Association. I understand that in 1906 it had a membership of 223. The Secretary of State will obtain from the Governor fuller information with regard to this association.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether any arrangements have been made, as recommended in the Irish Forestry Report, to enable the Department of Agriculture to arrest the cutting down of trees on estates purchased by the Estates Commissioners under the Land Purchase Acts?

In accordance with the recommendations contained in the Report of the Departmental Committee on Irish Forestry, the Department have recently been placed in a position to arrange for the purchase from the Estates Commissioners of certain woods which would otherwise be cut down. I propose to explain the scheme to the Council of Agriculture on Wednesday next.

May I ask if the hon. Gentleman is able to state whether any money for this purpose has been placed at the disposal of the Department?

Yes, Sir.

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to draw the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to this Report?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is quite aware of the Report.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether the appointments to the position of dairy instructor are temporary or permanent; are they in the nature of civil service appointments; do they carry any pensions or retiring allowances; how many persons at present occupy these positions, and how are their services distributed through the several provinces; what amount is included in the Estimates of his Department annually in respect of these services; to what special branches of the dairy industry are their duties directed; and to what extent are they availed of by the creameries of the country?

The appointments referred to in the question are made by the Department, and are terminable by three months' notice on either side. They are not in the nature of per- manent Civil Service appointments. The number of instructors in dairying at present employed by the Department is seven, and of these three are stationed in districts comprising the southern portion of the country. Their duties consist principally in visiting creameries situated within their respective districts, and affording technical advice and assistance to the proprietors and managers, but they are also required to carry out such other duties as the Department may from time to time direct in connection with the work of dairying generally. Since 1st January last 553 visits were made by the instructors to 346 creameries and auxiliaries. No sum is included in the Estimates of the Department in respect of these instructors. They are paid from the Endowment Fund administered with the concurrence of the Agricultural Board in connection with the general scheme for improvement in the management of creameries. Their salaries are at the rate of £150 to £225 a year.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the maximum speed of the battleships "Bellerophon" and "Dreadnought"; and what is the maximum speed of the squadron to which they belong?

The maximum speed of the battleships "Bellerophon" and "Dreadnought" is 21½ knots. Assuming that the maximum speed of the squadron means the maximum speed of the slowest ship, the speed for the squadron to which these ships belong is 17 knots.

Is it proposed to replace the slower ships by faster ones of the same class as they become obsolete?

Oh, yes, certainly, so far as they are possibly homogeneous in making up a squadron?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the maximum effective range of the armament of the armoured cruisers "Invincible," "Indomitable," and "Inflexible," of the first cruiser squadron, and also the maximum effective range of the armament of the cruisers "Drake" and "Minotaur," of the same squadron?

It is not in the interests of the public service to supply this information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what was the number of officers and men serving on the cruiser "Essex" on the 1st May, and what is her full complement?

The numbers were 57 per cent. of full complement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why there are only 57 per cent. of 687 men on board this ship, supposed to be in full commission and belonging to the Home Fleet?

I cannot admit that the hon. Gentleman's figures are right as to the full complement of the ship.

Why are only 57 per cent. of the men on this cruiser, which is supposed to be immediately ready for war?

No, Sir; the cruiser is not supposed to be immediately ready for war, but the cruiser is supposed to be ready for war as soon as she is filled with men who are now serving on shore, and who will be available to fill up in four or five hours.

Is not this ship returned among the fully-manned ships?

No; she is returned as a nucleus-crew ship, I assume. I have not examined the Report to see.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state on what date tenders were called for the gun-mountings for the two battleships to be laid down in July; and on what date were the contracts signed for these gun-mountings?

Tenders were invited on 30th April, and orders will shortly be placed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the first five submarine boats built by this country were ordered some months before Parliament was aware that the step was contemplated; whether the agreement for the purchase of the "Triumph" and "Swift-sure" was made before Parliament sanctioned it; whether, when Lord Goschen was at the Admiralty, a supplementary programme of shipbuilding was ordered without Parliamentary sanction; and, if so, whether the Admiralty, relying on these precedents, ordered the gun-mountings for the ships of this year's programme before Parliament met, so as to relieve the congestion of work that is probable in the near future?

The reply to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, as the first two ships will not be laid down till July, no necessity arose for ordering the gun-mountings before Parliament met.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he now has any information which he can communicate to the House concerning the Austrian "Dreadnoughts" about to be built; whether the loan for the Austrian navy is to be, as reported, 16 millions; and whether they contemplate building four or seven "Dreadnoughts" by the year 1912?

There is at present no official information as regards a loan or the number of "Dreadnoughts" contemplated by the Austro-Hungarian Government.

May I ask if we have a Naval Attaché in Vienna?

Yes; if there was any official information to communicate we should have had it; but there is no official information.

May I ask who the information comes from?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, with reference to the letter written by Captain Bacon to the First Sea Lord, and the footnote appended thereto, which has recently been made public, why that letter and footnote were published and printed; how many copies were printed; whether it was shown to any officer in the Admiralty or the Fleet; and whether as it has been held officially to have been a perfectly proper letter, similar communications from officers who have been closely associated with the First Sea Lord will be permitted in future?

The letter referred to has not been made public, though parts of it have lately appeared in certain newspapers. The letter was printed as an ordinary and convenient means of record, and for the information of the First Lord at the time, which was three years ago. The letter was not published. Twenty- five copies of it were printed. I am unable at this interval of time to say precisely who saw it. As the letter in question was a perfectly proper one, similar communications would be unobjectionable.

Then we may take it for granted that this letter was printed only for the information of Lord Tweed-mouth?

Yes; you may take it for granted that it was printed simply and solely for the purpose of record, and for Lord Tweedmouth's information.

Why were 25 copies printed?

Several copies are kept as records of some letters in the ordinary course, and in the case of an order to the printer it is quite usual to ask for a larger number of copies than are in fact wanted.

Who did the other copies go to?

So far as is known at the Board of Admiralty no record can be found, nor is any information obtainable as to any person to whom the copy was shown. Undoubtedly the copy must have got out somehow, because otherwise Sir George Armstrong could not have seen it, but it could only have been by one of the grossest breaches of confidence, and I hope the House will rest satisfied upon the authority of the whole Board who inquired into this matter that there is no blame attached to Captain Bacon, and that the proceedings of the Board three years ago in this matter were perfectly proper.

Is there any possibility of effecting any economies in printing in matters of this character?

Who wrote the famous footnote which is alluded to in the question?

I do not know what footnote the hon. Member refers to. I will refer to the letter.

I have the footnote here.

Are all the First Sea Lord's letters printed 25 times, or was this a special occasion?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state by whose instruction and for what purpose Captain Bacon was directed to report to the Admiralty on the conduct and opinions of his superior officers on matters of Admiralty policy?

He was not so directed and did not do so.

Do I understand that no directions were given him?

That would be the interpretation to draw.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if subordinate officers in the Navy have been making reports about their superior officers analogous to those submitted by Captain Bacon to the First Sea Lord?

No such reports have been made.

Will they be accepted if they are made?

That depends entirely upon the circumstances of each case.

had given notice to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty how many copies the Government printers, Eyre and Spottiswoode, printed of the letter to the First Sea Lord from a captain in which reflections were cast on his Commander-in-Chief and another flag-officer serving in the same fleet; and whether he has ascertained how a printed copy of this letter came into the possession of Sir George Armstrong? The hon. Member observed that the first part had been answered, but he should like to have an answer to the latter part.

Twenty-five copies were printed of the letter referred to, but no such reflections were made in it. It has already been stated that the copy could only have been obtained by Sir George Armstrong by a breach of confidence.

Is there any reflection on the person who sent it from the Admiralty or upon Sir George Armstrong's publication?

Yes; I think it is a reflection upon both.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state whether, more than 12 months ago, the Board of Admiralty was expressly warned by our naval representative in Berlin that the German authorities were preparing to accelerate their construction programme, and that Krupps were to increase their works to a vast extent; whether the warning document is still in existence, and, if so, whether he will produce it to the House; and whether a special meeting at the Board was summoned immediately to discuss the new situation that arose, and what the result was?

All reports by naval attachés to the Board of Admiralty are confidential, and it is undesirable to produce them or state their contents. The deliberations of the Board being confidential, no statement with regard to them can be made.

May I have an answer to my question about 12 months ago?

The question about 12 months ago is whether an inquiry was made by our naval representative at Berlin. It is undesirable to make any statement as to that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a deputation of German workmen to this country, now in this House at the present time, with a view of cementing the two democracies together and preventing any quarrel between them?

The hon. Member's question is quite irrelevant.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the matter of the establishment, equipment, and upkeep of coaling stations in Australia and the Southern Pacific is receiving attention; and if he has now anything to report to the House relative thereto?

The question of ensuring adequate coaling facilities on the Australian station is receiving the necessary consideration, and there is nothing to report to the House relative thereto.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether some of the shipbuilders tendering for the four new battleships have been asked to reconsider their tenders; and, if so, can he arrange that all those who sent in tenders shall be given the opportunity to modify them?

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

Why have not all firms tendering been put upon the same basis, and asked to modify their tenders?

I replied that the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Therefore, none of the firms have been asked to modify their tenders.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the parish of Templetown, containing 5,220 acres and having 1,000 inhabitants, has no post office; and whether he will order an inquiry as to the cause of this state of things with a view to giving better postal facilities to the people of Templetown?

The question of opening a post office at Templetown has been under consideration from time to time; but as the existing service in the district is carried on at a considerable loss to revenue, I regret that the facility cannot be provided at present.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will explain why he requested the Llanharan District Council, or the company supplying electric light to the village of Llanharan, Glamorganshire, to accept responsibility for a portion of the cost for altering their system of wiring in consequence of the erection of Post Office wires in the village of Llanharan; will he refund the sum which has been paid by the parties rather than delay the work by prolonged negotiations; and will the Post Office Department in future accept full financial responsibility for any charge in the system of wiring of undertakings already established within the area which may be necessary to enable the Post Office Department's wires to be put up?

The liability to protect the Postmaster-General's wires as well as the persons of the general public is thrown upon electric light undertakers by regulations made by the Board of Trade under section 4 of the Electric Lighting Act, 1888. In the present case there was some question as to the best means of affording the required protection, and there were circumstances which led me to think that I might properly charge the public funds with most of the cost. The Chairman of the Parish Council has undertaken that the small proportion charged to the council will be paid. All difficulties, therefore, are, I hope, at an end. I cannot undertake to accept responsibilities which by law are thrown upon local authorities or private persons.

asked whether the inspectors at Hull found during the last quarter large numbers of livers infected with parasites, such as immature tapeworms and flukes; whether out of 10 plucks from Rotterdam six livers were seized in one ship, and six out of a consignment of 20 in another ship; whether, in addition, seven pig livers, one pig pluck, and calf liver were destroyed as unfit for human food; whether all this came in with the Danish Government label certifying it fit for human food; and, if so, what action is it proposed to take?

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer this question. The facts as to the articles condemned are substantially as stated in the question, except that the consignments appear to have been contained in packages bearing labels attesting inspection by the Dutch and not by the Danish Government. I have asked to be informed of all cases in which it is found necessary to condemn certified meat such as is referred to in the question, with a view to communication being made to the foreign authorities concerned.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the senior superintendent of the sorting office, Dublin, also holds the position of an insurance agent; and whether, in the interest of the service, and in view of the fact that it is possible for this officer by the abuse of his position to further the interests of this particular insurance society, and that subordinate members of the service are liable to be treated adversely, and vice versâ , if they refuse when asked to become insured, and that the company has no connection with the Post Office, he will take steps to remind the senior superintendent that in holding the position of an agent he is violating the rules of the service?

I will have inquiry made, and will acquaint the hon. Member with the result.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he has received any information with regard to the occupation of land at Dalbeg on the Atlantic seaboard of the island of Lewis; and what course the Government intend to take under the circumstances?

Upon receipt of information as to the proceedings referred to, the Secretary for Scotland at once caused telegrams to be sent to those concerned indicating the strongest disapproval of their action and expressing the hope that they would at once withdraw. As the hon. and gallant Member is doubtless aware, it rests with the proprietor to enforce his rights by recourse to the law, and the Government have no reason to believe that he will not do so.

Will the precedent of Vatersay be followed in this respect?

Will the hon. Gentleman call the attention of the Secretary for Scotland to the fact that these cotters have for many months been asking to return to the farm from which they were formerly evicted? Will the Secretary for Scotland take some steps to endeavour to bring about an arrangement between the landlord and these cotters?

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to give notice of the Question, which involves a good deal of discussion?

I shall take the earliest opportunity possible to place it before the House.

Is it not necessary for the inhabitants of this island to occupy land in this way before the Secretary of State takes any notice of them?

asked what has been the total cost of the Vatersay estate to the Congested Districts Board, and what is the estimated cost of providing a water supply, and otherwise rendering the estate fit for occupation by tenants; what number of tenants have been granted holdings; and what is the total amount of rental fiexd?

The purchase price of the estate was £6,260, as already stated. The subjects referred to in the remaining part of the hon. Member's question are still under consideration. The Annual Report of the Congested Districts Board, which has been presented and will very shortly be circulated, will state all the information on the subject referred to which the Board is at present in a position to give.

Will a decision be arrived at as early as possible, so that this estate, for which so much money has been paid, may not stand vacant?

Certainly the hon. Member may rest assured that there will be no delay.

Will the hon. Gentleman take some steps to facilitate the publication of the Report, seeing that it is now nearly a month since it was laid upon the Table of the House in dummy?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give any information as to the average amount of foreign beer brought into the United Kingdom, and the value of the Customs derived therefrom each year for the last five years?

The net quantity of foreign beer of all kinds annually retained for home consumption during the five financial years ended March 31st last has averaged 54,389 barrels, on which the net duty received averaged £23,184.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that trains, consisting of goods and mineral traffic, are being run between Washington and Penshaw Junction without a brake-van in the rear; can he say why the North-Eastern Railway Company are working those trains in this way outside of station limits; and what authority have they for doing so?

On certain trains passing through the places named considerable delay would be caused if the brake van were at the rear of the train. The railway company therefore arrange that whilst the train is passing over this short section of line, less than one mile in length, the brake-van is next the engine. The Board are advised that if a proper tail lamp is placed on the last wagon no objection need be taken to this method of working, and the company undertook some years ago that the last wagon should carry a tail lamp.

Do I understand the Board of Trade has issued their authority to run trains in this way?

It is not a contravention of our rules, so that no objection is taken to it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is entirely outside the station limits?

That is not in accordance with my information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that trains consisting of 34 wagons laden with ironstone are being run between Kilton mines and Brotton, North-Eastern Railway, without a brake-van in the rear, the guard having to ride on the last wagon, carrying with him the staff for the single line, brake stick, and at night time a hand-lamp; and can he say under what regulation those trains are being worked in this way outside of station limits?

Inquiries are being made in this matter and I will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked why the accidents to employés which occurred at Tyne Dock, Boosbeck, and other places on the North-Eastern Railway, in the month of January this year, were not inquired into until quite recently in the latter part of April?

I regret these delays, which I understand were due to the fact that the sub-inspecting officer, who usually holds inquiries in this district, was incapacitated by an accident.

Do I understand that they are in want of more sub-inspectors to carry out these duties, seeing that this matter has waited three months?

No; I do not think we want more sub-inspectors. The delay would never have occurred had it not been for the very unfortunate accidents, which could not be foreseen.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state on what basis the revenue derived from the increased tax on motor cars and petrol will be distributed in England, Scotland, and Ireland; and if he will consider the possibility of some existing authority superintending the expenditure of the said revenue without the expense involved in setting up a fresh Department?

I will consider the point raised by my hon. Friend in the latter part of the question. I regret that I cannot give him the information asked for in the earlier portion until the Bill relating to my proposals in regard to motor-cars is in the hands of the House.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of the estimated cost?

That is obviously a question of which I ought to have notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the new super-tax on incomes above £5,000 is intended to apply to life insurance companies; and, if so, whether, in view of the resulting encroachment on the bonus allowed to participating policy holders, he will consider whether an exception can be made in favour of such companies?

asked whether a company making over £5,000 a year will pay super-tax under the Budget proposals; whether the shareholders, not being themselves individually liable to pay super-tax, will be entitled to recover their proportion of the super-tax paid; and, if so, whether any estimate has been arrived at of the approximate number of persons whose claims will have to be dealt with?

asked whether the super-tax on incomes over £5,000 a year will be chargeable upon the profits of joint stock companies earning more than that sum?

asked whether it is proposed that the super-tax of 6d. on incomes exceeding £5,000 should be charged upon the profits of joint stock companies?

The noble lord further asked whether it is proposed that the super-tax of 6d. on incomes exceeding £5,000 should be charged upon the interest derived from the reserve funds of joint stock societies?

I think hon. Members will find, on reference to my speech on the 29th ultimo, that I made it clear that the super-tax on incomes in excess of £5,000 is intended to apply only to the incomes of individuals, and not to those of insurance companies or other joint stock companies.

Will all persons make a statement of their income or will, they be allowed to state that their income does not exceed £5,000?

If they are called upon to make a declaration they must make a declaration of the whole of their income.

What persons will be called, upon to make a declaration of their income?

asked what is the estimated increase in Inland Revenue officials necessary for the carrying out of the Budget proposals?

As I indicated in my Budget Statement, I intend to ask Parliament to vote a sum of £50,000 during the current year for administrative expenses in connection with my proposals, but I am not yet in a position to state what additions will be required to the existing staff of the Board of Inland Revenue.

Does that £50,000 cover the general increase in Departmental work, or is it solely for the valuation?

As a matter of fact, I should say most, if not all, the expenditure would be in connection with valuation. The present staff would be quite adequate to cope with the rest of the work.

Will the present staff be sufficient for the new work?

I think it will. So I am informed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what is the total sum of the charges falling on the liquor trade in the United Kingdom and United States respectively; and whether he is aware that if the Massachusetts, United States, standard of taxation were applied to this country the direct taxation on liquor would fall from 38 millions to 34 millions per year?

The receipts from the spirit, beer, and wine duties, and from licence duties in the United Kingdom in 1908–9, were as follows:— £ Spirit duty (Customs and Excise) 21,386,000 Beer duty (Customs and Excise 12,723,000 Wine duty (Customs) 1,120,000 Licence duties (Excise) 2,204,000 £37,433,000 I regret that I am unable to give the corresponding information for the United States generally, or the State of Massachusetts in particular.

Why did the Chancellor of the Exchequer state that it was ludicrously inadequate?

I never said the duty upon excisable liquors was inadequate. What I said was that the licence duties were ludicrously inadequate, which is a totally different proposition.

Can the right hon. Gentleman differentiate between the whole tax on liquor, taking one at a time? Ought not he to have taken them all together when he said it was ludicrously inadequate?

I can certainly differentiate, but not across the floor of the House by question and answer. That is a matter for debate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will specify the various services and allotted sums now voted in the Civil Service Estimates which it is proposed to aggregate in the new Development Grant?

As I have stated in reply to other questions respecting the Development Grant, I do not think it would be desirable for me to enter into details of the scheme until the Bill relating thereto is in the hands of hon. Members.

asked what are the services upon which various Departments during 1908–9 saved over two millions?

The principal heads under which the savings were effected are given on page 5 of the Ex- planatory Memorandum laid before the House on the 26th ult. (House of Commons Paper, No. 115).

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware, in connection with the sale and purchase of the Shirley estate, in the county of Monaghan, that the trustees of the property agreed that all the untenanted land on it was to be handed over to the Estates Commissioners for the purpose of redistribution, and that in November last the solicitors for the landlord represented to a deputation from the town tenants' committee of Carrickmacross that if the trustees got possession of the lands adjoining the town they would be prepared to divide the same amongst the town tenants; whether he is aware that, in violation of both these agreements, the trustees have advertised the said lands to be let under the 11-months' system; and whether, having regard to these circumstances, and the additional facts that a number of town tenants were evicted from these lands some 25 years ago, and that, in the case of certain holdings in the town of Carrickmacross, where changes of tenancy are taking place, the rent is being raised and onerous conditions as to improvements and in other respects are being imposed on the incoming tenants, he will recommend to the Estates Commissioners that they withhold their sanction to the sale, and refuse to declare an estate what is only a portion of an estate, until such time as the trustees of the property in question agree to fulfil their promises and carry out the agreements they made for the purpose of inducing all the parties interested on the tenants' side to agree to the sale?

The Estates Commissioners are informed by the solicitors having carriage of the sale that there was no agreement that all the untenanted land was to be handed over to the Commissioners for distribution, and that they did not represent that if the trustees got possession of the lands adjoining the town of Carrickmacross they would be prepared to divide them among the town tenants. No proceedings have been instituted for the sale of the town holdings, and the Commissioners have no information with regard to them. I have no power to make recommendations to the Commissioners as to the exercise of their discretion in declaring lands to be an estate.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received from any council or other representative body in Ireland charged with the collection and administration of the rates any expression of approval of the statutory liability of those bodies for land purchase annuities in default, or any assurance that this liability will not be repudiated and resisted when it becomes oppressive?

I am not aware that any such expression of approval or assurance has ever been received or looked for from any public body charged with statutory liabilities.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if, in view of the discussion of the Land Bill and the prospect of purchase annuities continuing payable, he will ascertain and state the price an Irish farmer could have got in an average local market for 20 sheep of the same class in March, 1907, and in March, 1909, respectively; and the percentage of the change?

According to the Reports received by the Department of Agriculture from markets and fairs in Ireland, the average price per head of store sheep, one year old and under two, was 43s. 6d. in March, 1907, and 31s. 9d. in March, 1909, a decrease of 27 per cent. The average price per head of fat sheep in the same months was 56s. 8d. and 42s. 4d. respectively, a decrease of 25 per cent. The price of sheep is, of course, no criterion of the general position of the prices of stock and farm produce.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can account for the lower price of sheep since the Liberal party came into power?

I am quite unable to see any connection.

asked the Chief Secretary of the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the amount of the money provided for the transfer of ownership of land in Ireland from landlords to peasants which is being paid to owners selling their demesnes and mansions to themselves, in cases with little land transferred to other persons and in cases with none; and, having regard to the prime purpose of the Land Purchase Acts, the difficulty of finding money for that purpose, and the wide discretion of Commissoners and of the Government, whether he can see his way to reserving for a time all advances for cases of real transfer and limiting advances for demesnes and mansions to cases in which a substantial portion of the same estate is being really transferred?

Advances to owners to repurchase their demesnes are made in accordance with the provisions of section 3 of the Irish Land Act, 1903. The reply to the concluding portion of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received any memorial from any farmer's organisation in Ireland protesting against the postponement of completion of sales, every year of which adds to the purchase price and to term of repayment; and whether he can say approximately for how many years more those who have already signed purchase agreements must continue paying as interest larger annual sums than the purchase annuities for which they contracted?

No postponement of the completion of pending sales has taken place, or is contemplated, other than that which must necessarily occur in the removal of the existing block. The pace at which advances are being made at present is quicker than ever before. The length of time which it will take to dispose of pending agreements will depend among other things upon the passing of the Bill which is at present before the House.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have made any representations to Lord Kenmare on the subject of the exclusion of numerous tenants from the sale, and the threats, legal proceedings, and distraints used against these tenants by the landlord's representative; and what has been the result of such representations?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, the cases of the tenants on this estate who have not signed purchase agreements will be inquired into by the Estates Commissioners when the estate is being dealt with in its order of priority. The Commissioners cannot make representations to the owner as to the course he should take in the management of his estate, but if, when the estate comes before them, it is found that undue pressure has been put on tenants to induce them to agree to purchase, the Commissioners will consider what steps should be taken.

Having regard to the fact that the Commissioners may not take action for two years, and in view of the undue pressure of the legal proceedings taken against the tenants, cannot the right hon. Gentleman recommend the Estates Commissioners to make representations in the matter in the interests of the tenants and of the peace of the district?

No, Sir; I have no general power to interfere with the Commissioners in a matter of this kind.

asked the Prime Minister whether he could make any statement as to the steps being taken by His Majesty's Government with regard to aerial navigation?

The Government is taking steps towards placing its organisation for aerial navigation on a more satisfactory footing. As the result of a Report made by the Committee of Imperial Defence, the work of devising and constructing dirigible airships and aeroplanes has been apportioned between the Navy and the Army. The Admiralty is building certain dirigibles, while certain others of a different type will be constructed at the War Office Balloon Factory at Aldershot, which is about to be reorganised for the purpose. The investigation and provision of aeroplanes are also assigned to the War Office.

With a view to securing that the highest scientific talent shall be brought to bear on the problems which will have to be solved in the course of the work of the two Departments, the National Physical Laboratory has been requested to organise at its establishment at Teddington a special department for continuous investigation, experimental and otherwise, of questions which must from time to time be solved in order to obtain adequate guidance in construction.

For the superintendence of the investigations at the National Physical Labora- tory and for general advice on the scientific problems arising in connection with the work of the Admiralty and War Office in aerial construction and navigation, I have appointed a Special Committee which includes the following names:—

President.

The Right Hon. Lord Rayleigh, O.M., F.R.S.

Chairman.

Dr. H. T. Glazebrook, F.R.S. (Director, National Physical Laboratory).

Members.

Major-General Sir Charles Hadden, K.C.B. (representing the Army).

Captain R. H. S. Bacon, R.N., C.V.O., D.S.O. (representing the Navy).

Sir Alfred G. Greenhill, F.R.S.

Dr. W. N. Shaw, F.R.S. (Director Meteorological Office).

Mr. Horace Darwin, F.R.S.

Mr. H. R. A. Mallock, F.R.S.

Professor J. E. Petavel, F.R.S.

Mr. F. W. Lanchester.

May I ask whether special and adequate funds have been placed at the disposal not only of this experimental and scientific committee, but also at the disposal of the War Office and the Admiralty in order to carry out the necessary work without delay?

Yes, Sir; the answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the House has not had an opportunity of discussing the Vote for the Admiralty during the present Parliament; and, in view of the number of questions on which Members desire to challenge the administration of the Admiralty, whether he proposes to afford them an opportunity of doing so?

had given notice of the following question: To ask the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that the organisation of the Board of Admiralty will not be considered by the Sub-committee of the Committee of National Defence, he will find time for discussion of this subject at a convenient hour during the present Session?

I am anxious to consult the general convenience of the House in regard to the particular Votes which may be taken on the days allotted to Supply. In accordance with precedent, I shall, as a general rule, endeavour to respond to any request which may be made by the official Opposition. So far, I have bad no request to put down the Vote for the Admiralty, but no doubt an opportunity will be afforded later in the Session.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when he is considering abatements of taxation in favour of motor cars used for trade or professional purposes, he will also consider the claims of hackney carriage proprietors to be relieved of the carriage tax, which is in effect a tax on trade implements and which is felt to be particularly burdensome in consequence of motor and other competition?

The point raised by the hon. Member has already received my attention, but I fear I cannot see my way to grant the relief which he suggests.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that two Select Committees appointed by this House—one in 1894 and the other in 1906—have recommended the abolition of this tax as regards cabs in the metropolitan area, whether he is aware that the conditions affecting the proprietors of cabs are now less favourable than at the time these recommendations were made owing to the increased competition of motor cabs and electric tramways?

I quite accept the hon. Gentleman's statement, but I am afraid I am not in a position this year to give relief.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider it next year?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposed tax of ½d. in the pound on the capital value of vacant building land will be charged in cases where it is shown, to the satisfaction of the Revenue authorities, that the landowner has been unsuccessful in his endeavours to let or otherwise dispose of his land, and that instead of deriving any annual income from it he is actually sustaining a loss in the way of interest on the capital invested?

The hon. Member had also given notice that he would ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in estimating the unearned increment in the value of land for the purpose of the new tax, the loss of interest on the money invested in such land, which the landowner has sustained by reason of his not being able to utilise or dispose of his land at an earlier date, will be taken into consideration?

I have already explained that I do not see my way to answer questions of this kind until the Finance Bill is in the hands of the House.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, for the sake of informing the House more definitely what his proposals are, he can answer at the present time, as it is very necessary that the public should be informed what they really mean?

The right hon. Gentleman has answered that.

May I ask what is the result of the deliberations?

When we come to the discussion of the proposed tax, I will state the result.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has taken steps to ascertain if the increased ad valorem duties which he proposes to charge on transfers of land and property are likely to interfere with transactions of this nature; or whether, on the contrary, such transactions would be greatly facilitated by cheapening the transfer of land rather than by making it more expensive?

I have taken into consideration the point raised by the hon. Member.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has consulted land agents, solicitors, and others having special knowledge of dealings in land and other property, as to what effect this tax would be likely to have on these transfers, and whether they do not advise the cheapening rather than the increase of the cost?

The hon. Gentleman is trying to make a speech in the guise of a question.