asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any representations from the Government of Turkey regarding the military expeditions of Russia into Persia; and whether he can say whether the young Turks are in active sympathy with the Persian Liberals in their struggle for constitutional Government?

No representation has been addressed to us from the Government of Turkey, and I cannot say what has passed between the two Governments directly concerned, and I cannot undertake the responsibility of expressing the views of political parties in other countries.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a large Russian force, including artillery and cavalry, have now marched——

That does not arise out of this question.

asked the Secretary of State when he will lay upon the Table of the House further Papers on the affairs of Persia?

Owing to the necessity of referring the papers to His Majesty's Minister at Tehran, it will not be possible to lay further papers on the affairs of Persia for a few weeks, but there will be no unnecessary delay. It has been necessary to communicate with Tehran by despatch about them, and this takes some time.

asked whether the British representative in Tehran expressed any opinion on the terms demanded by the Nationalist leaders; if so, whether His Majesty's Government was consulted before that opinion was expressed; whether His Majesty's Government have condemned those demands as unreasonable; and, if so, on what grounds?

His Majesty's Minister at Tehran informed the Sipahdar that only two of the Nationalist demands were such as could be pressed by the two Legations on the acceptance of the Shah. His Majesty's Government were not consulted beforehand, but as the hon. Member is aware from the answer which I gave to a supplementary question asked by him on the 8th instant, they share Sir George Barclay's view on the subject. I do not think I have hitherto expressed an opinion upon the demands generally, and I do not see why I should go beyond what has already been said.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these demands include the formation of a Liberal Cabinet which would meet with the acceptance of the Persian people?

They include the formation of a Cabinet, chosen by local assemblies over Persia.

asked whether, in view of the constant communications now passing between the Russian Government and the British Government on Persian affairs, and of the fact that the British Government has by approval made itself jointly responsible for the advance of Russian troops into Northern Persia, he can now see his way to suggesting to the Russian Government the withdrawal of all Russian officers from the service of the Shah; whether Colonel Liakhoff and his fellow officers are still Russian subjects; and whether any injury inflicted upon them would be accounted by the Russian Government as an injury to their subjects, justifying an advance on Tehran?

The withdrawal of the Russian officers from the service of the Shah is not a matter in which we are concerned. These officers are still Russian subjects, and I am unable to say what view the Russian Government would take of their obligations towards those subjects if the case supposed by the hon. Member were to arise. That is a question for the Russian Government themselves to decide. Nor can I admit that the fact that the two Governments inform each other of the measures which they may think it desirable to take for the protection of their interests in different parts of Persia implies that each is responsible for the actions of the other. Any such assumption is entirely erroneous.

Is it not a fact that these are Russian officers on active service, are Russian subjects, and do they not come within the purview of the Anglo-Russian Convention?

No, Sir; I do not see how they do. Perhaps the hon. Member will refer to the Convention and see under what Article they would come.

May I ask whether as the Nationalists have scrupulously refrained from engaging foreign officers, the right hon. Gentleman will represent to the Russian Government the desirability of withdrawing their officers?

I must confine the action of the Foreign Office as far as possible to British interests.

asked whether the Russian troops now in Persia have been sent exclusively for the protection of the subjects of European Powers; and, if so, why such a large force has been des-patched?

I can add nothing to the explicit declarations of the Russian Government themselves, which have already been made public. I am unable to state what considerations determined the number actually to be sent, or to express any opinion as to the strength of the force which would be necessary to deal with the situation.

Do not the two Governments who are signatories to the Anglo-Russian Convention consult one another as to these military matters?

I have already stated that communications have passed between the two Governments, who keep each other informed as to the steps they may think it right to take in their own interests, but there is nothing in the Convention that would make one Government responsible for the action of the other. I entirely disclaim any such proposition.

rose and asked a question which was inaudible——

Will the hon. Member kindly speak up, so that he can be heard?

The question I was about to ask was this: The right hon. Gentleman has told us that the two Governments consult one another as regards the despatch of troops to Persia. May I ask whether, when the Russian Government informed His Majesty's Government of the despatch of these troops, any opinion was expressed by His Majesty's Government as to the adequacy or excess of the force in question over those required for the protection of life and property?

I did not say that the two Governments consulted each other. I said they kept each other informed of the steps that they thought it necessary to take in advance. I expressed no opinion as to the strength of the force required.

Are we to understand that so far as Great Britain is concerned Russia has a free hand to do what she likes in Persia?

It is very misleading for the hon. Member to attempt to draw from my answers a general statement of that sweeping kind. Our object is to protect British interests in Persia. When we consider these interests are affected we shall take suitable measures. It is quite unfair to draw from any statement I have made a general statement of that kind, which goes far beyond anything I have said.

asked the Secretary of State if he can state what is the strength of the Russian force now in Northern Persia; has he seen the statement of the responsible Nationalist leaders that their forces are commanded not to fight unless forced to do so, and their desire to secure a real and not a paper constitution; and what is the justification, under these circumstances, of the military occupation of Northern Persia by the Russian troops?

About 4,000 men are understood to be at Tabriz, and about 1,700 on their way to Kazvin, and about 600 more are distributed at other places in the north of Persia, besides the ordinary Consular guards. The troops are stationed at the various places for the protection of foreign lives and property from the possibility of danger, and are to be withdrawn as soon as that possibility no longer exists. A statement such as that described in the question was addressed from Kazvin to the foreign legations at Tehran, but there have been occasional statements from Nationalist sources of a different character.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that this force which has been reinforced to-day is necessary for the sole purpose of the protection of lives and property of non-belligerents in Tehran; and does it not rather point to its being used against the Persian popular forces?

I have already stated twice this afternoon that I am not in a position to express any opinion as to the strength of the force that would be required.

Is it not the general policy to make Tehran a little St. Petersburg?

Is the Government in a position to decide who are the responsible Nationalist leaders?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had any information as to the existence and activity of Greek bands in the neighbourhood of Monastir and elsewhere; and, if so, whether he will make representations to the Greek Government?

The number of murders which Greeks are reported to have committed in Macedonia was five in March, two in April, and six in May. No report has been received of exceptional activity of Greek bands in the vilayet of Monastir during the last three months. The attention of the Greek Government has recently been called to the reported secret landing of three Greek bands on the Gulf of Salonica in April last, but they have denied the truth of this rumour.

asked the Secretary of State whether he can make any statement as to affairs in Morocco and the safety of British life and interests?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to a similar Question addressed to me by the hon. Member on the 24th ultimo. From the latest reports which we have received, the country near Fez appears still to be in a disturbed state, but there is no disturbance at the ports.

I desire to ask the right hon. Baronet whether any Russian troops have been sent to Meshed?

I beg to refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply just returned to the hon. Member for North Cork.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Russian Consul-General at Resht, in a letter dated 23rd March addressed to the Sipahdar, stated that the road from Resht to Tehran was the property of the Russian Government; will he say if this is the case; and, if so, does any provision exist in the Anglo-Russian agreement giving Russia the right to guard the road by the armed force of her own troops?

I have no information as to such a letter. The road in question was constructed by, and is the property of, a Russian company. The Anglo-Russian Agreement has been published as a Parliamentary Paper, so that the hon. Gentleman can satisfy himself at any time as to the nature of its provisions. There are numbers of contingencies for which the Anglo-Russian Convention does not provide and was not intended to provide.

Is it not a fact that this road is under Persian jurisdiction?

It was made by Russian money.

Is it not a fact that there are only two roads in Persia. One was made by the Russian Government and the other by the hon. Member for Ripon?

Is it not a fact that one of the provisions in the Convention says that it is the special interest of the two Powers to maintain peace in certain parts of Persia itself, and that all this has taken place in parts not provided for by a Convention?

What parts are not provided for in the Convention? I do not understand the hon. Member's question.

The passage in the Convention I refer to is——

Order, order. That is not a question.

I wish to ask the right hon. Baronet whether he is aware that the Russian and British Consuls-General informed Satar Khan and other leaders of the Nationalists that the Shah had granted an amnesty to all political offenders, and that as soon as the Nationalists attempted to take advantage of such information they were attacked by Cossacks, and had to seek sanctuary in the Turkish Legation; if so, whether the Consuls had the authority of the Shah to so inform the Nationalist leaders; and what steps His Majesty's Government intend taking to see that the Shah will carry out the promise of an amnesty?

The British and Russian Consuls-General were authorised by their Legations at Tehran to inform the Nationalists that no one, whatever his nationality, would be molested for his share in recent events. I have heard of no reason to suppose that this promise was violated. As to the reasons why some of the Nationalists took refuge at the Turkish Legation, I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on the 8th. My information does not bear out the statement in the question on this point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that it has been the practice of the reactionaries in Persia to attach themselves to the Russian post on the road from Resht to Tehran for the purpose of giving information to the entourage of the Shah respecting the disposition of the Nationalist troops in the field; whether, on the Nationalists taking action to prevent these proceedings, they were threatened with armed intervention by the Russian Consul-General; and, if so, whether such threat amounts to an interference in the internal affairs of Persia and is a breach of the Anglo-Russian Agreement?

I have no information as to the practice or the incident referred to.

I wish to ask the right hon. Baronet whether the Persian troops at Tehran have not been received with enthusiasm by the populace; and whether that fact points to any violation of order?

I have not heard about that.

Can the Secretary for Foreign Affairs take any cognisance of anyone known as "reactionaries in Persia"?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state which of the demands formulated by the leaders of the Constitutionalist forces surrounding Tehran His Majesty's Government consider unreasonable; and on what grounds?

This was answered in my reply to the question put by the hon. Member for East Mayo.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state which of the demands have been considered unreasonable by His Majesty's Government?

I said there were only two of the demands which the British Minister at Tehran considered could be made the subject of representation by the two Legations. So far as I am aware I have said nothing at all about the other demands. I do not think it is my business to comment upon it.

On what grounds were the demands as a whole thought unadvisable by His Majesty's Government?

It is not our business to say whether they are advisable or unadvisable. The question is whether we should take any part in supporting any of them. There were only two which came within the cognisance of the Legations.

Why were the others not taken into account?

Because Northern Persia is not British territory.

I desire to ask the right hon. Baronet whether he can state the number of the Russian troops at present in Persia, and approximately their distribution?

I beg to refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply just returned to the hon. Member for North Cork. I have not included in the enumeration the guards attached to Russian Consular establishments in Persia, except in cases where they have recently been increased.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the Shah's decree of 10th May, granting an amnesty for political offences, with licence for exiles to return to Persia, has been communicated officially by the Persian Government to the Governments of Great Britain and Russia; and, in view of the fact that similar proclamations from the same source have frequently been broken, can he state whether any and, if so, what guarantees have been given to the exiles that their lives and property will be scrupulously respected upon their return to Persia?

Before the right hon. Baronet answers that question I would like to ask him whether the execution of any such guarantees would not be a flagrant breach of the policy of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of Persia?

The decree in question has been so communicated. No special guarantees have been given, but the two Legations would, of course, use all their influence to see that a promise given through them was not violated.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any understanding with the Russian Government that before their troops advance beyond Kazvin the consent of the other party to the Anglo-Russian Convention should be obtained, and that their troops should not advance unless the lives and property of Europeans in Tehran are in imminent danger?

The Russian Government have explicitly declared that their troops will not advance to Tehran except for the protection of European lives and property against imminent danger. There is no other understanding between the two Governments.

Has the Secretary for Foreign Affairs received any information to-day about this question?

The information from this district is very confused, and it is very difficult to make any definite statement in regard to it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received no definite information to-day?

I have not received information which states definitely whether there is danger or not. I understand that telephonic communication is interrupted, and it is quite possible events have occurred of which we have not heard.

Is it not a fact that the Cossacks at Tehran are defending the market square?

I have already answered that question.

Are those Cossacks not ordinary Persian subjects?

I think that is understood.

I doubt it.

I wish to ask the right hon. Baronet whether he is aware that the demands formulated by the leaders of the Nationalist forces in the neighbourhood of Tehran are, in many respects, identical with those presented to the late Sultan of Turkey by the general of the Salonika troops, prior to his entry into Constantinople; and can he state the grounds upon which the representatives of Great Britain and Russia have informed the leaders of the Nationalist forces in Persia that, should they persist in their intention to enter Tehran, a Russian force would also enter that city?

I have no knowledge of any formal list of demands presented to the late Sultan at the time mentioned. The objects which the Salonika troops had in view appear to me to be dissimilar from those of the Bakhtiaris and Nationalists. The representatives of Great Britain and Russia made no intimation to the leaders of the Persian Nationalists respecting an entry into Tehran. It was stated to those who were threatening Tehran that the best way to avoid foreign intervention was to restore order and give the Constitution as now re-established a chance.

I understand that if order is maintained by the Nationalist forces, there will be no excuse for foreign intervention?

The hon. Member must give me notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to statements made on Russian authority to the effect that the Russian troops in Tabriz have disarmed the population of that city, including the Nationalist force; and will he inquire of His Majesty's Consul-General at Tabriz on this subject?

My information is to the effect that the commander of the Russian forces at Tabriz originally suggested disarmament, but that the Russian Government replied that only Russian subjects should be disarmed, and I see no reason to address a further inquiry to His Majesty's Consul-General at Tabriz on the subject.

I desire to ask the right hon. Baronet whether, with reference to the conditions of labour on the cocoa plantations at St. Thomé, Portuguese West Africa, any modifications or alterations have taken place in the manner in which such labour is recruited in Angola; and if he will state their nature?

I understand that new regulations respecting recruitment in Angola are being drawn up, and will shortly be published. From statements previously made in the Cortes it appears that the districts within which recruitment will be permitted will be limited very strictly. The new arrangements will be placed under the supervision and direct control of specially appointed officials, who will be responsible to the Governor-General of the Province. Full particulars of the number of labourers recruited, their place of origin, and a certificate that their contracts have been properly entered into will be periodically published in the official paper. In all cases of future engagements repatriation will be ensured whenever the native desires it, and in Angola measures will be introduced to protect repatriated natives and to facilitate, as far as possible, their return to their homes. I must add, further, that the Portuguese Government have decided that until the new regulations become effective no further recruitment will be permitted in Angola, which is evidence of their intention to prevent abuses.

With reference to repatriation, will the regulations ensure that those natives who have been sent to Angola and to St. Thorne will be allowed to return to their own country, and I would like to know whether they will be compelled to return?

I do not think people should be compelled to return against their will if they wish to stay. What is understood is that if they desire to come back there is an obligation to provide them facilities for doing so. The regulations which have been drawn up are shortly to be published, and then we shall have fuller information about them.

During the diplomatic conversations on this subject, has the Portugese representative ever alluded to the conditions of labour in British South Africa?

I am not aware that any such references have been made.

Then they have missed an opportunity.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the Nationalists have always protected the lives and property of Europeans and are prepared to continue to do so, the right hon. Gentleman will make representations to the Government of Russia that a large and growing body of public opinion in this country regards the Russian military expeditions into Persia as unnecessary to the safety of Europeans and hostile to the establishment of law and order under a permanent system of constitutional government?

It is no doubt the case that the Nationalist leaders are prepared to do their best to protect the lives and property of Europeans, but it is difficult to say whether they would under all circumstances be able to control all their followers or the consequences of disturbances. The advance of the Russian force to Kazvin is a measure of precaution which, it is to be hoped, it may prove unnecessary to follow up by any more active steps. The matter does not appear to me to be one as to which representations can properly or usefully be made to the Russian Government.

May I ask whether the Royalist leaders have also failed to protect the lives and property of Europeans, and whether the Foreign Office, in communicating with foreign Governments, recognises the hon. Member for Brentford (Dr. Rutherford) as representing a large and growing public opinion in this country?

asked whether the Persian Cossack force which was attacked by the Nationalist forces at Shahabad on 4th July tore to pieces the bodies of some of the attacking force who had fallen in battle; whether the Cossack force was under the command of Russian officers; and, in order to avoid reprisals upon the persons of these officers, involving the safety of Europeans in Persia, are the Russian Government taking any steps to withdraw from Persia the officers in question?

I hare seen a report to this effect, but I cannot say what the circumstances were. It has also been reported that the maintenance of control of the Russian officers over Persian Cossacks was doubtful.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether the magistrate of Midnapur, whose conduct was impugned by the Chief Justice of Bengal in his judgment on the Midnapur conspiracy case, has been appointed by the Government to assist the Commissioner of Burdwan in his inquiry into the facts of that case?

The suggestions made in the hon. Member's question are entirely without foundation. Mr. Weston, the magistrate referred to, has no authority whatever in the inquiry.

Does not Mr. Weston cross-examine the witnesses who are produced before the court?

I understand he has a perfect right to cross-examine witnesses in connection with his own conduct.

One other question——

Will the hon. Member kindly put the question down; it has evidently been prepared beforehand.

asked whether the judgment of the High Court, reversing on appeal the convictions and sentences in the Midnapur conspiracy case, has yet reached the India Office; and whether, having regard to the observations of the judge as to the methods adopted by the subordinates of the Indian Government, the enforcement of confessions, and the opinion that the bomb explosion was the work of the Indian police, that judgment will be laid before Parliament?

The Secretary of State has received a copy of the report of the judgment published in the Calcutta newspaper Press. The full text, having been so published and made accessible, the Secretary of State does not consider that its presentation to Parliament is called for.

asked whether house rent allowances have been sanctioned for gazetted officers, in Bombay similar to those which have been drawn for the last three years by officers in the like position in Calcutta?

The Secretary of State has not yet received any proposal from the Government of India for providing house accommodation or house rent allowances for Government officers stationed at Bombay.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he has any official information that Mr. Lajpat Rai, who was deported in 1907 without charge or trial by the Government of India for alleged sedition, has brought an action against the "Englishman" newspaper of Calcutta for libelling him by alleging that he had been guilty of sedition in that he had tampered with the loyalty of the Indian sepoys, and that Mr. Justice Fletcher, of the Calcutta High Court, after hearing the evidence of Mr. Lajpat Rai, held the statement to be a malicious libel upon him and awarded him damages to the amount of £l,000?

The Secretary of State has as yet received no official Report on the subject.

May I ask the hon. Member whether an appeal lies, and whether he has any information that an appeal has been presented?

I have no information to that effect.

Would it not be in the interests of justice, in view of the charge made on the floor of this House two years ago, that the truth should be declared here at the earliest possible moment, if that charge has been disproved and found utterly false by a judge of the High Court?

The Secretary of State has taken into consideration all these matters, and he has asked for a mailed Report of the proceedings.

When shall we be entitled to know the result?

asked whether the cases of the nine British subjects in Bengal who were deported and imprisoned without charge or trial in December last were reconsidered by the Government of India on 1st July; and, if so, would he state what decision was arrived at and the grounds for that decision?

The Secretary of State has no doubt that the provisions of the Regulation in this respect have been complied with, but he has received no communication on the subject from the Government of India. He will inquire.

May I ask a supplementary question?

The hon. Member has a great many questions to ask. Will he put them down.

asked whether the Indian Government will, in accordance with the precedent of the pension conferred on the widow of Earl Mayo, confer a pension on the widow of Sir Curzon Wyllie?

The precedents are under consideration, with a view to the best way of dealing with this most grievous case.

Will the hon. Gentleman represent to the Secretary of State (Lord Morley) and the Government the wisdom of providing this pension out of British and not out of Indian funds?

asked the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that Mr. G. R. Kenrick, a barrister of 16 years' standing, practising at the Outer Bar in England, without previous experience in India, has been appointed by the Secretary of State to the position of Advocate-General of Bengal, and thereby becomes chief law officer to the Bengal Government and official head of the Bar in India, with an official salary and precedence of other members of the Bar; what is the date of the last occasion on which an appointment was made from Home to this office; and whether, having regard to the fact that the Advocate-Generalship has been given for a generation to gentlemen practising at the Indian Bar of long experience of the making and administration of courts of law in India, he will state the reasons in this case of the departure from established practice?

The office of Advocate-General at Madras was filled by an appointment from this country in 1900. The appointment referred to in the question was made by the Crown on the recommendation of the Secretary of State, who is fully responsible. The Secretary of State does not consider it desirable to state the reasons for his recommendation.

I did not ask about Madras. I want to know the date the office of Advocate-General of Bengal was last filled by a gentleman of the Outer Bar of England, who had never been to India and knew nothing about Indian administration?

I will make inquiry.

Was not the last occasion in 1874?

Will the hon. Gentleman put that question down?

It is put down in the question.

I must really remind the hon. Member that there are 80 questions on the Paper. It is very easy to put these questions down if the hon. Member will give himself the trouble.

Of course, I will not press it further, but, with great respect, the question is put down.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether the Portuguese native labourers recruited for the Transvaal mines are confined in compounds?

also asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government, before authorising the Governor of the Transvaal to sign the Convention with the Governor of the Portuguese province of Mozambique, satisfied themselves that the conditions which led the Transvaal Ordinance, 1904, to be described as partaking of slavery would not become operative in the case of the Portuguese native labourers recruited under this Convention?

The Portuguese native will, when on the mines, live like other natives in a compound, and will require, like other natives, a pass when he wishes to leave the mine. He will not, however, be like the Chinaman, imported under special legislation and subjected to special restrictions, which place him, if he gets outside the Witwatersrand district, practically in the position of an outlaw. Before authorising Lord Selborne to sign the Convention His Majesty's Government satisfied themselves by telegraphic communication with him that no such objection existed.

How long will these natives be kept in compounds, except when they go out on special passes?

There is no difficulty about their going out whenever they want to. Their presence is not in the least unwelcome in the district in which they are situated, and there is therefore no diffi- culty. The point in the other case, of course, was that there was objection to their going outside, and there had to be a special police cordon to keep them in.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he can state the number of Chinese labourers still at work in the mines of the Transvaal; and when the next shipload is expected to leave South Africa on the return voyage to China?

There were 5,378 Chinese in the Transvaal on 30th June; 2,330 were discharged for repatriation in June, but I have no information as to the date of sailing.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state when the D 1 Submarine will be ready for service; and what was her speed on trial?

I regret that we have no information to give on this subject.

asked whether any more of the type of the D 1 submarine have been commenced; and can the right hon. Gentleman, without making any statements the publication of which would be detrimental to the public interest, give the House some idea of the efficiency and battle value of these craft?

I regret that I have no information to give on this subject.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the Navy Estimates for 1909–10, bearing the date 5th March, 1909, show that two submarines of the D class are under construction, and that the Dilke Return, in which are included ships building on 31st March, 1909, show that only one vessel of this class was under construction; and whether he will say what was the actual number of submarines of this class built, and building, for the fleet on the latter date?

The Navy Estimates are prepared some time in advance, and at the time of preparation it was estimated that D 2 would be ordered before the end of the financial year. This anticipation could not be realised. The Dilke Return was corrected up to the last moment, and was correct.

Does the right hon. Gentleman pledge himself to the accuracy of the Return?

Yes, at the moment it was made, it was quite accurate.

asked how many destroyers there are in the British, French, United States and German Navies with a trial speed of 30 knots or over?

The numbers are as follows:—

How many of these 07 English destroyers can maintain their speed now?

Given a limited distance and smooth water, and I should think the whole of them would. I should not think they would for a long distance.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean more than 100 yards?

Yes.

asked whether there is any intention of proceeding with the work of providing a coal depot at Turnchapel?

After full consideration, it has been decided that it is better for the rapid and economical handling of coal to place the depot at the Keyham North Yard instead of at Turnchapel.

Does the right hon. Gentleman feel at liberty to say to what purpose this land and wharf which have been acquired by the Admiralty are intended to be devoted, and whether considerable expenditure had not already been incurred upon this coal wharf before the reversal of policy?

I could not say how much expenditure, but certainly some, was incurred. I do not myself know for what purpose the land was to be used, but I will inquire.

asked whether there is any intention to reduce the strength of the Royal Marines below the number at which they now stand?

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Handsworth on 6th July.

Is it the fact that this reply indicates that the right hon. Gentleman has not finally made up his mind?

The number of Marines is fixed to meet the requirements of the time. The policy is stated every year when the Estimates are introduced.

Has there been no alteration since the Estimates?

None.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he would issue instructions that patients treated in the sick bays for injuries received while coaling should be separately shown in the Returns?

The entries on the sick list of His Majesty's ships on account of injury are already divided and sub-divided into various classes, and I do not think that the benefit to be derived from a special Return for coaling injuries would justify giving up the existing forms and making a further sub-division.

In view of the fact that within the last twelve months there were six fatal injuries and a large number of minor injuries from coaling, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain what the injuries are? It is a very important matter.

I will inquire further into the matter.

asked whether the special service seamen and stokers serving in His Majesty's Fleet are distributed over the whole of the commissioned fleets, or whether they are confined to certain fleets; if the latter is the case, to what fleets are they confined; and what is the maximum proportion of special service seamen and stokers borne in any of His Majesty's ships?

Special service seamen and stokers are drafted to all fleets. With regard to the second part of the question, it is undesirable in the public interest to give information concerning the complements of His Majesty's ships.

Is the information refused because the special service seamen and stokers are less well trained than the ordinary seamen and stokers?

No, Sir, there is no such reason.

asked what depth of water is required for the station of a floating dock capable of containing ships of the "Dreadnought" class.

About 60 feet of water under the dock.

Would not a large amount of dredging be necessary for these floating docks on the East Coast?

It depends on the particular spots chosen.

Are there any harbours on the East Coast where it is possible to find the necessary depth?

Yes, there are certain places in which there is a depth of 60 ft. of water available for such docks.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a communication from the Town Clerk of the Borough of Stoke-upon-Trent relative to the defective telegraph arrangements for that district; and, if so, what action dose he propose to take to remove this grievance.

I have received a communication from the Town Clerk, but I see no reason to think that the telegraph arrangements are defective, so far as the Post Office is concerned. It was the practice, after the closing of the post office at Stoke-on-Trent, namely 10 p.m., to send urgent telegrams viâ Manchester to Stoke Railway Station for delivery by the North Staffordshire Railway Company. The company, however, finding that the number of such telegrams had diminished (the diminution was not due to any action on the part of the Post Office) decided three months ago to abandon the service, except as regards delivery within the station. There is no case for keeping the post office open all night for telegraph purposes, and, of course, I cannot compel the railway company to keep the station open for delivery.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he had now considered the memorial from the Association of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom in regard to the telephone service; and what steps he intended to take in the interests of users as to the conclusions in the memorial, that the antiquated and obsolete plant of the National Telephone Company was a serious barrier to the efficiency of the service, that the National Telephone Company should be compelled to incur the necessary expenditure of capital to ensure a more efficient service between now and 31st December, 1911, and that the new measured rate is-exorbitant and beyond what is a necessary charge for services rendered to the subscriber, and, consequently places a heavy burden upon the commercial community?

I carefully considered the memorial of the Association of Chambers of Commerce referred to in the question and sent a full reply on the 19th ultimo. I am forwarding a copy of the reply to the hon. Member.

Has the Government no power to compel the National Telephone Company to keep its service up-to-date?

I have no such power, but the condition of the plant when the question of purchase arises is a material one with regard to the amount to be paid for it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the National Telephone Company is now starving the system in various parts of the country? Is he prepared to let this go on until 1911?

Surely that is not the fact? If the company are doing so it will be very much to their detriment when the question of purchase arises. I am in negotiation with the company on the question of an earlier purchase.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the convenience of the community who use the National Telephone Company's service?

Yes, of course, and I said the other day it would be to the advantage of telephone users if the two or three years' interval could be bridged over by an earlier purchase. But it is not quite so easy a matter as appears on the face of it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the examination for second-class engineers in the Post Office, candidates are, after nomination by the university authorities, scrutinised for eligibility before being permitted to compete in the examination; what purpose the nomination serves if there is this subsequent personal scrutiny; and whether he will consider the desirability of allowing all candidates duly nominated by university authorities to compete?

Candidates nominated by university authorities are scrutinised for eligibility by a Board of selection before admission to the competition for engineering appointments in the Post Office. The object of the scrutiny is to bring to bear on the selection of candidates a more exact knowledge of the nature of the work, and the qualifications necessary for performing it successfully, than can be possessed outside the Post Office. It is within the knowledge of all candidates that such a scrutiny will take place.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he could see his way to publish a Return showing the number of complaints made in the London area by telephone users as to the difficulty in obtaining communication with the exchange, as to the difficulty in obtaining the number asked for, as to the difficulty of obtaining quick communication with the telegraph office, and as to the number of complaints which have been investigated and what occasioned them; and what action has been taken to render the service more efficient?

I shall be happy to furnish the hon. Member with any available information he desires as to the working of the Post Office London telephone service or to give him facilities for personal investigation at the exchanges. The number of complaints is small in relation to the volume of traffic; but they are all carefully examined, and any defects in the service thus brought to light are made good. The subject could not be satisfactorily dealt with in a printed statistical Return.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the resolution of the Lower House of Convocation to omit the existing rubric from the Quicunque Vult of the Athanasian Creed; and whether, before such resolution becomes effective, an opportunity will be afforded to Parliament to consider and ratify the same?

Ratification by Parliament would be required before effect could be given to the proposal referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the officials of the Post Office, in the case of a removal, or a substitution, or alteration to the telephone, insist upon subscribers signing a paper, yet refuse to state what the cost may be for such removal, alteration, or substitution; and whether this is done with his sanction?

Subscribers to the Post Office Telephone Service are required to sign an undertaking to pay the cost of removing their telephones. The simple cases of removal, which include about 70 per cent, of the whole, are covered by standard charges, which are always quoted to the subscribers when they are asked to sign the undertakings. In other cases, where estimates of the cost of the work have to be obtained, the information is always given if required by the subscribers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the officials give the information when desired, where the standard rate of charges is concerned?

The standard charges are always quoted to subscribers. It is only in special cases they are not, but if a subscriber asks for them the information is always given where possible.

My information is that it is not so.

If the hon. Member will give me a case I will have inquiry made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will print for the use of subscribers and users of the telephone a list of the exchanges in London and the exchanges in the vicinity of London, showing the areas which each exchange covers?

A list of the kind which the hon. Member desires is already printed at page iv. of the Post Office edition of the current London Telephone Directory.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent proceedings in the Court of Chancery in the matter of the One and All Assurance Association, in the course of which it was stated that 200,000 persons had subscribed a total sum of £58,000; that the benefits paid out amounted to £17,030 only, that the association had suspended payment of benefits, and that on the appointment of a receiver by the court no assets but furniture and printed matter were found; whether he was aware of the fact that the association was not registered as a friendly society, and that similar organisations also not so registered had subsequently been established, and were inviting contributions from the operative classes; and whether he will propose the incorporation in the Assurance Companies Bill of such machinery as will effectually regulate organisations of this class, or will take such other steps as may be best calculated to protect the industrial population from unsound schemes of insurance?

My attention has been called to the case of the One and All Assurance Association, and to the proceedings in the Court of Chancery. I am advised that the provisions of the Assurance Companies Bill as drafted will deal effectually with associations of this kind, but if any doubt is felt on this point I will readily consider any representations which my hon. Friend may make to the Board of Trade on the subject. I should add, however, that there is very little chance of this Bill passing into law this Session unless there is a general wish on the part of the House to facilitate its progress.

asked whether the Departmental Committee recently appointed by him to consider matters relating to railway agreements and amalgamation will sit in public; how often they propose to sit; and whether they have arranged for a full shorthand note of the proceedings at each sitting to be taken and to be placed on sale immediately thereafter.

I understand that the Committee propose to meet about twice a week, but not in public. I have no doubt that they will follow the usual practice of having a full shorthand note taken of evidence, and I will ask them to inform my hon. Friend of any decision at which they may arrive with regard to the publication of the minutes of evidence.

Is there anybody on this Committee who in any way represents Irish railway employés?

That does not arise on the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Trattles, of Stockton, who passed for first mate in colour tests, as well as for other qualifications, in 1906, and who received the examiner's authority for the delivery of a first mate's certificate, but who afterwards received a letter stating that his examination had been cancelled as he had failed to pass a special colour examination in 1905; whether he is aware that since such time he had been at sea as second mate, giving entire satisfaction to the owners and also the captain of the vessel; that the Board of Trade is now demanding the return of Mr. Trattles' second mate's ticket; and, if so, whether he will give the matter full consideration before adopting any such measures?

My attention has been called to the case of Mr. Trattles and the facts are as stated. The examiners' authority is "subject to the approval of the Chief Examiner in London and of the Board of Trade." In the interests of safety at sea that approval was withheld. I have reason to believe that the owners and the master of the ship on which Mr. Trattles has since sailed have expressed their Satisfaction with his services. In view of his failure to pass a special examination in colour vision on 28th May last the Board of Trade have decided that they I cannot take the responsibility of allowing him to hold a second mate's certificate, and have, therefore, requested him to surrender it. This decision has been arrived at after the most careful consideration and on the best advice obtainable.

How was it this man did not receive his certificate?

A very careful examination is made. The examination has to be ratified by the superior authority from time to time, and it happens that, on the second trial by that superior authority, they took the view that the first examination did not have satisfactory results, and that they could not accept the responsibility of giving a certificate which might lead to loss of life.

May I take it as a fact that candidates are subject to a second examination with regard to vision before they receive a certificate?

:In any instance where the necessity for a second examination exists in the opinion of the authorities a special examination is held, and this is one of those cases.

How did it come about that this second examination took place, inasmuch as this man had given entire satisfaction to the ship's captain and the owners under whom he served?

I do not think the regular procedure was departed from in any way.

How came it about that the demand for the second examination was insisted upon, and on what authority was it made?

The process of colour examination is a very extensive and regular process, carried on on a large scale, and I am not aware of any special demand for a second examination, but I will inquire how it was. I have reason to believe that a perfectly regular course has been followed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if advantage will be taken of the presence in this country of representatives of the Colonies concerned to discuss the question of the All-Red Route, or is that project to be considered to have been definitely abandoned by the Government?

I hardly think that the matter referred to comes within the scope of the Conference about to be held with representatives of the Self-Governing Dominions which is solely concerned with questions of defence, but perhaps some opportunity for informal discussion may occur.

Arising out of that apparently satisfactory reply, can the right hon. Gentleman tell us, what is the real cause which has caused this immense delay?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the public elementary school at Eye, in the county of the Soke of Peterborough, was closed on Thursday and Friday, 24th and 25th June, without the consent of the managers or of the local education authority; whether seven days' notice of this closure was given to His Majesty's inspector, as directed by Article 56 of the Code of Regulations for Elementary Schools; and, if not, whether he will, as provided by the article, make a substantial deduction from the annual grant, in order that the scholars and parents may be protected from similar treatment in the future?

Inquiry is being made, the result of which will be communicated to the hon. Member.