asked how many Consuls and Vice-Consuls represent His Majesty's Government in Germany; and how many of these are by birth and nationality English and German respectively?

The number of British Consular officers in Germany is 34. Six belong to the salaried service, and these salaried officers are all natural-born British subjects. Of the remainder, six are natural-born British subjects, 20 were born and have remained German subjects; one is a naturalised British subject of German origin, and one a naturalised United States citizen of German origin.

In the case of these Consuls, who have no salary, is not it the case that they have an official allowance?

Yes. There is an office allowance. Where the interests of the State require it a salaried Consular officer, who is a British subject if possible, is appointed. Where the place is not so important as to warrant this course, the services of some suitable resident are utilised, and he is paid an office allowance, but not a salary.

Is it satisfactory that we should have so many members of the German nationality representing this country in Germany?

Of course, if you are to have salaried officers in all these places it can only be done by a large increase in the Consular Estimate. I have ascertained, as far as I can, what the practise of these countries is. I find that Germany has five salaried Consuls here, and we have six in Germany.

Is a preference given to military men in these appointments?

In which appointments?

In the unsalaried.

In the case of the unsalaried the practice is first of all to find somebody who is willing to undertake it, and those whom we find most suitable, if they are resident or locally engaged in trade, are appointed.

asked if Great Britain is represented at the German naval port of Kiel by a German Vice-Consul; and whether the naval port of Wilhelmshaven lies in the consular district of a British representative who is of German nationality?

The British Vice-Consul at Kiel is a German subject. Wilhelmshaven is in the district assigned to his Majesty's Consul-General at Hamburg, who is a British subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the number of Consular representatives Germany has in this country; how many of these are Germans; and how many are in receipt of salaries from the German Government?

If the hon. Member will refer to pages 510, 511 of the Foreign Office List for this year he will find the names and posts of the various German Consular officers in the United Kingdom. I cannot make any definite statement as to their national status, but a statement of the emoluments which they enjoy can be found by referring to the German Foreign Office Estimates for 1908, which have been published.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any details of the maltreatment of British-Indian traders and their families at Kertch, Crimea, by a gang of roughs; whether the culprits have been arrested and punished; and whether His Majesty's Government will demand compensation to be made to the victims of the outrage?

The British Vice-Consul at Kertch, telegraphing on the 8th inst., reported that a British-Indian subject named Mahomet Ali Omar, and a certain Zorab Samat, applied to him for assistance on May 2nd, Zorab's brother having been robbed and wounded at a boarding-house. The Vice-Consul brought the matter to the notice of the local authorities, and three of the aggressors have now been arrested. A full report has been called for, and must be awaited before a reply can be given on the last point mentioned in the question.

asked whether it has been decided that the Native Ministers in the Egyptian Government shall henceforth so arange their summer vacations that at least four of them shall always be at Cairo to supervise the work of administration.

I have no desire to deprecate such a decision, but I have no information respecting it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the complaint of the chief fishermen and notables of Matarieh and Ezbet-el-Burg, Damietta, as to the bestowal of the monopoly of the fish market there upon the Lake Menzala Company; whether he is aware that this monopoly amounts to the suppression of the rights of free sale formerly enjoyed by the fishermen; whether it is further proposed to compel the fishermen to use new fishing implements; whether such compulsion is necessitated or defended on humanitarian grounds; and whether he will urge upon the Egyptian Government the expediency of restoring to the fishermen their former market rights?

The matter referred to has been brought to my notice. I am not aware of the reasons for which the Egyptian Government adopted the course complained of, but I will address an inquiry on the subject to His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General at Cairo.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Persian Cossacks despatched to Kherraj against the revolutionaries are under the command of a Russian officer; and whether that officer is in the Shah's service or in the service of the Russian Government?

The Russian Chargé d'Affaires at Teheran informed His Majesty's Minister there on the 8th instant that the Russian officer was returning to Teheran that day.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any official information to the effect that it is the intention of the Russian Government to despatch troops to guard the Teheran Caspian road against the revolutionaries?

It is understood that, should the traffic on this road, which forms an important Russian concession, be interrupted through the action of either political party in Persia, the Russian Government would feel themselves compelled to take some action with a view to keeping open the main route of communication between Europe and Teheran, and thus guarding the pecuniary interests of Russian subjects. Such a situation has, however, not yet arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information that Cossacks, commanded by Captain Sapolski, a Russian officer, have been despatched to Kherraj to oppose the constitutional forces; and, if so, whether he proposes to make any representations to the Russian Government?

I have to refer the hon. Member to my reply to-day to the hon. Member for the Stirling Burghs.

asked whether Army Order 1 of 1903 ordains that two chargers will be supplied at the public expense to each officer serving in a regiment of cavalry of the line, and gives further privileges as to hiring chargers; whether, on a regiment being ordered to India, these privileges are withdrawn and each officer is only allowed to hire one charger from the Government, having to buy the second charger at his own expense; and whether the Government of India can see their way to remove the hardship involved by the difference in these regulations?

The conditions of service in India differ from those obtaining here, and the Indian Regulations are as stated in the Question. The Government of India in 1904 received authority to relax the existing limitation on the hiring of chargers as soon as financial conditions should admit of it. The Secretary of State will invite their attention to the subject.

asked whether the Secretary of State for India has received information that a petition has been presented to the Viceroy of India by inhabitants of Calcutta praying for the release of Mr. Krishna Kumar Mittra, who was deported from his home in December last without charge or trial; whether he can state the terms of the petition; and what, reply was given by the Viceroy?

No such petition has been received by the Government of India.

asked whether any petition or other form of representation has been received by the Government of India by or on behalf of any of the nine Indian gentlemen who were arrested and deported without trial in December last; what is the nature of such representations; and what replies have been made thereto?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any representations have been made to the Government of India by any of the nine Indian gentlemen who were deported from their homes in December last without charge or trial; and, if so, whether he will inform the House what is the nature of those representations, and what replies, have been made to them by the Government?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any representations have been made to the Government of India by any of the nine Indian gentlemen who were deported from their homes in December last without charge or trial; and, if so, whether he will inform the House what is the nature of those representations, and what replies have been made?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any representations have been made to the Government by any of the nine Indian gentlemen who were deported from their homes in December last without charge or trial; and, if so, whether he will inform the House what is the nature of those representations, and what replies have been made?

A number of representations having reference to various-subjects have been made to the Government of India by the persons deported, or by other persons in their behalf; but it is not practicable to give within the limits of an answer to a question particulars as to the nature of the representation and of the reply in each case.

May I ask whether a petition has been received on behalf of Aswini Kumar Dutt, of Barisal, asking for his release on the grounds of ill-health?

I answered a question addressed to the Under-Secretary of State for India 8 or 10 days ago. If the hon. Gentleman will refer to that, he will see all the facts stated.

Has the Secretary of State for India taken any pains to see whether the petition has been forwarded or not, or is it left entirely to the discretion of the Government of India?

No. I saw myself this morning nearly all the statements referred to.

When will there be an opportunity of placing these details before the House?

As the hon. Gentleman knows, I am only acting on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary for India, and I cannot possibly make a statement.

Is it a fact that all the representations made by the deported persons contain protestations of their innocence of any offence, and requests to be made acquainted with the grounds on which they have been deported?

I believe that is so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the reference to the Colonial Conference that is to assemble in London in July is to be confined to the question of imperial defence; and, if not, whether he will consult with the several Colonial Governments as to the advisability of including in the terms of reference the question of Asiatic immigration into the self-governing Colonies, with a view to the establishment of a general imperial policy?

The proposed conference has been suggested for the sole purpose of discussing defence questions, and it is not proposed to include the question referred to.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies when the information respecting the increased death rate amongst the natives employed in the Rand mines was received, and when inquiry into the cause of this increase was made?

The quarterly return for the last three months of 1908, which first showed a considerable increase, was in a "Gazette" of 2nd April, which reached the Colonial Office three weeks later. A despatch on the subject went by last mail.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what was the cost of the licence paid for the "Coach and Horses" public-house at Portsmouth, when owned by the Government; and what will be the cost of the licence under the new Budget scheme, seeing that the house was sold for £10,000?

The annual value of the house for the purpose of licence duty, when it was owned by the Government, was £152. The licence duty paid on this value was £30. Under my proposals, if the value remains the same, the duty will be £76.

Is it not a fact that the licence will be £570 under the new scheme?

I cannot see how it can possibly be £570, if the annual value is £152 and the charge 50 per cent. The hon. Member can work the sum as well as I can.

Would not the annual value be £1,250 and the licence £570.

That is what the owner says. I can only give the information supplied to me, that the annual value of the house for the purpose of the licence is £152.

Will the annual value remain the same under the right hon. Gentleman's proposal?

Certainly. I explained to the House that there will be a revaluation, and when I get the revaluation I mean to recast the scale.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation on the subject?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that owing to the total absence of machinery by which traders can obtain the rebate of 1½d. per gallon upon petrol supplied to taxicabs and commercial vehicles, they have been compelled to charge an extra 3d. per gallon upon all petrol, whether supplied to taxicabs or private individuals; and whether, in view of the hardship thereby sustained by both the drivers of taxicabs and the traders in petrol, he can give prompt information as to the method by which rebate can be claimed?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to circulars issued by the importers of petrol and its products raising the price of same by 4d. per gallon whether for use by motor-cars or for other purposes; and will he take steps to ensure a rebate of the 4d., or at least 3d. per gallon, the amount of the duty, being returned to those who have already paid the enhanced price or who are called upon to pay it in the future in cases when the petrol or its products are used otherwise than in motor vehicles?

I must refer the hon. Members to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Hammersmith. The rebate of either the whole or part of the duty on petrol will, of course, only be allowed in cases where it can be shown that duty has been paid on such petrol, and I cannot accept responsibility for the action of dealers who have raised the price of petrol imported prior to the imposition of the duty.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state how those who have purchased at the enhanced price can recover rebate in case those who have sold the oil will not allow it?

They cannot get rebate except in respect of duty paid. Of course, if the duty has not been paid the Government cannot be asked to return money it has never received.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what part of the reversioner's interest is intended to be affected by the reversion tax besides the increase in the value of the land which is subject to the increment tax?

asked whether, in the event of a free licensed house, held upon lease, the whole of the increased licence duty will, under his proposals, fall upon the tenant, or whether it will fall upon the landlord?

further asked whether the proposed tax of 20 per cent. on increment of values will apply to a person whose business it is to deal in land, and, if so, whether such tax will be placed on the balance of income of such business at the end of the current financial year, allowing for losses made on unprofitable transactions; and whether, in assessing the income, allowance will be made for repairs, renovations, alterations, legal charges, stamp duties, office expenses, etc., incurred by the purchaser in the period between purchase and sale?

asked whether ground partly used as a garden and partly for grazing purposes, over an acre in extent, surrounding a residence inside a town boundary, will be treated as undeveloped land and taxed accordingly, even though thousands of dwelling houses inside the town boundary are to let?

asked upon what scale he proposes that licence duties should be levied in such places of amusement, not being theatres, as the Tower Palace and Winter Gardens at Blackpool, in which intoxicating liquors are sold and amusements provided within the same buildings?

asked if the reference to theatres in the Budget Resolutions includes music halls in the same category as working under public-house licences?

With reference to this question and those put to me by the Hon. Member for North-West Manchester, the hon. and gallant Member for East Down, the hon. Member for Blackpool, and by the right hon. Member for the Epping Division, I have already explained that I do not think it is desirable for me to deal with points of this kind until the text of the Finance Bill is in the hands of the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman adopt the suggestion I made yesterday, and put the House in possession of the text of the Bill in a White Paper?

It would be absolutely without precedent, though that is not absolutely conclusive, I admit; at the same time, I do not think it is possible for any Minister to circulate a Bill before the. House gives him leave to introduce it.

The circulation of the Resolutions was without precedent.

As to question 28, may I approach the right hon. Gentleman in the guise of a newspaper correspondent, and will he give me an answer?

After several endeavours the hon. and gallant Member has got his point in at last. But may I point out to him that I never answer the questions of any newspaper correspondents in respect of matters on which I have declined to give information to the House? On the contrary, I have absolutely refused to answer questions which have been put to me repeatedly by newspaper correspondents on grounds similar to those which I have given to the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if any public officials are rewarded according to the amount of the collection of taxes for which they are responsible, either in the form of a commission, bonus, or increase of status or salary?

So far as taxes under the management of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue are concerned remuneration for collection is generally by fixed salary. In the cases where it takes, in whole or in part, the form of a commission or bonus, all pertinent circumstances (including the amount to be collected) are taken into consideration.

Am I to understand that a bonus is paid to income-tax officers who show special zeal and success in the collection of money in that Department?

I rather gather from information coming from the Inland Revenue that in the vast majority of cases the general rule is that they get a fixed salary. Occasionally there is a commission paid, and there, of course, the amount is taken into account. Those, however, are exceptional cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he proposes to increase the Customs duties on wines to such an amount as will tax the spirit contained in such wines to an amount approximating to the amount of the Excise duty on spirits manufactured in the United Kingdom?

I have already informed the hon. Member that I do not propose to alter the existing scale of Customs duties on wines.

Is it the fact that the duty on spirits coming in the form of foreign wines at present comes to 5s. 3d. a gallon, whereas it will be over 14s. under the Budget, and will not this have the effect of giving a great preference to foreign countries?

That is a question which ought to be put down. It involves the calculation of the quantity of proof spirits in various grades of wine.

Are not the facts as I stated them in a question I asked two or three days ago?

Does not the question largely turn on the comparison as between foreign wines and home-made spirits?

That is a question which I think it worth while asking the hon. Gentleman to put down.

Is it not the fact that some foreign wines contain 25 per cent. of proof spirits?

That bears on the answer I have given. I really cannot give the percentage of proof spirits in various grades of wine without notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any provision exists for the obtaining by pension committees in Ireland of legal advice, other than official, on the numerous questions of difficulty arising in the course of their administration of the Old Age Pensions Act; whether he is aware that several committees in Ireland desire to test the important question whether decisions of the Local Government Board, in spite of their apparent finality in the terms of the Act, are subject to review by certiorari in the High Court on questions of law, principle, and procedure; and whether any facilities would be granted to one or more pension committees in Ireland, on behalf of the rest, to obtain eminent legal opinion, other than official, on this important question, and, if so advised, to raise the question in the High Court by a suitable test case?

No such provision exists, and I do not think it would be desirable to afford facilities to pension committees for taking action, which is not a part of their proper functions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether residents abroad to whom rebates or abatements of income tax are not in future to be allowed include foreigners only, or whether British subjects resident in India, the Colonies, or elsewhere abroad will be included; and whether Government officials resident out of India in the execution of their duty will be debarred from claiming such abatements or exemption as they have hitherto enjoyed?

The words "out of India" appearing on the paper ought to be "in India." It is a misprint.

The hon. Member is now putting to me a different question. I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to questions on this subject asked by himself, by the hon. Member for the Oswestry Division, and by the hon. Baronet the Member for Wandsworth.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the funds which come from these officers in India are really savings from their salaries, and are partly devoted to the upkeep of their homes and families, and will he consider their claim to abatement?

I think that is the answer I gave yesterday, and I thought my hon. Friend had overlooked it, namely, that I was prepared to take into consideration the circumstances in regard to abatements.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can now say if it is the intention of the Government to carry out the recommendations contained in a Report recently made to the Board of Trade by Captain G. C. Frederick, R.N., and Sir William Matthews, K.C.M.G., and referred to the Treasury by that Department, with regard to the protection of the navigable channel of the Humber and the communications with the Spurn?

The matter is still under consideration, and I am unable at present to make any statement as to the course which will be adopted by the Government.

When may we expect an answer to this question?

The question has been under consideration for some months. There are difficult negotiations going on, and I am afraid I cannot give the information for which the hon. Gentleman asks. The hon. Member knows I am considering the question, and I will do my best to get a decision arrived at as soon as possible.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that unless immediate action is taken by the Government there is probability of their having to spend very large sums of money in the near future to defend the navigable channel in the Humber?

That question contains a good many propositions with which I am not entirely prepared to agree.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state what will be the unit of horse-power for the purpose of the new motor duty which will be issued under regulation by his Department?

I am unable to give any information on this subject, pending the introduction of the Finance Bill.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he will state whether any arrangement has been come to between the farmers and butchers on the subject of meat warranty; and, if so, what that arrangement is?

I understand that no general agreement on this subject has as yet been arrived at.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether his attention has been directed to the reports of the prevalence of the disease of glanders amongst horses in London; and whether he intends to take any steps in order to stamp it out?

The London County Council are and have been for some time past taking all possible steps to eradicate glanders in London, and we hope that the strict enforcement of the provisions of the Glanders Order of 1907—a copy of which I shall be pleased to send the hon. and gallant Member—will prove of considerable service for the purpose. The disease is not nearly so prevalent in London as it was a few years ago; in 1904, for instance, the number of outbreaks was 1,038, whereas last year the number was 495.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether he can now make any statement with regard to the acceptance of the offer of a sum of money from a private gentleman in aid of horse-breeding, or when he will be able to make a statement on the subject?

I am not at present able to make any statement on the subject, nor do I think that it will be possible for me to do so until the proposals of the Government with regard to agricultural development have been considered by the House.

asked the Lord Advocate if he has taken into his consideration the advisability of appointing an extra sheriff-substitute in the Glasgow district in order to cope with the congestion of business in the courts there; and, if so, will he state the result to the House?

I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on 28th April.

Is he aware his Department made a temporary appointment, and that he was doing good work and very necessary work there?

Yes; but the situation in the Sheriff's Court is at present being carefully considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will now state by whom the footnote attached to Captain Bacon's letter was written?

Captain Bacon.

May I ask whether the footnote as well as the letter was printed merely for Lord Tweedmouth's information?

The reason why the letter was printed was not only for the information of the First Lord of the day but also for purposes of record.

Twenty-five copies of the footnote as well as the letter—

The footnote and the letter were one and the same.

Under the same heading, were they?

They were written by Captain Bacon.

Why is it necessary that the Admiralty should print secret documents to place on record Captain Bacon's views—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that for some time past six submarines of the Harwich flotilla have been in dockyard hands at Sheerness; whether that flotilla consists nominally of nine vessels; how long the six vessels referred to have been in dockyard hands; and whether it is in accordance with official ideas of readiness for war that 66 per cent. of a flotilla should be in dockyard hands at one time?

Six of the nine submarines of the Harwich flotilla were in dockyard hands together at Sheerness from 12th March to 24th April last. Three of them were taken in hand on 11th December, 1908, and three on 12th March last. The hon. Gentleman will excuse me if I refrain from taking up time by replying to the satire contained in the last part of his question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many battleships and armoured cruisers were under construction on May 1st in the years 1900, 1904, and 1909, respectively?

Battleships. Armoured Cruisers. 1st May, 1900 15 14 1st May, 1904 10 13 1st May, 1909 6 1

Will he say whether the decrease in foreign shipbuilding has justified—

If the hon. Gentleman would be so good as to put down a question on the Paper, I would answer more in detail as to foreign shipbuilding.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many protected cruisers of a speed of 23 knots or over are permanently attached to the German High Sea Fleet; and what is the speed of the protected cruisers attached to the two battle squadrons of the British Home Fleet and to the Atlantic Fleet?

The answer to the first part of the question is four. With regard to the second part, the measured mile speed of one of the protected cruisers is over 23 knots, and of the others, 19½ knots.

We have only got one over 20 knots in our fleet as compared with four in the German fleet.

The hon. Gentleman must not assume that. The Admiralty prefer to keep their fastest cruisers or scouts with the destroyers.

asked the Prime Minister what are the names of the persons who form the Committee which is inquiring into the question of the All-Red Route; and when a Report on the matter may be expected?

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is not in a position to add anything to the information given to the hon. Member by my very hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 1st December last. The Committee is an informal Committee of Ministers, assisted by permanent officials, and I understand that no date can yet be named for the publication of their Report.

May I ask if the names of those gentlemen, or, at any rate, those who are not officials, can be supplied, so that we may see who is considering this question, and can he say if the Report will be received during the present Session of Parliament, say October or November next?

That is a question to which the Prime Minister declined to give information in his answer.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the naval advisers of His Majesty's Government will again consider the desirability of substituting a heavier anti-torpedo armament for the three-pounder guns now carried in the armoured cruisers of the "Warrior" class; and, as that vessel is now undergoing refit, can the substitution be taken in hand at once?

It is not proposed to alter the armament of the "Warrior" class.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those three-pound popguns are laughed at universally throughout the Navy?

Hon. Gentlemen cannot expect answers to questions put in that form.

May I say that—

I think the hon. Member had better consider his question a little more carefully.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the contracts for the gun-mountings, guns, and armour of the two battleships to be laid down in July have yet been signed; and, if so, orb what date?

Tenders for the gun-mountings have been invited and the orders will shortly be placed.

"shortly," They ought to have been placed before now.

Tenders for guns are about to be invited. With regard to armour, the orders will be placed in good time.

I must ask the hon. Member for Holderness not to keep up a running comment. It is most unusual in the procedure of Parliament. It is extremely inconvenient both for Ministers and for Members who wish to listen to the answers.

I apologise. I am afraid I was rather carried away by the answer of the right hon. Gentleman.

Is it not the fact that on March 16th he gave a specific pledge to this House that the orders for those spare parts, gun mountings, etc., would be given at once. The words "at once" were used.

I have not referred to the words, and my hon. Friend has not given me any notice that he intended to refer to the words, but so far as the substance of that reply is concerned the reply was strictly accurate. Communication was made in ample time to the contractors, who had taken all necessary steps to ensure the delivery of gun mountings in time. The mere fact that a specific order was not given has not the faintest bearing on the actual date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware the contractors require specific orders, and his pledge was that orders would be given at once. That was on 16th March; we are now at 11th May, going into eight weeks afterwards?

No, because in the case of gun mountings, which are made at the present time by only two firms, the ordinary rules of trade that specific orders must be given do not apply. Those two contractors are fully aware they would get the orders. Arrangements have been made with the contractors at the time that I say.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his selection of the year 1662 as the discriminating date with regard to the endowments of the Church in Wales, he can state approximately the amount of revenue derived from property in Wales and Monmouthshire which belonged to the Church prior to 1662, and the amount of revenue derived from property acquired since 1662?

The calculation of the revenue in sections as suggested in the question is complicated by the grants made by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and by the Governors of Queen Anne's Bounty. These amounted in 1906 to the sums of £49,646 and £37,284 respectively. Apart from these grants, the income of benefices in Wales and Monmouthshire (to which I assume the hon. Member refers) from Church property which existed before 1662, is about £134,000 per annum, and from private benefactions made since 1662 is about £20,000 per annum. These sums do not include the incomes of bishoprics, archdeaconries, or the deans and chapters; nor, of course, the annual value of fabrics, ecclesiastical residences, and so forth. The two volumes of evidence about to be published by the Royal Commission will contain statistical tables of Welsh Church property which will give in full detail all the information available.

Can he say if the evidence will be published?

I am not able to say. That depends on the decision of the Committee. I understand it is about to be published and that a promise was made, through the Home Secretary, that would be so not very long ago.

asked whether in view of the fact that the unarmoured cruisers "Bahia" and "Rie Grande do Sul," now building in this country for the Brazilian navy, had a displacement of 3,400 tons, an armament comprising ten 45-pounder quick-firing guns, and a speed of 26.5 knots, he would state why the British unarmoured cruiser "Boadicea," of 3,300 tons, now completing, had an amament of only six 25-pounders and a speed of 25 knots?

Comparisons including only two or three of the principal features of the respective designs are misleading. All the qualities possessed by both ships need to be taken into account. The actual speed on trial of the "Boadicea" was, however, 25¾ knots; and the weight of projectile exceeds that stated in the question.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the specific question why the "Boadicea" has only six 25-pounders while the other ships have a very much heavier armament.

I have stated that the hon. Member has named only two features. There are other features, such as coal-carrying capacity, which affect the radius of action of a cruiser, and that is one of the items which the Board of Admiralty have taken into account.

Why have we only six of these guns while the German ships operating in the same sea have ten?

asked when the 12 destroyers of the German 1907–8 programme were laid down, and when they were completed for sea; and when the five British destroyers of the same year's, programme were laid down?

The destroyers of the German 1907–8 programme were laid down between April, 1907, and the end of that year. They were completed between December, 1907, and December, 1908. The actual dates of ordering of the five British destroyers are:— "Nubian" 6th January, 1908 "Viking" 20th February, 1908 "Crusader" 6th January, 1908 "Maori" 20th February, 1908 "Zulu" 25th February, 1908

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why it takes us 16 months to build destroyers, when the Germans, as stated in his answer, can build them in from nine to 12 months?

I did not state that in my answer. I said that they were laid down between April and December in one year and completed between then and December in the next year. That gives a margin of 21 months.

asked what would be the armament of the United States battleships of the current year's programme, and what would be the weight of their broadside; and what proportion their broadside would bear to that of the British "Dreadnoughts" down to and including the "Neptune."

The battleships of the current year's programme in the United States will have an armament of 10 12-inch guns and 16 5-inch guns, with a weight of broadside fire of 9,100 pounds. The weight of broadside fire for the "Dreadnought" is 7,034 pounds; for the "Bellerophon" class, 7,110 pounds; and for the "St. Vincent" class, 7,172 pounds. It is not desirable to give the information as regards the "Neptune."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is officially announced to Congress that they will have not 10, but 12 12-inch guns?

The hon. Member refers to ships of this year's programme?

Yes.

I think he is in error when he refers to this year's programme.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he increases the cost of the armament of these ships be will stop a number of subscriptions to charities?

asked the Postmaster-General if he could state, in regard to paragraph 99 of the Hobhouse Report, which stated that an officer employed in substituting another of superior rank on full-time duties for any period exceeding two months in each year should be paid, until he resumed his ordinary duty, the minimum salary of the class to which the officer he substituted belongs, whether it was the intention of the Committee that the officer performing the higher duty should be paid only for the period over and above two months; and whether the period of two months was regarded as the qualifying period, or whether it was intended that a period of two months should be deducted in each successive year of an officer's performance of higher duties?

The qualifying period used to be six months. This, on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Com- mittee, I have reduced to two months. I understand their recommendation to be that each calendar year is regarded separately for this purpose. Cases in which hardship is caused by this rule are treated exceptionally.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland if he was aware that a certain William M'Dowell was brought before the Clogher petty sessions on 9th March last on four summonses charging him with certain offences in reference to 10 females named in the summonses, and that in the first case heard only one witness was examined, and in the second case heard two witnesses were examined, and that the magistrates dismissed these two cases, although there were other witnesses in court who might have been examined and were not, and that District-Inspector Patrick, in view of these decisions, declined to go on with the other two summonses; would he state the names of the magistrates adjudicating in these cases, and whether the decisions were unanimous or by a majority, and, in the latter case, give the names of the magistrates voting for a dismissal, or against, or who declined to vote; and would he now state what further steps, if any, he proposes to take in these cases?

I am informed that four summonses were issued against William M'Dowell, as stated in the question, charging him with the offences referred to. Two of these were heard by the magistrates at the Clogher Petty Sessions on 9th March last, and dismissed by a majority of the magistrates present. The reason the magistrates did not hear the evidence of more witnesses was because they were informed that it would not throw any more light upon the question, and would be precisely similar to the evidence already given. I regret that I cannot give the names of the magistrates present or of those who decided in any particular way, as I am informed that no regular poll was taken and that there is no record of the names of the magistrates who took part in the decisions. I do not propose to take any further steps in the cases.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he would state what special qualifications were required to fill the office of instructor in dairying under his Department; had candidates to submit themselves to any qualifying examination, and, if so, would he state who set the papers at these examinations and what subjects they embraced; and whether those interested in these appointments, such as the members of the Creamery Managers' Organisation, had ever been consulted beforehand or afforded an opportunity of orally explaining their views?

The special qualifications required for the position of instructor in dairying, in connection with the scheme for improvement in the management of creameries, include a knowledge of the principles on which the practice of dairying is based, as well as a technical knowledge of dairying machinery and of the construction, equipment, and management of a creamery. Besides this, the candidate must give indication of ability to impart instruction to others, and of those personal qualifications which command respect. Candidates have to submit to an oral examination by the chief officers of the Department. The Department have not hitherto consulted any organisation of creamery managers with regard to appointments of this nature, nor do they propose to do so in future. The Department are well aware of the views of creamery managers on this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he would permit the national flag to be flown on the offices of the Board of Trade on forthcoming Empire Day?

This would appear a matter in which the Board of Trade should follow rather than lead other Departments.

Why was a flag pole erected on the building?

The flag pole was erected many years ago, but it was put in such a position that very few people are able to observe it.

When did the President of the Board of Trade begin to follow instead of lead?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he was aware that the Vacant Land Cultivation Society had provided means whereby a number of families had got opportunity to grow their own food on land within the metropolitan area which would, otherwise have been unused; and whether this method of reducing unemployment had the approval of the Local Government Board?

further asked the President of the Local Government Board (1) whether an application made to him by the Central (Unemployed) Body for a grant of £298 8s. to be expended in the clearance of unoccupied pieces of land in Westminster, loaned by the London County Council to the Vacant Land Cultivation Society, had been refused; and, if so, on what grounds; (2) whether an application made to him by the Central (Unemployed) Body for a grant of £516 19s., to be expended in the making of a sewer on Osea Island, off the coast of Essex, was granted; who was; the owner of the land benefited by the making of the sewer; and how much did he contribute towards the cost of this improvement?

read the replies as printed in the Official Report, 10th May, 1909 (cols. 1,576–1,578).

On what grounds; were the funds of the Central (Unemployed) Body used for improving the land of private persons, and refused when it was a question of improving the land of the London County Council; and, further, why were relief works provided on Osea Island, nearly 100 miles from London, instead of in the centre of London?

The work on Osea Island, for public purposes and the benefit of the poor of East London, and from which no one derives any personal profit, was suggested to me by the Central (Unemployed) Body as a useful means of providing a number of men with work. On the condition that the owners of Osea Island provided the materials and bore many other expenses, I consented to give a certain sum towards the cost of the manual labour.

Have not the Central (Unemployed) Body preferred a similar request with regard to these vacant lots?

Yes, and in the exercise of our discretion, we declined to accede to it. Personally, I think that vacant lots or sites within three miles of Charing Cross, in congested districts, ought, preferably, if they are cleared, to be used for children's playgrounds, rather than for their fathers to use them for perfunctory agricultural operations instead of looking for work.

In the event of the Central (Unemployed) Body applying for a grant to have these vacant lots cleared as playgrounds, will a grant then be made?

That I must deal with when the special circumstances of each case are brought before me.

What amount and what kind of food was grown on the vacant land specified in the first question.

I have no information, but my experience in my own neighbourhood was that small plots of land were mostly used for growing consumptive cabbages.

asked the Attorney-General whether he was aware that under the existing law aliens were qualified to sit upon juries in the English courts; whether, in pursuance of this right, a large proportion of jurymen, especially in county courts, were aliens; and whether he would consider the expediency of advising His Majesty's Government to amend the Jurors' Act so as to secure that all British subjects should be tried by their own countrymen?

The only aliens qualified to serve on juries are those who have been domiciled in this country for 10 years and are qualified in other respects. The presence on juries of such aliens has not, so far as I know, been made the subject of any complaint, and it is frequently an advantage in certain districts. I am not prepared to recommend any alteration in the law, but, of course, that is not a matter for me to decide.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the total number of indictments presented at the last assizes for the 32 counties of Ireland, exclusive of the cities of Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Derry; the average number for every county; the average number for each million of the population; and the total number for each province?

The number of in- dictments at Spring Assizes for 31 counties in Ireland and at the February Commission for the county of Dublin was 224, or an average of seven per county and 60 per million of the population. These figures are exclusive of the cities of Dublin, Belfast, Cork, and Londonderry. The number of indictments for each province, exclusive of these cities, was as follows: Leinster, 56; Ulster, 57; Munster, 57; Connaught, 54.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, now that the Fetherston property at Ardagh, county Longford, is sold to the tenants, will he take effective measures to vest the old ruins of St. Mels Cathedral, founded in the fifth century by St. Patrick, in the custody of the Longford County Council, in view of its proper preservation in the future, as it is one of the oldest ruins in Ireland?

I understand that the ruins in question, which are vested in the Representative Church Body, are not included in the sale which is now pending. The provisions of the Irish Land Act, 1903, with respect to the preservation of ancient monuments do not, therefore, apply.