asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he could state whether the slave traffic on the Portuguese portion of the African coast has increased since His Majesty's ships were withdrawn from our waters in that region; and whether he has official information to the effect that whole villages are now devastated by the slave traffic?

We have no official information to that effect, but if the hon. and gallant Member will communicate any information he may have on the subject inquiry shall be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the useful work of the Gordon College at Khartoum, both in regard to the industrial development of the country and in regard to the bacteriological investigations conducted in the college, whereby the increasing dangers of malignant malaria may be counteracted, and also in view of the limitations placed upon this work by deficient financial resources, he can hold out any hope of increased assistance, either from Egypt or from the British Exchequer, whereby that work, hitherto largely dependent on private beneficence, may be carried on under more assured conditions?

I desire before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question to ask him whether the bacteriological experiments referred to in the hon. Member's question are not in fact conducted in the Wellcome Research Laboratories, equipped by a member of the firm of Burroughs and Wellcome; whether his attention has been called to the "Journal of Pathology" of March, 1906, giving an illustrated account of a series of very cruel experiments on dogs and monkeys by inoculating them with sleeping sickness, without thereby advancing the cause of knowledge or science by one jot or tittle; and whether, in view of the great and growing body of opinion hostile to such experiments, he will refrain from devoting public moneys to their promotion?

I have no information on the points raised in the supplementary question. I am sorry that there was not time to refer to this point when the hon. Member asked about it the other evening. The question of assistance from the Egyptian Exchequer is a matter for the decision of the Egyptian Government, but I may point out that Sir Eldon Gorst states in his Annual Repor ton Egypt that the expenditure on education has been increased, in the Budgets of the last few years, to the utmost extent which the resources of the country will allow. In the Soudan in particular there are many objects, absolutely necessary to the country, such as improvements of means of communication, which must be considered. With regard to assistance from the British Exchequer, although I am quite alive to the merits of the Gordon College, and much appreciate the value of its work, I fear there is no precedent for subsidising such educational establishments from the British Exchequer. Though I cannot hold out hopes of a grant of this nature, I can assure the hon. Member that it is the desire of His Majesty's Government that the work of the Gordon College should receive every support and encouragement that can be given as opportunity arises, either from public funds or private benevolence.

Has the Foreign Office any funds for purposes such as this?

Does the hon. Member mean an international fund? I am not aware there is any fund of that kind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information that it is the intention of the Government of Egypt to introduce a measure giving powers to the Executive to deport suspected persons without charge or trial; and, if so, whether he could state the grounds for such a measure and the conditions under which it is proposed to put it into operation?

A measure for dealing with a certain category of persons, who constitute a grave danger to public security, by placing them under police supervision has been promulgated by the Egyptian Government with the approval of the Legislative Council. The details of this measure and the reasons which have necessitated its adoption, cannot conveniently be explained in answer to a question, but His Majesty's Consul-General has sent home a full report on the subject which is at present under consideration.

Has the measure been submitted to the Legislative Council, and has it been approved by them?

Yes, Sir, it has passed through the Legislative Council.

The hon. Baronet did not say whether this measure included powers to deport suspected persons without charge or trial.

No, Sir, I do not think it includes powers to deport without charge or trial.

Has the right hon. Baronet any objection to submitting the report of the case for the proposed measure to the House, so that we can form some judgment upon it?

I have not yet time to consider it. There will be no difficulty in laying the Report on the Table.

I wish to ask whether the person suspected will be heard before a judicial tribunal before being deported?

I believe the best course will be to lay the Report on the Table.

asked whether a body of Indian troops has been sent to Shiraz; and, if so, at whose request and on what grounds?

A detachment of 50 men has been sent for the protection of foreign lives and property at Shiraz, their security being seriously threatened by the advance of the Kashgai on that town, from which the tribal levies have already expelled the new Governor's representative. The step was taken on the recommendation of the Consul, and the Minister at Tehran fully concurs in its necessity. I trust the new Persian Governor will soon be able to get the situation in hand, and enable the detachment to be withdrawn.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any official information that the Greek flag has been hoisted over the fortress at Canea, in Crete?

The answer is in the negative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to give to the House as to the course of events in Crete?

That is rather a large order for an answer to a question without notice. I have telegraphed for the information asked for in the question, and that is all I have.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commis- sioners have yet sanctioned the purchase scheme of the Rathcoole portion of the estate of Sir George Colthurst, baronet (near Banteer, county Cork); if so, can they explain why four sub-tenants—namely, John Buckley, Patrick Lane, and John O'Leary, of Laght, and William Coleman, of Bolomore—who signed agreements, have not received due notification of the purchase arrangements; and whether these sub-tenants are to be included in the sale?

I am informed by the Estates Commissioners that the holdings on this estate have been vested in the tenants. The portions of the holdings which were sub-let were not declared to be separate holdings for the purpose of the sale, and the occupiers continue to be sub-tenants to the purchasing tenants.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to show him that these sub-tenants actually signed their agreements, that the price was agreed between them and their immediate landlord, and can he say why the Commissioners have not dealt with these cases?

I have no information to that effect; in any case, it is within the discretion of the Estates Commissioners to decide whether they will sell to the subtenants or to the tenants direct.

Should not sub-tenants who are in occupation get a preference of purchase above the heads of the tenants, and was not that the intention of the Act of 1903?

No, Sir. The Act of 1903 left a discretion to the Estates Commissioners to deal directly with the subtenants, but there was no obligation upon them to take that course.

Will the right hon. Gentleman refer the matter to the Estates Commissioners?

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Estates Commissioners and tell them that in all cases tenants in occupation should have the right of preference to their holdings?

I will communicate with them, but I could not undertake to instruct them to do that.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the case against Mr. Eugene J. Robins, J.P., president of the South Westmeath Executive of the United Irish League, and chairman of the Athlone District Council, at Moate, county Westmeath, when he was bound to keep the peace for 12 months himself in £40 and two sureties of £20 each; whether he can state if the matter has been brought before the Lord Chancellor of Ireland; if so, can he state what action it is proposed to take in the matter; and whether, during the twelve months during which he is bound to the peace, he will be permitted to exercise the functions of a magistrate?

Mr. Robins who, as chairman of the Athlone No. 1 Rural District Council, was an ex-officio Justice of the Peace, was charged before a Court of Petty Sessions with unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct with intent to intimidate certain persons, and was ordered to give sureties to keep the peace. He refused to do so, and is now undergoing the alternative sentence of two calendar months' imprisonment. The attention of the Lord Chancellor having been called to the case, he deemed it his duty to supersede Mr. Robins from further acting as a Justice of the Peace.

May I ask whether attention has been drawn to the fact that in these cases there is no trial of the prisoner, and he is not allowed to bring forward evidence, and whether the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to justify the conduct of the Lord Chancellor in depriving a man of the Commission of the Peace who has been bound to the peace by removable agents of the Executive?

I am quite aware of the practice. Evidence cannot be called in these cases.

Why not?

Because the law has been so decided in the Court of King's Bench.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to justify the action of the Lord Chancellor in removing from the Commission of the Peace a man who has not been tried or heard in his own defence, and who has been bound to the peace by removable agents of the Executive Government?

I should not be prepared to criticise any action of the Lord Chancellor on that matter, but it is in his own B jurisdiction, and he has a right to remove any magistrate.

Who first directed his attention to this case?

I cannot say. It is natural his attention should be directed to any magistrate who has been brought before other magistrates and charged on sworn information with having been guilty of an offence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman was not permitted to call witnesses in his own defence, whereas in similar cases in England witnesses are called?

I am not aware of that. The law is different in the two countries.

May I ask whether there is any difference in Ireland between imprisonment in the first and s second division?

I do not think there is any difference between first and second-class prisoners in Ireland, but I think this is treated as a class of untried prisoners in Ireland.

In fact, first-class mis-demeanants?

Certainly.

Was Mr. Robins asked by the Lord Chancellor to make a statement before he was removed?

I have no information on the subject, but I am quite sure he was. I know it is the invariable practice of the Lord Chancellor to call for explanations.

Does Mr. Robins hold his commission as chairman of the local council, and is it not, under these circumstances, out of the power of the Lord Chancellor to deprive him of his commission?

Yes, he holds it for one year.

Were the other two magistrates before whom Mr. Robins was I brought two removable magistrates?

All the magistrates are removable magistrates.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will take any steps to provide suitable buildings for the purposes of technical education in Ireland?

As my right hon. Friend has already stated, in reply to questions on the same subject recently asked by the hon. Members for St. Patrick's Division and for North Cork, there is not at present any prospect of providing additional grants for the building of technical schools in Ireland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an absolute consensus of opinion in Ireland in favour of building these schools?

I know that, but it is a case of money.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Orangemen of Maguiresbridge, county Fermanagh, attempted on Sunday and Monday, 11th and 12th July, to erect arches across the public road, and between the residence of the Catholic priest and the Catholic church, under which the Catholic inhabitants going to and from their devotions would be compelled to pass, and that the Orangemen were only prevented from accomplishing their object by the forcible intervention of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether he is aware that two gentlemen holding the commission of the peace, Mr. Porter-Porter, O.L., of Rellish, and Mr. W. S. Henderson, of Maguiresbridge, gave directions to the local Orangemen, which were carried out, to display an Orange flag, supplied for the purpose by Mr. Henderson, in front of the Catholic priest's house at Maguiresbridge on that day, and that Mr. Maguire on that day headed an Orange band to the priest's door which was playing the Orange tune, "Kick the Pope"; whether he will take any steps to secure the Catholic people of Maguiresbridge protection from a repetition of such actions; and will he make representations to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, in reference to the retention in the commission of the peace of Mr. Henderson and Mr. Porter, regard being had to the fact that Mr. Porter had been dis- missed from the commission of the peace, to which he was restored on the recommendation of the Earl of Erne, the Lieutenant of the county, who is the Orange Grand Master?

I am informed by the constabulary authorities that no attempt was made by the Orangemen to erect arches on the 11th instant, but that on the 12th instant a banner was displayed across the street near the end of the village. I am told, however, that the Catholic inhabitants had not to pass under any arch going to or from their devotions. The police prevented the erection of an arch at the other end of the village near the priest's house, but a large red ensign was subsequently placed in a field nearly opposite the house. I have no knowledge of any directions given by any magistrates to the Orangemen, but one of the magistrates referred to, Mr. Porter-Porter, promised the police to use his influence to prevent an arch being erected at an unsuitable point. I am informed by the police that Mr. Henderson, the other magistrate named in the question, did not, as stated, supply a flag. I can obtain no information as to whether Mr. Maguire, referred to in the question, took any part in the proceedings. The police report that the band played on several occasions through the village, and that the tune mentioned in the question was included in its repertoire. One can only hope that time may allay the deplorable sectarian and political bitterness which leads to these displays in the North of Ireland. Meanwhile, the police will do their best to preserve the peace and protect, as far as is in their power, all peaceable persons from insult. The Government have no information as to the action of any of the magistrates mentioned in the question which would justify representations being made to the Lord Chancellor as to their conduct.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners received an application for reinstatement from the representative of the late Michael Russell, who was evicted by Lord Lansdowne from the lands of Coolraine North, liberties of Limerick; whether steps have been taken for the sale of this estate to the tenants; and whether before sanctioning the sale, the Estates Commissioners will make provision for the reinstatement of the evicted tenants?

The Estates Commissioners have received an application from Miss Maria Russell in respect of a holding on this estate at one time occupied by her father and now in the occupation of another tenant. The application has not been inquired into, as it was not lodged within the time prescribed by the Evicted Tenants Act. Proceedings for the sale of the estate were instituted under the Irish Land Act, 1903, in October last, and when the estate is being inspected inquiry will be made into Miss Russell's application.

asked whether, prior to the passing of the Evicted Tenants (Ireland) Act, 1907, negotiations for the purchase of the evicted farms on the O'Grady estate, Carrigaline, county Cork, were not successful owing to the excessive price demanded by the owner; what action have the Estates Commissioners taken since the passing of this Act; and when may the five evicted tenants, who originally held those farms, expect to be reinstated?

Applications have been received by the Estates Commissioners from five persons claiming reinstatement on holdings on the estate of the Misses S. and M. O'Grady. All the papers in connection with the estate are with an inspector with a view to enabling the Commissioners to furnish a preliminary estimate of price.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Report of the Viceregal Commission appointed to inquire into the flooding of the River Barrow and its tributaries, to the effect that in various parts of the river islands have been formed, that they have been planted with osiers by the Barrow Navigation Company, the result being a rapid enlargement of the obstructions by silt detritus arrested by roots and brandies of those plants, two notable instances of which occur at Carlow and Leighlin Bridge, where large islands so planted with osiers exist in the river immediately above the bridge, lessening the waterway and causing floods above them to rise to a greater height than they otherwise would; and whether he will take steps to compel the Barrow Navigation Company to remove the obstructions?

further asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Report of the Viceregal Commission appointed to inquire into the flooding of the River Barrow and its tributaries, referring to the Lower Barrow below the town of Carlow, that the river is obstructed by weirs erected for the purpose of navigation; there are instances, too, of wharves having been built into the river by private parties, one instance, at Mill Ford, of the mill-owner, for the purpose of enlarging his mill, having extended the building about 25 feet into the river and so permanently blocked up and rendered useless the eastern side of the bridge; and whether he will take steps to have the obstructions removed?

I will answer these two questions together. The attention of my right hon. Friend has been called to the statements referred to, which are contained in a Paper prepared by Mr. Richard Hassard, a member of the Castletown Commission of 1885. I am not aware that there is any power under the existing law to deal with such obstructions on the Barrow.

Is it the intention of the Government to introduce legislation with regard to arterial drainage in Ireland?

I am not aware of any such intention.

asked whether it has been usual for many years for the Protestants of Maguiresbridge, county Fermanagh, to erect arches and have band-playing in the town of Maguiresbridge on the 12th July, and that until last year or the year before there never was any objection to arches or band; and, seeing that the Catholics of county Fermanagh each year have indulged in band-playing and other amusements on their holiday, 15th August, without any disturbance or interruption, will he explain why the police on 12th July last prevented the erection of arches at Maguiresbridge, and caused bitterness of feeling between people who had never previously interfered with one another's bands or processions on the appropriate days?

I am aware that band-playing and the erection of arches on 12th July has long been the custom in Maguires- bridge. The police, acting under instructions issued in the interests of peace and good order, prevented the erection of an arch where its presence was calculated to be offensive and provocative. This action was intended, not to create, but to mitigate bitterness of feeling, and in the opinion of the Government it had the latter and not the former effect.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the conditions under which the Irish Parliament in 1791 granted a charter giving certain rights of navigation and other privileges over the River Barrow to the Barrow Navigation Company, now represented by the Grand Canal Company (Ireland), for the purpose of ascertaining whether the canal company had any legal right to create islands and plant osiers in the bed of the river; and whether obligations were imposed on the Barrow Navigation Company to keep the river dredged and free from obstruction?

The charter is of great length. It does not appear to contain any clause imposing an obligation to keep the river dredged. A power is given to cut canals at either or both sides of the river (which might have the effect of forming islands), and it gives certain rights in the soil and water, and the banks of the river. Any riparian owner who has been injured by the action of the company has, of course, his ordinary legal remedy by action, if the company have exceeded their rights under their charter or have caused any illegal obstruction to the flow of the water. The Government cannot undertake to protect private rights of this nature, but must leave it to individuals who assert that they are injured to enforce their rights in the ordinary way.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rights in this case are the rights of the public, and affect the public health, in a district covering 40,000 acres of land? Who is to take the initiative in compelling the Navigation Company to remove the obstruction?

The persons who are affected.

Will they be allowed to call evidence?

Certainly.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a copy of a resolution adopted by the Mountmellick (Queen's County) rural district council protesting against the action of the Local Government Board in issuing a revised scale which increases the legal charges in connection with The Labourers Act, 1906; whether the new scale increases the fees which solicitors voluntarily accepted; and whether he will have the Local Government Board scale withdrawn and leave to the local authorities the power of making whatever arrangements they deem best in the interests of the public?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to a question on the same subject asked by the hon. Member for the Ossory Division on the 26th instant. I may add that Rule 53 of the new Order expressly provides that a district council may, subject to the approval of the Local Government Board, arrange with a solicitor for the performance of all legal work in connection with an improvement scheme for a bulk sum, or for a fixed fee per cottage provided, or per plot acquired.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether his attention has been called to a paper read by Captain James, at the Bombay Medical Congress last October, in which it was stated that the attempts made at Mian Mir to extirpate malaria-bearing mosquitos had failed, and that malaria was on the increase, and to replies by Surgeon-General Hamilton, Colonel Barrow, and others; and whether, in view of the importance both to the white and native population of India of these experiments to extirpate malaria, the Government would see its way to undertake an impartial but authoritative inquiry into the Mian Mir experiment?

The proceedings of the Medical Congress held in Bombay in February last have not reached the Secretary of State, but he has seen a notice in the Bombay newspapers1 of a paper read by Captain James, recounting the results of an investigation into the health of the population of the Mian Mir cantonment. The Government of India will be consulted on the suggestion made by the hon. Member.

asked whether the Secretary of State for India will place in the Library a copy of Mr. Halli-day's Report on the administration of the police in Calcutta for last year?

The Secretary of State will cause a copy of the Report to be placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state the number of employés that are and have been for the past five years continuously employed in his Department, and who are still classified as temporary employés?

There are 22 persons who have been continually employed in the Treasury for five years or more, and are classed as "temporary" or "uncstablished." Of this number 10 are charwomen and eight are messengers in the Whips' Department.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is the intention of the Government that grocers and others who sell condensed milk in tins or cream in sealed jars should be compelled to be registered under the Milk and Dairies Bill?

I have received representations as to the exclusion of cases of this kind from registration under the Bill, and I am considering how the matter can best be dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a case in which an Italian street hawker named Saverio Geammargo, having been summoned before the magistrate at the Old Street Police Court on 7th July on a charge of obstruction, and professing himself unable to speak English and without means to pay for the services of an interpreter, the magistrate, Mr. Cluer, adjourned the summons sine die on the ground that the receiver would not allow him to grant certificates for interpreter's fees in such cases; and whether he will take steps to alter the condition of affairs under which an alien can act in contravention of the law and obtain immunity from the consequences of his offence by declaring that he does not understand English and is without means?

I had not previously heard of the case, and am making inquiries into it, which are not yet concluded. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that there is no such danger as he suggests at the end of the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any report of an explosion having occurred on the new dock works, Swansea, by which two lads were injured, one fatally; and, if so, can he give any facts as to the cause and circumstances of the accident?

I understand the question to refer to an accident which happened on the 10th April last to two boys named Robinson and Mayne. I have received a report from the Factory Inspector, who was present at the inquest, from which it appears that Robinson and other lads were playing on the dock premises with some loose carbide of calcium, which they had obtained from a hut on the premises. An explosion followed, and Robinson received injuries from which he subsequently died. The matter is not one in regard to which my Department has any power of control, but I understand the manager has promised to keep all loose carbide in future securely locked.

asked what number of accidents, fatal and otherwise, have occurred to workmen employed by the contractors during the widening of Blackfriars Bridge?

The accidents returned by the contractors as occurring to workmen engaged on the widening of Blackfriars Bridge in the years 1907, 1908 and 1909 have been as follows: fatal, 6; non-fatal, 33.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the cruelty involved in the trade in old and worn-out horses from this country to the Continent; and whether the police will prevent the embarkation of horses which are suffering pain and not in a fit state to stand the voyage?

Yes, Sir. The Board of Agriculture have by order prohibited the exportation of horses which for any reason cannot be shipped abroad without cruelty, and have made provisions for the proper treatment on board of those that are fit for exportation. This order is enforced by the officers of the Board of Agriculture and of the London County Council. The police, so far as their jurisdiction extends, and the officers of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals co-operate with these authorities, and are often successful in dealing with cases of cruelty before the horses reach the wharves. I am making inquiry as to whether any further steps can be taken to prevent contravention of the order.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly direct attention to the horrors which are enacted every day at Leith and Hull in connection with the trade to Antwerp in these poor animals?

I shall be glad to receive any information my hon. Friend can give me on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that representation has been made to the Board of Agriculture on more than one occasion requesting their assistance in obtaining powers for captains of vessels to slaughter horses on board ships, and that the Board have always refused either to take any steps or to grant facilities?

That question should be addressed to the Board of Agriculture. I am only concerned with police action. We do our best to prevent cruelty.

Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to obtaining admission to the docks for inspectors of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who are now refused admission by the dock companies, in order that they may see the horses before shipment?

I have no knowledge of that, but I will inquire.

Is it not the fact that these old horses, after going to Antwerp, generally return to this country in the shape of German sausage?

asked the Home Secretary whether any opportunity has been, or will be, afforded the women suffragettes punished for insubordination, including charges of biting and kicking officials in Holloway Prison, to lay their statement of the facts before him in person, or whether, in his replies to the questions put to him on the subject, he has been relying on ex, parte statements supplied to him by the officials?

No punishment was inflicted in Holloway Prison on the prisoners for kicking and biting the officers, as they were under punishment for other offences, and afterwards had to be re-leased on medical grounds; but proceedings are now about to be taken against two of them for the assaults, and these proceedings will give them an opportunity of stating their version of the facts en oath. Pending the decision of the judicial authorities, I can say nothing with regard to the matter.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the text of the Bill introduced into the Jersey States which lately secured a second reading, and will come up for third reading on 5th August; whether he is aware that the Catholics of the island have no representative in the States, and that the articles of the Bill dealing with religious instruction cannot be accepted by Catholics; whether in particular his attention has been drawn to Articles 10b, 14,16, 18, and 20, against which a protest has been lodged with the States; and whether, in view of the fact that the power of appointing teachers is taken entirely out of the hands of the managers of Catholic schools, that the so-called right of entry affords no safeguard for religious instruction, that teachers are bound down in their religious teaching to the reading and explanation of the Old and New Testaments, and that the result of the Bill, if passed into Law, will be to force all Catholic schools outside the national system and put them at the mercy of capricious inspectors, and if schools are then kept open they will be liable to a fine of £20 per day, he will state what facilities will be given by the Privy Council for the hearing of objections to the Bill?

I have not yet seen the Bill. If and when it passes the States it will be submitted for approval by the King in Council, and will be carefully considered, together with any Petitions against the Bill that may be received.

When the right hon. Gentleman says that the Privy Council will consider Petitions, will there be any opportunity for the Catholics of the island to be represented by counsel or otherwise before the Privy Council?

I think that question had better be put when the case arises. I cannot answer at the present moment.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any reason to believe that Harting, the Russian spy, is at present in London?

No, Sir.

Have the police of this country taken any means to ascertain whether Harting is in London, and have we any security that this police spy may not at the present moment be engaged in organising Terrorist outrages against the Czar on his approaching visit to England?

The police are perfectly competent to discharge their duty, and I am afraid I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any Report from the district inspector of Mines of a lad having been recently fined by the Longton magistrates for alleged sleeping in a mine; whether the lad is alleged to have been seriously injured as a result of so sleeping while on duty; and whether any other person was present at the time of the accident, and, if not, on what evidence the lad was convicted?

I have made inquiry of the district inspector, who informs me that the lad referred to, aged 17, who was employed as an attendant on a self-acting incline, went to sleep at half-past ten in the morning, lying across the rails. Another lad, seeing his dangerous position, attempted to drag him off the lines, but before he could get him clear an approaching tub ran over him, fracturing his thigh. The lad was subsequently prosecuted by the owners of the mine for being asleep while on duty in contravention of the special rules. As the question only appeared on the Paper yesterday, I have not been able to obtain any report of the evidence given at the hearing.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in the building of three torpedo boat destroyers by Messrs. Cammell, Laird, and Company, Birkenhead, there are employed 20 apprentices to 20 platers, and 24 apprentices to 24 rivetters; whether this proportion of boy labour is used with the consent of the Admiralty; and whether, in view of the unemployment at present prevailing, and also on the point of efficiency, he will take steps to have a larger proportion of adult labour employed, or what action does he intend to take in the matter?

Admiralty contracts do not stipulate anything as to the relative number of apprentices to fully-trained workmen. The contracts, however, insist on only the best workmanship being employed. Adequate arrangements are made to ensure that this condition is fully met. If not met at any time, immediate action would be taken with the firm.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the necessary steps to make inquiries as to whether the facts stated in the question are correct or otherwise?

The facts stated in the question, if correct, would not necessarily by themselves lead to any action on the part of the Admralty, as it is no part of the contract of the Admiralty with the contractors that they should or should not employ a certain number of apprentices.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Admiralty is paying for men-made torpedoes and they are getting boy-made torpedoes?

No; we stipulate for work of a certain quality, and we are, as I am informed, getting that at the present time. I will inquire further into the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of apprentices is limited in each organisation to a given number, according to the number of journeymen employed, and in this particular case the number of apprentices far outreaches the actual number that is allowed by any organisation having regard to trade union conditions?

Yes; I understand that what my hon. Friend has referred to is the trade union rule, but we can only act according to the terms of our own contract, and in that there is no stipulation that apprentices shall or shall not be employed.

Does not the Fair Wage Clause mean the recognised trade union conditions?

No; the Fair Wage Clause does not refer to trade union conditions; only to the rates of wages.

If you have apprentice boiler-makers or rivetters, you are having incompetent instead of competent workmen; I speak as one having four years' experience.

I am aware of the position, and I will make further inquiries; but the mere fact that apprentices are employed in what the hon. Member regards as excessive numbers does not constitute a breach of the contract.

Is it to be understood that, so far as the right hon. Gentleman is concerned, he cares not whether the work is done by apprentice or man labour?

I am not speaking of that at all. I am only stating as a fact what the contract is. It was made some time ago, and I am stating what the conditions of the contract are at the present time.

asked how many battleships, built or building, and displacing 15,000 tons or over, are there in the British, United States, German, and French navies?

I must refer the hon. Gentleman to the Dilke Return, in which he will find the information for which he asks.

Will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee the accuracy of the Dilke Return to-day, on 29th July; and, again, will he guarantee its accuracy even a day after it is published? I hope he will guarantee it. Does he guarantee it?

That hardly arises out of the question.

asked how many docks are there in the British Empire, German Empire, France, and the United States capable of holding a "Dreadnought," namely, having a length over all of 500 feet, a width at entrance of at least 82 feet, and a depth over the sill at ordinary spring tides of 27 feet.

The number of docks actually complete and capable of taking a "Dreadnought" at normal draught is, for the countries named, as follows:—

I did not ask the right hon. Gentleman a single word about normal draught.

I have pointed out to the hon. Member several times he is not entitled to comment upon an answer. One great advantage which a Minister has in this House is that when he makes an answer it must be accepted until the opportunity offers in Supply to comment upon it.

I can assure you, Sir, that the right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question.

The right hon. Gentleman answered it very fully.

May I make a remark, Sir? I did not ask anything about normal draught. That is not the point. I should like to ask him, has he 23 docks capable of admitting "Dreadnoughts" 500 ft. long, 82 ft. in width at the entrance, and with a depth of 27 ft. over the sills?

As I understand the answer, it is in the affirmative to the hon. Gentleman's question. That is the normal draught of the "Dreadnought."

asked what sum of money has been spent upon repairs to, and modifications of, the furnaces of the destroyers "Cossack," "Tartar," and "Mohawk," since they were first commissioned; and whether such repairs or modifications were due to the exclusive use of oil fuel?

The figures are:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the demand for gun mountings and the promise that the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, would be utilised for this work after consultation with the War Office, he can now inform the House as to the amount of such work placed at Woolwich in addition to that in the hands of the contractors?

The matter has been carefully considered, and it has been decided not to place orders for heavy gun mountings at present with the Royal Arsenal. Orders placed with Woolwich in connection with gun mountings allocated this year are 45 per cent, more than last year, and 30 per cent, more than in any of the preceding five years.

Are we to understand that the Admiralty do not intend to place any orders in their own Department, for which they have the capacity to manufacture heavy gun mountings, or are they always to be considered the perquisite of private firms?

I have not said that. I only say that at present we do not intend to place any orders at Woolwich for heavy gun mountings for which at the present time there is no adequate means of manufacture.

Will anyone lay plant down unless they get orders? We cannot lay plant down until you tell us to do it.

We are told that as soon as possible work will be given to the Arsenal, and what does that mean?

I did not mean that at any time, immediately or otherwise, heavy gun mountings would be built at Woolwich, but I have stated that there are orders placed with Woolwich in connection with gun mountings which are 45 per cent, more work than we did last year.

I will repeat the question later on.

asked under which Admiralty Vote and which sub-head will be included the expenditure necessary for the provision of free railway tickets and for other entertainment for Members of Parliament and their families on the occasion of the Naval Review?

The expenditure will be borne under sub-head Z of Vote 11, "Miscellaneous Payments and Allowances."

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us the precise expense of this delightful little book which everyone was given? It is an it inerary of the course, and a kind of a cross between a libretto and a funeral service?

Are we to understand that, in future, when we ask for money for the Navy, we are really voting money which can be used for our own entertainment?

No, I do not think the hon. Member can fairly ask me that question. The amount involved is so small— the whole cost is only £800—and it affords an opportunity for Members of both Houses of Parliament to see the British Fleet. I do not consider that in the interests either of the country or of the Government itself it is a bad thing for Members of Parliament to see the fleet.

Will the votes of all Members who were brought down to see the Fleet at the public expense be struck out when we come to the next Vote for shipbuilding?

I will answer that with an emphatic negative.

I do not think I heard the hon. Gentleman's answer correctly. Do I understand that Peers, too, are to have their travelling expenses paid?

Yes. The travelling expenses and the general arrangements were in a single contract.

Would it not have been cheaper to send Members of Parliament to visit the Fleet when it was in the Thames?

No. I think it would be quite impossible to have got a contract any cheaper than to send Members of both Houses to Portsmouth and to provide them with a lunch for £800.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Lords of the Treasury, purporting to act under a general authority, have sanctioned the expenditure by the Admiralty of money voted by Parliament for the service of the Navy in the provision of free railway tickets and other entertainment for Members of Parliament and their families; and whether he will make provision in future, by amendment of the Appropriation Act or by any other necessary means, that moneys voted by Parliament for the service of each Department shall be incapable of being used, with or without Treasury sanction, for the direct personal benefit of Members of Parliament, who themselves vote the supplies and are themselves trustees of the public purse?

The fact that Treasury sanction has been given for the expenditure in question in no way precludes the Comptroller and Auditor-General from reporting it to the House of Commons if, in his opinion, it has been incurred for a purpose other than that for which the grant was intended to provide. In the event of its being so reported it would be for the House to take such action as it might see fit. The terms of the Appropriation Act as they at present stand seem to me sufficiently to preclude the charge against the grants of any expenditure which cannot be shown to arise directly in connection with the administration of the respective Navy Services, and I do not think it would be either desirable or practicable to introduce into the Act such a stipulation as my hon. Friend suggests.

Irrespective of the amount of this expenditure, is it not a matter of most important public policy that Members of the Legislature should not be asked to vote sums for their direct private benefit?

I hardly think this falls within that category.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the representatives of an office created under Statute, when they attempt to entertain themselves at the expense of the public, are surcharged? Is there to be one rule for a corporation and another for the House of Commons?

I pointed out that the Comptroller and Auditor-General, if he thought the expenditure ultra vires, would say so, and report to the House.

In view of the intervention of the hon. Member for Donegal, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of withdrawing the return half of his ticket?

asked how many vessels of the Royal Navy have been permanently stationed in Harwich Harbour during the first six months of the present year, and how many have been in and out of the harbour during the same period?

The "Ganges" is the only vessel permanently stationed in Harwich Harbour. During the first half of the year, 80 vessels, excluding submarines, have been in and out.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, having regard to the constant use of Harwich Harbour made by vessels of the Royal Navy, and especially to the grounding of H.M.S. "Blenheim" at the entrance to the harbour on the morning of Saturday, 24th July, he will include in next year's Estimates a substantial grant towards deepening and widening the approaches to the harbour, which are at present kept open and improved mainly by port dues levied on merchant vessels, while no contribution whatever is made from the National Exchequer in respect of vessels of the Royal Navy?

The grounding of H.M.S. "Blenheim" was not due to any insufficiency of depth or width of channel. The present depths are sufficient for the requirements of His Majesty's ships visiting the harbour. The dredging is being carried out entirely in the interests of the mercantile marine. It is not of sufficient practical benefit to His Majesty's ships to place any obligation on the Admiralty to contribute towards the cost.

Is it not the fact that special moorings have to be laid down, and that a demand has been made in the last year or so for new ones, which have been granted, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Army is exempt from rates and taxes, and yet they make a grant in aid for buildings ashore?

In answer to the latter part of the question I believe the Army follows the same practice as the Navy in regard to buildings ashore. With regard to the first part of the question, I do not understand my hon. Friend to imply that the cost of the moorings is paid by the local authority, but by the Admiralty.

asked what rate of interest the contractors will be entitled to charge in respect of the preliminary outlay in connection with the preparations for the four new ships?

It is not customary for contractors to charge nor for anyone to pay any interest for such preliminary outlay as contractors may incur in preparing to execute orders.

Was no interest paid in this case?

No; no interest would ever be charged by any contractors, or rather no one would ever pay any interest.

Will they take it into account in the price they charge?

No; no one purchasing goods pays for any expenditure which the purveyor of the goods may have to make in order to provide himself with them.

asked what orders have been given by the Board for guns, gun-mountings, and other material in connection with the four new great ships of this year's building programme?

asked if any date has been settled upon which tenders for gun-mountings for the extra four ships shall be submitted for acceptance by the Admiralty?

For the two ships of June, 1909, orders for guns and mountings have been placed. For the two of November, 1909, orders for guns have been placed and tenders for mountings are under con- sideration. For the additional four new ships the tenders for guns and mountings will be considered in the course of the next few weeks.

Have tenders for gun-mountings of the four additional ships been asked for?

When we ask for a tender from any individual firm we ask for tenders for a larger number of mountings than perhaps the individual firm may get orders for.

Have the Admiralty now tenders for the gun-mountings for all the ships included in the programme of the year, including the additional ships?

We have received tenders for a sufficient number of gun-mountings, provided they were all of the same type, to cover the four existing ships, but I do not commit myself to the fact that these would be the tenders which would be accepted. We may make a variation.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the question of summoning an international conference to consider the question of aviation in view of the strides recently made in this science?

This matter is being very closely watched by the Government, and, as at present advised, I cannot see that any practical purpose would be served by summoning a conference such as the hon. Member suggests.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the evidence, adduced by the Crown at the recent trial of the prisoner Dinghra showed that the crime was the independent act of the prisoner alone, and in view of the widespread manifestations of horror against it by Indian subjects in this country the Government have any official knowledge that there has been an equally emphatic protest against the crime by the inhabitants of India?

The Secretary of State has received privately from four public bodies in India expressions of their abhorrence of this crime. Otherwise he has no knowledge beyond the numerous reports of meetings which have appeared in the newspapers.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether the statement found on Dinghra was not obviously based upon hostile misrepresentations of the Government of India contained in certain speeches and writings made and published in this country?

That does not arise out of the answer I gave.

asked whether a Royal Commission is to be appointed to consider the appointment of magistrates; whether the inquiry will include Ireland; and, if so, will Ireland be represented on the Commission?

No, Sir, I think not. The Royal Commission announced by the Lord Chancellor is intended to deal with the question of the appointment of magistrates in England, Scotland and Wales. I hope that the proceedings of the Commission, which has not yet been constituted, will not be of a prolonged character, and when the inquiry has been concluded the Government will be glad to consider whether a similar inquiry should be held in the case of Ireland, where, I may add, the conditions differ, to some extent, from those in Great Britain.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give an estimate of the aggregate sums already spent by contractors on equipment and machinery which are necessary for building the four extra ships to be laid down on 1st April, 1910?

The reply to the hon. Member's question is in the negative. The contractors do not furnish us with such information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if any and, if so, what expenditure will be incurred before 31st March, 1910, in preparations for laying down the hulls of the four additional battleships?

As tenders have not yet been invited for these ships, it is impossible to state what expenditure will be incurred.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say which of the railway companies involved in the recent collision near North Wall, Dublin, was found by the Board of Trade to be responsible for that collision and for the resulting injury to an employé?

The officer who held the inquiry into the cause of this accident formed the opinion that responsibility for it rested with certain employés of the Dublin and South-Eastern Railway Company. The Report of the inquiry will shortly be published.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he can state what information, if any, the Board have received since February with respect to the continued existence of cattle disease in Argentina; and whether, seeing that the outbreak was confined to one province, he will ascertain what steps have been taken by the Argentine Government to isolate the infected area and prevent the shipment of diseased animals?

We have received no in formation as to the occurrence of any out break of foot and mouth disease in Argentina later than last February. We are in communication with the Argentine Government with a view to obtain information of the nature suggested in the latter part of the question.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the frequent publication in leading newspapers in. London of letters and communications by a Mr. Krishna Varma, openly advocating assassination for political purposes; and, if so, whether he has considered the demoralising consequences likely to result both here and in India from the dissemination of such a pernicious doctrine by influential journals?

I think the leading newspapers who publish letters of the kind mentioned in this question are unintentionally giving aid, which is perhaps dangerously effective, to the propaganda of political murder, and come under the law as to seditious libel. I recognise, of course, that their motives are the reverse of criminal, but that is not in cases of this sort any defence in law, and does not lessen the mischievous results of such publications among those most likely to be influenced by them. It is earnestly hoped that in future they will refrain from what is undoubtedly an unlawful proceeding.

May I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman if it is a fact that this letter was published in "The Times" newspaper, and why do the Government mete out different treatment to "The Times" than to "Justice," which was seized the other day in Trafalgar Square, and, further, why they do not instruct the police to seize "The Times"?

The letter or publication which forms the subject-matter of the prosecution against the printer was not published in "The Times," and I do not think I ought to state why one differentiates between one offender and another in regard to criminal prosecutions. The question of motive and other special circumstances of that kind have to be taken into consideration as to whether or not a conviction would be likely to be obtained, and the only case in which under the circumstances a prosecution would be justified was a case in which it was undertaken.

This is a very serious matter. The hon. and learned Gentleman says that questions of motive have to be considered in deciding whether a criminal prosecution is to be instituted. The question I put to him is why the police seized a newspaper called "Justice" for a publication which was much less objectionable than the one which appeared in "The Times" directly inciting to assassination? I wish to know why the police are instructed by the Home Secretary to differentiate in the treatment of "The Times" and "Justice"?

That is not a question for the Attorney-General, but the Home Secretary.

I shall put a question to the Home Secretary on the Paper.