asked the right hon. Gentleman if apprentices at Admiralty dockyards are required to be vaccinated before being allowed to start work; whether such apprentices must also be revaccinated; whether in the event of vaccination causing serious indisposition, the apprentices receive full pay; and what provision in the regulations governing Admiralty servants permits the enforcement of this operation?

Candidates must produce certificates to the satisfaction of the medical officer that they have been re-vaccinated, or they must be re-vaccinated, and must have recovered from re-vaccination before they can be considered eligible for entry into a dockyard.

Are we to understand that a candidate before entering the dockyard is to be made ill, and then his application will be considered?

I do not agree with the allegations contained in the supposed facts put forward by my hon. Friend.

Supposing a lad injured his health as a result of vaccination, would he then be prevented from joining the Navy or the dockyard, as the case might be?

An apprentice must in any case have recovered from any indisposition caused by vaccination before he enters upon work in the dockyard.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether an apprentice is paid for the time during which he is ill?

He does not enter upon work in the dockyard until he has recovered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention had been called to the case of Elliott Kamwana, a native of Nyassaland, who was brought before the resident magistrate's court at Chinteche, Bandawe, on 18th March last; if so, will he say what was the charge there made, and were any witnesses called in support of that charge; and, if not, on what grounds was he committed to prison until 4th May?

The attention of the Secretary of State was called to this matter in June last. The charge against Elliott Kamwana was that his preaching was of such a wild and extravagant character that, it was likely to produce serious native complications; this was substantiated by sworn native and European evidence. It was not necessary to call any witnesses at the Governor's inquiry, since Kamwana admitted to the Governor that his teaching was of the nature which had been reported.

Am I to understand that this gentleman was put in goal for preaching?

No, Sir. He was detained under an Ordinance until inquiries were made into the nature of his speech. That inquiry was held and the result is as I have stated.

Where was he detained?

He was detained at the place where he was preaching. The Governor gave him the alternative of either stopping his preaching or going away.

Is it a fact that the preaching complained of referred to the Second Advent?

That was one of the things. Another was that there was to be no further taxation and that was considered to be wild and extravagant. Another statement was that the white population should disappear on a given day, and it was thought some excitable person might wish to hasten that event.

Was the statement that the abolition of taxation was to follow the Second Advent?

Very likely.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of the fact that in the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States, where the conditions are very similar to those in Hong Kong, the opium farms are being abolished on the unanimous recommendation of the Straits Opium Commission and to prevent a system from being stereotyped for three years which may hamper the Government in its efforts to assist China, the Secretary of State will take steps to prevent any new opium farm contract being entered into at Hong Kong?

No, Sir; experience has shown that the farm system is that best suited to the circumstances of Hong Kong, and His Majesty's Government are satisfied that its existence will in no way hamper the Government in its efforts to assist China. An Ordinance recently passed as No. 16 of 1909, has considerably extended the Government's power of control over the opium farmer's proceedings. My hon. Friend will find a copy of this Ordinance in the Library of the House.

Will the hon. Gentleman state if the policy of His Majesty's Government is different to that of the Chinese Government, which is the suppression of the use of opium?

Oh, no. We hope to co-operate with the Chinese Government in every possible manner in stopping the consumption of opium.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has any information regarding further developments of the project commonly known as the Baghdad Railway to communicate to the House?

I have no information to communicate to the House at present in regard to further developments of the Baghdad Railway.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any proposal has been received from the American Government for a conference at the Hague on the opium question; and, if so, what reply has been sent?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will say how many agricultural tenants in South Tyrone have not yet purchased their holdings; how many of these have, since the second reading of the Irish Land Bill, expressed their willingness to purchase at higher prices and a higher rate of interest than their neighbours who have purchased are paying; and when and in what manner did they so express themselves?

The Department have no information as to the several points raised in the hon. Member's question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman meet me at a public meeting on this subject in Dungannon?

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether the delay in proceeding with the work of extension of the pier at Buncrana, county Donegal, is due to the delay of that Department in furnishing certain plans to the Board of Trade as requested; and, if so, what action he proposes to take to expedite the matter?

No avoidable delay has occurred. The Board of Trade have before them an application for conveyance of certain portions of the sea bed of which it is desirable that the Donegal County Council should be in possession in connection with the proposed enlargement of the pier at Buncrana. The quotations received by the Department for the supply of the materials that will be required in carrying out the works were such as to render it essential that alternative proposals for the expenditure of the available funds should be considered by the local authorities, with whom the Department are communicating.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in his promised Police Bill, he will add a Clause to amend Sub-section (2) of Clause 2, Part I., of the Police Act, 1890, so as to make the granting of a gratuity to the widow and children of a constable dying from any cause other than an injury received in the execution of his duty compulsory on the police authority?

If the hon. Member wishes to make the grant of an annuity compulsory in the circumstances he mentions, this would be a large proposal, which would throw a heavy charge on local authorities, and would be of a controversial character. But if he intended to refer to the grant of a gratuity, not an annuity, his proposal is one with which I have much sympathy; but I am afraid that at this late period of the Session I could not give any pledge to deal with it in the Bill.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been cases where the police authorities have refused to give gratuities to widows.

Yes, Sir, and I have great sympathy with such cases.

Would the right hon. Gentleman accept an Amendment to his Bill in this direction if I move it.

I am afraid it is not possible to give any promise to deal with that at this late period of the Session.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that policemen killed in the execution of their duty should be treated less generously than workmen who are killed are treated under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

I agree they should not be treated less generously.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention had been drawn to the recent examination held at Leeds on 16th June last, preliminary to appointments being made to the service in Sheffield, Leeds, and Bradford, when 50 young girls journeyed from Sheffield at an average cost (including stamp fee) of 11s. 6d. each; that only two appointments were made, though 42 out of the 50 passed, and whether those who passed will now have to await another official notification that vacancies will be filled, or undergo another examination and incur fresh expenses; and whether he will arrange in future that such examinations be held in Sheffield for local candidates, and that the stamp fee and expenses be returned to those candidates who have passed the examination but have not been successful in procuring appointments?

The arrangements for the examinations in question are made by the Civil Service Commissioners. I am informed by them that at the recent examination Leeds was selected as a centre for reasons of convenience and public economy. The Commissioners state further that the arrangements must depend on the circumstances of each competition, but that they would be willing to consider whether large towns such as Sheffield should be made examination centres for similar competitions in future. It commonly happens that there is a large number of unsuccessful candidates in competitions, and there is no ground upon which the fees and expenses of such candidates could be returned. It cannot be stated at present whether or not it may be practicable to offer appointments to one or two of the unsuccessful candidates in the competition, but, failing such offer, they will have to compete in another competition if they desire appointment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that examinations in former years were held in Sheffield?

That is so. The Civil Service Commissioners have control of these matters, and they assure me, as I have stated in my answer, that they will consider the case of Sheffield.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the disease known as black scab in potatoes prevails extensively in certain districts in England; and, if so, whether any, and what, steps have been taken by the Board of Agriculture for the stamping out of this disease or for preventing it spreading to other districts?

Yes, I regret to say that this disease is prevalent in many parts of England, chiefly in allotment and cottage gardens. No remedy for it has as yet been discovered, but experiments are being carried out by the Board and several agricultural colleges in the hope of finding one. A leaflet on the subject has been issued by the Board and widely distributed.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware there are many gardens with not a single edible potato and that the disease is spreading from the gardens to the fields?

I am not aware of that.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether any system is followed by the Director-General of the Ordnance Survey in granting promotion and increase of pay to the civil employés in the Ordnance Survey Office; if any system is followed; whether he will publish details of that system; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of giving the Civil servants referred to some information as to the improvement in the conditions of their employment, which in the ordinary course they may expect?

The system followed by the Director-General of the Ordnance Survey in granting promotion and increase of pay is set out under the heading "Promotion" on pages 9 to 11 of the Report of the Departmental Committee of 1891 [C.6692]. We should be happy to bring up to date the information given as to the Rates of Pay in the Appendices to that Report if it is so desired.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Messrs. Spratt Brothers, a branch of Houghton's, Limited, Clifford-road, Walthamstow, are contractors to His Majesty's Government, and are employing cabinetmakers at rates of wages ranging from 6d. per hour to 8½d. per hour, as against the trade union wage of 10½d. per hour for the class of work required, and are working their employés 55 hours per week, which is five hours per week beyond those current in London and district; whether he is aware that similar terms apply to the wood-working machinists and French polishers in the employ of this firm; and whether, in view of the terms of the Fair Wage Clause, steps will be taken to refuse tenders from firms who do not fully comply with the terms of the Clause?

If the hon. Member will furnish me with further particulars on the subject of his complaint, I will cause full inquiry to be made. I have not as yet been able to identify the contract to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the giving of instruction in singing and other subjects to children in Kirriemuir by a teacher suffering from tuberculosis; and whether, in view of the danger of tuberculosis being communicated to the children, the Scottish Education Department is prepared to take any action in the matter?

The Department have no official knowledge of the circumstances referred to, but in any case the matter is one which is entirely within the province of the school board to deal with either on their own motion or at the instance of the public health authority of the district.

In view of the very great danger to the children concerned, is it not possible for the Scotch Office to take some steps in the matter?

No, I think not.

asked the Attorney-General whether public practices of questionable legality preceding Parliamentary elections are not examined by or on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Attorney-General unless brought under their notice by a person affected; whether it is intended to introduce legislation on this subject to counteract recent developments; and, if so, when he expects it will be introduced?

Any substantial complaints made with regard to corrupt practices before or after an election are certainly considered. So far as I understand the question to relate to the intention of the Government as to legislation, I, of course, am not in a position to say anything.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to an action brought in the Salford Hundred Court of Record by a Manchester money lender, who obtained judgment in default of appearance in two cases where a harsh and unconscionable rate of interest had been charged to two working men, and that when the judgment summons came on to be heard in the Cheadle (Staffs) County Court the judge had no power to apply the provisions of the Money Lenders Act, as judgment had already been obtained; and whether, having regard to the impossibility, on the ground of expense, of poor persons being able to attend the court in the first instance, and to take advantage of the provisions of the Money Lenders Act, he will suggest any amendment of the law so as to prevent a recurrence of similar cases?

In the case put by the hon. Member it will be seen that two defendants to an action by a money lender failed to appear. The result was that judgment went against them by default. It is suggested in the question that they have suffered some hardship because they were not allowed to put up the defence they ought to have set up when the judgment came to be enforced. I cannot agree that there is any hardship there, and I do not see how any legislation can prevent hardship arising to defendants who do not appear.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the shipment of Chinese pork has now been passed by the inspectors, and if he has received any report from the inspectors of the condition of the pork?

A small proportion only of the consignment of Chinese pigs has been exmined at present, as the examination is only made as the carcases are required for trade purposes. As yet no report has been presented by the Medical Officer of Health for the City on the subject, and the time has not yet arrived when a general report could be made.

May I ask how many tons, roughly, have been passed through at the present time, and also whether it is going into consumption without any report having been presented to the Local Government Board?

Not many tons have been passed into consumption. They are all in cold storage. I have two officers engaged on special examination on behalf of the Board itself, and the Chief Medical Officer of the Port Sanitary Authority with his staff is giving special attention to this matter.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the Merchandise Marks Act would apply?

No; and if the hon. Member had seen these pigs, as I have, he would not want it to apply.

May I ask if this pork will be sold as Chinese pork and labelled as such?

Like all pork, it will be sold as pork. If it is good it will go into consumption; if it is bad the officers will condemn it.

Would it not be a fraud on Irish pork, for instance, if it were sold merely as pork, and if it were bad?

These are two hypothetical questions which the hon. Member had better put down.

asked what is the estimated cost of making the special inspection of the shipment of Chinese pork; and will the cost of it fall upon the importers or on the Government?

The examination of the pigs is carried out in the ordinary course of meat inspection made under the Public Health (Foreign Meat) Regulations, 1908, by officers who are appointed and paid by the City Corporation. The charge for the storage of the carcases pending examination falls upon the importers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the quantity and value for import purposes of the shipment of Chinese pork received in the Port of London last month?

A single consignment of frozen pork was imported into the United Kingdom from China at the end of July, but too late for inclusion in the trade returns for that month. It amounted to 6,020 cwts. valued at £11,238.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what steps are being taken to provide office accommodation in London and the provinces for the new surveying staff to be appointed under the Finance Bill?

No action has yet been taken by my Department in this matter, but I am in communication with the Inland Revenue.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has received communications from a firm in Scotland (not connected with the liquor trade) drawing his attention to Sub-section (3), Clause 30, of the Finance Bill; and if he will state for what purpose the particulars required to be furnished to the Commissioners are to be used?

I have received a communication of the description referred to by my hon. Friend, from which I gather that there is some doubt in Scotland as to the purpose for which the particulars mentioned in Sub-clause (3) of Clause 30 of the Finance Bill are to be used. These particulars are required to be furnished for the purpose of ascertaining the values to be fixed under that Clause. Those values are to serve as the basis of Licence Duties, and they are quite distinct from the annual values of premises which are dealt with by valuation authorities for the purpose of rates and taxes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the provisions of Subsection (2), Clause 30, of the Finance Bill do not apply to Scottish hotels, he will state in what manner it will be arranged so that such hotels will not be charged increased licensed duties in respect of profits I other than from sale of drink?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to a question asked by him on 19th August, in view of which my right hon. Friend does not understand the statement in his present question that Sub-clause (2) of Clause 30 of the Finance Bill does not in fact apply to Scottish hotels. If he will send an explanation of the circumstances affecting these hotels upon which he bases his opinion, my right hon. Friend will be very glad to consider it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the shorter hours allowed for the sale of drink in Scottish hotels, he will state if it is the intention of the Government to make an adequate reduction of the Licence Duty payable by such hotels?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the hours during which liquors may be sold in hotels and other licensed premises are not uniform throughout the United Kingdom, but he does not see his way to comply with the suggestion of my hon. Friend that he should make a reduction in the Licence Duty payable by Scottish hotels by reason of the limitation in the hours of sale at these hotels without giving similar consideration to limitations affecting other premises in different parts of the United Kingdom.

asked if any estimate has been made of the probable decrease of yield consequent upon alterations made in Part I. of the Finance Bill?

I may refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 4th of last month to a similar question by the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth (Mr. Fell).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, having regard to the circumstances of Ireland and the peculiar nature of the new tenure of land being created there under the Land Purchase Acts, whether it is intended that tenant purchasers shall, under the Finance Bill, as hitherto, be entitled to deduct the capital value of the annuity to which the land is subject as a head rent before assessment for Death Duty; whether he is aware that the proposed repeal of the proviso in Sub-section 5 of Section 7 of the Finance Act of 1894 would, in the absence of some new provision, alter the law and practice in Ireland on this point and impose upon tenant purchasers a burden to which no other agricultural tenants in either Great Britain or Ireland are or will be subject; and whether, to illustrate the effects of the Bill as it now stands, he will state approximately the number of agricultural holdings in Ireland of 5, 10, and 20 acres worth £100, £200, and £400 respectively, the amount of Death Duty, if any, now paid by each on the death of its occupant, and the amount to be paid under the Finance Bill by a tenant subject to a rent, by a quasi-purchaser subject to interest in lieu of rent pending vesting order, and by a purchaser subject to an annuity, respectively, and the total annual increase he expects to derive from Ireland under this head by the joint effect of enactment and repeal in the Bill and the progress of land purchase in Ireland?

It is intended that tenant purchasers shall under the Finance Bill, as hitherto, be entitled to deduct the capital value of the annuity to which the land is subject before assessment for Death Duty; nor will the proposed repeal of the proviso to Section 7 (5) of the Finance Act, 1894, alter the law and practice in Ireland on this point. My right hon. Friend regrets that it is not possible to give the number of agricultural holdings in Ireland of 5, 10, and 20 acres, worth £100, £200, and £400 respectively, together with the amount of Death Duty now paid by each on the death of the occupant. The amount to be paid under the Finance Bill by a tenant subject to a rent, by a quasi-purchaser subject to interest in lieu of rent pending vesting order, and by a purchaser subject to an annuity, respectively, will be based in each case upon the market price of the holding and the principal value of the deceased owner's other property. About £2,500 is the total annual increase expected to be derived from Ireland:—

(2) On the death of a quasi-purchaser in respect of the tenant's interest in land, subject to a rent;

(2) On the death of a quasi-purchaser in respect of land subject to interest in lieu of rent pending vesting order; and

(3) On the death of a purchaser in respect of land subject to an annuity.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Clause 24 of the Finance Bill exempts from duties, payable under Part I. of the Bill, trust or other lands belonging to local or rating authorities or held in trust for them not as such as corporate bodies, and either for statutory or other purposes; and, if not, whether he will at a later stage amend the Bill so as to secure such exemption?

It is very difficult to give an answer to a purely hypothetical question of this sort, but my right hon. Friend will be glad to consider any particular cases which the hon. Baronet may care to bring to his notice.

How does the right hon. Gentleman justify the statement that this is a hypothetical question? I ask whether or not land belonging to the City Corporation will be exempt under Clause 24?

The hon. Baronet in his question does not refer to the City of London. He is now putting a specific case, and if he will put that question down on the Paper I will get an answer to it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was his estimate of the spirit retailer's off-licence, the beer retailer's off-licence, and the wine retailer's off-licence on the basis of the sales contained in the Finance Bill as introduced; and what is his estimate of the yield of the duties on these licences on the basis of the sales contained in the Amendments of which he has given notice?

My right hon. Friend's estimate of £2,600,000, as the anticipated increase of Licence Duties generally, was arrived at by reference to the existing number of licences, allowance being made for a possible reduction of those numbers in consequence of the increased duties. I am afraid I am not in a position to give an estimate of the yield of the particular licences referred to in the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea how the estimate as regards Ireland was arrived at?

It is not possible in an answer to questions to give details showing how estimates are arrived at.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how many licences were in that particular estimate assumed to be extinguished?

I do not think I am able to do that.

Has the right hon. Gentleman no estimate of the effects of the Amendments to be proposed this afternoon?

It is hardly convenient at Question Time to anticipate the Debate to be taken later in the sitting.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what decrease he anticipates in the yield of Licence Duties under the Finance Bill as compared with his original estimate if the concessions in regard to the duties on off-licences contained in the Amendments of which he has given notice are embodied in the Bill?

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Hereford.

What is the estimated decrease in the £2,600,000 which was the estimated increase in the Licence Duty, by reason of the concessions now foreshadowed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

It is impossible to give that.

Have the Government agreed to make these concessions without considering what they represent in money?

I do not think all concessions are to be measured by the amount of money they represent?

Then by what is a concession to be measured—is it by votes?

Concessions are usually looked upon as acts of grace.

What is the estimate of the amount of money that will be received if the Bill passes with the proposals to be made this afternoon?

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish the figures?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the military, naval, and civil services are largely staffed by the sons of ex-members of these services, who are generally men whose means are such that they with difficulty provide allowances to enable their sons to enter the Naval and Military services, and that the collection of Death Duties, with retrospective effect over five years, in respect of such allowances, will prejudice this class and affect the supply of officers for these services; and, if so, whether the Government will reconsider the provisions of the Budget in this behalf?

My right hon. Friend does not see his way to introduce any special exemption on the lines indicated by my hon. Friend.

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that widows of officers who have deserved well of their country are often left with about £500 a year, upon which they struggle to put their sons into the services; and that the Death Duties already amount to about a year's income?

The hon. Member is making a speech.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that quantities of whisky, known as patent-still, are taken out of bond before it has had time to mature; and whether, in the public interest, he will increase the duty on all whisky taken out of bond before it is one year old and reduce by a corresponding amount the duty on pot-still whisky over three years in bond?

also asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the average age at which spirit known as patent-still whisky is taken out of bond in Ireland; and whether, in the interests of agriculture, he will differentiate in the matter of duty in favour of pot-still whisky, which is made of Irish agricultural products?

I will, with the hon. Member's permission, answer these two questions together. My right hon. Friend is aware that some patent-still whisky is cleared for consumption after being in bond but a short time, but he has no information as to the quantity so cleared or as to the average age at which it is cleared in Ireland. On the questions of policy raised by the hon. Member I can add nothing to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 26th ultimo.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is the effect of the Amendments to be proposed by him to Clause 39 of the Finance Bill that a brewer of beer for sale holding an existing brewer's licence will, on applying for a renewal on 30th November in the present year, be charged with duty on the whole of his barrelage for the preceding twelve months instead of for nine months, as was previously intended?

Under the Amendment to Clause 35 of the Bill, a licence to a brewer will expire on 30th September, as at present. The new licence to be granted on 1st October next will be granted upon payment of the duty of £1, and, under Clause 39 of the Bill, will expire on 30th November. The licence to be granted on 1st December will be charged with a duty based upon the number of barrels brewed during the preceding year, but with an allowance for the £1 paid on 1st October, and the licence so granted will expire on 30th September, 1910.

Am I to understand that the barrellage from 30th November, 1908, until 30th November, 1909, is taken into account, although the licence will last until 30th September, 1910?

Yes; that is so.

asked what will be the Customs Duty charged under the Finance Act on a gallon of Hamburg sherry containing 29 per cent. of potato spirit compared with the Excise Duty on a gallon of whisky manufactured in Scotland or Ireland?

I am afraid I cannot answer the hon. Member's question. The duty on foreign wines imported into this country is charged at rates varying with the amount of proof spirit contained therein.

As a matter of fact, is not the duty on Hamburg sherry 1s. 3d. per gallon?

That is what makes the whole difference.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has made any estimate of the increased amount of spirits which will be sold under the grocers' licences in con-sequence of the reduced quantities which will be allowed to be sold by the grocers under the proposed Amendments to the Finance Bill?

My right hon. Friend has made no such estimate. It is not, however, intended, so far as England is concerned, to reduce the minimum quantities of spirits allowed to be sold under the Finance Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the gross amount of money spent in Great Britain and in Ireland, respectively, for all imperial purposes, including Army and Navy contracts, in the last completed financial year; and whether he proposes to make any arrangement whereby expenditure for Imperial purposes may, in future, be more evenly distributed over all the countries upon which taxes for those purposes are imposed?

My right hon. Friend regrets that the information asked for is not available.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether the Secretary of State has any information to the effect that a sub-inspector of police, a constable, and a native servant have been beaten to death by villagers near Hardoi, in the province of Oudh, while occupied in making an investigation in the locality?

The Government of India reported that a sub-inspector of police was beaten to death, and a constable and a syce beaten so severely that they died the next day, in the course of a disturbance arising out of a quarrel between the sub-inspector and an inhabitant of the village. The murder was not premeditated, and it is reported that there was no ill-feeling in the village against the police in general or the sub-inspector in particular. Twelve persons are under arrest.

asked whether the Government of India has taken any action of late in order to enforce the purchase within India of such stores and manufactures as are needed for Government use and are produced within the Indian Empire?

Rules for the supply of articles for the public service in India have recently been promulgated, directing that the following classes of stores shall be purchased in India, namely: ( a ) All articles produced in India in the form of raw material or manufactured in India from materials produced there, provided that the quality is sufficiently good and the price not unfavourable, ( b ) All articles manufactured in India from imported materials, subject to certain conditions as to quality and price and as to the extent to which the work of manufacture is performed in India.

had given notice to ask the Prime Minister if he will cause instructions to be issued to the various Departments of State that papers relating to important matters of administration, upon which this House is entitled to express an opinion and in which the constituents of hon. Members are closely interested, shall be supplied to Members of this House in the first place, and that the practice of issuing such papers primarily to the newspaper press and only subsequently to this House shall cease.

When the question was called the HON. MEMBER said: The Prime Minister is not present, and I will defer asking the question till he is.

If the hon. Gentleman will allow me to answer it I will do so.

No; I will defer the question until the Prime Minister is present.

asked whether ruling chiefs of native States in India are under any, and, if the answer be in the affirmative, under what, obligation to provide Imperial Service troops for the defence of the Indian Empire?

The scheme of Imperial Service troops introduced in 1889 was based on offers made by Indian princes to contribute towards the defence of India; and was established on the principle that the maintenance of these troops by Indian princes in their territories should be voluntary. The voluntary nature of the undertakings on which the system is based has always been recognised.

asked whether the taxes levied upon land in India amount in any case to 75 per cent. of the harvest?

No, Sir; the incidence of the land revenue on the gross produce of the soil is estimated to vary between 5 and 15 per cent, in most parts of India and in no area to exceed 20 per cent.

Is the Under-Secretary aware that such statements have been made in a book by the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil (Mr. Keir Hardie), and accepted by the papers —

The Under-Secretary for India cannot be responsible for what appears in a book written by the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has noticed that in the most important Divisions in this House on the Irish Land Bill on the 9th and 23rd July every Irish Member in the House voted against the Government, except one Member, who is in receipt of a salary; and whether he proposes at a later stage of the Bill to make any concession on the question at issue to this unanimity of Irish opinion constitutionally expressed?

The facts as to the Divisions are not quite correctly stated by the hon. Member, but it has not escaped the notice of my right hon. Friend that the greater number of Irish Members in the House voted against the Government on the occasions referred to. At present he has not any observations to make on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will ascertain and state the approximate number of agricultural tenants in North and South Tyrone and in the county Tyrone, respectively, who have not yet purchased their holdings, and the number of these who have, by petition or in any other way, approved or supported the parts of the present Land Bill making purchase impossible except at higher prices and a higher rate of interest than their neighbours who have purchased are paying?

The statistics of the Land Commission are not kept by Parliamentary divisions, and they have, therefore, no means of stating the approximate number of tenants in the North or South divisions of Tyrone who have not yet purchased their holdings. For the latest estimate of the number of holdings in the county which have not yet been purchased, I would refer the hon. Member to column 18 of the Return giving the results of proceedings under the Land Purchase Acts, which was presented to Parliament in November last. There is no information available as to the several points raised in the concluding portion of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware of the number of labourers in Ireland suffering loss and inconvenience by delay in putting schemes for cottages and plots in operation; if he will ascertain how many such schemes lodged with the Local Government Board in 1907 and 1908, respectively, are still in suspense, and the aggregate number of labourers' families left without the homes intended for them; what is the general cause of this established Department, with an increased staff, falling in arrear with its work; and when is it expected that all approved schemes will be in operation?

I have no means of obtaining the statistics asked for by the hon. Member, but I can assure him that he is mistaken in supposing that the Local Government Board have suspended any schemes for labourers' cottages and plots, or have allowed the work under the Labourers Acts to fall into arrear. On the contrary, it is their practice to expedite every scheme so far as the circumstances of the case will permit.

Is it not the fact that a large number of claims are at present in suspense owing to the regulations imposed by the Local Government Board, and can the right hon. Gentleman say how many?

I do not think that is the case. I think the cause of the delay is through that of the district councils in not carrying out these schemes. There are delays of various kinds, some legal and some agricultural, but, so far as I know, the regulations of the Local Government Board tend to expedite the claims in every possible way.

asked how many persons in county Fermanagh have been approved of by the Estates Commissioners as suitable persons to be provided with holdings under the Evicted Tenants Act; for how many of these is it contemplated to provide out of the 315 acres which the Estates Commissioners have taken steps to acquire; when did they initiate proceedings as to the 315 acres; and why do they not proceed to acquire a reasonably adequate area of land in the county to provide for the evicted tenants whose claims they have approved?

The applications of 61 persons seeking reinstatement as evicted tenants or the representatives of evicted tenants in county Fermanagh have been provisionally noted by the Estates Commissioners for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land to be acquired by the Commissioners, and the greater number of these persons can be provided for on untenanted lands for the sale of which proceedings are pending under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and under the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907. The proceedings in respect of the lands in the county which are being acquired under the latter Act were instituted in September and October last.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have taken, or propose to take, any steps to negotiate for the reinstatement of Mr. Denis Healy, League Cottage, Headfort, county Kerry, in the farm from which he was evicted on the Coltemann estate and which they allowed to be sold to a grabber, against the wishes of the landlord and every representative person in the district?

As the hon. Member has already been informed, in reply to a question asked by him on 20th May last, the Estates Commissioners do not propose to negotiate for Healy's reinstatement. The statement in the concluding paragraph of the question does not correctly represent the facts of the case as explained by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary in reply to previous questions.

Will he ask the Estates Commissioners if the person who is in possession of this farm is quite ready to dispose of it for a very moderate amount?

I think I have already told the hon. Member that the Chief Secretary agrees with me that I do not consider it desirable that any Member of the Government should interfere with the Estates Commissioners in selection of the tenants or persons who occupy untenanted land.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman tell us who is to interfere with the Estates Commissioners if they will do nothing in a case like this?

Nobody is to interfere with them. They are to have the responsibility of carrying out the work them-selves.

Would it not be possible, Sir, to omit this objectionable word "grabber from these questions, in a case where a tenant has purchased a farm in good faith and according to law? Where he has so acted should he be allowed to be dubbed in this House with the description of "grabber "?

Can the hon. and gallant Member suggest any name?

Yes; I suggest "judicial tenant."

asked whether, as a result of a visit of Mr. Howard, inspector of the Estates Commissioners, to the farm of Mr. Richard J. Walsh, at Kilmurry, county Kerry, last June, he declared the terms demanded by the landlord, Mr. Pierce Gun Mahony, entirely excessive, and, recommended the acceptance of very much reduced terms to the landlord, who refused to accept the offer?

I am informed that the farm was originally offered to Walsh by the trustees of the estate at a price representing 21½ years' purchase of his second-term rent, which price was to include three years' arrears of rent. The real price at which the farm was offered to him was, therefore, about 18 years' purchase. I understand that the inspector suggested a price which was equivalent to about 18 years' purchase. The trustees, however, declined to consider terms of purchase while Walsh was in possession.

As this matter is of great importance, having regard to the fact that the landlord circularised the Members of the House, may I ask whether, substantially, the reply obtained, after three questions have been asked, is to the effect that the Estates Commissioners asked the landlord to accept a reduced price for the tenants' holding and the landlord refused to accept that reduced reasonable price?

No; that is not so. If the hon. Member had listened to the answer, he would know that it is mentioned that the inspector suggested it. I did not say the Estates Commissioners.

I asked whether the inspector of the Estates Commissioners recommended a reduced price.

I have already answered that question in the affirmative.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether about 80 tenants of the Wandesford estate, Castlecomer, have applied to the Estates Commissioner's to have their farms inspected before the sale is sanctioned; and, if so, whether he can state the time such inspection will take place?

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the question on the same subject asked by the hon. Member on 1st April last.

asked whether any applications have been made to the Estates Commissioners on behalf of Edward Burke and Mrs. Conway, on the Wandesford estate, Castlecomer, for restoration to farms from which they were either dispossessed or had to give up possession through inability to pay the rents charged on the same; whether any application was made on behalf of Martin Loughlin or his relatives for restoration to their holding at Finnan, on the Kavanagh estate, Ballyragget; and, if so, what steps have been taken in the matter?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from Martin McLoughlin who is in America, and decided after inquiry to take no action on it. They also received an application from Edward Bourke, but it was not lodged within the time specified in the Evicted Tenants Act, and has not been inquired into. They have not received any application from Mrs. Conway.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will give the names of the tenants on the Vereker estate, situate near Abbeyfeale, in the county of Limerick, to whom the Estates Commissioners allotted portion of the untenanted lands on it, the number of acres they already hold as tenants on that estate, and the number of acres of untenanted land each got; and on what principle was it apportioned?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the lands in question have been allotted as follows, the acreage being stated in each case in round numbers: Tim Harnett, who held seven acres, got nine acres; J. T. Collins, who held 31 acres, got seven acres; M. P. Harnett, who held seven acres, got 16 acres; and John Fitzgerald, who held 88 acres, got four acres. The remaining 45 acres have been allotted to Mrs. Johanna D'Alton, who had been in occupation of the entire lands for a number of years.

Under what Section of the Act of 1903 can a tenant who holds 30 acres of land get a portion of this untenanted land, and on what principle was the land apportioned?

The hon. Member must give notice of that.

On a point of Order. I think it arises, Sir, out of the answer, inasmuch as the Estates Commissioners have not given an account.

It may arise out of the question, but, at the same time, if an hon. Gentleman is asking for a particular section, of a particular Act, he ought to give an opportunity to the Law Officers to look it up.

With all respect, Sir, the latter part of my question was on what principle was the land apportioned?

With all deference, Sir, may I say it is all done under the second Section of the Act of 1903.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners received a resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the Newcastle West District Council, calling upon them to give the untenanted lands on the Vereker estate, situate near Abbeyfeale, to the agricultural labourers, who are numerous in the district; and, if so, what steps did they take to consider the wants of the labourers of the district before they allotted the untenanted lands to the tenants, some of whom have large holdings on the estate; and whether it was on the recommendation of Mr. Lafferty, their inspector, and Mr. Barrington, the agent, both of whom were together on the lands, that the allotments were so made?

The resolution was received and duly considered by the Estates Commissioners. The allotment of the untenanted land was made by them on the recommendation of their inspector.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last pare of the question.

All these matters are referred to the inspector. He goes down to the locality, makes inquiries of every sort, and makes his report, and, as a general rule, his recommendations are accepted by the Estates Commissioners, but not always.

Is it not the fact that in these cases the inspector, together with the agent of the estate, gives this untenanted land to the tenants to induce them to buy at the landlord's price and for no other reason? As this is a very serious matter, and as there is great public feeling in the locality against the way this land has been apportioned, and having regard to the fact that there are a great number of cottiers and labourers in the district who are demanding this land. I want to know in the public interest if the Commissioners will reopen this question, and, under the Act of 1903, see that the wants of the labourers are satisfied?

I do not think it would be possible for them to reopen it. They have sent an inspector and got a report, and are satisfied with it, and they have adopted it.

asked whether the lands at Lismacrory (Colonel Hackett's estate), North Tipperary, have yet been distributed amongst the people; and, if not, what is the cause of the delay?

The Estates Commissioners have had a preliminary inspection made of these lands, and have intimated to the owner the price which they would be prepared to advance if formal proceedings were instituted for sale under the Irish Land Act, 1903. The owner is not willing to sell at this price, and has not therefore instituted proceedings for sale.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that on the night of 4th August a small farmer, named Patrick Conlan, was fired at and wounded, at a place called Clarenbridge, whilst driving home in a horse and cart from the Galway races; whether he is aware that this man's horse was also injured on the occasion; and, seeing that the motive assigned for the outrage is that Conlan has taken up work on an evicted farm in the neighbourhood, will he state what steps the police authorities have taken to prevent a recurrence of the outrage?

I am informed by the constabulary authorities that Conlan was tired at and wounded as stated in the question, and that his horse was also injured. The police have made arrangements which will, it is hoped, prevent any further interference with him.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, owing to the system of cattle-driving throughout certain parts of Ireland, the local rates have in many instances been very materially increased this year; and whether he can see fit to grant relief to those persons who are mulcted in extra rates in connection with extra police where cattle have been driven off their land?

Local rates have doubtless been increased in certain counties in Ireland where it was found necessary to bring in extra police owing to the prevalence of cattle-driving, but I am not aware of any power to exempt any class of persons from payment of these increased rates. I can see no reason, moreover, why, if extra police are required for the protection of the property of any ratepayer, he should be relieved from paying his proportion of the expense of the extra protection required.

Is it the fact that the greatest increase in the cost of extra police this year was in the loyal and peaceable county of Armagh?

I could not give any indication whether it would be greater or less in any other county.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the cattle belonging to a man named Hunt, near Corrofin, county Clare, have on several occasions been driven from his farm; whether Hunt has been subjected to continual intimidation for some time past; can he state if the police can assign any reason for the intimidation; and whether they have taken steps to protect him from further outrage?

I am informed by the constabulary authorities that Hunt's cattle were driven twice last year, and that persons helping him have been threatened. The police are doing all that is possible to protect him and his property.