asked whether the treaty concluded at the second Hague Conference in regard to the establishment of an international prize court was signed on behalf of this country on 18th June instant at The Hague; is this treaty identical with the Prize Court Convention of 1907; and, if so, can he say with what object this treaty has been signed by this country, in view of the expressed intention of the Government not to advise His Majesty to ratify this Convention till there has been an opportunity for its discussion in Parliament?

It was always intended to sign the Prize Court Convention so soon as a satisfactory arrangement had been concluded as to the rules which the Court would apply. Such an arrangement has now been reached, and the Convention was signed by Sir Edward Fry on 1st May of this year. It will not be ratified till 10th June, 1910, before which date some legislation will be introduced to give effect to it, on which, as already stated, the House will have an opportunity of discussing it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to the appointment of a successor to Sir Robert Hart in China, or whether it is the intention of Sir Robert Hart to continue in the office?

I understand that Sir Robert Hart has applied to the Chinese Government for a year's extension of leave, and for the present, therefore, I have no information to give as regards the appointment of a successor to his post.

Are we to understand that the Chinese Government has furnished no information as to who has succeeded Sir Robert Hart—I mean temporarily and during his leave?

There is someone acting during his leave. He has been acting while Sir Robert Hart has been away.

inquired of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he could make any statement as to the state of affairs in Morocco?

According to the latest reports from His Majesty's Minister at Tangier, the Pretender has advanced to within a short distance of Fez, and the troops sent out by the Sultan to oppose him do not appear so far to have met with success. But the troubles appear to be due entirely to internal dissensions, and not to be directed against foreigners.

May we take it that the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied as to the safety of British life and property?

So far as we are informed there is no danger.

asked whether it is intended by the protecting Powers to evacuate Crete on or about 27th July next; and what steps are being taken to preserve the peaceful condition of the island and the welfare of the inhabitants?

It is the intention of the protecting Powers to withdraw their troops from Crete about the date mentioned. As already stated in reply to questions in this House, it is proposed to keep "stationnaires" in Cretan waters in order to protect the Turkish flag, and to ensure the maintenance of tranquillity and the protection of the lives and property of Cretan Mussulmans which the four Powers have guaranteed.

Will there be a British war-vessel there?

Yes.

Are we to understand that all the four Powers are now agreed on this matter?

Yes, Sir. The four Powers are all acting together. They have practically come to a decision to withdraw the troops and to keep the "stationnaires" in Cretan waters, but they have not yet finally settled details.

Will the Greeks be allowed to land troops and munitions of war on the island?

Of course, there will be a complete change. But the object of the Powers is to make it clear that the withdrawal of the troops does not mean any change without the consent of Turkey.

May we take it that all the four Powers concerned will keep a man-of-war near Crete for the present or will there be only one man-of-war?

I cannot give the actual details of the arrangements till they are absolutely concluded, but the four Powers are all acting in agreement to take what steps may be required to see that the status quo is not changed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received the Report of the International Commission on Opium, which recently met at Shanghai, and how soon will it be laid upon the Table?

The printed copies of the proceedings of the International Opium Commission have not yet arrived in this country from Shanghai. When received copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.

asked, in reference to the estate of Sir George Colthurst, county Cork, Record No. E. C. 4,410, whether the Estates Commissioners can explain upon what grounds they have stated, in a letter to the hon. Member for North, Cork, that they are of opinion that the holdings of five sub-tenants mentioned in his communication should not be deemed separate holdings under the purchase provisions of the Irish Land Act, 1903; and whether, in view of the settled policy of that Act towards the inclusion of subtenants and other tenants in the purchase provisions thereof, the Commissioners will reconsider their decision to exclude these five small holders of land?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the letter in question had reference to five sub-tenants on this estate, three on one holding and two on another. The parcels in the occupation of these sub-tenants comprised in all less than five acres, and the Commissioners, in the exercise of their discretion, decided that they were not fit to be regarded as separate holdings for the purpose of section 15 of the Irish Land Act,. 1903. The parcels were not excluded from the sale, but were vested, along with the rest of the holdings, in the tenants, subject to the sub-tenancies.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state how many evicted tenants have been reinstated in county Leitrim under the Land Act of 1903, and also under the Evicted Tenants Act of 1907; and on what estates have they, been reinstated?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that 100 tenants or representatives of tenants evicted from holdings in county Leitrim have been reinstated or provided with holdings. In one case the lands were acquired under the Evicted Tenants Act. The hon. Member will find the information asked for in the concluding portion of the question in the Quarterly Returns under the Evicted Tenants Act which are presented to Parliament.

inquired whether the Estates Commissioners have refused the application of Mr. John Driscoll (Record No., Evicted Tenants Act, 6907, Hegarty estate) for an extension of time for appealing against the ruling of the Commissioners on 20th January, 1909; and whether, in view of the fact that this evicted tenant was declared by the Commissioners to be a person suitable for a holding, that he was invited to be present at the hearing, but, though represented by a solicitor, was not afforded an opportunity of tendering evidence rebutting the landlord's statement, and that the contention of this estate being held under a fee farm grant, on which plea the Commissioners held they had no jurisdiction to acquire these lands, was not included in the landlord's petition, the Commissioners, in view of the importance of this ruling to a considerable number of evicted tenants seeking reinstatement on their former holdings, will replace this case on the list for re-hearing?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the statement that Mr. Driscoll was not afforded an opportunity of tendering evidence at the hearing of the landlord's petition in this case is not correct. He was present at the hearing, and was represented by a solicitor, who spoke on his behalf, but did not tender any evidence. The Commissioners having given their decision, it was open to him to appeal within the prescribed time. This he has not done. The Commissioners see no ground for a re-hearing.

In view of the principle of this case, and its applicability to hundreds of other cases, would the Commissioners consider the advisability of rehearing the case or of taking counsel's opinion as to whether they have acted wrongfully?

Well, I do not think that is the view that the Commissioners take. If the case is one of frequent occurrence an opportunity will arise for revision.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners now refuse to advance money to enable purchasers of untenanted lands under the Land Act of 1903 to complete their purchases; and, if so, will he say when this rule came into operation, does it apply to the whole of Ireland, and how long is it to continue in force?

There is no such rule. Table VII., appended to the Annual Report of the Estates Commissioners, shows the number of cases in which the Commissioners have refused, in whole or part, advances applied for under the Irish Land Act, 1903, together with the grounds of their refusal.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will grant the Return standing on to-day's Paper in the name of the hon. Member for West Limerick? [Irish Land Act, 1903 (Purchase of Mansions, etc.).]

No, Sir; the Estates Commissioners inform me they are not in a position to furnish the Return asked for.

Why? What is the objection?

Because they are not in a position to give the information sought for.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have sanctioned the sale by Lord Athlumney of the Rathregan farm to the Wallace brothers and Mr. Allen, the latter gentleman having been the holder of the farm up to 1903; whether the Wallace brothers are entitled to purchase part of Allen's farm under the Act of 1903; and whether this division of the farm for the purpose of getting the full purchase money from the Commissioners will be permitted, in view of the conditions of the Act of 1903?

This estate has not yet been dealt with by the Estates Commissioners. When it is being inspected in its order of priority due inquiry will be made into the cases referred to in the question.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners and the representatives of the late Sir Reginald Barnawell have been in negotiation regarding the purchase of Sir Reginald Barnawell's property in Plackstown, county Meath; and, if so, with what result?

The Estates Commissioners have had a preliminary inspection made of the untenanted lands on the estate in question, and have intimated the price which they would be prepared to advance in the event of formal proceedings for sale being instituted. Such proceedings have not as yet been instituted, the owner having died in April last.

asked the Chief Secretary if, since the compulsory clauses of the Education (Ireland) Act were put in force in many of the school areas in Ireland and the children compelled to attend school, it is only to sit for four or five hours daily without a teacher, as it is impossible for one teacher to attend 30 or 40 children; and, if so, will he call on the National Board of Education to appoint junior teachers to assist in such schools?

I am not aware of any ground for the suggestion that the staff of the national schools is insufficient, or that children are left for hours without a teacher.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the estate of Miss Wilson, Rathsaram, Rathdowney, Queen's County, is before the Estates Commissioners for sale to the tenants; can he say if Joseph Stanley, Monamondra, Rathdowney, is returned as a tenant, and, if so, for what quantity of land; is he aware that Stanley was an 11 months' grazier of this farm up to a year ago, and that the land is required for the enlargement of uneconomic holdings in the locality; and will he say what course the Estates Commissioners propose to take in this matter?

Proceedings have been instituted before the Estates Commissioners for the sale of this estate under the Irish Land Act, 1903. It will be dealt with in order of priority, but its turn has not yet been reached. No purchase agreement signed by Joseph Stanley has been lodged, nor does he appear to be a tenant on the property.

asked the Chief Secretary whether be is aware that the Tipperary pension committee dispute the decision arrived at, on appeal, by the Local Government Board on several points; that the committee offered to discuss those points through a deputation, which the Board did not accept; and whether, in the interest of the easy working of the pension scheme, he will advise the Board to receive the deputation?

The committee have requested the Local Government Board to receive a deputation on the subject of the estimates of incomes of claimants for old age pensions. The Board have, in the first instance, asked the committee to submit in writing the points on which they seek information, but so far they have failed to do so. A committee would have no power to charge the expenses of a deputation to the public funds at their disposal, and the Board feel reluctant to put them to the expense of coming to Dublin and explaining orally points which can be considered and determined on a written statement.

May I ask whether the committee have not already communicated with the Board and informed them, and pointed out that this is not a question of expenses, and they consider it a gratuitous insult for the Board to make such a suggestion. Have not the committee placed the issue before the Board?

I do not think it would be at all a desirable thing for the Board to receive deputations in regard to all the numerous appeals that arise. The Board are very desirous of ascertaining all the points in connection with the appeal, and that would be much better done in writing than by means of oral representation.

The Board has already received information an the points.

Then everything will be done to carefully examine into the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received from the pension sub-committee of Dingle, county Kerry, a resolution requesting him to extend the provisions of the Pension Act to persons over 70 years who are in receipt of outdoor relief; what steps he proposes to take in the matter; and whether, in cases where it can be proved that outdoor relief was given on a medical certificate for temporary disablement, such relief will not be considered a bar towards getting the pension?

I have received the resolution referred to. The matter is one which must receive consideration in connection with any Amendment of the Old Age Pension Acts. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Member seems to have overlooked the fact that outdoor relief in the nature of food and comforts granted on the recommendation of the medical officer does not disqualify the recipient for a pension.

Is it not a fact that in the case of the Tipperary pensions committee and others certificates signed by the medical officers have been presented to the Local Government Board, and the Board, notwithstanding, refused to grant the pension?

I am sure the Local Government Board give their most careful attention to all the conditions of the Act, and if they did not accept the medical certificate they must have had some reason that the medical officers fully apprehended the Act.

Am I to understand that where it is proved that the medical certificate is given for the objects mentioned it will be no disqualification to the applicant for a pension?

Certainly; that is so.

It has not been acted upon.

asked the Chief Secretary how many deaths occurred in Ireland last year from tuberculosis; what was the rate per thousand of the population; and will he give the same figures for the preceding two years?

I am informed by the Registrar-General that the number of deaths in Ireland in 1908 from all forms of tuberculous disease was 11,293, or 2.6 per thousand of the estimated population. The numbers in 1906 and 1907 were 11,756 and 11,679 respectively, or 2.7 per thousand of the population.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what the percentage per thousand of the population in this country is?

I am afraid I do not carry these figures in my head, but I am afraid they are not at all of a satisfactory character. If the hon. Member gives me notice I will find out.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can say how many applica- tions for reinstatement have been received by the Estates Commissioners since the passing of the Land Act, 1903, from evicted tenants or their representatives in Queen's County; how many of these have been restored to their old homes; how many have got other farms; how many of the remainder have been noted as suitable to be provided with holdings; how many claims have been rejected; what number remain to be considered; and whether any have been restored under the Act of 1907?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that applications have been received from 350 persons seeking reinstatement as tenants, or the representatives of tenants, evicted from holdings in the Queen's County, including 70 received since the date specified in the Evicted Tenants Act, which have not been inquired into, and cannot be dealt with under that Act. After inquiry 142 have been rejected, 73 have been reinstated or provided with other holdings, including 12 reinstated on lands acquired under the Evicted Tenants Act, and 65 have been provisionally noted for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will say what is the amount of money sanctioned up to date for the erection of labourers' cottages under the Labourers Act of 1906?

The total amount of the loans sanctioned by the Local Government Board up to date under the Act is £3,324,461.

What is the amount of the applications?

I am afraid I have not got that figure with me.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to give any information regarding the dismissal of the three British school inspectors in the Orange River Colony; and whether His Majesty's Government intend to take any steps in the matter?

The Secretary of State is not yet in possession of any official information on this matter beyond what was given in my reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for St. George's, Hanover-square, on the 16th instant, and is unable to add anything to that answer. A telegram has, however, been sent to the Governor with the object of ensuring that full information is received by mail.

asked how the sum of $11,613 compensation to the licensees of opium dens closed on 1st March last, voted by the Finance Committee of the Hong Kong Legislative Council on 1st April, was arrived at; and whether, in view of the claim made in the Committee that the sum should be made good by the British Exchequer, the Colonial Office had been consulted as to the basis on which compensation should be paid?

The Secretary of State has no detailed information as to the basis on which this compensation was assessed; but it is understood that the Colonial Government have accepted the payment as a final charge on the revenue of Hong Kong.

May I ask if the principle is now settled that compensation is to be paid by the British Government in such cases?

I said in this case the Colonial Government had accepted the payment as a final charge on the revenues of Hong Kong.

Was the money paid without inquiry?

The fullest inquiry was made, and a long inquiry was conducted before this resolution was arrived at.

Is this compensation in respect of acts done under orders from the Colonial Office?

It is only part of a general policy which is being carried out by His Majesty's Government in consultation with the local Governments. It would be impossible to make any general statement now, but it is part of a general policy.

asked whether it is with the sanction of the Secretary of State that the Government of North Borneo has recently advertised for tenders for the farming-out for the years 1910, 1911, and 1912 of licences not only for the sale of spirits and pawnbroking, but also for the carrying on of opium dens and gambling houses; and whether he will take steps at once to prevent the issue of new licences to opium dens and gambling houses.

No, Sir, the Secretary of State has no official cognisance of the subject-matter of the question, and has certainly given no sanction to anything of the kind. The territory of North Borneo is in reality governed by a company, and I gather that the charter of incorporation would not preclude that company from advertising for tenders for the farming of opium.

Will the Secretary of State take steps to prevent the licensing by a British Colony or Corporation whichever it is, of opium dens and gambling dens?

I notice my hon. Friend has some difficulty in describing the territory. It is a difficult matter to decide exactly how far we have power, and how far we have not. It is too big a question to be decided by question and answer across the floor of the House.

Is not the Governor appointed by the Colonial Office?

I am not quite sure exactly how that stands.

asked a question which was inaudible in the Reporters' Gallery.

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly speak out. I cannot hear him?

Is it the case that the farmer and lessee of the gambling dens are one and the same person?

I do not know really how it stands in North Borneo. I could not answer without notice.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the congested state of the traffic by Knightsbridge and the improvements that have been effected during the last few years in ordinary motor cars, he will consider the possibility of reconsidering existing regulations in force in Hyde Park, and place such cars on the same footing as electric motors?

Petrol motors are only excluded from a part of Hyde Park during three hours of the day during three months of the year. In my opinion, that part of that park is primarily intended for the enjoyment of the public, and not for the relief of the congested traffic of the streets. If the hon. Member's view was upheld, it would be a conclusive argument for the admission of vans and trade carts to Hyde Park during the summer months.

Why are motors excluded from this part of the park?

To make the park more enjoyable to the public.

I desire to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty what duty will be assigned to the 17 special service cruisers in the event of a sudden emergency involving war?

It is undesirable in the public interest to divulge what will be the particular duty assigned to any class of vessels in war.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state with what object the strength of the Home Royal Naval Reserve has been reduced from 29,174 on 1st April, 1906, to 22,052 on 1st April this year; and whether any increase of the present strength is in contemplation?

The strength of the Reserves as a whole is based on requirements, and the reduction of the Royal Naval Reserve mentioned is due to the increase of the Royal Fleet Reserve during the same period. The new regulations for training have also, while increasing efficiency, somewhat tended to reduce the numbers of the Royal Naval Reserve. The answer to the second part of the question must depend on future manning requirements; the policy of the Admiralty is to maintain the Reserves at the strength considered necessary.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether the increase in the Royal Fleet Reserve is equal to the decrease in the Royal Navy Reserve?

I must have notice of that question.

Is it now the policy of the Admiralty to decrease the Royal Fleet Reserve and increase the Royal Naval Reserve?

What has been done has been carried out in execution of the past policy of the Admiralty, and no change has taken place.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to assure the saving of life on the occasions of accidents at sea, he will consider the propriety of providing by law that all passenger steamers shall be provided with Marconi apparatus?

The matter to which my hon. Friend refers is being carefully watched, but it is not considered advisable to propose legislation at present. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, a large number of passenger steamers are already provided with radio telegraphic apparatus.

I desire to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the names of the ministers of religion who receive grants under Vote 2, sub-section U, of the Navy Estimates; and will he state to what denominations these ministers belong, where they are stationed, and the amount paid to each?

I propose to circulate with the Votes the reply to the hon. Member's question. [ See Written Answers this date. ]

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what is the nature of the duties performed by the chaplain attached to the Plymouth Marine Division, for which he is allowed an extra remuneration of £50 under Vote 5, this allowance appearing to be granted for acting as an examiner in navigation?

The duties performed by the chaplain of the Plymouth Marine Division, in respect of which he is allowed extra remuneration of £50, consist in setting and examining the papers in navigation at the examinations of naval cadets passing out from training cruisers, three times a year; acting sub-lieutenants qualifying for the rank of lieutenant (Part 1), three times a year; and sublieutenants at the Royal Naval College at Greenwich selected for Part II. examination for the rank of lieutenant, three times a year. He has hitherto also done the same work for the annual examination for junior officers afloat.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many submarines, including the submarines to be commenced under the current programme, shall we possess, built and building?

The number and type of boats to be built under the current year's programme is not yet decided.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform me what names will be given to the two battleships to be laid down at Portsmouth and Devonport, and to the six protected cruisers of this year's programme?

It is not customary to assign names to dockyard-built ships until they are laid down, nor to contract-built vesesls until they are ordered. This procedure will be adhered to.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state on what dates the six French battleships of the "Danton" class and the six American battleships of the "Michigan," "Delaware," and "Florida" classes were actually laid down; and what are their anticipated dates of completion?

I propose to circulate with the Votes the reply to the hon. Member's question. [ See Written Answers this date. ]

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what ships are being built for foreign Powers with a main armament comprising 12 guns of 12 or 11 inches calibre; and what ships with a similar armament are completed, under construction, or contemplation for the British Navy?

Of ships for foreign Powers whose keels have been laid the following will, it is understood, be equipped with the armament mentioned:—

At any rate, the right hon. Gentleman can say whether in the case of the British ships which are to be laid down the calibre of the guns will be larger.

I cannot make any statement upon that subject.

I desire to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is an intention to reconsider the policy of withdrawing cruisers and vessels of the smaller class from distant naval stations, and if it is in consequence of a reversal of the policy of 1894 that H.M.S. "Amethyst" was despatched this year to the South Atlantic; and whether it is proposed to employ her and other ships of that type in connection with the protection of our trade routes?

It is undesirable to state what particular duties in war have been allocated to particular ships. There is no intention of departing from the policy of 1904.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say for what purpose the "Amethyst" has been sent to the South Atlantic?

No, Sir. It would be very undesirable to make such a statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the sole question to be decided on the application of the Bradford Dyers' Association for registration of the letters B.D.A. as a cotton mark, under section 62 of the Trade Marks Act of 1905, is simply whether as not such registration is to the public advantage; if so, why it is necessary for private merchants to be put to the expense of what amounts to legal proceedings in opposing such registration when it is the duty of the President of the Board of Trade himself to determine the question in the public interest from the public point of view; and whether, seeing that letters have never before been admitted registration as cotton marks, he will now be able to announce his decision upon the matter?

I am advised that the question whether the registration of the letters B.D.A. under section 62 of the Trade Marks Act, 1905, is for the public advantage is a matter for the decision of the Board of Trade alone, but that any other objections to the registration of the mark are matters which should in the ordinary way be dealt with by opposition proceedings in the same manner as objections to the registration of other marks. Before the Board of Trade give any final decision in the matter I am advised that I should await the expiration of the time allowed for opposition.

Can the right hon. Gentleman avoid in regard to the opponents the necessity of coming before him at all?

I am advised that I ought to wait until the expiration of the time allowed, and it will be to the general advantage of the parties affected to take the regular course, and oppose the registration in the ordinary way.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can state the towns that have put into operation the Feeding of Children Act, as also those that provide the meals direct in their own schools?

The Board have no complete statistics as to the number of authorities who have in one way or another taken action under the Education (Provision of Meals) Act, but information is now being collected on the subject. I will circulate with the Votes a list of authorities who have been authorised by the Board, under section 3 of the Act, to spend money out of the rates upon the purchase of food.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Licence Duties proposed to be charged on residential hotels may have the effect of closing a number of hotels in Scotland, which are of advantage not only to tourist and holiday-making people, but also to many poor people in the neighbourhood who derive benefit from expenditure in their midst; and if he will consider whether it is possible to put residential hotels on the same footing as clubs, or, at any rate, not take into consideration profits derived other than from the sale of drink?

Special provision has been made in the Bill for the charge of duty on the licence for an hotel to be calculated by reference to the business connected with the sale of liquors, but my right hon. Friend is not prepared to put residential hotels on the same footing as clubs.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in cases, of claims in reduction of Income Tax respecting children under 16 years, it is necessary to produce a birth certificate; and, if that is the case, whether an attested certificate can be produced for this purpose at a less cost than 3s. 7d., which is the present fee?

My right hon. Friend is considering the point raised by my hon. Friend.

I desire to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he could see his way to granting a Return in the form of that set forth on the Order Paper, or in some analogous shape, to show the incidence of public charges upon estates of various categories?

My right hon. Friend will be glad to grant this Return so far as the information asked for by the right hon. Gentleman is available. In regard to subhead (7), he is not clear what is meant by "any other public charges," and would be obliged if the right hon. Gentleman would state his requirements under this head more specifically.

What does the Chancellor of the Exchequer mean by information that is available? As far as I know all the information I have asked for in the Return is now in the possession of the Local Government Board.

The intention is to give the right hon. Gentleman the information as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now state the result of his inquiries into the complaints about inadequate remuneration to supervisors and officers in connection with old age pensions; whether he can say on what basis the remuneration was calculated; whether he will explain why the maximum amount granted to supervisors was £24, while as much as £40 was paid to officers of a lower grade; whether the £600 still unallocated will be distributed amongst the officials inadequately remunerated; and, if not, how will the money be disposed of?

My right hon. Friend has not yet had time to complete his inquiries into this matter, but so far as he is at present advised the gratuities granted to supervisors and officers are not inadequate for the work performed. The basis of remuneration was the amount of the work performed, exceptional circumstances being taken into consideration, and the awards increased or diminished as the facts justified. Consequently, as the principal work was performed by the officers, the gratuities paid were larger than those paid to supervisors. As stated in the earlier part of this answer, he is unable to admit that any officers have been inadequately remunerated. The balance of the £40,000 granted for gratuities, and not awarded up to date, is £415.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that 482 brewers have been detected during the half-year ending 31st March entering a false gravity for their beer; whether he can state the total value of the surcharges, and the distinction between surcharges and compromise fines; what was the highest surcharge and the highest compromise fine; and whether he will state why no prosecutions have taken place?

The number given by the hon. Member represents not the num- ber of brewers, but the number of samples which were found on examination at the Government Laboratory to exceed the original gravity entered by the brewer. The information asked for as to the total amount of duty involved by the surcharges and the highest surcharge could only be given after scrutiny into each individual case, which would be a work of greater labour than my right hon. Friend would feel justified in imposing on the Excise Department. A surcharge is a departmental method of adjusting a brewing entry of gravity where owing to fermentation having commenced in the worts the entry made does not indicate the true original gravity, while a compromise fine is a punitive measure to which the Revenue authorities are authorised to recourse in stay of legal proceedings under the powers conferred upon them by section 35 of the Act 53 and 54 Vic., cap. 21. With regard to the last part of the question, the Revenue Authorities were of opinion that the circumstances of the cases did not call for the extreme measures of proceedings in court.

I wish to ask whether the hon. Gentleman can give the names of those patriotic brewers who have been defrauding the public revenue?

I do not think that is desirable.

If these brewers have been engaged in a fraud, why has prosecution not been instituted? Does not the action of the Revenue Department in imposing compromising fines amount to what the lawyers call compounding a felony?

The practice is that which has been usually followed in cases of this sort where fraud is not thought to exist. A compromise fine is inflicted for the sake of example.

Is it not a fact that in the last six months eight or ten brewers, who have been endeavouring to defraud the public revenue, have been attending public meetings asking for an increase of "Dreadnoughts"?

But they do not want to pay for them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether salt or brine is a mineral within the meaning of the Finance Bill?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave on the 16th inst. to the hon. Members for the Holborn Division and for Darlington.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that under section 7, sub-section (5), of the Finance Act, 1894, Irish tenants' interests, whether judicial or purchased, were held to be, in nearly all cases, free from liability to estate duty; whether, under the present Finance Bill, it is proposed to include these tenants; what was the capital value of tenants' interest in Irish land on which Death Duties were paid and the gross amount paid in the year ended March, 1908; and what is his estimate of the annual capital value of Irish tenants' interests in land which will be subject to Estate Duty under the present Finance Bill and the gross payments which will be made?

I am aware that in some cases tenants' interests of considerable value escaped duty under the Finance Act of 1894; and the present Bill proposes to assimilate the treatment of these interests to that of other property passing on death. For the year 1907–8 the capital value of the interests in question was £264,346, and the amount of duty attributable thereto was approximately £4,000. I am unable to supply the hon. Member with the estimate for which he asks in regard to future years.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government have considered, and formed any estimate of, the approximate costs to the owners of land of the returns which are required from them by the Commissioners under Clause 16 of the Finance Bill; and, if so, what is their estimate of the approximate cost of those returns?

I am unable to give the estimate asked for by the right hon. Gentleman.

Has the matter been considered at all?

Yes.

I propose to ask the question again when the Chancellor of the Exchequer is present.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that beer, which is manufactured in England and drunk by the English working man, is taxed at less than one-sixth of the rate at which whisky is taxed, he will consider the justice of placing any further taxation upon beer and not upon whisky?

My right hon. Friend has already explained to the House his reasons for selecting spirits for increased taxation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to define a mineral in the Finance Bill as any substance which can be got from beneath the surface of the earth which possesses a value in use; and, if so, will the owner of land which contains any substance which may be of value in use be subject to the tax proposed in the Finance Bill on ungotten minerals in respect of such substance?

My right hon. Friend does not propose to define minerals for the purpose of the Finance Bill in the manner suggested by the hon. Member, and the second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Is the hon. Member aware that the Return to which he referred me last week contains a definition; and does the Government accept that definition?

The hon. Member asks me if the Government propose to define minerals in the Finance Bill, and I have said on more than one occasion that the Chancellor of the Exchequer does not propose to put a definition of minerals in the Finance Bill.

Does the Government accept the definition given in a recent case?

I did not say that I accepted it. I said that was the definition given in that case.

Having referred us to that case, are we to take that definition as governing minerals?

That is entirely as the hon. Gentleman pleases.

May I ask whether, in the event of this Bill becoming law, ought not the Government to consider whether it is not their duty to make the meaning of their own Bill clear?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has on more than one occasion stated that he does not intend to include the definition of minerals in the Bill. He has also given his reason for that; and an attempted definition would only cloud the issue.

Will the definition be left to the decision of the Commissioners or left open to the courts of law?

I take it that it will be a question for the courts of law.

I wish to ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will not cause to be laid on the Table a statement of the decision to which he constantly refers, so that Members may know what is the law?

I will consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer on that point.

Will no individual be called upon to pay the tax until a decision has been given in a court of law?

That is a hypothetical question which I cannot answer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that it is the practice of builders in Scotland to buy ground outright, free of feu duty or ground annual, and at the same time to create feu duties or ground annuals which bear no relation to the value of the ground, but to the rental of the tenements to be erected on the ground by them; that, under section 28 (3) of the Finance Bill, these feu duties or ground annuals would be liable to Increment Value Duty, although no increase in the value of the ground had taken place; and whether he is prepared to exclude such cases from payment of the duty?

I am not aware that it is the practice of builders in Scotland to buy ground outright without feu duty or ground annual, but I am aware that builders frequently create ground annuals, the amounts of which are largely determined by the rental of the tenements to be erected on the ground. These ground annuals would not, in my opinion, be liable to Increment Value Duty under section 28 (3) of the Finance Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, for the information of the Committee on the Finance Bill, as regards the Increment Duty in the case of leases, expiry of leases, transfers, or death happening after the passing of the Bill, and before any valuation can have been made, at or from what date is the original site value to be fixed; how is that date to be determined and value fixed; is the valuation in such cases to relate back to the past date; and, as the Increment Tax is declared to be a Stamp Duty, and the validity of leases and transfers of property depend upon the correctness of the stamp, will he say how the duty is to be ascertained and certified without a valuation, is the valuation when made to date back to the transaction and the deeds; and, if so, are all business transactions of leases and sales to be suspended meanwhile, or will he provide for the validity of all transactions, leases, and deeds entered into pending the valuation?

The original site value will date back to 30th April, 1909, and the value must be fixed in accordance with the provisions of Clause 14. The duty will not be ascertained until both the original site value and the site value on the occasion have been determined, but the deed will be duly stamped so far as respects Increment Value Duty if it bears the stamp mentioned in clause 4 (3) ( b ), which stamp will be given without delay on the necessary particulars of the instrument being given. No business transactions of leases or sales need be suspended or interfered with.

Do I understand that as the duty will not be ascertained until both the original site value and the site value on the occasion of the transaction have been determined, and the stamp representing the duty cannot be impressed until then, all transactions of leases and transfer must be suspended until both valuations have been made?

The hon. Gentleman is making a speech.

I think, Sir, I have asked a question.

The hon. Gentleman has asked several questions. Perhaps he will put them down in the ordinary way; it is not fair to fire off six or eight questions at an Under-Secretary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of British soldiers who have committed suicide during the past 60 years; and the number of British soldiers who have been actually killed in battle during the past 60 years?

My right hon. Friend has asked me, in his unavoidable absence, to answer the questions addressed to him. The compilation of complete statistics in regard to the information required would involve considerable labour, and would not appear to serve any useful purpose. The average number of suicides for the last few years is between 50 and 60 a year. The number of warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men killed in action in wars conducted by the War Office in the last 60 years amounts to 26,100. This does not include wars conducted by the Government of India—such as the Indian Mutiny—or wars conducted by the Foreign Office and Colonial Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War what inquiries, if any, have been made in reference to the Western Electric Company, Woolwich, and the various complaints that have been made against this firm for violating the Fair Wages Clause; when inquiries are made, by whom are they made; and why this firm is allowed to be the only contractor asked to tender for general work?

Complaints of infringement of the Fair Wages Clause in a War Office contract, if supported by particulars, always receive consideration, whoever the contractor may be. A complaint was recently made against the firm mentioned, and is now the subject of investigation. In those cases where local inquiry is considered necessary to elucidate the facts, an official of the Department is detailed for the duty. It is not the case that the firm in question is alone invited to tender for general work.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that during the siege of Ladysmith Lord Roberts requested the Governors of Cape Colony and Natal to nominate men from the ranks of the Colonial forces serving in the field for commissions in His Majesty's Army, he will say the total number of commissions so granted; how many of these officers still hold His Majesty's commission; whether these officers, in order to pass for promotion, have to pass the same examination as officers who have been trained in military colleges; and whether, seeing that these officers came to the assistance of the Mother Country at a time of national danger, he will allow their service in the field to act as a qualification for promotion or make some allowance in the examination for their previous lack of a college training?

The number of commissions granted to men from the ranks of the Colonial forces serving in South Africa in 1900 was 86, and of these 35 are still serving. These officers have to pass the same examinations for promotion as all other officers. No relaxation of the regulation was made in favour of any officer or any class of officers. Officers who were granted commissions during the war have been given special facilities for improving their education.

Do the Government intend to drive out the men who have not passed the examination at the present time?

I cannot do more than read the answer which has been supplied to me.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the difficulty that has arisen in connection with the registering of labourers' cottage plots as a result of the purchasing tenants being allowed to include the plots in the registration of their holdings, and the necessity to rectify this misappropriation involving a large charge on the ratepayers; whether, in view of the provisions of the Act of 1891, as to the registration of the plots, he will explain why the Local Government Board never issued a circular until 30th June last, requesting to have the plots registered; and whether, under the circumstances, he will by special legislation, or by a clause in the Land Bill, cast the work of rectifying the register on the registration authorities so as to relieve the ratepayers of the charges and costs in correcting an irregularity for which the councils are not responsible?

Difficulties involving the ratepayers in expense have arisen in some districts owing to the omission of local authorities to comply with the provisions of the Local Registration of Title (Ireland) Act, 1891. An Act was passed last Session to meet these difficulties. It applied exclusively to rural district councils, and the Local Government Board issued a circular on 30th January last calling their attention to its provisions. The Act of 1891 made no reference to plots acquired under the Labourers Acts. It is part of the general law affecting freehold land in Ireland, and the Board had no reason to assume that it had been overlooked by local authorities and their legal advisers. There is no reason why the councils should not bear the expense of having the register made right in their own interest, especially as no fees are now payable in such rectification.

asked whether any arrangement has yet been arrived at between Captain Walker, Tykillen House, and the Estates Commissioners with reference to the restoration of James Brett to his evicted farm; and, if not, will the Estates Commissioners take up the farm compulsorily and sell it to James Brett?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that this man and his wife were reinstated last month in his former holding, and have signed an agreement to purchase it.

asked the Chief Secretary whether Michael Rowe, one of the Templemore evicted tenants, made application to the Estates Commissioners to be restored to his home; whether his farm has been taken by another person; and whether that person will consent to give up that farm, and, in the event of his not doing so, as there is plenty of untenanted land on the Templemore estate, will the Estates Commissioners provide him with a farm?

The Estates Commissioners have received an application from Michael Rowe for reinstatement in a hold- ing on Lord Templemore's estate, at one time occupied by his father, and now in the occupation of another tenant. His name has been noted for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it has been brought to his notice that, since the Prime Minister deemed it his duty to stop a procession of the Host in the streets of London last September, illegal processions of the Host have been held in the public streets of Reading, Walworth, and High-gate; were the police employed on some of these occasions to protect such illegal processions; and what steps has he taken to prevent such processions taking place in the future, and, if no such steps have been taken, what does he propose to do in the future?

My attention has been called to the processions mentioned, which were of small dimensions, and passed off without any disturbance. Neither the Government nor the police have power by previous formal action to prohibit peaceable processions, even if there is reason to suppose that section 26 of the Roman Catholic Emancipation Act is about to be contravened. If illegalities occur, penalties are prescribed under section 38, but they have to be recovered afterwards by information filed by the Attorney-General. It is important to observe that the Act, by excluding the common informer, and leaving the question of prosecution to be considered on the merits of the case by the Attorney-General, does not contemplate that proceedings should be taken in all cases of contravention. The duty of the police is confined to the maintenance of order. It is. most desirable that in these matters common-sense and mutual tolerance should influence all who are concerned, and when such influences prevail there is no occasion whatever for police action. The action of the police necessarily has to be determined by the consideration of the special circumstances in each case. Their action has up to now been successfully guided by common-sense in the general interests of the public. I may mention that in these matters I have acted on the same lines as were followed, after full consideration, by my predecessors.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the occurrences at Liverpool, where 50 schools had to be closed on account of riots in connection with religious processions?

Yes, my attention has been called to the most regrettable and unnecessary riots which have taken place in Liverpool. I think the police there took strong efficacious measures, and I hope there will be no recurrence of the trouble.

Is it not the fact that the police authorities in London reported that there was danger likely to arise in connection with these processions at Westminster, and on the strength of that the Archbishop of Westminster stopped a procession?

Undoubtedly there was a certain amount of danger, but the police themselves did not anticipate that it would amount to a serious breach of the peace.

asked the Home Secretary for what offence convict Gillet, recently sentenced by the visiting justices to 42 days' special diet and 18 lashes, was originally convicted; what his age was at the time of his conviction; whether he has further been sentenced to solitary confinement; if so, for how long such confinement is to endure; and whether any evidence has been given by the convict or by any other person to show that the warder whom the convict had assaulted had given provocation?

Joseph Gillot was convicted in 1908 of assault with intent to commit a felony, and sentenced to three years' penal servitude. He gave his age as 26 at the time of conviction. He was not sentenced to any dietary punishment in addition to the corporal punishment, but he was ordered to be kept for 135 days, not in solitary confinement, but in separation, which means that he is not allowed to work in association. No evidence was given by the convict or any other person that the warder had given any provocation.

Was the man asked to give evidence?

Yes.

Was the man in chains for 42 days?

If a convict attempts to escape or commits a serious assault on a warder he has to wear chains for a certain period.