asked whether the British and Russian Governments have succeeded in securing from the Persian Government amnesty for political offenders?

An amnesty has been granted, but certain persons, now in refuge at the Russian Legation and Turkish Embassy, are excepted by name from the amnesty. Out of respect to the Missions mentioned their trial is, however, postponed, and meanwhile they are to go into exile. Should sentence be passed on, them during their exile, it may be executed if they return.

asked whether the traffic in arms by way of Muscat and the Persian Gulf exists in quite undiminished vigour; and whether there is any hope that the Brussels Commission will, within a reasonable time, formulate any international means of dealing with this admitted evil?

The arms traffic in the Persian Gulf still exists on an extensive scale, and the matter is being considered by His Majesty's Government. I cannot answer the second part of the quesion until the Brussels Arms Conference, which is to meet again on 4th December next, has reached a conclusion.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at present such an enormous number of rifles is being imported, by this route that many of them are actually being sent over into India?

I am afraid that that is true.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he had any official information that Prince Albert of Belgium has furnished a report to the Belgian Government on his visit to the Congo to the effect that he was very unfavourably impressed with the condition of affairs there and by the devastation and destruction of native life; and whether he had lately received any authoritative communications concerning the system pursued at the present time in the collection of rubber, and, if so, what was the nature of those communications?

I have received no official information of the nature referred to by the hon. Member. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received a Report from His Majesty's Chargéd' Affaires at St. Petersburg with regard to the tenure of land held by British subjects in Poland; whether British subjects inheriting land in Poland and the Western Governments of Russia are obliged to sell their land within three years, while German subjects are allowed to retain their land for 10 years; and whether he will endeavour to secure equally good treatment for British subjects?

The Report referred to has not yet been received, but I hope to receive it shortly. In the meantime, I have nothing to add to the answer returned to the hon. and gallant Member's question of 5th August.

Will the hon. Gentleman let me know when he does receive it?

Certainly.

asked whether the Chinese Government have taken any steps to carry out the provisions of Article VIII. of the Treaty between Great Britain and China of 1902, relating to the abolition of the li-kin system in China; and, if not, whether their omission to do so is governed by the fact that the engagements referred to in Section 14 of Article VIII. have not been entered into fey the Powers concerned?

The only step hitherto taken by the Chinese Government is a recent proposal that negotiations for an increase of the Customs Tariff in return, for the abolition of li-kin should be entered into with the Powers. In view, however, of the failure of the Chinese Government to carry out other important provisions of the Treaty of 1902, His Majesty's Government are not at present disposed to give this proposal their support; more especially in view of the fact that new li-kin stations are being established in China, and that foreign trade is being subjected to li-kin exactions of greater frequency and amount.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Bernard Martin, the former tenant of a farm known as Clooncruffe, on the Kilronan estate, Keadue, county Roscommon, was evicted 16 years ago for non-payment of rent, and that the Commissioners promised to reinstate him but have failed to do so; and whether, under the circumstances, he will direct the attention of the Commissioners to the case with a view to having Martin either restored to his home or provided with another under the provisions of the Act?

As I have already informed the hon. Member in reply to a question on the same subject asked by him on the 28th June last, the Estates Commissioners have inquired into Bernard Martin's application and have decided not to take any action in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state who were the persons who appeared before the Statutory Commission of Queen's University in Belfast, under the Irish Universities Act, 1908, to request the Commission to include scholastic philosophy in the arts curriculum of that university; and what other subjects did they ask to be included in the curriculum?

I understand that three members of the Senate of the Queen's University, Mr. John Burke, Mr. Patrick Dempsey, and Mr. Charles L. McLorrinan, came to lay their views upon the organisation of the University before the Belfast University Commission. They asked that provision should be made for philosophical teaching such as Roman Catholics could attend without danger to their faith. They were informed that the Commission had already decided to institute a lectureship in scholastic philosophy. The only other subject they asked to be included in the curriculum was the Irish language. The Commissioners had already decided to institute a lectureship in Irish.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no other denomination except the Roman Catholics have applied to the members of the Commission for special facilities?

I do not know if it is a fact, but I have no doubt that it is so. It shows that they are satisfied with the system of teaching already there.

asked whether "the Statutory Commission of Queen's University, Belfast, advertised for a lecturer in logic and scholastic philosophy, and made the appointment for the subject of scholastic philosophy only; and why was a lecturer in logic not appointed?

It was at first thought that the lecturer in scholastic philosophy might relieve the professor of logic and metaphysics of part of his very heavy work by undertaking the subject of logic. But the professor of logic and metaphysics expressed a desire to retain the teaching of logic in his own hands.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us, as the result of his communications, if this lecturer is appointed on making a declaration that he would not teach any matter which was a matter of controversy?

That does not arise out of the question.

Is logic much studied in Ireland?

I trust so.

asked whether the appointment of lecturer in scholastic philosophy by the Belfast Statutory Commission was made subject to the approval by the Universities Committee of the Privy Council by the Statute creating the lectureship in scholastic philosophy?

The Statutes did not make this appointment subject to such approval, but the lecturer in scholastic philosophy was informed, like every other lecturer and professor appointed by the Commission, that his appointment was only provisional and might be annulled by a disallowance of the Statutes.

Is it a fact that an appeal has been lodged against the establishment of this lectureship?

Yes.

When is that appeal going to be heard?

I saw from an Irish newspaper that the date fixed is the 24th of this month.

Will the Government, by their Law Officers or otherwise, support the appointment on the hearing of the appeal?

I have no knowledge of that.

This is a long way from the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Belfast Statutory Commission, before granting the lectureship in scholastic philosophy, exercised the power to take evidence given by the Irish Universities Act; whether he will say on what evidence as to the educational wants of the district around Belfast the decision to establish such lectureship was founded; and whether the appointment of the lecturer in scholastic philosophy was unanimous on the part of the Statutory Commission?

The Commission did not think it necessary to take evidence as to the organisation of the teaching staff of the University. The majority of the Commissioners are themselves personally acquainted with the educational needs of the district around Belfast which justify the establishment of the lectureship in question. One of the Commissioners (Mr. R. J. Martin) dissented from the appointment of the lecturer.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he would state when the Government Amendments to the Irish Land Bill, now promised, will appear on the Paper?

I hope to be able to put down most, if not all, of the Amendments to-morrow, and any that may then stand over the next day.

asked the Chief Secretary if there is any power in some members of the Local Government Board, short of the full number, to exercise the powers conferred on the whole Board by the Labourers (Ireland) Act of 1906 to hear appeals from the reports of their inspectors under that Act, and, if so, under what section is this permissible?

Section 102 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, provides that any act to be done by or on behalf of the Local Government Board may be done in the name of the Board, by the President, the Under-Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant, the Vice-President, or by any person appointed by the President or the Vice-President to act on behalf of the Vice-President.

Does that Section only refer to Ministerial and not to judicial acts?

I did not notice that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the numbers of Chinese and Natives of Africa, respectively, who were now living in compounds in connection with the mines in the Transvaal; what was the mortality amongst the two classes of men; and whether arrangements had been made for the accommodation in the compounds of the wives of such men as wish to have their wives living with them?

According to the latest figures available there were 5,370 Chinese left on the Witwatersrand on July 31st, and 175,895 coloured persons were employed in gold mining in the Transvaal in the month of June. No figures are available to show how many of these labourers are living in compounds. The conditions under which Chinese and native labourers live are, however, different, as I pointed out in an answer to the hon. Member for the Kingswinford Division of Staffordshire, on the 13th of July. During the quarter ended on the 31st of March, the latest period for which figures are available, the rate of mortality from all causes per 1,000 per annum was: Chinese, 15.959; natives, 35.408. Accommodation for native wives and families is not, as I understand, provided in the compounds. Chinese labourers were offered facilities for bring- ing their wives and families with them, but except in two cases advantage was not taken of the offer.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman why so many Chinese are still in. South Africa upwards of two years after the period fixed when they had to leave

Because, as the hon. Gentleman knows, at the very end of this, as we regard it, degrading experiment, a very large number were brought—13,000, I think, was the number—just before the prohibition was made. The contracts will expire at the beginning of next year.

Would not the number of Chinese in South Africa be less, at the present moment if they had not been retained beyond the time fixed for repatriation on account of the shortage of native labour in the mines?

This is the first time I have heard of it. All the Chinese are returned the moment their contracts have expired. If the hon. Gentleman has any information to the contrary I should be glad to have it.

I will put a question down.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that there is a general desire in British Guiana to establish a banana industry; and whether the Government can do anything by way of encouraging an export trade in bananas?

The Secretary of State has not received any representations on the subject from the Colony. Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to furnish me with such information as he has in his possession.

asked whether, in connection with the Committee of Inquiry into Coolie Indentured Labour, the decision not to receive any witnesses from the People's Association of British Guiana can be reconsidered with a view to opinion in British Guiana being fully put before the Committee?

The Committee have had before them a letter from the Association dated 23rd July, stating that a Memorandum on the whole labour question in the Colony was in course of preparation. They are awaiting the receipt of the Memorandum, and have caused the Association to be so informed. The decision as to summoning witnesses on behalf of the Association will not be finally taken until the Memorandum has been considered.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he has any information showing to what extent the People's Association of British Guiana represents the people of British Guiana?

That is a very difficult question to answer in the case of all kinds of associations.

asked the Under-Secretary whether he is aware that the Legislature of British Guiana some time ago declared in favour of the undertaking of irrigation and drainage schemes for the successful exploiting of the minor industries of an essentially agricultural country such as British Guiana; and whether he can state what steps, if any, have been taken to give effect to the declaration of the Legislature?

A Committee was appointed by the Governor in 1906 to consider a scheme for irrigation works on the Corentyne coast, but they reported that the scheme was not feasible. It would appear from the Committee's report to be doubtful whether any practicable scheme would be acceptable to the inhabitants of the localities concerned. In the Abary district experiments are being made by private enterprise with a view to the cultivation of rice on a large scale, and it is understood that if these experiments are successful a large area of Crown land "will be taken up for the purpose. I may add that the present Colonial Engineer of British Guiana was selected for the appointment on account of his knowledge and experience of irrigation works.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the pension of Mary Connell, of Ougham, Tubbercurry, county Sligo, was stopped because, as alleged by the pension officer, she was not the required age; whether he is aware that the Census Return of 1841 shows Mary Connell, otherwise Brennan, of Bilra, parish of Aehonry, to be 10 months, whilst the Census of 1851 shows her as being 10 years; and can he explain the discrepancy of 10 months, and say whether this woman's pension will be restored to her?

There is no discrepancy between the Census Returns of 1841 and 1851 in this case, and both Returns show that the claimant has not yet reached the age of 70. She was ten months old when the Census was taken in June, 1841, and was still under eleven, and therefore rightly returned as ten, years of age at the next Census in March, 1851. As a rule, except in the cases of infants, only complete years are given in the Census Returns.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can state the grounds on which pensions have been withdrawn from John Wynne, Pat Carey, and Thomas Keane, all of Tubbercurry, county Sligo; and is he aware that their names do not appear either on the Census Returns of 1841 or 1851?

As the names of these claimants could not be traced in the Census Returns of 1841 or 1851, the Local Government Board asked them to furnish any other evidence of age which they might be able to obtain. The Board did not consider the evidence which they submitted sufficient to establish their age, and accordingly upheld the pension officer's appeals.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that Patrick Mullarkey, of Tubbercurry, county Sligo, has been deprived of his old age pension, of which he was in receipt for some months, because, as alleged, he was a resident of the United States for some years; whether Mr. Mullarkey submitted a statement to the Local Government Board three months ago explaining that he went to America on a visit to his children, remaining there only 18 months, and that hi was and still is the rated occupier of four acres of land in Bullgara, Tubbercurry; whether such statement has been endorsed by the local pension committee, who know the circumstances; and whether, seeing that the Local Government Board still retain Mr. Mullarkey's proofs, full inquiries will be made and the case reconsidered?

In this case the Local Government Board upheld the appeal of the pension officer against the decision of the committee allowing the claimant a pension. The claimant admitted in the-statement which he furnished to the Board that he had been two years and a half in America. It was found on inquiry that his name was not, and never had been, in the rate-books in respect to the property referred to in the question, and it was also ascertained that there was no house on the plot. The Board were satisfied that the claimant did not fulfil the statutory condition as to residence. It is not open to them to reconsider their decision.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will state the number of persons in receipt of old age pensions who died in Ireland during the six months ending July last; and whether he will state the number of applications for pensions received during the same period, the number granted, the number of appeals to the Local Government Board, and their decision?

Figures for the six months ended 31st July last are not available, but the figures for the six months ended the 30th June last are as follows:—

The number of persons in receipt of old age pensions reported as having died in Ireland in the six months ended 30th June last was 7,637 The number of applications for old age pensions received in Ireland during the same period was 38,123 The number of pensions granted in Ireland in that period was 25,374 The number of appeals to the Local Government Board in the same period was 14,109 The number decided was 14,086

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can state the amount of revenue derived from the duties on quack medicines in the years 1905–6, 906–7, and 1907–8, respectively?

The amounts of revenue derived from the Medicine Stamp Duty, to which I take the hon. Member to refer, in the years 1905–6, 1906–7, 1907–8, were £324,112, £327,106, and £334,142 respectively.

Is this extraordinary increase year by year in those quack medicines to be attributed, to a certain extent, to the fact that the label put on by the Government in order to collect the duty is taken by certain of the poorer classes to mean that the contents have Government approval?

I do not think so. There has been no extraordinary increase. It is only an increase of £324,000 to £334,000.

That is an increase of £10,000 for duty alone on the sale of these medicines.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he will explain why circulars have recently been issued by the Department to Irish farmers asking full particulars as to the acreage of their different crops; and whether, seeing that this information is already collected annually by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, he will explain the object of the trouble and expense of the double inquiry?

Circulars are sent to a limited number of farmers throughout the country in order to confirm without delay the returns as to the area of particular crops. The furnishing of a reply is voluntary. The expense or trouble involved is small, and it is desirable in the interests of agriculture that such inquiry should be made.

asked the President of the Board of Education on what grounds the Board of Education has refused the Great Yarmouth Education Committee the right to teach in the Nelson provided school two extra subjects as provided by the Code, Article 5 ( a )

Generally speaking, the Board are of opinion that it is more important that local education authorities should at the present time devote their attention to raising the general standard of the work done in their public-elementary schools than that they should institute experiments by way of a more advanced curriculum in exceptional schools. Such subjects as languages, shorthand, and science are accordingly not, as a rule, approved in a public elementary school when there is any danger that the ordinary school hours will not suffice for an adequate amount of time to be given to them, or that the ordinary school subjects-will be neglected.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the fact that the subjects which were being taught in the school were on account of the special requirements of the trade of the town?

Yes; we have taken that into account. I have stated the general view of the Board in the answer I have already given.

I did not want their general view, but their view in regard to special cases.

Is it not a common thing to have these subjects taught in elementary schools?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received an appeal from Elijah Greathead, of Manchester, against a decision of the Manchester Pension Committee disallowing his claim to pension on the ground that he was absent from the United Kingdom from 1901 to 1904; and whether the fact that he merely left England on a long visit to some friends, and kept a furnished room in England with the express intention of returning will entitle him to a pension?

I have received an appeal against the decision of the sub-committee in this ease; but their proceedings are subject to review by the local pension committee, with whom I am in communication with regard to the matter. Pending the investigation of the case, I am not in a position to express an opinion as to whether the claimant is entitled to a pension.

May I ask whether the law will be administered in England the same as it is in Ireland, because we had a question to-day to the Chief Secretary in which he answered—

The hon. Member is not entitled to enter into an argument.

I think it is a very fair question.

I do not think it is fair. It was a question which the President of the Local Government Board would not be able to answer.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the refusal of the Devon County Council to erect warning signs, under the provisions of the Motor Car Act, 1903, unless the sum of £50 was contributed towards the cost thereof by private persons or organisatiobns; and whether, in view of the action of the county council in refusing to carry out their statutory duties as enacted in Clause 10 (2) of the Motor Car Act, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have had some correspondence with the Devon and Cornwall Automobile Club and the Devon County Council on this subject. I learn that, after a conference between a sub-committee of the council and some members of the club, the council came to the conclusion that they would only be justified in incurring expense in erecting notices if a part of the cost were provided from sources other than local funds. I have no power to compel the county council to' erect these notices.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the order issued by the Admiralty for the removal of the Portland and Weymouth Coaling Company's coaling hulk "Ethiopia" from Portland Harbour will result in 250 workpeople being deprived of their means of livelihood; whether he will state the reasons for the issue of this order; and whether he will reconsider the matter with a view to the withdrawal, if possible, of the order, and so leave undisturbed the means of livelihood of the workpeople concerned?

With regard to the first part of the question, I am aware that the statement has been made, but it has been disputed, and the circumstances are not within my knowledge. Protection of naval interests in the harbour is the reason for the order. With regard to the third part of the question, as representations have been made to me on this subject, and are now receiving my immediate consideration, I am not in a position at present to make a reply.

May I ask with regard to the disputed points whether he will make inquiries?

The question as to whether 250 people are or are not out of work, important as it may be, is not really the matter which is in dispute between the parties.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that British subjects resident in England have recently been subjected to police surveillance on account of their correspondence with Signor Ferrer and other Spanish subjects, who have been arrested on suspicion of complicity in the Barcelona riots; and whether, having regard to the nature of the repression carried on by the Spanish Government and the conduct of the Spanish police, he will prohibit any further action of a similar kind by the police in this country?

There are no grounds that I know of for the suggestion that British subjects have been under surveillance by the police.

If the facts are submitted to him will he give the matter consideration I

What facts?

The facts referred to in the question.

Certainly. If they are facts.

How many people were murdered in Barcelona during the disturbances there?

I do not know.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say there is no correspondence with the police in regard to the suppression of those riots?

I really know of no such correspondence.

asked the Prime Minister if he has yet decided to reinstate the Government Hops Bill, so that if unopposed, it may have an opportunity of passing?

asked whether he will reconsider his decision to drop the Hops (No. 2) Bill?

asked whether he can see his way to introduce a Bill before the end of the present Session for the purpose of dealing with the question of hops?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the questions may I ask whether the Hops Bill merely in its present state contains provisions against the use of substitutes, whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the evidence before the Select Committee on the hop industry indicated that the tendency was for the use of substitutes to increase in years of scarcity; and whether his information is that the crop is likely to be a small one this year?

I regret that I am unable to hold out any prospect of legislation on this subject during the present Session.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when it is proposed to appoint the Royal Commission for the purpose of investigating the methods to be adopted for the selection of suitable persons to be justices of the peace?

The matter is under consideration. There will be no undue delay.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any information that licensed premises closed on the ground of redundancy by the Act of 1903 have been reopened as clubs after the former owners had received compensation; and can he say how many licensed premises have been converted into clubs?

I have received some resolutions from compensation authorities on this subject, and a few actual cases have come under my notice; but I have no general information or figures bearing on the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the figures he gave to the House on 2nd September that the net increase of clubs in five large English cities during the past four years was one that referred to clubs affiliated to the Club and Institute Union; whether he is aware that the official statistics show the net increase of registered clubs in the petty sessional divisions and county of Liverpool alone in 1908 was 31, and the convictions for drunkenness in the same area 12,710; and whether he will lay upon the Table a copy of all the correspondence with this union from which he quoted in his speech?

As, I stated at the time, the figures relating to the increase in the number of clubs in certain large towns, which I quoted in the Debate on September 2nd, were taken from a table included in a return relating to licensed premises, published by the London County Council, and did not relate to clubs affiliated to the Club and Institute Union; the figures included in that return did not comprise the petty sessional divisions of the Liverpool Division. The statistics given in the question are correct. In answer to the last part of the question the only correspondence with the Club and Institute Union, from which I quoted, related to the average number of members in the clubs affiliated to the union, and the whole of the information included in that correspondence was given in my speech.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Pink Paper issued by the London County Council as to public-houses no figures of an increase are given, and I therefore ask where he obtained the information he gave to the House? The abstract of 1908 is not yet laid upon the Table of the House.

The hon. Gentleman is under some misapprehension. I will show him the Return on the last page.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the number of acres of land in possession of all religious orders and other denominations in the United Kingdom upon which no rates or taxes are levied or collected?

I regret that I am unable to supply the hon. Member with this information.

Is it possible to get it at all, and, if I move for a return, will he grant it?

I do not see how I could possibly get the information unless the hon. Member waits for the valuation.

If the valuation comes along, will these institutions not have to be valued for the purposes of taxation?

A Member of the Government will be responsible for giving the information, but up to now there is no data.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if he grants this Return he will offend the whole Nationalist party?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to make provision in the present Budget respecting the Death Duties which are at present lost to the State in connection with religious orders in the United Kingdom; and, if not, can he say why?

No, Sir, I see no reason for making any provision of the kind indicated.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Board of Inland Revenue has recently issued advertisements for surveyors, and, if so, whether such surveyors are for the purposes of the Land Tax valuation under the Finance Bill; and, if so, what are the qualifications required on the part of applicants?

I may refer the hon. Member to the reply of my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on the 31st ult. to a question by the hon. Member for South Hackney, in which he explained that the advertisement in question refers to the appointment of valuers in connection with Estate Duties.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he suggested to the English off-licence holders-that they should meet the representatives-of the Scotch and Irish off-licence holders and should draw up and submit to him a uniform scheme for the three countries; whether this scheme recommended the sale of spirits in small bottles in England as well as in Scotland and Ireland; whether any intimation was given by a responsible permanent official that this part of the scheme had met with the approval of the Cabinet and would be embodied in an Amendment; and, if so, why this Amendment has now been withdrawn?

After the publication of the Finance Bill I received numerous representations, both by deputations and correspondence, on behalf of the off-licence holders in England, Scotland and Ireland, asking me to modify my proposals in various respects. As there was considerable divergence of opinion between the various parties interested, I suggested that I should be in a better position to deal with the question if the representatives of these licence holders could, after consultation, lay before me for my consideration a statement of the modifications which would be regarded as acceptable by the licence holders in all parts of the United Kingdom. To assist them in their deliberations I placed at their disposal the services of the permanent official who is responsible for the administration of Excise licences, and that official reported to me the result of the consultations. He gave no intimation to any of the persons interested that any of the suggested modifications had been accepted by the Government or would be embodied in an Amendment.

If the Amendment was placed on the Paper by mistake was it without the knowledge of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and if not, by whom was the mistake made?

I accept full responsibility for whatever inadvertence there was in the matter. There was undoubtedly a mistake. I did not know it was on the Paper, and the first intimation I had was when I saw a report in a paper. I can only say it was not due to any inadvertence of the draftsman. It was suggested that he was responsible, and I think I ought to say that.

I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that no intimation was given by a responsible official that the Government favoured the scheme?

No. I am assured no intimation at all was given that the Government would accept. I am certain that no official would do that with- out an intimation to a representative of the Government.

How did it get on the Paper?

Was the Amendment which appeared on the Paper submitted to persons representing trade interests?

No.

Is the Bill now in its final shape as regards the quart bottle? Are there to be any further "inadvertent" Amendments?

Everything depends on the discussion in the House of Commons. I do not know whether the hon. Member means to suggest that the Government have made up their minds not to accept any Amendment, whatever the drift of the Debate may be.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of the fact that there was no standard reputed quart measure and the quantity sold as a reputed quart was not invariably the same, he would say what variation under the Finance Bill would be permitted in the quantity of spirits contained in a quarter of a reputed quart bottle?

The variations in the quantity contained in a reputed quart bottle are quite inconsiderable. It has not been found necessary in the past to lay down any definition of a reputed quart bottle, and I do not think it will be necessary to do so in the case of a quarter of such a bottle.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know what the reputed quart bottle actually contains?

It does not depend at all on the Finance Bill. It has been in use for some time without any difficulty, and I do not think there will be any difficulty now.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of £100 spent on average champagne would be paid to the State as duty; how much of £100 spent on mild ale, as usually drunk by the working classes, after the Finance Bill has passed, would go to the State as duty; and how much of £100 spent on ordinary whisky, as usually drunk by the working classes, after the Finance Bill has passed, would go to the State?

I am afraid the information given in the question is not sufficient to enable me to work out the problem which the hon. Member has set me.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the Board of Agriculture, whether he would state the acreage under hops this year in England, giving the area under cultivation in each county; and whether he could state the estimated yield per acre?

Some delay has occurred this year in the collection of the agricultural returns, but we hope to issue the acreage returns in a few days. The Board's estimates of the yield per acre will, as usual, be published early next month.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether His Majesty's Government received any representation from Foreign Powers against the marking of hops in the manner prescribed in the Government Hops Bill; and whether he would cause a copy of any representation or correspondence which might have taken place to be laid upon the Table of the House?

Representations from certain foreign Governments as to the marking of hops were received, but inasmuch as the Government do not propose to proceed further with the Bill in question, my Noble Friend the President of the Board of Agriculture is not prepared to adopt the hon. Member's proposal.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset if a representative from the Board had been to Newborough to inquire into the demand for small holdings which the county council of the Soke of Peterborough declined to meet; and, if so, had he reported to the Board, and what was the substance of such Report?

Yes; our Assistant Commissioner recently visited Newborough to inquire into the demand for small holdings, but he has not yet reported to the Board.

Will the Report be published?

These Reports are never published.

asked what number of persons in each county in England and Wales had been dispossessed or had received notice that they would be dispossessed of the whole or a portion of their farms to make room for small holders?

also asked:— (1) What acreage had been taken, or was under notice to be taken, from farmers in order to create small holdings under the provisions of the Small Holdings Act of last Session; (2) If the hon. Baronet could state the professions or occupations hitherto followed by the persons placed on small holdings on land from which farm tenants had been given notice to quit under the provisions of the Small Holdings Act of last Session; (3) If he could state what number of farmers whose land had been taken or whose land was about to be taken for small holdings were or are tenants of Grown lands; and (4) If he could state what number of farm labourers, hinds, horsemen, shepherds, and other employés on and about farms had been thrown out of employment under the working of the Small Holdings Act; and if he could form any estimate of the number of those who were likely to lose their places from the same cause?

In reply to the hon. Member's five questions, the information desired can only be obtained by application to about 10,000 local authorities. I hope, therefore, /that the hon. Member will not press for the detailed in-formation. Inquiry as to the number of Crown tenants, whose land has been, or is about to be, taken for small holdings, is being made, and I will send the hon. Member this information as soon as it is available.

I was asked to press for these answers; therefore, I hope the hon. Baronet will be able to supply them later on.

asked if the Government considered that Section 1 of the Older of the Board of Agriculture of 25th November, 1898, adequately dealt with the exportation of unfit horses; whether they could see their way to prohibit the exportation of all horses which, by reason of age, infirmity, illness, or injury, would be unfit for work in a foreign country, and must, therefore, be killed; and whether they would make it compulsory that such horses, when sold in this country, should be slaughtered on or near the premises where they were purchased?

The Board are satisfied that the Order gives to local authorities powers to deal adequately with the exportation of horses which cannot be conveyed without cruelty on the intended passage and on landing. They are advised that their statutory powers do not enable them to make such orders as would be necessary to carry into effect the proposals suggested in the second and third paragraphs of the question.

Will the Government support a Bill if one is introduced dealing with the subject?

I must ask for notice of that.

Have not the Board of Agriculture appointed additional veterinary inspectors to report on these horses in order that prosecutions may be undertaken if necessary?

Additional inspectors have been appointed further to safeguard the treatment of these horses.

asked whether any efforts are made by the Board to obtain from competing foreign countries estimates as to the probable output of crops of fruit or hops in those countries; whether he was aware that detriment is suffered by home growers from their inability to obtain any early information as to the prospects of foreign crops, such as plums; and whether the Board would, before another season, take steps to obtain and publish such information?

The Board circularised various fruit and hop associations early in 1906 in order to ascertain the nature of information as to foreign fruit crop prospects, which in their opinion would prove of value to the home grower. Acting on the replies received, we have obtained from time to time reports on the subject from some of our consuls abroad, and have published such portions of them as we have considered to be of interest to fruit growers. We hope that later on it may be found possible to obtain and publish reports on the subject from the International Agriculture Institute at Rome. We are well aware that it is greatly to the advantage of the home grower to have early advice as to the prospective crops in foreign countries, but there is considerable difficulty in obtaining it.

asked if the Board of Agriculture could recall the letter 9 154–1 (13351) which had been sent to the county councils on the subject of black scab in potatoes, in which it asked that a specimen of the diseased potato should be sent, if possible, to the Board when the disease was notified?

The communication A. 154–1, to which the hon. Member refers, merely sets out the purport of Article I. of the Destructive Insects and Pests Order of 1908, and inasmuch as the Board are not aware of any sound objection to its issue, they are not prepared to recall it. Experience has shown us that potato growers are often ignorant of the nature of black scab, and it is therefore necessary at times to obtain specimens of suspected potatoes before a diagnosis of the disease with which they are affected can be made.

Is the sending of a letter the high-water mark of what has been done up to the present by the Board of Agriculture to stamp out black scab?

Certainly not.

What else has been done?

Are the Board aware that this disease is not only contagious, but infectious, and that therefore the practice will spread the disease?

The Board do not think there is any danger in what they are doing.

Will they make inquiries as to whether or not there is danger?

If my hon. Friend can give the Board any valuable information they will be glad to have it.

asked what was the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men now in the Territorial infantry who had never fired a recruit's course of musketry?

also asked what was the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who were not recruits now in the Territorial infantry who had not fired a trained soldier's course of musketry?

The information required by these questions can only be obtained by calling for a special return, the preparation of which would give a great deal of trouble to the various staffs concerned. I would remind the hon. Member that these courses need not be completed until the end of October.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the trained Territorial infantry soldier was only compelled to fire an annual course of 23 rounds of service ammunition with the military rifle; and, if so, whether he was permitted to fire them all in one afternoon?

A soldier is required either to qualify in the standard test, which involves firing 23 rounds, or to attend at a range three times and fire 50 rounds of small-arms ammunition, or its equivalent, in aiming tube ammunition; one of these three attendances must be at an open range. There is no objection to a man firing the 23 rounds in an afternoon provided that he passes the test.

Are 23 rounds all that a man need fire? Is it necessary that he should hit the target at all?

He has to pass the test.

Is it not a fact that a repetition course, in case of failure in any one practice, may not be fired on the same afternoon?

Possibly.

asked the Secretary of State for War what precautions are taken to guard the guns, rifles, and ammunition now provided for the Territorial Force; and what is the number of rounds per gun and cartridges per rifle which are kept ready and would be instantly available for repelling a sudden raid?

The hon. Member will find the required information contained in Part III. of the Equipment Regulations, Territorial Force. From this he will see that 500 rounds a gun and 300 rounds per rifle are kept ready for immediate use.

What precautions are taken to guard these rifles, guns, and ammunition?

A part is under the custody of the Army Ordnance Department, a smaller part is with the unit.

Is there no guard over them?

There are always precautions as to the keeping of ammunition even in time of peace, and much greater precautions would be taken in the event of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that our soldiers are supplied with frozen meat twice a week, and of the fact that it is generally recognised by experts in the meat trade that one pound of freshly-killed meat has more nourishment in it than several pounds of frozen meat, he could see his way to having our soldiers supplied in future entirely with freshly-killed meat?

It is not admitted that frozen meat is less nourishing than freshly-killed meat. From experiments that have been made it has been proved that pound for pound frozen and chilled meat is practically equal to fresh-killed meat. Under these circumstances it is not proposed to make any alteration in the present meat supply for the Army.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a pamphlet issued lately experts consider that one pound of freshly- killed meat is worth a stone of frozen meat?

I should be sorry to accept responsibility for all the things that have recently appeared in pamphlets about the Army, but I am sure that the hon. Gentleman, without knowing it, himself has flourished upon frozen meat.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is not a huntsman in the country who would allow his hounds to be fed on frozen meat?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether European supervision exists in the police Department to a greater or lesser extent than in other Government Departments in India; and whether the police Department if beyond others staffed by Natives of the different countries in the Indian Empire?

It is hardly possible to institute an exact comparison of this nature between the police and any other civil Department. No doubt, if my hon. Friend means to comprise the whole force, including the rank and file, the European element is proportionately smaller

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, under instructions from the Government of Bombay, the sheriff of Bombay has cancelled a notice of a public meeting which had been convened by him, upon an influ-entially-signed requisition, to discuss the position of British-Indians in the Transvaal; and, if so, whether he can say why the instructions of the Government of Bombay were issued to the sheriff?

The Secretary of State has no official information on the subject. He has seen a report in the Press to the effect stated. The reason given in that report for the decision of the Government of Bombay was that they thought that the passing of the South Africa Union Bill made such a meeting under the auspices of a Government official undesirable.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the statement that the order prohibiting this meeting has been withdrawn, and that the meeting will be held on the 17fch of this month?

No, Sir; I have no official knowledge of that.