asked the Secretary of State for War whether foreign officers visiting garrison towns in the United Kingdom have to report themselves to the military authorities?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether foreign officers desiring to make a stay of any time in garrison towns in the United Kingdom have first to obtain permission of the British authorities?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether foreigners holding military status who cross from Continental ports to British ports have to report to the military or other British authority notice of arrival or departure from any place where they stay the night?

No, Sir.

Is there retaliation in this case?

No, I do not think that would be a satisfactory method to adopt.

asked the Secretary of State for War what precautions are taken by the Army Council to prevent the printing by its authority of private letters containing personalities, trivialities, and matters praising the Army Council?

All printing in the War Office comes under the personal supervision of the Permanent Under-Secretary, and no other precaution is considered necessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman send a copy of that answer to the Admiralty?

I think the public channels of communication are sufficient to span over the gap between Whitehall and the Admiralty buildings.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the deputations from the Territorial battalions which are to attend to receive the colours from His Majesty may be understood to include the commanding officer of those battalions?

The detachments to accompany the colour parties will consist of not more than twenty of all ranks of each unit, and the proportion of the several ranks is left to the commanding officer, who may naturally include himself in the number.

Has notification been sent to the commanding officers?

No, I think they know of it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he had yet received information as to the supply of tent boards and great-coats to the Territorial troops stationed at West Down Camp, Salisbury; and whether he was aware that there were only 600 tent boards at the camp for 12,000 men, and that even the hospitals were without such necessaries?

There are over 2,300 tent bottoms on Salisbury Plain, which are ample for the Territorial troops encamped there. Tent bottoms are only supplied when the medical authorities certify it to be necessary; they are not usually provided for camps of short duration. Waterproof ground sheets are issued when tent bottoms are not supplied. There seems to be no reason for treating Territorial troops differently from other troops in this respect. It must be remembered that the tent bottom is a very large and heavy article, very difficult to transport, and expensive to provide. They have never been considered an ordinary article of equipment.

Did not the Medical Administrative Officers apply for the issue of these tent bottoms during wet weather?

I am not aware of that, but if they had done so the tent bottoms would have been issued.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Duke of Lancaster's Own Regiment—of which my hon. Friend the Member for Darwen (Mr. John Rutherford) is Colonel—offered to bring their own tent bottoms with them?

I think that shows a very great misunderstanding of the new conditions. These tent bottoms are issued only when the medical authorities consider them necessary.

Were the tent bottoms supplied to the hospitals?

I am informed there was an ample supply for all the erections which needed them. That would, of course, include the hospitals.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he was aware that the whole of the 4th battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment at West Down were without great-coats, and that some of the men in the Manchester Brigade were without any uniform, being compelled trough- out the recent bad weather; and what steps he proposed to take to prevent the recurrence of such scandals?

This matter is one for the county association, but I have made inquiry, and the result is as follows: As regards the supply of great-coats to the Territorial East Lancashire Division, I am informed that all have now been supplied with the exception of 557 men belonging to five different units. It appears that owing to the abnormal number of recruits enlisted during the last three months the contractors have been unable to comply with the demands made upon them.

asked the Secretary for War how many men have been sent to Bulford Camp Hospital during the present period of training, how many have been dealt with in brigade and regimental hospital tents, and what proportion of such cases are traceable to preventible causes, such as inadequate supply of tent-boards and clothing?

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief reports that 131 cases have been admitted during the present training period to Bulford Military Hospital, 261 to brigade and regimental hospital tents, and 39 to the military hospital at Tidworth. As regards the cases in the East Lancashire Division, 40 have been dealt with in, hospital tents. None of these cases are reported to be traceable to preventible causes, such as inadequate supply of tent-boards and clothing.

Will the right hon. Gentleman before next year take all the steps in his power to ensure that these volunteer Territorials shall not be put to any greater discomfort than is absolutely necessary for the purposes of the training?

Certainly. But I believe there could not be greater anxiety than on the part of the commanders to prevent improper conditions. I will go carefully into the matter.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that Driver E. Haynes, Transport Section. Royal Army Medical Corps, of the East Lancashire Territorials, was removed to Bulford Hospital on Sunday last, he having been taken ill on Friday, but that no intimation has yet been sent to his relatives in Manchester; and whether he will issue directions for notifications to be sent immediately to the relatives of our Territorial soldiers in the event of such illnesses?

I am not aware of the particular case mentioned. The regulations already provide for serious and dangerous cases being reported to the relatives of the patients, and a commanding officer must use his discretion in regard to other cases. If the hon. Member wishes it, I shall be glad to make inquiry.

asked the Secretary for War whether all the companies of the Royal Engineers of the Territorial Force have received the equipment authorised by the regulations; and, if not, what number of companies are still deficient in their equipment?

As far as is known no companies are yet altogether completely equipped. Issue is proceeding to all except the wireless and balloon companies as rapidly as possible, but it is not practicable to ascertain exactly how much has been issued without giving great trouble to all concerned. I fully explained the present situation in my reply to a question put by my right hon. Friend the Member for the Forest of Dean on the 26th ultimo.

Is the shortage of equipment mainly if not entirely due to the discharges from Woolwich Arsenal?

It has nothing whatever to do with it. The issue is proceeding pretty rapidly.

Are these articles in store?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the qualifying period of service for promotion to the rank of lieutenant in the infantry of the line.

There is no qualifying period of service for promotion to the rank of lieutenant in the infantry of the line.

What is the usual minimum time?

:I think the average service of second lieutenants is two and a half years. But if the hon. Member will put down a question I will ascertain.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the blankets of men admitted to hospital are used by other men, without cleaning, for the unexpired portion of 12 months?

If the men admitted to hospital are suffering from any disease likely to convey infection the blankets are not used by other men without cleaning.

asked the Secretary for War whether the officer commanding the 1st Royal Garrison Regiment was placed on half-pay on disbandment, whereas the commanding officers of other battalions raised during the South African War were allowed to remain on full pay under similar circumstances; whether it is the intention that this officer, who, as regards promotion and pension, had the same prospects as other officers similarly promoted to command battalions during the South African War, should be treated differently to those officers on disbandment of the unit; and whether, after full consideration of all the circumstances, he can see his way to having the dates of this officer's being placed on half-pay, viz., 6th January to 27th May, 1906, cancelled, seeing that the four months during which he was placed on half-pay will prevent his being able to count that time towards promotion to which he would otherwise become qualified?

The case has been fully considered. It is not possible to postdate the date of his going on half-pay as suggested. I must point out that this officer was subsequently appointed to be D.A.A.G., Western Command, and was thus placed in the position for qualifying for the highest pension of a lieutenant-colonel.

Has this officer lost anything in time which will affect his promotion?

No. He has lost his chance of brevet rank because the date of his going on half pay could not be postdated.

Then this officer by four months has lost his chance of a brevet-colonelcy and is treated in a different way from all the other colonels commanding these regiments?

Because the date of his going on half pay could not be post-dated.

Why not?

He had not served within four months of the time, but he has been appointed to a position which puts him, as far as pension is concerned, in as good a position.

He has lost promotion, and is treated in a different way to the other colonels of these regiments.

The hon. and gallant Member is not entitled to make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State, for War to whom and at what price the 10-inch gun mounted at Land-guard Fort had been sold; whether his reason for selling this gun is that owing to the removal of the company of Garrison Artillery from Landguard Fort there are no men available to man it, or whether it has been sold for reasons of economy; and whether, seeing that this gun has not yet been removed by the purchaser, he could see his way to cancel the sale and arrange for the ordnance in Landguard Fort to be laced in charge of the local Territorial unit?

In 1905 General Owen's Committee advised that the two 10-inch guns in Landguard Fort were no longer required for the Harwich defences. One gun was accordingly sold to Messrs. Forrester and Co., of Swansea, and the disposal of the other is now under consideration. I think the right hon. and gallant Member will agree that it' is inexpedient to retain for the use of a Territorial unit a gun which is not required for the defences.

May I ask, if that is really to be so, if he will give the hon. Member for Chelmsford (Mr. Pretyman) and myself the opportunity of purchase?

I am always glad to make a little money for the Army.

Is it the policy of the Government to dismantle all these coast defences at Harwich?

I have not said so; all I have said is, that we are carrying out the recommendations of General Owen's Committee, which in some cases involves the removal of guns, and in many others the putting of more powerful guns in their place. We are only carrying out the policy of that Committee, which has been approved by the Committee of Defence.

Is it in this case proposed to put more powerful guns there?

was understood to ask for notice of the question.

If this gun has been removed, what means of defence is there at the Port of Harwich?

Harwich is very powerfully defended both from the naval and from the military point of view.

At what price was the gun sold?

I cannot say.

asked the Secretary of State for War if it has been brought to his notice that promotion in the Royal Garrison Artillery is in a state of stagnation, owing to the reduction of eight companies and two depôts; whether he is aware that at the rate of 20 promotions a year it will take the junior first lieutenant 27 years to become a captain, and that the chances of the second lieutenants of arriving at that rank is hopeless, subalterns being compulsory retired at the age of 42, and that taking the rate of promotion from lieutenant to captain at seven per annum, the rate of the year 1908, the junior subalterns cannot expect promotion for ninety years; and whether, in view of the fact that this stagnation is detrimental to the regiment, as promotion is more rapid in other corps, he will consider the desirability of allowing the interchange of officers in the three regiments of artillery, or a more frequent employment of officers of the Royal Garrison Artillery in the Special Reserve, Territorial, or Colonial Forces?

It appears probable that a temporary stagnation of promotion in the lower ranks will arise in the next few years, not only in the Garrison, but also in the Field Artillery, due to so many officers having been commissioned in the same year (1900) during the South African War, the number being roughly: Royal Field Artillery 220, Royal Garrison Artil- lery 200. The question has already been brought to my notice, and is engaging my attention.

I know the right hon. Gentleman has taken great interest in this matter. Has he yet been able to come to any decision with regard to the points which have been raised; or, if not, when he expects to be able to come to a decision? There is great anxiety on the subject.

I cannot come to a decision just yet. It is engaging the close attention of the various authorities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many elections for the Legislative Council of Malta have taken place since the proclamation of the Letters Patent; how many protests regarding the composition of the Legislative Council have been sent by elected members and other influential private individuals to His Majesty the King and the Secretary of State for the Colonies; and whether he is prepared to lay all papers bearing on this matter upon the Table of the House?

The number of elections since the proclamation of the Letters Patent is eight, and the number of protests about 23. The Secretary of State does not consider that it would be opportune to lay papers at present.

asked the Home Secretary if he has yet seen the Report of the Select Committee appointed to consider the question of the Police Forces (Weekly Rest Day); and, if so, how and when he proposes to give effect to the recommendations contained in it?

The following notice of questions had also been given:—

to ask the Secretary of State whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the action he proposes to take with regard to the recommendation of the Select Committee on the Police Weekly Rest Day.

to ask the Secretary of State whether he has now considered the Report of the Select Committee on the Police Forces (Weekly Rest Day); and, if so, whether he will state when he proposes to put the recommendations into force.

I have, in consultation with the Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, very carefully considered the Report of the Committee on the weekly rest day for the police, presided over by my right hon. Friend the Member for Rushcliffe, and I am glad to say that my colleagues and I have decided that effect can and should be given to its recommendations. I shall, therefore, proceed to carry them out as rapidly as is practicable. This will necessarily occupy a certain amount of time. Some 1,400 or 1,500 additional constables will be required, over and above the recruits normally needed each year to fill vacancies and to provide for the increase of work caused by the growth of population, and these could not be obtained at once without lowering the standard of recruiting, which is necessarily a high one. The expansion of the force is also limited by the necessity of training the new recruits before they are fit for service. The time which will be occupied in recruiting and training the whole number of additional men will be several years, but not, I hope, more than four. During that period the privilege of the weekly rest day will be extended gradually throughout the force. It will be understood that in the future, as in the past, every constable will be liable to perform duty on his days of rest whenever special occasions or emergencies make it necessary to call upon him to do so. It has, of course, been recognised throughout that the grant of this privilege will throw a considerable additional cost on the ratepayers of the Metropolitan Police District, but I hope that that cost will be cheerfully borne, in view of the admirable services of the force in the past, and the prospect of rendering them still more efficient for the performance of their difficult duties in the future. The incidence of the increased charge is under my consideration, as is also the question whether there ought not to be a new grant in aid of the Metropolitan Police from Imperial funds, in view of the Imperial services which are rendered by the force.

I am sure the House is deeply grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his reply. May I ask whether he intends to start his gradual process at once?

Yes; as soon as possible. Certainly in the course of the year.

asked the First Commissioner of Works on what date the design of the new electric light standards along the Mall was approved, and when it is expected that the remainder will he erected.

The design was approved by the Queen Victoria Memorial Committee in July, 1907. The standards will be erected as rapidly as the progress made in the foundry permits.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty have issued any instructions for British naval officers travelling in Germany.

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

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what dates the seven British destroyers of the 1906–7 and 1907–8 programmes were laid down; and what are the actual and, where the vessels have not yet been completed, what are the anticipated dates of completion?

The "Amazon" was laid down in June, 1907, and completed in April, 1909. The others are not yet delivered. The required dates are:—

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he expects these contract dates of delivery will be exceeded?

No; I have given the dates as far as we know, and these are the actual dates of the delivery of the destroyers.

asked on what dates the 12 German destroyers of the 1907–8 programme were laid down and on what dates they were completed?

There are no official dates given for the laying down of destroyers. The 1907–8 programme destroyers were laid down between April and the end of the year. I will circulate the official dates for commissioning for trials with the printed papers.

Would it be impossible for the right hon. Gentleman to give the official dates now, so that we could have the opportunity of comparing the speed of the German and our own Navy?

They will be circulated with the Official Papers to-morrow morning, but to read out a long list of German names and dates I do not think would afford much information. [ See Written, Answers this date. ]

asked how many guns of more than 6-inches calibre are mounted in British warships stationed in ultra-European waters; in what ships are they mounted; and where are those ships stationed?

There are four such guns. They are in the "King Alfred" and "Powerful" on the China and Australian stations.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state when the Report of the Treasury Advisory Committee on University College Grants, now 10 months overdue, will be published?

The Report in question was formally moved for by me on Thursday last, and will be presented in a few days.

asked the Secretary to the. Treasury when he proposes to take the second reading of the Superannuation Bill?

It is impossible at present to name a precise date for the second reading of this Bill, but I hope it will be at no distant date.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an agreement has yet been come to with any of the Powers that are signatories to the Declaration of London that the word "l'ennenmi" in Article 34 of that Declaration shall be read to mean the forces of the enemy; and, if so, which of the signatories have agreed to this interpretation?

It is not proposed to invite the signatory Powers to sign a formal agreement. As stated in the answer given on 6th April to the hon. Member for Wycombe, a declaration will be made when the King's ratification is deposited to the effect that the word "l'ennemi" in Article 34 means the Government of the enemy.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that that will bind the foreign signatories of the Declaration?

I think that it is likely to bring about a satisfactory result. We do not share the doubts of the hon. Member as to the reading of the article.

asked whether any of the signatories of the Declaration of London have yet ratified the Declaration; and, if so, which?

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

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the fact that actions for large sums for the price of goods sold and delivered instituted in the sheriff court of Glasgow are being delayed for seven to nine months by counterclaims of damages set up by defenders in respect of alleged breaches of contract; whether he is aware that these delays occur from overpressure of work in that court; and whether, in view of the fact that they ere of serious import in a trading community, he will take any action to relieve the pressure?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to this question on 10th June. (See Official Report, col. 607.)

Is the Department of the right hon. and learned Gentleman impressed with the importance to the trading community of such delays as are spoken of in this question being avoided?

Yes; we are much impressed with the importance of such delays being avoided.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to a Return published by the Roads Improvement Association (Incorporated) giving particulars of the methods adopted and materials used by the road authorities of Great Britain to render their roads dustless during 1907–8; whether he can see his way to recommend the Treasury to make a small grant to the association towards the cost of the collection and publication of these statistics, which have proved to be of considerable practical value; and whether he will take steps to secure that the authority to be entrusted with the distribution of the new road grant shall also, undertake the systematic collection of statistics and information relating to the highways of England and Wales?

My attention has been drawn to the Return mentioned in the question. I am afraid I do not see my way to recommend the Treasury to make a grant to the Roads Improvement Association towards the cost of the collection and publication of the statistics referred to. The suggestion in the last part of the question has already been noted for consideration in connection with the arrangements for the administration of the proposed grant.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he sent his railway traffic. inspector, Mr. M'Nulty, to report on the necessity for a flag station at Glenflesk, county Kerry; whether his report was strongly in favour of such a station in the interests of agriculture; whether the Great Southern and Western Railway Company refused to erect this station, though the people of Kerry are paying a yearly guarantee of £1,200 for this line; and if the Department can take any steps to enforce their inspector's report and meet the requirements of the people?

The officer mentioned being instructed to inquire as to the proposal for the erection of a flag-station at Curreal Crossing, Glenflesk, reported that the provision of the station would be of advantage. The Department communicated with the Great Southern and Western Railway Company, who replied that the matter had been fully considered, and that there was no prospect of sufficient traffic arising at the place to warrant them in going to the expense of erecting the proposed station. It does not appear that the Department have any power to compel the company to provide the station.

Does the hon. Gentleman's reply mean that the Department is simply wasting time and money in making inquiries instead of carrying out the recommendation?

At the request of the hon. Member the Department did all they possibly could to get the flag station placed where he asks, but the railway company refused to do so.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to clause 57 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Bill, which provides that the amount of any increase in the value of town property caused by the operation of any town-planning scheme shall be recoverable by the local authority from the owner, and to the fact that under clause 1 of the Finance Bill increment value duty will also be payable by the owner in respect of this increment already handed over by him to the local authority; and whether he will state if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to proceed with both these clauses?

Both clauses will be proceeded with, but it will be made clear by an Amendment of the Finance Bill that increment value duty will not be payable in respect of .an increment handed over to the local authority.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will afford the House an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the forthcoming visit of the Emperor of Russia to Cowes before the date of the visit is finally settled?

The time of the visit is already fixed for early in August. The Foreign Office Vote will be put down for some day before that date.

asked whether the Secretary for Scotland has made any inquiry founded on the representations made to him by a deputation of miners in January last relating to the insufficient and unsatisfactory housing accommodation for miners in certain districts in Scotland; and whether he will take steps to ensure that, in pending legislation or in the near future, adequate statutory provision shall be made to deal with the evil?

The Local Government Board for Scotland have requested the county medical officers of the leading mining counties of Lanark, Ayr, Stirling, and Fife to report on the housing conditions of miners in their respective districts. As soon as the information at the disposal of these officers is received the Secretary for Scotland will consider what further action is required to deal with the subject.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the Minute of the Scottish Education Department dated 3rd instant, distributing the balance of the Education (Scotland) Fund under section 16 (2) of last year's Act; whether this Minute is so framed as to give greater aid to those districts in which per head of the population the burden of expenditure on educational purposes approved by the Department is excessive as compared with the valuation of the district; whether, in view of that Act, he can explain why Peeblesshire with an expenditure of £.95 per head of the population and a valuation £12.12 receives 20s. 2d. for every pupil in average attendance, whereas Linlithgowshire with an expenditure of £.85 and a valuation of £6.50 receives only 9s. per pupil; whether Peeblesshire with an average school attendance of 2,028 pupils receives £2,047, while Linlithgowshire with an average attendance of 12,973 pupils only receive £5,881; and whether he will take steps to reconcile these results with the principles laid down in the Act and make them fair to the poorer district of Linlithgowshire, where the burden of expenditure is excessive as compared with the valuation?

The Minute in question is so framed as to carry out the instructions of the Act. The burden of educational expenditure as compared with the valuation of the district cannot be described as " excessive " in either of the districts compared, but, as a matter of fact, Linlithgowshire, notwithstanding the figures quoted by the hon. Member, does receive greater aid from the institution of the Education (Scotland) Fund than Peebles-shire, the former county receiving £211 more than formerly and the latter £32 only. It is not admitted that the "greater aid" in terms of the Act must be in exact proportion to relative cost and valuation; there are other factors to be considered.

Is the distribution in accordance with the Act?

Yes, strictly in accordance with the terms of the Act.

May I ask the Lord Advocate why his Constituency and mine differ so widely?

I am not aware what the figures are.

asked the Lord Advocate whether the Scottish Education Department contemplate making any additions to the committee on secondary education for Ross and Cromarty; and, if so, whether he can give an assurance that the Tain Royal Academy will receive representation on the committee?

The question of the constitution of the several secondary education committees is at present under the consideration of the Department, and it is not possible in the meantime to make any statement as to the proposed constitution of any committee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that there are at least 29 officers in the large Irish Departments who use their own motor cars on the public service, viz., Local Government Board eight, National Education Office eight, Land Commission five, Board of Works three, Department of Agriculture three, County Court Vote two, and three officers of the Congested Districts Board who use motor cycles with the approval of the Department; and whether he can see his way to make some reduction in their cases, either in the taxation on their machines or on the petrol they use?

further asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Treasury in 1905 sanctioned an arrangement for two counties whereby county and district inspectors of the Royal Irish Constabulary were allowed to use their own motor cars and to draw the usual forage allowance of £50 per annum in lieu of the mileage rate; and whether he proposes to make any exemption in these and similar cases with regard to taxation of the motor cars or the petrol used?

I am aware that the Treasury sanctioned an arrangement of the kind. I do not, as at present advised, see my way to make any special exemption in the case of these officers, or of those specified in the subsequent question put by the hon. Member with regard to the proposed new taxation on motor cars and petrol.

asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the case of Maria Lennon, pensioner (No. 450/458), by the Naas North pension sub-committee; whether her pension was stopped through an error by the clerk to the said sub-committee, who reported on 7th May that a question concerning the pension had been decided adversely to the pensioner, but who rectified the error on the 11th May; whether the pension officer to whom the clerk reported declined to alter his report on the error being pointed out, with the result that the pensioner has been disqualified; and whether the question concerning the pension has been since decided in favour of the pensioner; and, if so, will he, under the circumstances, order the pension to be restored and the arrears paid?

The facts in this case are are follows: On 24th April a, question was raised by the officer as to the continuance of the pension on the ground that the pensioner was in receipt of poor relief. The officer subsequently received a notice from the clerk to the local pension committee that the pension had been disallowed, and the book of pension orders was accordingly taken up. On 11th May the clerk wrote to the officer requesting the return of the above notice, and stating that the decision of the committee had been adjourned to give the pensioner an opportunity of attending the next meeting. On 4th June the clerk informed the officer that the question had been decided in the pensioner's favour, and the officer at once appealed to the Local Government Board. The result of the appeal is not yet known. Pending the decision of the Local Government Board, the officer has been instructed to restore the pension order book to the pensioner, to whom the arrears for the time the pension was stopped will be paid.

asked what was the number of assessments of owners of land required to complete the Return of Owners of Land, 1873 (Cd. 1097, of 1875); and whether any corresponding estimate exists of the number of assessments required, to include London, Scotland, and Ireland, not dealt with in the Return?

I understand that the Return in question, which was compiled by the Local Government Board, was made in respect of nearly 15,000 parishes, containing about 5,000,000 separate assessments. No corresponding estimate exists, so far as I am aware, of the number of assessments which would have been required to include Scotland and Ireland. There is no similar Return in regard to London, but the number of assessments in the administrative county is given as 793,429, according to the valuation lists in force on 6th April, 1908.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give any estimate of the number of assessments which would be required from .owners of land in the United Kingdom tinder the Finance Bill?

The number of assessments cannot be computed with precision until the returns from owners have been examined in accordance with the provisions of the Finance Bill.

asked whether the owners of commons and waste lands were included in the Return of Owners of Land, 1873; and what was the extent of such lands in the United Kingdom in 1873 and a recent year, respectively?

The total extent of common and waste lands in England and Wales (exclusive of London) was given in the Return of 1875, but the number and names of the owners were not given. The total area of such lands was estimated at 1,524,648 acres, but I understand that this total can only be regarded as approximate. There are no recent statistics as to the extent of commons and waste lands.

asked what was the total cost of the Return of Landowners, 1873; whether this includes the expenses incurred by the various boards of guardians in preparing their replies to the schedules issued to them; and what would be the estimated additional cost to the Exchequer, the local authorities, and the persons owning or having some interest in land, respectively, if, instead of the estimated gross rental required for the above Return, separate returns were required of total value and site value, as required in the Finance Bill now before Parliament?

Special payments were made out of moneys voted by Parliament, amounting to £18,815, to meet the cost of the Return. This amount included sums paid to boards of guardians for the preparation of the particulars required from them. I am unable to say what would have been the cost of the Return in the hypothetical circumstances cited by the hon. Member.

asked if the erection of greenhouses or outbuildings on land used as a garden or pleasure ground in connection with a dwelling-house will be considered as a development of the land under Clause 10 of the Finance Bill?

The question whether bonâ fide development has taken place is one of fact, to be determined on the merits of each case.

Can the owner be required to have another dwelling-house put up?

That is exactly what I am telling the hon. Member. It depends on the circumstances of each case. It is not necessarily a dwelling-house, but there should be a bonâ fide use.

That is exactly what I am asking, whether it is a dwelling-house, or whether an outhouse will be sufficient to cause the land to be developed. That is what people are anxious to know.

It depends entirely on the circumstances of each case whether it is purely a building put up in order to avoid the tax, or whether it is bonâ fide use of the land for that particular purpose. It is a question of bona fides.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a somewhat more definite answer when the Bill comes up for discussion?

asked whether such institutions as the Army and Navy Auxiliary Cooperative Stores, Limited, pay any Income Tax on their profits earned; and, if not, whether it is so on account of the fact that the majority of their shareholders or members have less than £160 per annum of income, and therefore would be entitled to have the Income Tax returned?

The Army and Navy Auxiliary Co-operative Supply, Limited, is an ordinary registered Company, chargeable with Income Tax on its profits.

How does the Department differentiate between this class of company and the ordinary incorporated company?

The ordinary incorporated companies are not companies in the ordinary sense of the term. They are not registered companies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the lands held for the purposes of their undertakings and restricted by statute for such purposes by public dock and harbour trustees will be liable for taxation under the Finance Bill; and, if so, will he, in view of the facts that these bodies are rating authorities, do not exist for private gain but for the public benefit, and do not resell the land, consider the advisability of exempting such lands from taxation under the Bill?

Land held by public dock and harbour trustees, even though they may not be, technically speaking, rating authorities, will under clause 25 of the Bill be exempt from taxation, so long as the land is occupied and used by the trustees for the purposes of their undertaking. If the trustees are technically rating authorities within the meaning of clause 24, as will sometimes be the case, their land is exempt from taxation under that clause.

Will dock lands in the hands of private owners also be exempted from taxation?

That depends entirely on their use. If they are simply waste lands which are not used, they will not be subject to taxation.

I am afraid the right hon. Gentleman did not quite appreciate my question. What I wish to know is whether they will have the same exemption in private hands as they will have in public hands?

If the Noble Lord will give me the exact circumstances that he pre-supposes, I shall be glad to answer the question.

In the case of a large commercial undertaking which directly competes with a municipal undertaking?

Would land be held to be occupied if bought, say, ten years beforehand and not intended to be used until that time expired?

That is exactly what I wish to know. If my hon. Friend pre-supposes a case where land is vacant and not used at all, and simply held up, then, of course, it would be liable in the same way as any other undertaking.

Held up with the view to future use?

Every land may be said to be held up with the view to future use. I cannot draw a distinction between dock companies and other undertakings.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether rates are assessed in Scotland on the actual sums paid as rent by tenants, without any deductions, whereas in England rates are assessed on what is called the rateable value, which usually amounts to about two-thirds of the actual sums paid as rent by the tenants; if so, will he say whether this also applies to public-houses and to licensed grocers' premises; and will he see that this inequality between the two countries is taken cognisance of in the Finance Bill now before the House?

The rates of licence duty are charged in the same manner in both countries, namely, according to the rent or annual value of the premises as determined by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise under the Excise Regulation Acts.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is included under the term "Minerals" in the Finance Bill; and will he insert in the Bill a definition of the substances so included?

"Minerals" a phrase which has a distinct legal meaning, and is constantly used in legal documents without definition. The phrase has been the subject of various decisions in courts of law, and I am advised that the effect of any attempt to incorporate the various decisions in a definition may result in a complication rather than a simplification of the law.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a list of the articles he proposes to tax under the Finance Act?

May I ask whether clay comes under the term minerals?

Of course, if a question is put to me in regard to any specific article, I should like to refer to the decisions as to that article. I will say that if you give a list in the Act of Parliament that simply excludes the rest by the mere fact that you have given a list in the statute.

Is it not quite justice, for instance, to the owners of a salt mine to say whether they are to be taxed by this particular land clause of the Act?

There is not the slightest doubt that if it is a mineral it will be liable to the tax. The decision would cover that case as well as any other case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us a legal definition?

If the hon. Member asks me a question as to a specific element or commodity I shall be very glad to give him a specific answer.

May I ask whether it would not be simpler to put a definition in the Bill?

On the contrary, I am advised by those whose advice the hon. Member would be ready to follow that if you give a list of all the articles that are to be taxed in the Act of Parliament that may exclude some articles which should be taxed.

May I ask whether the reason for not giving a list is that some uncertainty exists?

The hon. Member is perfectly wrong. There is no uncertainty at all. I should not have thought that there was any uncertainty as to what was meant by minerals.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many private limited companies consist merely of shareholders who are all workers in the business; whether, as such, the dividends are, as a matter of fact, purely earned money; and whether, in that case, he can see his way to allow them to be treated as earned income rather than as unearned income for purposes of differentiation in Income Tax?

I am unable to extend special treatment to the case of these particular companies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the principle upon which the increased duties are imposed on chloroform and various kinds of ether under the Finance Bill; and why any higher duty than 3s. 9d per gallon should be levied on such spirits?

Special duties on certain special articles, including chloroform and the various kinds of ether, have been in force for many years. They were originally fixed by reference to the estimated quantity of spirits ordinarily used in their manufacture. By the present Finance Bill the rates are raised proportionately to the increase in the spirit duty.

May I inquire whether the idea is that the duties on these articles are only increased proportionately?

The hon. Member knows that when you raise a charge on spirits it is difficult to say whether the article is to be used for medicinal purposes. I will consider the question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that spirits taken in the form of medicine are not a luxury, and will he further consider the advisability of remitting this taxation when the spirits are used for medicinal purposes?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of revenue which he anticipates he will raise from the new duties on chloroform, ether, and other drugs?

I am not in a position to give any exact estimate of the revenue for the current financial year from the duties on these particular articles. The total net revenue during the last financial year was £2,127.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of revenue, Excise and Customs, derived from food and drink during the last financial year?

I will circulate the detailed figures in reply to this question with the Votes. [ See Written Answers this date. ]

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has been made aware that a certain farm of 90 acres at Ballybroghan, Tulsk, county Roscommon, on the estate of the late Ffrench Brewster, said to be under agreement to be sold to Jane Hague, the daughter of a neighbouring landlord, has never been held by the lady in question as bonâ-fide tenant (judicial or otherwise) previous to the passing of the Act of 1903; and, if so, whether he can intervene to secure that the intentions of Parliament will be carried out by the farm being parcelled out amongst the small holders in the district?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, in reply to the question asked by him on 20th May last, the Estates Commissioners tell me that the farm in question appears to be held by Jane Hague under a judicial rent fixed in 1891.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it has been brought to the notice of the Estates Commissioners or of the Congested Districts Commissioners that a Mr. John O'Donnell, of Larkfield, Manorhamilton, county Roscommon, holds a ranch of 400 acres of land in the parish of Kilronan, in the same county, on which he is non-resident, and that he is willing to sell the same for the purpose of enlarging a number of small non-economic holdings in the neighbourhood; and, if so, whether the Commissioners will be prepared to negotiate for the purchase?

In September, 1907, Mr. John O'Donnell, of Larkfield, Manorhamilton, offered 372 acres in Roscommon to the Congested Districts Board, but owing to the want of funds for the improvement of estates the Board were unable to enter into negotiations. He also approached the Estates Commissioners, but they found that the lands were subject to a land purchase annuity, and that they were therefore precluded by the Purchase of Land (Ireland) Act, 1891, from making any advance for their purchase.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether a ranch containing 265 acres of untenanted land, in the parish of Kilronan, formerly the property of the Countess of Kingston, has been sold, under the Act of 1903, with a view to division amongst the small holders in the vicinity; whether any steps have yet been taken to carry out the object in question; and, if not, whether he can state to what purpose the land is being applied?

In the absence of further information the Estates Commis- sioners are unable to identify the particular lands to which the hon. Member refers. If he will furnish the name of the lands further inquiries will be made.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he could state what efforts have been made by the Estates Commissioners to secure the reinstatement of Mrs. Johanna O'Connor, an evicted tenant, of East Covil, Valentia, county Kerry?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that Johanna O'Connor's former holding is in the occupation of other tenants. Her name has been noted for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that inconvenience is being caused by the unfinished condition of the pier at Reenard, county Kerry; and can he say when its construction will be completed?

I am informed that some inconvenience from the work of widening and extending this boatslip is unavoidable, but every possible step is taken to minimise it. The works will probably be completed in the summer or autumn of 1910.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much money has been expended on this Pier, which takes so long to finish?

I know that the locality has contributed £30 out of a total expenditure of £2,500.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why, if it only costs £2,500, it takes two years to build the pier?

I cannot answer that question off hand, but everybody knows that work on tidal waters does take a considerable time.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, although 60 large boats are engaged in fishing from Valentia Harbour, the Great Southern and Western Railway had only one P waggon to carry away the fresh mackerel on the morning of 3rd June, and the rest of the catch was not carried away till that evening, whereby serious loss has been caused; whether he is aware that the same thing happened on the morning of 4th June; and whether he proposes to take any, and, if so, what steps to compel the railway company to make proper provision for dealing with the fish traffic at this centre?

The Department have made inquiries in the matter, and have been informed that no complaint appears to have been made to the Railway Company as to shortage of railway vehicles on the occasions referred to in the question. The Department have also been informed that if the traffic had been tendered to the company in due time on the morning of 3rd June arrangements would have been made for its despatch by the early train. The Department are not aware that delay occurred in the despatch of traffic on 4th June. The chief officers of the railway company have been interviewed on the subject, and the Department have asked that provision may be made to prevent any further disappointment in the carriage of this traffic.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have received a memorial from the occupiers of uneconomic holdings on the estate of the late Lady Osborne, of Beechwood Park, Nenagh, North Tipperary, requesting them to purchase the untenanted land on this estate for the enlargement of their holdings; and, if so, what steps they purpose taking in the matter?