asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Secretary of State for the Colonies is aware that the South African Chartered Company, which has an interest in every mine in Rhodesia, has granted a body called the Rhodesia Native Labour Bureau, consisting almost exclusively of mining representatives, a monopoly to recruit all labour to Rhodesian territories despite the protests of the farmers, small mine-owners, and tributors, who are making every effort to compel the Chartered Company to abrogate this concession made to one section to the detriment of the community at large not interested in mining; whether it has been brought to the know- ledge of the Colonial Office that all labourers from Central Africa are met by native agents of the South African Chartered Company at Feiru, Northwestern Rhodesia, and are practically forced to sign on for the work in the mines, and that the whole labour supply is now absolutely controlled by the bureau, whose agents receive a commission on every native thus secured for the work of the mines, while natives who refuse to sign on are not permitted to enter South Rhodesia; and whether any steps will be taken by the Colonial Office to put an end to a system established by the Chartered Company in its own interest and detrimental alike to the natives, who are thereby reduced to serfdom, and to the welfare of the community at large in Rhodesia?

The Native Labour Bureau has been entrusted with the distribution of labour for the mines from north of the Zambesi on account of the heavy mortality among labourers finding their own way down. I may refer my hon. Friend to a reply which I gave him on this subject on 23rd November last. The distribution of labourers for farms is carried out by the Rhodesia Agricultural Union, and both these agencies are held directly responsible by the Administration, which works in concert with the Nyasaland Government. The Secretary of State recently commented on the absence of a clause in the conditions of service giving the Nyasa native a liberty of choosing his employer, and Sir William Milton, the Administrator, reported as follows: "It is not always possible to give the native recruits the choice of employers, but the practice in all cases is to ascertain from them whether they wish to work for a particular employer, and if so, and the employer selected is in want of labourers, to send them to him. The distributing agency (Labour Bureau or Agricultural Union) also makes every effort to send friends together, and in this and other respects to meet the wishes of the natives and ensure their being contented." The Secretary of State is ready to make enquiry into any specific cases of complaint, but, as at present advised, he sees no reason for pressing for the termination of the system.

If I give him a copy of my information I am sure he will consider it.

I will be very glad to consider it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he has reports regarding the steps taken for the suppression of malarial fever by the sanitary authorities in the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Kitts-Nevis; whether these reports show that nothing of any consequence has been done in this direction by those authorities; whether the reports have been submitted to either of the Schools of Tropical Medicine in this country, and with what result?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Report of the Advisory Committee for the Tropical Diseases Research Fund for the year 1907 (Cd. 3992), at pages 29, 30, 31 and 32 of which he will find the reports for which he asks. These reports show, I regret to say, that nothing of any consequence had been done in the direction indicated at that time. The reports in question have, with the rest of the matter contained in the Blue Book, been brought to the notice of the Schools of Tropical Medicine, but action to be effective must needs be taken by the Governments concerned, with the co-operation of the general community.

Is he aware of the steps that have been taken to secure that co-operation?

We will do all we can, and if my hon. Friend will put down a further question about the subject I will be glad to answer. It is the fact that in small Colonies the people do not take the same view as we do of these matters. Therefore it is difficult to get those measures carried out however beneficent they are when they are carried out.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he would consider the propriety of extending the ride from Hyde Park into the Kensington Gardens?

I cannot give any encouragement to this suggestion. It would destroy the amenities of Kensington Gardens, and I am glad to think the cost would be prohibitive.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of keeping members of Parliament and others in good health, and the difficulty of getting sufficient exercise at present?

I attach more importance to keeping the children in Kensington Gardens in good health.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the statement of the Prime Minister on the 18th March, in answer to a deputation that the length of time permitted for the repayment of loans raised by local education authorities for school buildings was very much too short, and that he hoped they might be able, in that direction, to afford something in the nature of immediate relief, he could announce whether an extension of the terms of repayment of such loans had been decided on; and, if so, what extension?

As I indicated in reply to a previous question, I am ready to consider any representations which a local authority may make to me on this subject in connection with any application for sanction to borrow for the erection of school buildings. I may add that the desire for an extension of periods for the repayment of these loans is by no means universal.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with his colleagues to get the loan system extended to the spending departments of the Army and Navy?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he had had under his consideration the statement made in the Minority Report of the Royal Commission on the Poor Law that the children boarded out beyond the union were not, as a rule, medically inspected; and whether any steps were being taken to remedy this state of things?

I have seen the statement referred to. Provision is made in the agreements between boards of guardians and boarding out committees for arrangements being made with a medical man for attendance in cases of sickness, and with a dentist for the care of the children's teeth. The foster parent undertakes in the case of the illness of a child boarded out with him to report the matter to the committee, the home is visited once in six weeks by a member of the committee, and a report is sent to the guardians at least once a quarter on the apparent bodily condition of the child. There is no special provision requiring the children to be periodically inspected by a medical man, though this is done in a good many instances, but as they attend the public elementary schools they are subject to the same medical inspection as other children attending these schools.

asked when the Government were going to bring in their Milk Bill?

I cannot fix the date at present, but I shall introduce the Bill as soon as I can.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that more than twelve months ago certain clauses dealing with milk in a number of municipal Bills were withdrawn on the distinct understanding, derived from the right hon. Gentleman, that the Milk Bill would be introduced last Session, and that the right hon. Gentleman has given previous answers similar to the one he has just given; and whether, in view of the importance of the matter, he will give a definite undertaking that the Bill will be introduced at an early date?

I am aware of the facts. The delay is due to the hope which we—the Local Government Board and the Board of Agriculture—have that we may, by means other than a Bill, be able to remove three-fourths of the objections that would be raised in the discussion of the Milk Bill—by an Order of the Board of Agriculture.

Will the Bill be drafted in such a way that it can be discussed?

I hope so.

asked whether it had been determined to build a large floating dock for Sheerness; and, if so, whether it would be capable of lifting a "Dreadnought"?

The matter is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he would state how much it cost to raise the "Gladiator," which was wrecked off Yarmouth, in the Isle of Wight; and what was the breaking-up price received for the vessel?

I should be glad if the hon. Member will defer his question until to-morrow, as it has been necessary to telegraph for some details in order to supply him with the answer, and the reply has not yet been received.

asked whether any orders have yet been given to contractors under the special powers conferred upon the Government, to prepare for laying down four first-class battleships on 1st April, 1910, or earlier?

The reply to the hon. Member is in the negative.

Will the designs be prepared, so that if construction is decided upon, it can be proceeded with at once?

I would rather not say anything at this moment as to designs of future battleships.

Is it not necessary that the designs should be put in hand at once, if the battleships are to be constructed within a reasonable time?

No. I think the hon. Member had better not press me at the present moment on the subject of designs.

asked how many officers or persons in the service of the Admiralty had access to the letter of Captain Bacon; and whether any departmental inquiry has been instituted with a view to ascertaining the circumstances which led to the document becoming public property and widely known in naval circles?

The letter was received three years ago and had been totally forgotten until it was recently disinterred by a flagrant breach of confidence. As I have stated already in reply to previous questions, at this distance of time it is impossible to say precisely who saw the letter. No departmental inquiry has been instituted, as it is well known that the publication of portions of this confidential letter which was marked "Private and Secret" is the work of Sir George Armstrong, who has himself proclaimed the fact.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, if, in view of the fact that large extracts from Captain Bacon's Report about his superior officers had been published, he could see his way to laying the complete text before Parliament?

No reason is seen for the Admiralty to aggravate the flagrant breach of confidence already committed.

In order to save further questions, would the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he disapproves of the system of junior officers reporting upon their superiors, and that he will, so far as in him lies, attempt to do away with that system in future?

Any system of junior officers reporting upon their seniors would of course meet with the disapprobation of the Board of Admiralty; but I have already said that the letter in question did not constitute any such report, and I do not think, therefore, that, on the strength of that letter, the hon. Gentleman should ask me to give such an assurance. If he asks for an assurance on the general policy of the Board of Admiralty, I assure him that they would not support any system of junior officers reporting upon their seniors.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty had been informed that quite recently an exercise was carried out by the German War Department, namely, that two large steamers were suddenly commandeered at Hamburg and a number of soldiers were marched on board; that these steamers at once set out across the North Sea, steamed into the River Humber, and returned again to Hamburg; and whether this manœuvre was carried out completely without being observed by any British guardship or other British authority?

I have no information on the subject referred to, and should be glad if the hon. Member will communicate to me any details with regard to it which may be within his knowledge.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he could see his way, under the altered political conditions in Turkey, to endeavour to secure to this country and to British capital the construction of the Gulf section of the Baghdad Railway?

The new Turkish Government are bound by the terms of the Baghdad Railway Convention, which up to the present time have not been in any way modified. His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of the matter, but I cannot make any further statement about it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in searching for ungotten minerals by means of deep bore holes, he would terminate the liability to pay income tax on the cost of such bore holes as charged at present, when the cost was treated as a part of the cost of working?

It is not possible to lay down any general rule as to whether the sinking of bore holes is in the nature of a capital expenditure or of an expense incurred in the earning of profits, and each case has to be dealt with by the local Commissioners on its merits. The latter kind of expenditure is alone admissible by law as a deduction in computing income tax liability.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make it clear in some manner that in the case of a bore hole, which is absolute loss after the hole has been made, income tax is not to be charged on the expenditure on that particular bore hole?

This is a question of the interpretation of the present law. I can only go upon the experience of the Revenue officers in the past, and I am told that they judge purely according to the circumstances in each case. They have no clear, definite, precise rules; they must judge according to the conditions obtaining in each particular case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he could give approximately the revenue to foreign Exchequers, through the taxation of Irish exports, during the last financial year?

I have no information which would enable me to answer this question.

Would a private Member be given any facilities by the right hon. Gentleman's Department in ascertaining the amount?

I am not sure that it falls within my Department. But if there is any desire to get facilities of this sort, if they are available, my Department would be glad to give them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he could state why the unexpended balance of Sinking Fund moneys in the hands of the National Debt Commissioners, which at the end of 1907–8 amounted to £1,132,000, amounted at the end of 1908–9 to £7,667,000?

I cannot add anything to what I said on this subject in my Budget speech. The precise date at which money available for the reduction of debts should be applied to that purpose must depend upon the condition of the market from time to time and other considerations which vary from year to year.

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he could state the amounts of the unexpended balances of Sinking Fund moneys in the hands of the National Debt Commissioners at the end of the years 1906–7, 1907–8, and 1908–9, respectively?

In his previous question the hon. Member has stated correctly the amounts of the unexpended balances of Sinking Fund moneys in the hands of the National Debt Commissioners at the end of the year 1907–8 and 1908–9 respectively. At the end of the year 1906–7 the corresponding amount was £1,502,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he could state the amounts of Consols purchased for Sinking Fund purposes in the five weeks following the close of the financial years 1906–7, 1907–8, and 1908–9, respectively?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Baronet the Member for the City of London on the 6th instant.

Is there sufficient money still in hand to keep on buying Consols during the progress of the Budget, and so to bolster up the price?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the 10 per cent, increase in the stamp duty on bearer bonds will favour New York in competing with London for Canadian municipal corporation and other issues, and that British trade is likely to suffer seriously if, owing to the increase in the stamp duty, Canada can borrow money cheaper in America; and, if so, whether he will take them into consideration and modify, as far as may be, the proposals in the Budget tending towards the effect described?

This matter has already been brought to my notice, and is receiving my consideration.

asked how many distilleries there are in Great Britain and Ireland; what has been their total average output for the past five years; what would be the produce in money of a duty of 3s. 9d. per gallon calculated on that average annual output; what are the figures for Scotland and for the pure Highland malt distilleries in the counties north of and including Perthshire respectively; how much of the sum estimated as the produce in money of the 3s. 9d. extra duty on spirits will be paid on spirits or whisky distilled in distilleries in Scotland and in the pure Highland malt distilleries in counties north of and including Perthshire; what is the estimated decrease of output in gallons of spirits or whisky distilled in Great Britain and Ireland for this year below the average annual output for the last five years?

also asked what is the average amount in gallons of spirits or whisky consumed in Scotland, Ireland, and England respectively; what is the average amount of Excise duty on the same paid during the last five years in Scotland, Ireland, and England respectively; how much does this duty work out per head of the population in Scotland, England, and Ireland respectively; and how many proof gallons of whisky are lying in the Excise bonded warehouses at the various pure Highland malt distilleries in the counties of Scotland north of and including Perthshire?

I am causing to be printed with the Votes the particulars, so far as they are available, asked for by my hon. Friend. [ See Written Answers this date. ]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the case of an estate having a gross annual value of over £5,000 and charged with annuities, payable free of income tax, which reduce its annual value to the owner to less than £5,000, a super-tax will have to be paid by him; and, if so, on how much of the estate?

also asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in case of an estate having a gross annual value of £5,000, on which income tax is collected at the source and charged with annuities, those annuities, however small, will be charged with super-tax?

I must request the hon. Member to wait for the information asked for in his questions until after the introduction of the Finance Bill.

Before we discuss the Resolution, might we know on whom the taxes are to fall which we are asked to sanction?

I can simply give a general answer to that question as to others. I must proceed on some general principle, and I really cannot discuss the details of a proposition by way of question and answer. That is the rule that has been laid down by my predecessors, and I must adhere to it.

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

Nothing would give me greater pleasure.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the deputation with the same freedom as to the newspaper correspondents?

Certainly. I should be very pleased to do so—probably with greater freedom.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state on what principle under his Budget proposals the possessor of an income of £5,001 will pay £50 0s. 6d. more than one possessing £5,000 a year. I do not think it is any use asking further questions.

On the principle that wherever there is graduation there must necessarily be a dividing line. On the same principle the possessor of an income of £700 enjoys an abatement, and the possessor of an income of £701 does not.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask what is the date the super-tax starts from?

That is a different point. This year. [Cries of "When, when?"]

When the Finance Bill passes into law, or from the date that the Chancellor of the Exchequer made his Budget speech?

It will be on the income of the year. As the hon. Member knows, the income tax is collected late in the financial year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that a minimum 10 per cent, advance has been made by manufacturers in the prices of spirit used by chemists owing to the increased duty; and whether he is considering possible concessions?

I am aware that the increase in duty is likely to enhance the cost of spirits to chemists, and I have undertaken to consider the point; but there are serious difficulties in the way of allowing a special rebate of duty in their case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the proposed increase of taxation on whisky and tobacco will be opposed by every Member representing an Irish constituency, with the exception of Gentlemen who belong to the Administration, and is regarded as unjust and oppressive by the Irish people; and whether, having regard to the consequences likely to result in Ireland from the discontent produced by the imposition of taxation enforced on that country against the votes of her representatives, he will reconsider the expediency of persisting in placing these additional burdens on a reluctant people already admittedly taxed beyond the measure of their rateable ability?

Before that question is answered, I see that it states that "the proposed increase of taxation on whisky and tobacco will be opposed by every Member representing an Irish constituency, with the exception of Gentlemen who belong to the Administration." Is it in order to suggest that the hon. Member for North Tyrone is the only Irish Member connected with the Administration who will vote against the wishes of his constituents?

The House is not bound to assume that every statement appearing in a question is correct.

in putting the question said: The statement is made on my authority, and I confess that I meant that it should apply to the right hon. Gentleman mentioned.

If the hon. Member will be so good as to refer to the speech which I delivered in this House on the 4th instant, he will see how small a part of the new taxation falls upon Ireland, and he will also find very fully stated my reasons for thinking that Ireland might fairly be expected to bear this share of the burden. I regret that I cannot see my way to modify the views which I then expressed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the Irish representatives are opposed on all sides to the imposition of this taxation as representing the Irish people? If so, will he distinguish this taxation from Robbery-under-Arms?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many pension officers have sent in complaints to the Board of Inland Revenue as to the inadequacy of the payment for pension work, and what number have returned their cheques for the same reason?

Of the 2,583 pension officers who were awarded gratuities for pension work, 116 have made complaints as to the inadequacy of the gratuities. Of this number, four have returned their cheques.

Is it not a fact that at least one pension officer has been removed because he made a complaint?

I have no knowledge of the fact, but I will make inquiries.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these officers are afraid to make any complaint because their position is at stake?

I have already pointed out that 116 of them have made complaints.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can state the reasons for the delay of the Board in enforcing upon the Lancashire County Education Authority the order to provide school accommodation at Flixton, near Manchester, the present buildings having been condemned by the Board in 1904; and, in view of the insanitary condition and general unfitness of the premises, will he take steps at once to compel the education authority to erect new buildings?

An adverse Report upon the premises of this school was received in 1904, but the school was not then condemned. In 1907 the school was transferred to the local education authority for a period of two years pending the provision of new premises. Considerable difficulties were, however, encountered in securing a site, but my right hon. Friend is now informed by the local authority that they anticipate an early settlement will be arrived at, and he will see that there is no avoidable delay in providing the new school.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can state what size, the classes run to in the elementary schools in the city of Nottingham?

My right hon. Friend is not able to give precise information on this point, but he is aware that the number of classes in Nottingham public elementary schools, especially in council schools, containing more than 60 scholars on the roll is very considerable. The question of school accommodation in this area is a serious one, and the Board have for some time past been pressing the authority to provide additional accommodation.

asked the Lord Advocate whether since the trial and conviction of Robert Simpson, sentenced to five years' imprisonment in 1907, new evidence has been brought to light, first as to the un-trustworthiness of the handwriting expert Gurrin's testimony, as shown by the cases of Beck and Edalji, and second as to the allegation that the actions raised against the newspapers were raised contrary to the instructions of Simpson; and, if so, whether, in the circumstances, he will reduce the sentence?

No new evidence has been brought to light in connection with this case. The conviction of the accused did not rest upon expert evidence given as to his handwriting, and no evidence was adduced at the trial or has since been disclosed tending to show that the actions raised against the newspapers were raised contrary to the instructions of the accused.

asked the Lord Advocate if he can now say when the Bill dealing with dairies in Scotland will be introduced?

Will my hon. Friend be good enough to put this question down for this day week.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that since the adoption of the junior student system in Scotland a large number of young people of ages from 14 to 16 have to live away from home to attend instruction at the centres; whether the school boards managing these centres undertake any supervision of these young people out of school hours or of the premises in which they live; and whether the Scotch Education Department will issue a circular drawing the attention of school boards to this matter or make it a condition of grant that the junior students should reside in hostels or registered lodgings?

Under the regulations for the training of teachers both the secondary education committees who nominate the junior students and the managers and teachers of the centres where they receive their instruction have certain responsibilities as regards their due supervision. The Department have no reason to suppose that the bodies named are not fully alive to their responsibilities in the matter, but they have already drawn the attention of the secondary education committees to their powers under the Act, and the whole matter is receiving their careful attention, with a view to such further action as may be necessary.

asked the Lord Advocate if he will grant a Return of the number of cases heard in the first division of the Court of Session during the last 12 months, showing in how many of these more than three months elapsed between the dates of hearing the cases and the dates of judgments?

I cannot see that any useful purpose would be served by granting such a return as my hon. Friend asks. The mere length of time which elapses between the date of hearing and of judgment in cases the length, difficulty and importance of which are not given, would be of no value.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that congestion does not exist, and that it does not delay the judges?

No, Sir; there was no such suggestion.

asked the Lord Advocate if he can state when the second reading of the House Letting (Scotland) Bill will be taken?

I am not yet in a position to give any undertaking as to the date of second reading.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to a case recently before the Usk Quarter Sessions in which the chairman discharged the jury owing to its having been entertained at luncheon by the prosecutors in the case; and whether he proposes to direct any proceedings in respect of the matter?

The question only appeared on the Paper to-day. I have caused inquiries to be made, but I have not yet received an answer.

I will put the question again on Monday.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has had under consideration the Report of the Committee on Police Forces (Weekly Rest Day); and whether he will take immediate steps to give effect to their recommendation that one day's rest in seven be given to the men in the Metropolitan and City police forces?

asked the Home Secretary whether he can inform the House what steps he is taking to carry out the recommendations of the Select Committee with a view to providing a weekly rest-day for the members of the police force?

I regret that I can add nothing at present to the reply which I gave on Monday to the hon. Member for the Holborn Division, to the effect that the Report had only recently been issued, and would receive the Secretary of State's consideration as soon as possible.

Will the Home Secretary be able to consider this in the course of the next week or 10 days?

As the hon. Member is aware, the Secretary of State for the Home Department is at present indisposed. I am afraid it will take some little time before this matter is settled.

asked what steps the Board propose taking to reopen the contract for the purchase of the Colne Field Farm, in Hunts, now that Mr. Cheney, the commissioner, has reported that there are no apparent reasons why the purchase should not be completed?

The Board are in communication with the county council on this matter, but they are not in a position as yet to make any statement respecting it.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any intention of legislating, during the present Parliament, on the poor law in Ireland in the sense of the recommendations of the recent Commissions; and, if so, can he say the probable date when a measure on that subject may be introduced?

Preparations are being made with a view to legislation on the subject. But such legislation would occupy so much time that I see no prospect of its being introduced this Session.

May I ask whether, if the Government and the Nationalist party had supported my Bill last year, the whole matter would not now have been dealt with?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say is there any prospect of its being introduced next Session?

I hope there is a prospect.

In view of the necessity for some measure of poor law reform in Ireland, will the right hon. Gentleman give facilities for the Bill of my hon. and gallant Friend?

That is a question that should not be addressed to me.

asked the Prime Minister if he is in a position to indicate a date on which the second reading of the House Letting and Rating (Scotland) Bill will be taken?

I am not able to name any date before Whitsuntide, but hope that an opportunity may be found soon after the Whitsuntide Recess.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury if he is prepared to make any statement as to the Whitsuntide Recess?

In the event of our securing the first reading of the Finance Bill by Wednesday, the 26th inst., I should suggest that, at its rising on Thursday, the 27th inst., the House should adjourn for the Whitsuntide Recess until the following Thursday.

asked the Prime Minister whether the members of the Imperial Press Conference will be entertained in England at the public expense; whether he can state what authority was responsible for the selection of the representatives of the Colonial and Indian Press; and whether the Government is satisfied that all shades of political and economic opinion are represented by the delegates?

His Majesty's Government propose to invite the delegates to the Imperial Press Conference to be their guests at a dinner next month, but no part of the expenses incident to the Conference will be paid out of the public funds. I understand that the arrangements for the Conference have been carried out by a representative committee of British journalists and newspaper proprietors, and I have no reason to suppose—though I should add that the matter is one which does not come within the cognisance of the Government—hat the various shades of political and economic opinion will not be represented by the delegates.

asked the Prime Minister when the Report of the Treasury Committee on Oriental Languages will be presented?

The Report is now under the consideration of various Departments, and will be presented to Parliament when a decision on its recommendations is arrived at.

asked the Prime Minister whether the intention expressed by the Austro-Hungarian Minister of Marine to build battleships of the most modern type is a new fact in the naval situation which makes it necessary for His Majesty's Government to lay down the four conditional battleships immediately?

I have nothing to add to the statements that have already been made.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Colonial Governments have accepted the invitation to a conference on the subject of Imperial naval defence; and at what date will the conference be held?

The Governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Transvaal have indicated their acceptance. Communications are still passing as to the date which will be convenient to the several Governments.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he is aware that the Huntingdonshire County Council has now purchased 1,200 acres of land in the county, at a cost of over £50,000, and that the preliminary expenses in connection with this purchase under the Small Holdings Act amount to over £1,000; and if he will say what steps are being taken to repay these expenses, or any part of them, to the county council out of the fund set apart by Government, under the Act of 1907, for the purpose?

We have not yet received any claim from the county council for the repayment of the expenses to which my hon. Friend refers. When it is received it will at once be dealt with.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset if he is aware that J. W. Allpress, of Broughton, Huntingdonshire, applied to the county council for a small holding of about 10 acres; that the application was refused; and that an ap- plication was then made by Allpress to the Board of Agriculture and refused; if he will state the reason why this man, who has sufficient experience and capital, should be refused a small holding; if he is aware that Allpress's mother has arranged to let him the five acres of land belonging to her, and for this purpose has given notice to quit to a number of allotment holders; and if he will take steps to provide a small holding for this man, and thus prevent the disturbance of the allotment holders?

We are making further inquiry into this matter, and on receipt of full information respecting it I shall be glad to communicate with my hon. Friend.

Has not a communication to the Board of Agriculture been already made by this man upon the point?

As I have already told my hon. Friend, we have not yet received full information. When we do I will communicate with him.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset if he is aware that a number of old worn-out British horses are despatched from this country to Antwerp, and that at the best of times their condition is deplorable; that in fine weather the journey is made in about 23 hours and the food for the journey is not sufficient, and in stormy weather the animals are not only tortured by the tossing about to which they are subjected, but from the lengthening of the voyage by two or three days they are starved by the shortage of food, and that on their arrival at Belgium they suffer the worst of tortures; whether he is aware that at times there are as many as 20 such animals dead and dying On the quays at Antwerp; that they are there examined, and at nightfall are very often without food, but are driven off in batches of 10, 15, 20, or more to abattoirs at Ghent, Tormonde, St. Nicolas, and even Brussels, a distance of 30 miles; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The trade in the exportation of horses to Antwerp and other foreign ports has been regulated since 1898 by our Exportation of Horses Order, a copy of which I shall be glad to send my hon. Friend. It prohibits the export of horses that are unfit to travel, it requires vessels in this trade to be properly fitted for the purpose, and it provides for the proper care and feeding of horses on the voyage. The administration of the Order is carried out in this country by the local authorities concerned, and our inspectors make frequent voyages to supervise the traffic; on arrival the horses are landed and moved under the superintendence of officials of the Belgian Government. I am not able to accept as correct my hon. Friend's description of this trade, but if he will be good enough to furnish me with any information in his possession I shall be glad to have inquiry made at once.

Will the hon. Gentleman receive a deputation upon the matter?

Could not the officials of the Board of Agriculture refuse to allow those horses to be conveyed away, as the animals are not in a fit state for the journey, and are in a worn-out condition?

I must have notice of that.

If the Belgian buyers do not enter into securities to have the animals properly treated, will the Board of Agriculture order them to be killed at this side?

I must have notice.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset what acreage was under barley crop last year in the counties of Banff, Elgin, Nairn, Inverness, Boss, Sutherland, Caithness, Orkney, Aberdeen, Kincardine, Forfar, and Perth; what was the number of bushels of barley produced last year in those counties; and whether he is aware that the whisky distillers in those counties purchased more than half the barley produced there?

This is a very long answer. Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to circulate it. [ See Written Answers this date. ]

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether he is aware that draff, a bye-product of pure Highland malt distilling, is an important feeding-stuff for cattle and an effective milk-producing food for dairy cows; and can he state how many million bushels of draff were produced last year, and whether all was used as food-stuff for cattle and dairy cows?

It is the case, of course, that draff is extensively used as food for cattle, but we have no information as to the amount produced or consumed in the manner mentioned.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether limited companies have pleaded non-liability for prosecution under the Fertilizers and Feeding Stuffs Act and the Food and Drugs Act, respectively; and whether such plea has been allowed by the Courts?

We are not aware of any such case.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset if all counties in a condition similar to, or more backward than, Lancashire and Wiltshire in respect to the acquisition of land under the Small Holdings Act in proportion to the demand will receive the advantage of the appointment of a special Commissioner?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to refer him to the reply I gave on the 6th inst. in answer to a question on the same subject by my hon. Friend the Member for South Oxfordshire. I may add, however, that our permanent staff now comprises 10 commissioners, assistant commissioners, and inspectors, all of whom are in constant and continuous communication with county councils as to the measures to be taken for putting the Act in operation. It is only in exceptional cases that the services of special commissioners are required.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, whereas the number of approved applicants in Wilts and Oxfordshire is precisely the same, the Wilts county council have obtained for small holdings more than twice as much land as the Oxfordshire County Council; and can he say why a special commissioner is sent to Wilts and not to Oxfordshire?

May I ask the hon. Member whether it is the case that Wiltshire and Lancashire are worse than those of the Southern counties, and will he take into consideration the position of these two counties?

Of course, we will take into consideration any complaints with regard to any particular county.

Is my hon. Friend aware that of all the county councils in England and Wales, 50 councils have obtained a smaller amount than the Wilts county council, only 10 have obtained more; and will he still say that Wilts is the most backward of the two counties?

No; I am not aware of it.

The hon. Member is giving information instead of asking for it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has observed that Messrs. Hobart, Bird, and Company, cycle manufacturers, of Coventry, advertise themselves as contractors to the home postal authorities; what contract the company now holds with the Post Office; and what has been the number of cycles supplied to the Post Office by the company during the past ten years?

Messrs. Hobart, Bird, and Company hold no contract with the Post Office, and I have informed them that they have no right to describe themselves as contractors to the Home postal authorities. The only cycle they have supplied to the Post Office is one tricycle, which was supplied by them to the Post Office seven years ago.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the terms of the official notice issued at Newcastle-on-Tyne and the offices in Scotland, ordering the adult night messengers to clean cycles, in which it is stated that they must perform the work of cleaning cycles in as efficient a manner as practical cycle mechanics or incur the penalty of being reported as inefficient; that they must enter all cycles cleaned in ledgers; and on Saturday and Sunday nights, when in some offices only one man is on duty, he must clean as many as 18 cycles, besides delivering all telegrams and express letters; if he will have the terms of these notices modified so that no messenger should be compelled to do any clerical work in connection with cycle cleaning; and that in cases such as Saturday and Sunday nights, when only one man is on duty, the delivery of telegrams should constitute his sole night's work?

I am having inquiry made in the matter, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, when he constitues the proposed Committee to inquire into the subject of the combined workings of railway companies, a representative of the agricultural interests will be placed upon it?

The hon. Member's suggestion will be borne in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the firm of Messrs. J. B. Pearse and Company, contractors for the supply of clothing for His Majesty's Customs and the Board of Trade, who are working their employés from 8 a.m. till 9 p.m. five days in the week, and from 8 a.m. till 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, are paying their employes in accordance with the terms of the fair wage clause for the normal working hours customary in the trade, or whether the wages paid for the total hours worked do not exceed the rate customary in the district for the nominal working hours, and, if so, whether this is an infringement of the fair wage clause; and whether he will make representations to the firm in question with a view to a reduction of the excessive overtime stated?

The contractors assure me that they are paying their employés, most of whom are engaged on piece work, at the rates current in the district. A fixed extra allowance over and above the usual rates is given to those men who work on Sundays, but I do not see how this can be an infringement of the fair wage clause. The contractors state that the overtime of one hour for five days a week is necessary at present, but they expect that the Sunday work will cease shortly.

asked the President of the Boad of Trarde if he will inform the House whether the tariffs of the United States are subject to annual alterations, or whether it is only on the election of a new President that the trades of that country are in suspense as to what may be the new arrangement of import duties?

The power of the United States Congress to revise the Customs Tariff is clearly not limited to annual revisions nor to revisions on the election of new Presidents. The present tariff has been in force since 1897, and the three previous tariffs were enacted in 1894, 1890, and 1883 respectively.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the children of poor parents attending National schools in Ireland are compelled to submit to military drill on the public roads and thoroughfares; if so, whether the consent of the parents has been asked to this practice; and whether the National Board consider the wishes of the parents in the matter?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that physical drill is one of the ordinary school subjects in National schools. Children attending National schools are not compelled to submit to military drill on the public roads and thoroughfares.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether separate accounts are kept of costs incurred in the recovery of arrears of purchase annuities and in the recovery for ex-landlords of arrears of interest in lieu of rent respectively; whether the ex-landlords bear all the costs in the latter class of cases; and whether they make any payment to the State for collecting this money for them?

The Land Commission inform me that each case in which proceedings are taken for the recovery of arrears is dealt with separately. The costs depend upon the nature and result of the proceedings. The 35th section of the Land Law (Ireland) Act, 1896, provides that interest in lieu of rent shall be collected and recoverable by the Land Commission in like manner as if it was an instalment of a purchase annuity. The ex-landlords are not parties to the proceedings, and neither bear nor recover costs in such cases. The answer to the concluding paragraph of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what causes the delay in the purchase and distribution of the Featherston ranch at Milltown, Westmeath; what point the pro- ceedings have reached; and by what date is it now expected that the land will be available for distribution?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the owner deferred acceptance of the Commissioners' offer to purchase this estate pending the decision of a question of law as to the rate of bonus payable. This has now been decided by the Judicial Commissioner, and when the offer is accepted the purchase of the property will' be proceeded with.

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can state when Thomas Fitzpatrick, an evicted tenant of Lisgillock, Aughavas, county Leitrim, on the Ruthven estate, will be reinstated in his farm; and whether, as his reinstatement grant has been recommended by the inspector and there is no person in occupation of the farm at present, the reinstatement will take place soon, as Fitzpatrick and his family are in a state of destitution?

The Estates Commissioners hope to be able to arrange for the reinstatement of Fitzpatrick at an early date.

Can the Chief Secretary state when will the evicted tenants, who have been reinstated at Stroke, Drumreilly, Ballinamore, county Leitrim, on the Marsham estate, get the reinstatement grants which have been allotted to them; and why it was -that their solicitor, who wrote to the Estates Commissioners on their behalf, got no reply whatever from the Commissioners?

The Estates Commissioners have entrusted the expenditure of the grants which they have sanctioned to one of their inspectors, who is dealing with the matter. They are unable, from the particulars given, to trace the letter referred to in the last paragraph of the question.

I desire to ask the hon. Gentleman if he can state whether Francis M'Vally, an evicted' tenant at Cattan, county Leitrim, on the estate of Mr. George White, Cloone Grange, Mohill, has been permitted to sign his purchase agreement, or has it been signed by Mitchell, who is in occupation of the farm, as he promised in January, 1908, when the agreements were being signed, to surrender the farm in M'Vally's favour, provided he got compensation; and whether such compensation will be paid?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the owner of the estate has lodged with them a purchase agreement signed by Catherine Mitchell, as tenant of the holding in question. The Commissioners will direct one of their inspectors to make inquiries as to the terms upon which it may be possible to effect the reinstatement of the former tenant of the holding.