asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that at the recent International Congress of Nurses, held in London, it was shown that many of the leading European and United States Governments have passed legislation for the registration of nurses; and whether, in view of the fact that the majority of nurses and the volume of medical opinion in Great Britain and Ireland are in favour of similar legislation in the three Kingdoms, the Government will introduce a Bill on the subject?

further asked whether the Irish Committee of the British Medical Association, at their recent meeting in Belfast, passed a resolution that the Irish Committee of the British Medical Association approves of the principle of State registration of nurses with certain provisions; and whether, in view of this professional opinion, the Government will take measures to carry it into effect?

I can only repeat what I have said on a previous occasion with regard to the question of the State registration of nurses, that His Majesty's Government will consider any representations that may be made to them on the subject. As the hon. Member is aware, however, there is considerable diversity of opinion on this question amongst those qualified to judge; and in these circumstances I cannot give any undertaking to introduce legislation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the tax on petrol has been collected from importers and manufacturers up to the present, and, if so, from what date; and can he say approximately the number of gallons on which duty has been paid?

Imported motor spirit has been liable to duty since 30th April, 1909, and home-made motor spirit since 1st June, 1909. The approximate quantity delivered, duty paid, to 30th June inclusive (the latest date up to which quantity accounts are available) was 3,624,000 gallons.

asked whether the purport of Clause 50, Sub-section (1), of the Finance Bill is to exclude missionaries sent abroad by churches and religious societies from exemption, abatement, or relief under the Income Tax Acts; and, if so, whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer will consider the desirability of proposing to amend the Bill in this respect?

I must refer my lion. Friend to the reply on this subject given on my behalf by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on the 21st ult to my hon. Friend the Member for Elgin Burghs.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what has been the increase in the gross Civil Service expenditure since 1904–5 as compared with the Estimates for 1909–10, and what has been the corresponding increase or decrease of gross naval expenditure?

The gross total of the original Estimates for Civil Services, 1909–10, shows an increase as compared with that for 1904–5 of £12,202,362. The corresponding figures for the Navy Estimates show a decrease of £1,544,848. These figures, of course, take no account of Supplementary Estimates, savings in expenditure as compared with Estimate, or expenditure chargeable otherwise than to Votes.

asked whether it would be possible to allow to sub-inspectors of the Board of Education some gratuity or allowance in addition to their pensions on retirement, seeing that they have given pensionable service as certificated teachers for some years before appointment to the Civil Service, and that, owing to the conditions of their appointment it is in every case impossible for them to earn a full pension?

There is no power to count towards any award of gratuity or pension under the Superannuation Acts service such as that of a certificated teacher not paid out of Votes of Parliament.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what action is contemplated in regard to the 14 vacancies of examining officers, second class, now existing; and, in view of the fact that the Customs Establishment Code, paragraph 286, states that assistants are to be promoted as vacancies occur, what compensation is to be made to the 31 assistants who would, in the ordinary way, have been promoted?

Certain rearrangements of staff, consequent upon amalgamation, which are under consideration may render it unnecessary to fill the 14 vacancies referred to. As duly qualified assistants of Customs are placed on the scale of salary of examining officers, second class after eight years' service, if not previously promoted, it does not appear that any question of compensation arises.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of times since 1st January last that mails intended for the county of Caithness have arrived late at Perth, and the average, in minutes, of such delays?

also asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the statement that the lateness in the delivery of the mails for the county of Caithness is partially due to the late arrival at Perth of the mail trains from the South, he will make representations to the railway companies responsible for such delays with the view of securing punctuality?

The information desired by the hon. Member shall be obtained and communicated to him. The working of the mail trains to Perth and the North of Scotland is closely watched, and representations are at once made to the railway companies in cases of unsatisfactory working.

asked the Postmaster-General on what grounds William Mitchell, a telegraph mesenger at Antrim, was passed over, and the appointment of auxiliary postman at Muckamore given to a lad who had had no previous Post Office experience; and whether it is a rule of the Post Office that where possible such positions as that of auxiliary postman shall be filled from the ranks of telegraph messengers in preference to outsiders?

The situation referred to is a small part-time duty which carries with it no claim to advancement in the Post Office service, and it was considered advisable to select a suitable local candidate who has other employment rather than W. Mitchell, an ex-messenger at Antrim, who would have been entirely dependent on the wages attached to the post. Preference is not given to telegraph messengers in filling these small posts, as, in their own interests, it is better for them not to take such posts unless they are in a position to supplement their earnings by employment outside the Post Office.

asked when an examination for postal clerkships (supplementary establishment) is likely to be held?

There is at present no occasion for holding such an examination.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that in connection with the postal telegraph service of Sutherland 10 men were recently paid off, two of whom were entitled to their holidays; that there was an abundance of work; and that men were brought from Carlisle, Darlington, and Newcastle to take their places; and, if so, and in view of the number of unemployed in the town, whether he will consider the possibility of arranging for these men being retained in the service?

The Northern Engineering District is necessarily treated as a whole, and Sutherland only forms a small portion of the district. The decrease in the amount of trunk and other engineering has lately, unfortunately, necessitated the discharge of a number of men in the district. Care was taken to discharge first the less skilled labourers and, as far as practicable, those with the least period of service. I regret that work cannot at present be found for the men discharged. The oversight in respect to annual leave has been rectified.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the firm of Messrs. W. G. Clarke and Son are contractors for the War Office; if so, whether he is aware that a great deal of overtime is being worked by the firm's employés, youths under 18 years of age, receiving low wages, included; and if he will make inquiries as to whether the Fair Wages Clause is being observed?

This firm holds no order from the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of recruits secured by the Seaforth Highlanders during the recent route march of a contingent of that regiment through the county of Caithness?

The march in question was purely a training march in connection with battalion training, and was not a recruiting march. Incidentially two recruits were enlisted during the march.

asked what is the nature of the very special circumstances within the meaning of Article 472, Royal Warrant for Pay and Promotion, under which Colonel R. M. Ireland, C.M.G., Army Pay Department. Chief Accountant at Headquarters, is retained on the active list; and how long is the emergency referred to in Articles 92 and 472, Royal Warrant, expected to continue?

Thin officer is in charge of the branch dealing with the personnel of the Army Pay Department, the Army Pay Corps and the Army Accounts Department. The special circumstances are a contemplated reorganisation of the Department, during which it is essential to maintain continuity in this appointment. It is not possible to say when the changes will be completely effected, but it is hoped that the emergency will have ceased within a couple of years.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware of the prevalence of the disease of epizootic abortion in cattle in Ireland; whether a preliminary report has recently been issued with reference to the disease by a committee appointed by the Board of Agriculture in England; and whether he will direct that copies of the Report should be circulated by his Department in Ireland?

The Department are aware that epizootic abortion in cattle exists in Ireland, and also that a preliminary Report with reference to this disease has been issued by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. The revision of the leaflet issued by the Department regarding abortion in cattle is under consideration, and the question of bringing under the notice of Irish farmers points raised in the Report is engaging attention.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that at the recent Technical Congress held at Galway a resolution was passed asking that the Treasury should provide a grant for the building of technical schools in Ireland; and whether he will advise that this money should be at once provided in order that technical education may be adequately equipped in Ireland?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for North Cork on 5th July last.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Ballyheigue Pension Committee granted pensions of 5s. each to Thomas Dowling and his wife, Julia Dowling, of Ardrahan, Ardfert, county Kerry, on 30th March, 1909, and that the pension officer appealed against the decision of the sub-committee; and will he say on what grounds the Local Government Board decided that Thomas Dowling and his wife, Julia Dowling, were not entitled to receive an old age pension of 5s. each, seeing that both people are over 70 years and have no means of their own?

I understand that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question. The Local Government Board allowed the appeal of the pension officer on the ground that Thomas Dowling deprived himself of means which would have prevented himself and his wife from receiving a pension if he had retained them.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the outbreak of enteric fever in the Tarbert district during the summer and autumn months of last year, resulting in the loss of seven lives and suffering to about 20 more; whether he is aware that Professor McWeeney stated in his report on the specimens of the water forwarded to him for bacteriological examination that the water was quite unfit for use and dangerous to health, being highly charged with sewage germs, and that, notwithstanding his report, neither the local sanitary authority nor the Local Government Board have taken steps to provide a sufficient and pure supply of water to the district; and whether, in view of the danger of a fresh outbreak, he will move the Local Government Board to take effective measures to prevent a recurrence of this scourge?

I am informed by the Local Government Board that 19 cases of enteric fever occurred at Tarbert, several of which ended fatally. The outbreak was found, on investigation, to be due to separated creamery milk and not to water. The results of the examination of the Tarbert water supply were conflicting, but the report by the bacteriologist, Dr. McWeeney, on the most recent examination, was to the effect that he saw no reason for condemning the water. When the outbreak was reported to the Local Government Board, they at once urged the local sanitary authority to deal with the water supply, and the sanitary authority have now ordered that an additional supply of water should be provided for Tarbert and have appointed a committee to deal with the question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that John Whelton, of Rosscarbery, was rejected for receiving the old age pension, that he is over 70 years, and he has been all his life a hard-working man of excellent character; whether he has ever had any relief except on the doctor's recommendation; and whether full inquiries will be made into this case in view of securing for him a pension?

The Local Government Board allowed the appeal of the pension officer, as it had been shown that the claimant was disqualified by law through having received outdoor relief in cash. He also received medical assistance in food on the recommendation of the medical officer, as stated in the question, but this relief was not the cause of his disqualification.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that since a recent eviction in Skibbereen two policemen have been accompanying emergency men employed on the evicted farm to church; whether any threats have been used against the evicting landlord; whether Miss M'Carthy is popular in the town; and, if so, will the township be relieved of the taxation involved in the continuance of the police for this duty?

I am informed by the Constabulary authorities that the men referred to are constantly protected by two police, and that such protection is necessary. The police belong to the county force, and no charge will fall on the local rates for their services. I understand that Miss MacCarthy is personally popular, save with a few persons who sympathise with the evicted tenant.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners are aware that the tenant at present in occupation of the farms of John M'Graith and the representatives of the late Mr. Thomas Barry, of Knocklong, county Limerick, is Mr. Hatte, who is partner with Mr. Robert Sanders, land agent on the property; and, in view of the fact that Mr. Hatte has no binding tenancy, will the Commissioners take steps to restore the evicted tenants in their old holdings?

As I have already stated in reply to a question asked by the late Member for East Limerick on 10th December last, purchase agreements have been signed by Mr. Hatte as tenant in occupation of the holdings referred to. The question of the tenancies under which he holds the land will be inquired into by the Estates Commissioners when they are dealing with the estate.

asked the Chief Secretary what is the reason of the delay in carrying through the erection of labourers' cottages in Kilmallock district, county Limerick, although it is more than a year and a half since the inquiry has been held; and will steps be taken to have this scheme, which was put forward so long ago, carried through?

The hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that there has been any delay in carrying through the erection of labourers' cottages in Kilmallock rural district. On the contrary, the operations of this district council are larger than those of any other district council in Ireland. They have up to the present provided no less than 836 cottages for the labourers of their district. A further scheme has still to be carried out, and the loan in respect of it was sanctioned some months ago. The council are accepting tenders for these cottages from time to time, but it is obvious that with so large an amount of money already sunk in cottages they are right in proceeding with great caution.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received the report of his inspector, Mr. A. G. Drury, who, under his direction, held a local inquiry at Skipton, on Wednesday, 30th June, 1909, as to whether the order made by the county council of the West Riding of Yorkshire for the constitution of the urban district of Earby should be confirmed or not; and, if so, when he will make his award?

The report has been received, and is now under consideration. I hope to be in a position shortly to give a decision on the subject to which it relates.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the statistice on page 152 of Part I. of Judicial Statistics for 1907, from which it appears that in that year 1,052 persons were detained in prisons in England and Wales awaiting trial for between eight and 12 weeks, of whom 90 were acquitted; that 377 were so detained for between 12 and 16 weeks, of whom 43 were acquitted; that 57 were so detained above 16 weeks, of whom nine were acquitted; whether he will give the corresponding figures for 1908; and whether he can and will take any steps to secure that persons shall not be kept awaiting trial for such long terms?

I am aware of the figures which my hon. Friend correctly quotes. The following table gives the corresponding figures for the year 1908:—

Length of Detention.	Total awaiting Trial.	Acquitted.
8 to 12 weeks	1,368	153
12 to 16 weeks	471	53
Above 16 weeks	126	23

I have no power to interfere in the matter beyond urging magistrates to admit to bail in as many cases as possible. This I have done repeatedly, and I believe justices are generally ready to grant bail in all cases where it can be done without serious risk of defeating the ends of justice. It must be remembered that many even of those acquitted are old offenders, who would certainly disappear if released on bail.

asked how many persons are at present suffering imprisonment in England and Wales for contempt of court, together with the names of the judges who committed them, the duration of the terms of imprisonment in each case, the names of the persons imprisoned, and the charges upon which their imprisonment is based?

I do not think I should be justified in calling on the heavily-tasked prison officials to collect the particulars mentioned.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can give the number of accidents, fatal and non-fatal, reported to certifying surgeons in 1908 in the metal-founding, textile, and shipbuilding industries, and what percentage they show to the numbers employed in each case?

The numbers of accidents reported to certifying surgeons throughout the United Kingdom, during 1908, in the industries mentioned, are as follows:—

Industry.	Fatal.		Non-fatal.
	Cases.	Percentage of employés.	Cases.	Percentage of employés.
Metal-founding, etc.	96	·04	6,215	2·3
Textile	82	·01	6,344	0·6
Shipbuilding	116	·08	1,260	0·9

In metal-founding and shipbuilding the figures as to persons employed are for the year 1904, and for textile industries those for 1907, these being the latest available figures in each case.

further asked how many fatal and non-fatal accidents were reported by occupiers of iron foundries during each of the five years 1904–8; and whether it is possible to say what percentage of them was attributable to lack of proper lighting arrangements?

The statistics at my disposal do not distinguish the figures for iron foundries from those for metal foundries generally. The following table shows the number of fatal accidents and the number of non-fatal accidents reportable to the certifying surgeons in metal founding in each of the five years 1904–8:—

METAL FOUNDING.
		Fatal accidents.	Non-fatal accidents reportable to the certifying surgeons.
1904	…	108	3,922
1905	…	125	4,654
1906	…	118	5,520
1907	…	151	6,798
1908	…	96	6,215

It would require prolonged investigation to answer the last part of the question, but if the hon. Member has any facts in his possession tending to show that accidents result from the lack of proper lighting arrangements, I would suggest that he should bring them to the notice of the Committee on Factory Accidents now sitting, under the Chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Member for the Richmond Division of Yorkshire.