asked whether the proceedings against persons suspected of being dangerous characters, before the Commissioners established by the Egyptian law of 4th July, 1909, will be conducted in public; and, if not, who will be allowed to be present at the hearings, and what record will there be of what takes place?

There is no provision in the law itself that the proceedings taken under it shall be conducted in public, but instructions have been issued by the Minister of the Interior to Governors of Provinces, that the public shall be admitted to them, so far as is permitted by the space in the Moudirieh in which the proceedings take place.

asked whether the Egyptian law of 4th July, 1909, which purports to render any person in Egypt liable to be placed under police supervision and to deportation without being charged with any criminal office or tried before any court of justice, applies to British subjects and to subjects of Foreign Powers who may be resident in Egypt; and, if not, against whom is the law directed.

The Commissions established under the Ordinance are composed of native Egyptians, and the law cannot be made to extend to British and Foreign subjects who are not justiciable by native tribunals.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if there has been a great increase in recent years in crime in Egypt requiring the special legislation contained in the Decree of the 4th July, 1909; and if he can give the statistics of crime for the last five years?

The actual statistics of the last three years are given at page 34 of Sir Eldon Gorst's last report. I am expecting further information from Cairo, which I shall be glad to give when available. I must point out that the increase of crime, due to the great difficulty of obtaining evidence in particular cases, has led to some of the rural districts being terrorized by dangerous characters. I am satisfied that it was absolutely necessary for the Egyptian Government to resort to some special measures to put an end to this, and the legislation referred to has the approval of native opinion as well as that of British officials who are employed in the Ministry of the Interior.

Has there been a considerable and striking increase of crime in Egypt in the last few years?

Yes, there has been.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the increase of crime is somewhat due to laxity of administration owing to the withdrawal of British inspectors, who previously assisted in the administration?

No, I understand the British inspectors have not been withdrawn. The increase of crime has been due to the impossibility of getting, evidence.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he is aware that in July, 1907, two British subjects, Messrs. King and Woest, arrived with 12 wagons at the Kotanga frontier of the Congo State, and on various pretexts were prevented from entering Congolese territory for 12 months, eventually having to return to Bulawayo, having lost two years and some thousands of pounds; can he reconcile this act of the Congo Government with Article V. of the Berlin Treaty of 1885, by which subjects of any nation are guaranteed free entrance and trading facilities in the Congo basin; and whether representations have been made on the matter by this Government And compensation asked for loss sustained?

The case of Messrs. King and Woest has been reported to me by Mr. Beak, His Majesty's Vice-Consul in the Katanga, and I have brought it to the notice of the Belgian Government. I am meanwhile awaiting further details, for which I have asked Mr. Beak, before deciding how far a claim on the Belgian Government for compensation will be justified.

asked whether the new governor of Azerbeijan has arrived at Tabriz; whether there has been any reduction of the Russian troops since his arrival; and when the Russian Government propose to carry out their intention, officially conveyed to His Majesty's Government, to withdraw the whole of their troops at Tabriz upon the arrival of the newly-appointed governor?

The answer to the first first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative, and that to the second in the negative. As regards the third part, the Russian Government have announced their intention of withdrawing their troops from Tabriz as soon as order is restored there.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, whether the returns of plague mortality in the Punjab during the preceding years indicate that the disease is gradually disappearing; and how last year's death-rate on this account compares with that from small-pox?

The plague mortality in the Punjab in 1908, excluding native States, is given in the most recent returns as 30,708, against 608,685 in 1907. The death-rate from plague in that province in 1908 was 1.53 per thousand; that for small-pox was 1.42 per thousand.

Does the hon. Member agree with the report of the Medical Commission in India that vaccination is absolutely of no use in the case of an epidemic?

The hon. Member should give notice of that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can communicate to the House the results of the inquiry ordered by the Secretary of State into the outbreak of cholera amongst the hospital nurses at Calcutta?

The Secretary of State has not yet received Mr. Haffkine's full report; but from a preliminary report made by him it appears that the outbreak of cholera was due to infection of the nurses' food by two servants, both in good health, who were found to be unconscious carriers of the bacillus.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty have recently acquired some hundreds of acres of land for an explosives factory in the neighbourhood of Rosyth; if so, what was the date of the purchase, what is approximately the area of the land purchased, and what was the purchase price; and whether that price includes mineral rights?

The Admiralty purchased in March, 1909, 387 acres of land and 240 acres of foreshore at Crombie, in Fife-shire, on the Firth of Forth, for a magazine establishment. The price paid, which includes mineral rights, amounted to £30,000 with compensation to the existing tenant. Two small feus on the property are being acquired in addition.

Who is the owner of the land?

I am not sure.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset if he is aware that a communication has been forwarded to the Conservators of the Wear Fishery District intimating that fishermen should be warned that the Admiralty will not consider claims for damage to gear unless it is proved that it was attended sufficiently closely to enable adequate warning to be given to His Majesty's ships; whether he is aware that, owing to the speed at which vessels travel, combined with the darkness, it is often quite impossible to give the warning demanded; and whether, in view of the hazardous and precarious nature of such fishermen's calling, he is prepared to reconsider the notice so given, with a view to its modification?

The "warning demanded" is merely the fulfilment of the existing regulations. In the majority of instances it is possible for such warning to be given in time to avert damage. In cases where an exceptionally high speed of one of His Majesty's ships renders it impossible for the warning to be given in time, such fact will receive due consideration.

If the warning is in accordance with the existing regulations, why is it necessary to issue the warning at the present moment?

There is no special warning issued in the case of the Wear Fishery District. It is a universal warning issued in the case of all districts alike.

The point is, if it is in accordance with existing regulations, why is it necessary to issue the warning at the present moment?

I can only imagine because the existing regulations have not been sufficiently regarded.

Am I to understand that compensation has been paid in similar cases up to the present?

If my hon. Friend will give me notice of the question, I should be glad to inquire whether compensation has been paid.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether, in view of the fact that only one-fifth or less of the beef now sold in the principal London market is British or Irish, and that the amount has been rapidly decreasing of late years and is still decreasing, he proposes to take any action to prevent British and Irish beef from being squeezed out altogether from Smithfield Market by the operations of the American Beef Trust?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the question of combinations in the meat trade has quite recently been the subject of inquiry by a Departmental Committee appointed by the President of the Board of Trade [Cd. 4643]. On the information available, this Board do not see that they are in a position to take any action for the purpose indicated.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that since the Committee sat it has been' publicly stated in the Press, including the Radical papers, that the City Corporation, after consultation with the Board of Agriculture, has been obliged to recognise that the American Meat Trust does control the Smithfield Market? Is he going to do nothing to prevent that?

Certainly not.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that the City Corporation have decided only to allow shops to be taken by people who will sell British meat?

The hon. Member ought to put that down.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that the Birmingham Guardians will only tender for meat supplied by Trust firms?

It is impossible for the hon. Baronet to know that.

asked in how many cases since the Merchandise Marks (Prosecution) Act of 1894 proceedings have been taken by Government officials against persons fraudulently selling foreign meat as British?

Proceedings have been instituted by the Board in 38 cases in connection with the sale of foreign bacon and ham as British.

During how many years?

I cannot tell.

Have there been any prosecutions where American beef has been sold as English or Irish home-fed beef?

I must ask for notice of that.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that the fraudulent sale of foreign beef is continually going on, and that it causes enormous loss, and is very unfair to both producer and consumer in this country?

Of course there is a continued sale of foreign beef, because people are able to buy it cheaper.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that all pork, wherever it comes from, is classed as British meat?

I am not aware of that.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is yet able to give the decision of the Board with reference to the memorial from the Royal Gardens, Kew, Employés Union, asking for shorter working hours and increase of annual leave in lieu of bank holidays?

The matter is still under consideration, and we are in communication with the Treasury in regard to it.

May I ask the hon. Baronet whether he is aware that this matter has been pending for several months.

indicated assent.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is prepared to grant to clerks and assistant clerks in the Statistical Department of His Majesty's Customs whose unestablished service is throughout precisely similar to the established service following it the privilege of reckoning the whole of their unestablished service for superannuation, such as is now granted to the Customs boatmen?

The unestablished service of the clerks and assistant clerks referred to does not fulfil the condition stated in the question.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the case of a wife who is disqualified from receiving an old age pension only because her husband has had 2s. 6d. a week outdoor relief, the death of the husband will enable her to establish her claim?

The death of the husband of a claimant disqualified on the ground mentioned in the question would not affect the disqualification. Under Section 3 of the Old Age Pensions Act it would continue until 31st December, 1910, unless Parliament otherwise determines.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state why Edward Rodden, Terhillion, Termon, county Donegal, was deprived of the old age pension; whether he is aware that this applicant is over 70 years of age, as can be proved by the certificate of the parish priest and by sworn testimony; and whether, seeing that the Census Returns of 1841 and 1851 are in many cases unreliable, he will take steps to have the pension allowed to this applicant?

The Local Government Board upheld the pension officer's appeal in this case as the claimant failed to prove that he had reached the statutory age. The parish priest certified that the claimant was married in 1885, and added that he stated that he was then 46 years of age, but no evidence was furnished in support of this statement. The claimant's parents and their family were traced in the Census Returns of 1841 and 1851, but his name did not appear in either year. It will be open to him to make a fresh claim when he can furnish trustworthy evidence that he has reached the statutory age.

asked the Chief Secretary on what grounds were the old age pensions which were being paid to James M'Getttigan and Mary Jane M'Gettigan, his wife, of Carrowmena, Moville, county Donegal, whose respective ages are 84 and 75 years, discontinued; what are the means of these parties; what is the nature, extent, valuation, and rent of the farm on which they live; on whose, and what, information were the pensions discontinued; and whether he will take steps to ascertain the true facts and have the pensions allowed?

The Local Government Board upheld the pension officer's appeal in these cases on the ground that the claimants' means exceeded the statutory limit. The husband was reported by the pension officer to be in occupation of a farm with a stock of five cows, some calves, seven or eight other cattle, two horses, and 50 sheep. It was also reported that he kept a threshing mill, and sold a large quantity of turf which alone was estimated to bring in about £15 a year. The rent of the farm was £5 a year, and the Poor Law valuation the same. It is not open to the Board to reconsider their decision.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the fact that Mr. Forsyth, the chairman of the small Committee appointed to inquire into the work and as to the usefulness of the Congested Districts Board, is a member of the Board and himself buys the stallions and bulls; whether he is aware that of the other members of the Committee one, Mr. Cameron, is a valuator for the Board, and the other, Mr. Angus M'Intosh, is a factor of the Congested Districts Board farm in Skye; and whether, in view of these facts, he could see his way to add three independent experts to the Committee?

The facts are not quite as stated by the hon. Gentleman. The Committee to which he refers has not been appointed to inquire generally into the work and usefulness of the Congested Districts Board, but into the methods adopted by the Board for the improvement of live stock, and the gentlemen who have consented to serve upon the Committee have been chosen with What end in view. It is the case that Mr. Forsyth is a member of the Congested Districts Board and has superintended the work of the Board in this respect. He is also a Crofter Commissioner, has a wide and intimate knowledge of the farming and live stock of crofters in the Highlands and of the conditions under which it is reared. Mr. Cameron is a well-known breeder of live stock, and though he has on occasions acted as valuer for the Board, is not otherwise connected with it. Mr. Angus M'Intosh is not a member of the committee, but an official of the Board, who has been appointed, as is frequently done, to act as secretary to the Committee. The Committee seems large enough for the purpose and reliable in respect of experience, judgment, and independence. It is not proposed to add to it.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will urge on the Government to appoint a small Committee of their own number to inquire into these matters?

That is not a supplementary question arising out of the answer.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the Congested Districts Board have been using hackney stallions and Clydesdale stallions for the purpose of destroying the native breed of horses?

May I ask whether it is not the case that if Mr. Cameron is occasionally employed by the Congested Districts Board to make valuations he will in that way be bound to the Board and lose his independence?

No, Sir; he is a man of integrity.

asked the Postmaster-General whether arrangements are being made for a penny postage between this country and Turkey; whether there is a British post office at Constantinople and also one at Shanghai, China; and whether the penny post is in force to the latter place and other places in China?

There is an agency of the British Post Office at Constantinople and also one at the Hong Kong Post Office at Shanghai. The penny postage rate is in force to the latter place, and also to all other places in China at which Hong Kong agencies are maintained. I do not contemplate any arrangement at present for the introduction of penny postage between this country and Turkey.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is penny postage with Shanghai, a distance of 12,500 miles, while the charge to Turkey, a distance of 1,200 miles, is 2½d.; and whether he has obtained statistics showing that at a small cost there could be established penny postage with Turkey?

I am aware of the obvious anomalies between the penny and the 2½d. postage. Personally, I hope that at some time or other we may have universal penny postage. In regard to the question about Turkey, it must be quite obvious to my hon. Friend that if I were to extend penny postage to Turkey other Continental nations would be entitled to ask it also, and in the present state of our finance we are unable to afford the cost, which would be about £350,000 a year.

May I ask whether there is not a difference in the case of Turkey, where there is a British post office and a British postmaster?

I do not think that comes in when considering the question. It does not affect the general question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman obtained statistics showing the ridiculously small cost of establishing penny postage with Turkey?

It is not altogether a question of the small cost of establishing penny postage between England and Turkey. If we grant it to Turkey, we must grant it to other Continental nations, and in that case it would cost £350,000 a year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received from the Watch Committee of Liverpool a recommendation to hold an inquiry into the recent disturbance in that city; if so, does he propose to grant an inquiry, and on what date; will the inquiry be held on oath; and will the Press be admitted?

I have received the resolution of the Watch Committee, and have agreed to appoint a Commissioner to make the inquiry subject to the arrangement of certain details with the council. The inquiry cannot, however, be held under statutory powers, and it will, therefore, not be possible to take the evidence on oath. The inquiry will be a public one.

I sent the right hon. Gentleman a question yesterday, which, I think, he did not receive, in regard to the incidents of Sunday. May I ask whether he has received any further information, because I have received rather alarming reports of what took place?

I have received a full report. The riot was greatly exaggerated. The police gathered on the spot, and soon got the different parties to go to their quarters.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state on what date the inquiry will be held?

No, Sir, I cannot. I will have to proceed to appoint a Commissioner first of all.

Will the inquiry be held before the Session closes?

A Commissioner will be appointed, and, of course, he must decide on the course of the proceedings.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, on Tuesday last, at the Welshpool Petty Sessions, a labourer, named Buscoe, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour, and an additional six months' imprisonment in default of finding two sureties in £5 each, for the offence of destroying by night nine rabbits, and that a sentence of two months' imprisonment, with a similar extension in default of finding sureties, was imposed on another labourer in his company for destroying three rabbits; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter as regards reduction of the sentences?

I will answer with this the question which the hon. Member for North Mayo put to me yesterday about the same case. I have made inquiry and find that the two prisoners were convicted as stated in the question. They were caught poaching with a dog at 3.40 a.m. One of them had a bag containing nine rabbits, the other a bag containing three rabbits and 60 yards of netting. Ruscoe had 28 and the other 12 previous convictions. I am sorry that the case is not one in which I can advise the grant of any remission other than what the prisoners can earn in the ordinary course by good conduct and industry.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it has been found in some parts of the country that a moderate fine has a better effect than imprisonment in stopping poaching and in getting poachers on better terms with landlords?

No, Sir; I have not found that that is so.

asked what will be the constitution of the Committee of The Privy Council which will consider the Primary Education Bill for Jersey, and when will that consideration take place?

The Jersey Education Act stands referred to the Committee of Council for the affairs of Jersey and Guernsey, which consists of the whole of the Privy Council, or any three or more of them. I am not yet in a position to say what will be the special constitution of the Committee who will consider the Act, or when the consideration will take place. It is necessary to allow some time for the receipt of Petitions for and against the Act. Perhaps the Noble Lord will confer with me as regards the repetition of his question.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will endeavour to arrange that the museum belonging to the Royal United Service Institution, at present housed in the banqueting hall of the Palace of Whitehall, and which is now closed to the public except on payment of a fee of sixpence, may be opened to the public upon some days in the week free of any charge?

This is not a matter in which I have any official authority, but I will take care that the hon. Member's wishes are conveyed to the council of the institution.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a number of private collections in London which are open to the public on certain days?

I was not aware that that was the case, but I am glad to hear it.

asked whether the practice of not claiming Death Duty on the amount of annual allowances made during the 12 months preceding the death of the donor, if those allowances were reasonable in amount, having regard to the means of the donor, and represent a part of his regular expenditure, will be continued under Section 43 of the Finance Bill for the period of five years there authorised?

My right hon. Friend will be glad to consider the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

asked whether land acquired by local authorities for waterworks purposes or for protecting their area from pollution will be exempted from the provisions of the land clauses in the Finance Bill?

Clause 24 (1) of the Finance Bill provides that no duty under Part I. shall be charged in respect of any land or interest in land held by a local or rating authority.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his proposed Amendment to Clause 25 of the Finance Bill, page 17, line 13, at end, differentiates between different types of friendly societies engaged in similar work; and on what grounds it is proposed to define a registered society in different terms to those previously employed in the Friendly Societies Acts?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in amending the postponed Clause 25 of the Finance Bill as regards registered societies, he will consider the advisability of treating as registered societies all societies which have been registered as friendly societies under the Friendly Societies Acts, independently of whether they are or are not restricted by their rules from dividing any part of their funds amongst their members?

The proposed Amendment differentiates between societies which are, and those which are not, restricted by their rules from dividing any part of their funds among their members. This difference between dividing and non-dividing societies is recognised in the Friendly Societies Acts. The purpose of, the Finance Bill of course differs from that of the Friendly Societies Acts, and the question whether dividing societies can properly be given the same favourable treatment as non-dividing societies is receiving consideration.

On what financial grounds do you propose to differentiate between dividing and non-dividing societies?

I think it pretty clear that there is a difference between the genuine society which exists for the purpose of promoting habits of thrift and the kind of society which is known as a slate club, which has very different aims and objects in view, and I think that a proper distinction has been made, whether for financial reasons or for social ones.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that all the dividing societies are slate clubs?

No, I do not think so. I did not say so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are upwards of a million members of these societies who will be excluded by the Finance Bill?

That is a question of which I should have notice.

As the matter just referred to is exciting a considerable amount of interest, would the right hon. Gentleman arrange to have his reply circulated to Members generally?

I shall be very glad to circulate it with the Votes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, under Clause 65 of the Finance Bill, a person who uses a motor oar for the conveyance of goods and passengers will be entitled to a rebate of the Petrol Duty?

Clause 65 and Part I. of the Fifth Schedule of the Finance Bill provide for rebate of the Motor Spirit Duty in the case of motor cars which are constructed or adapted for use, and are used solely, for the conveyance of any goods or burden in the course of trade or husbandry. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with further particulars of the cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to bring them to the notice of my right hon. Friend.

asked what was the number of estates which became liable to the payment of Death Duties during the financial years 1906–7, 1907–8, and 1908–9 respectively; and what was the average value of these estates for each respective year?

The number of estates which became liable to the payment of Death Duties during the financial years 1906–7, 1907–8, and 1908–9 respec- tively, and the average value of these estates for each respective year, were as follows:—

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state when the Government Amendments to the Stamp Clauses will be placed on the Paper?

My right hon. Friend is in communication on this subject with representative members of the Stock Exchange, and hopes shortly to be able to place the Government Amendments on the Paper.

asked what allowance was made, in estimating the revenue from the new scale of Licence Duties, for a possible reduction of licensed houses m consequence of the increased charge; and what was estimated to be the number of houses so affected?

In making his estimate of increased revenue from licences generally, my right hon. Friend did not overlook the probability that the higher duties would lead to a reduction in the number of licences; but he regrets that he cannot give a definite figure in the case of any particular licence.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer said last week that due allowance had been made for this factor in the estimate, and, therefore, I asked what the estimate was, and no answer has been given?

I do not think that it is possible to give a thoroughly accurate estimate in a case of this kind, where the reduction might be greater or lesser according to fluctuating circumstances so that only an approximate estimate can be given.

I asked for the estimate which the right hon. Gentleman made, and he has not given it.

My right hon. Friend says he regrets he cannot give that.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the House of Commons is not to be given the estimate on which this tax is based?

Yes, I think my right hon. Friend is entitled to make his own estimate, and I do not think that the Noble Lord is entitled necessarily to have that estimate given to him.

I do not refer to myself, but to the House of Commons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether under Clause 25 of the Finance Bill, as proposed to be amended by him, registered friendly societies will be liable for payment of Reversion Duty and Undeveloped Land Duty in respect of such land held by them as is not actually occupied and used by themselves?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now say that a draft of the Regulations proposed to be made under Clause 30 of the Finance Bill, for the ascertainment of the annual compensation value, will be laid upon the Table of the House before the Report stage of the Bill?

The Regulations will not be laid upon the Table of the House before Report stage.

Why cannot it be done at present?

As I understand, the discussion on the Clause in the Committee stage is not yet finished, and, therefore, clearly the regulations could not be made at the present moment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now say when he will be able to give an answer to the communication addressed to him by the council of the Royal Colonial Institute concerning abatements to the Income Tax being withheld from British people resident in the Colonies?

I have already informed the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend is considering this matter, and an answer will be sent in due course to the council of the Royal Colonial Institute.

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman if he cannot be more definite in his reply, inasmuch as this important and responsible body has been in communication on the matter since the midle of July?

I do not think that it is unreasonable that the matter should, require a certain amount of time between the question being put and the reply being given.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether every shipper of whisky or other spirits to the United States receives in cash from the British Customs 3d. per gallon for each gallon of proof spirit exported; and, if so, whether he will consider the effect that such a bounty may have upon British trade under the new Aldrich tariff, which provides that an additional 25 per cent. ad valorem duty shall be paid by any country which pays a bounty upon any of its exports to the United States?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answers given by myself and by the President of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for North-East Manchester on the 2nd instant.

If he has not already done so, will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether the United States Government take the same view of this payment as his Department take, as it is a matter of great interest to manufacturers in America and in this country, and we should be quite sure?

On a point of Order. Is it correct to describe on the Notice Paper of this House as a bounty what is merely a rebate, for the purpose of prejudicing certain manufactures with a foreign Government?

I do not think that the request of the hon. Member (Sir George White) is an unreasonable one to make, and I will consider the matter. I do not think that there can be any possible doubt about it.

If a manufacturer is exporting it he can decline to take the rebate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not in any real sense a bounty, but is a payment to the manufacturer in consequence of demands made upon him by the Excise authorities?

Yes, that is so.

Is not it the case that this was simply a grant to manufacturers because of restrictions imposed upon their business in this country, as distinguished from the business of manufacturers abroad?

It was in consequence of restrictions placed upon the manufacturer by the Excise Department.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will ascertain from Mr. Sydney Smith, Estates Commissioners' inspector, the precise nature of the exceptional circumstances which led or induced him to allocate the largest and best portion of the untenanted lands of Kildrum, on the Kingston estate, to Thomas Robinson, land steward in the employment of the landlord, and possessed of ample means; if he will state the number of acres allotted to Thomas Robinson, and the value of the same, and amongst whom, and in what way, has the remaining portion of these lands been divided; how many applications for allotments were made to Mr. Sydney Smith, and how many were refused on the plea of insufficiency of land to go round; and whether the Commissioners will amend the scheme in question?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that Mr. Robinson, who was allotted a farm containing 119 acres on the Kingston estate, is the eldest son and representative of an evicted tenant on the Bowen estate, and had acted for a number of years as manager of the lands on the Kingston estate, on which the farm allotted to him is situate, prior to the sale thereof under the Act of 1903. The residue of the lands was allotted amongst eight other persons coming within Section 2 of the Irish Land Act, 1903. The Commissioners are unable to state how many applications were refused on the ground mentioned in the question. The persons to whom allotments have been made have signed purchase agreements, and the scheme of distribution cannot now be amended.

Is it the case that Mr. Robinson's father was evicted since 1st May, 1879, and that he therefore came within the statutory period?

I do not know how that would be. The fact is he is the eldest son of an evicted tenant.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that there is delay in the office of the Irish Land Commission in replying to correspondence and supplying information to members of the public communicating with the Estates Commissioners; and, if this delay is due to the limitations on the staff in the offices, does he propose to take steps to increase the staff at once, so that communications may be replied to within a reasonable time, and the work of the Department carried on with expedition?

I have nothing to add to my reply to a similar question asked by the hon. Member on the 8th June last.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has noticed the renewed interest awakened in Germany on the subject of a possible agreement as to sea armaments between that country and Great Britain; and, having regard to the growth of naval expenditure disclosed in the Return just issued to Parliament, is he able to hold out any hope that fresh efforts will be made by His Majesty's Government to arrive at the basis of some understanding which would relieve the peoples of both countries of the burden of such expenditure?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a statement signed by His Excellency Dr. von Holleben, late Ambassador at Washington, as well as other representative public men of Germany, in favour of a reduction of armaments; and whether, in view of this pronouncement and his statement that the Government were anxious to come to some arrangement with other Powers, he will take advantage of this opportunity to make further representations to the German Government, with a view to a mutual understanding as to a limitation of naval armaments?

My hon. Friends may be assured that any intimation that the German Government desire to take such an arrangement as is suggested into consideration will meet with a most cordial response from His Majesty's Government, and it must be quite clear after the public statements which have already been made by responsible Ministers of the Crown that no representations from His Majesty's Government are required to prove that this is the case.

Is it not possible for the initiative to be taken on this side, considering the enormous international interests involved?

We have taken the initiative.

Information which has been received in a more or less informal way—

The hon. Member has asked his question and has had his answer.

asked whether adequate time will be afforded for the discussion of the Motion for setting up a Committee on Procedure, of which notice has been given on behalf of the Government?

The Committee was proposed in response to an appeal from hon. Members opposite to deal not with procedure generally, but with one of its special aspects. The Amendments which have been put down would introduce into the discussion elements of complication and controversy, and in the circumstances the Motion will not be persisted in this Session.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the right hon. Gentleman will state the amount of untenanted land in county Kilkenny, with the names of the owners and the localities situate; and whether he will be prepared to recommend the Estates Commissioners to acquire these lands with the object of dividing them between the landless men in the county and the owners of uneconomic holdings in the districts bordering on them?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Return of Untenanted Lands in Ireland which was presented to Parliament in 1906. The Estates Commissioners have acquired 3,545 acres of untenanted land in county Kilkenny and proceedings are pending before them in respect of 807 acres.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Yeomen living in the Outer Hebrides are entitled to compensation if their horses are injured on their way to or from their annual camp training in Inverness-shire?

further asked whether Yeomen get any compensation if their horses get influenza or bad colds in camp and are thereby incapacitated from working for weeks or months afterwards?

In reply to these questions, I would point out to the hon. Member that Territorial Force Regulations, paragraphs 660 and 661, clearly show that compensation is only granted in case of loss of a horse through death, destruction, or fatal injury. Such compensation is admissible if the loss is the direct result of the performance of military duty at annual training in camp, or on the journey between the place of assembly and the place of encampment with a detachment under the command of an officer or non-commissioned officer not below the rank of sergeant. The hon. and gallant Member will see from paragraph 644 that the grants given for horse hire cover insurance for injury other than that provided for by paragraph 660.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that horses have been hurt while travelling between the Outer Hebrides and Inverness-shire, and that they could not get anything given for them?

If that is the case, the association is expected to cover the interest by insurance, and the grants given to the association for horse hire cover insurance, and it is so stated in the Regulations.

asked if the hon. Gentleman is yet in a position to state the intentions of the Government as to the future use of the barracks at Sunderland; whether the suitability of such barracks has had consideration in regard to the removal of the Durham Light Infantry from Newcastle; and, if not, if he is prepared to take into consideration the facilities of the barracks at Sunderland for the purposes of the Durham Light Infantry?

I am not yet able to give any information in regard to Sunderland Barracks.

asked whether the whole of the Special Reserve, numbering over 70,000 men and forming part of our striking force, went through their annual training this year with bayonets that would not fix on to their rifles; and, if so, who was responsible for this condition of things?

As I have already explained to the House, every effort was made to issue the new short rifle to the Special Reserve in time for this year's training, but it was not found possible to issue the new bayonet simultaneously, and thus in a large number of cases the issue of bayonets was not completed until after the training period.

Are we to understand that there were 70,000 men, with 70,000 rifles, and with bayonets that would not fix upon the rifles?

No, Sir. In a large number of cases bayonets were supplied, but we were so anxious that the troops should have the short rifle in time for this year's training that we could not supply bayonets in proportion to the number of short rifles issued.

What proportion of the men had not bayonets?

It is rather difficult to follow the exact dates on which the issues were made in each case, and, therefore, I cannot give the hon. Member the information for which he asks.

asked whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that at the camp of the Gordon Territorial Brigade last July there was no good drinking water in the camp, and no beds for the men for some days after their arrival; whether he is aware that there was no single utensil provided to enable the men to have a wash for quite a week; and, in view of these facts, whether he could see his way to ensure better accommodation for the men in future years?

The hon. Member has been somewhat misinformed. The Brigadier reports that there was plenty of excellent drinking water, and washing appliances were ready for the men on arrival in camp. Owing to gross carelessness on the part of some men the water taps were left running on the first day of camp, and the reserve tanks were emptied thereby. Ample drinking water was, however, at once supplied in carts, and a full supply both for drinking and washing was furnished with the least possible delay. As regards the beds, some palliasses were deficient for two or three days, apparently owing to delay in delivery by the railway, but waterproof sheets and blankets were complete.

asked whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that the beef supplied to the Gordon Territorial Brigade was Argentine frozen beef, and very tough and unpalatable; and whether he can see his way to provide the Territorial troops with good beef in future years?

No complaints have been received at the War Office in regard to the meat supplied to this brigade. The meat was of the same quality and description as that supplied to Regular troops, and was obtained under contract, the specification of which includes stringent safeguards as to the quality of the meat, and provides that the beef supplied on four days a week must be fresh ( i.e., from cattle slaughtered in the United Kingdom) and that imported frozen beef may be issued on two days a week only. The necessary care will continue to be taken to ensure that the meat supplied to the Territorial troops is of good quality as stipulated for in the conditions of contract.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the men said the meat was tough?

I think we could have relied on the men themselves or their representatives, if that was the case, to have made some complaint.

Does the hon. Gentleman know whether any other Yeo-manry regiment complained of the quality of the meat?

I said there was no complaint in this case—the case referred to by the hon. Member.

asked whether officers who passed their examination before the school grants were awarded are expected to pay for their uniforms entirely, or whether a grant of £20 will be allowed to them?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the Officers' Training Corps. Officers on first appointment to the Territorial Force for service with the Officers' Training Corps can obtain an outfit grant of £20 at once. In the case of officers already holding commissions, if any change of uniform is entailed by the formation of an officers' training corps contingent the actual necessary expenses up to £20 can be claimed on production of receipted bills.

asked why a colonel commanding a Special Reserve battalion is only allowed 3s. 6d. a day and travelling allowance, and no pay for the four days that he has to perform the duty of inspecting the recruits at his headquarters?

A commanding officer of a Special Reserve battalion is merely authorised to visit the depot with a view to inspecting the recruits of his battalion. There is no order that he must do so. Pay is issued only when officers are ordered on military duty. It is greatly regretted that the reply given to a previous question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member was incorrect.

asked whether any decision has yet been reached on the subject of the proposed increase in the retiring allowances of quartermasters and riding-masters holding the rank of major?

The question of improving the pensions of quartermasters and riding-masters of long commissioned service is still under consideration.

As this question has been under consideration for more than 18 months, is it not time that something should be done?

Yes, I think so, but the matter is extremely complicated, though we hope to arrive at a result.

When may we hope for an answer?

When we have agreed what the answer should be.

asked whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any practical step to show their appreciation of the self-sacrifice of Dr. Lalcaca?

I have already expressed to the House on behalf of the Government their deep appreciation of Dr. Lalcaca's heroic action, and explained that the circumstances of the case are such that appreciation could not appropriately be marked by a money grant to, his surviving relatives. I can now add that the Government of Bombay have been authorised to contribute from public funds a sum of £100 to a memorial for which subscriptions are being collected in Bombay.

May I ask the Postmaster-General whether the statement which appears in "The Times" today that he has acquired the wireless telegraph stations belonging to the Marconi Company is correct?

The announcement which appears in "The Times" was not supplied by the Post Office. The statement is premature, as the arrangements are not yet complete. The negotiations are, moreover, to a certain extent contingent on the success of somewhat similar and simultaneous Post Office negotiations with Lloyds, which also are not yet complete. When the arrangements are finally completed I propose to make a statement on the subject in the House.

NEW MEMBER SWORN.—Arthur Lynch, esquire, for the county of Clare, West Division, in room of James Halpin, esquire, deceased.