This question has been altered, and does not represent the meaning of the inquiry of which I gave notice. I will, therefore, ask only the first part of this question.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why 6 per cent. was mentioned on 15th September?

If the hon. and gallant Member will be good enough to let me know the number of the battery to which he alludes, I will make enquiry.

I refer to all batteries on the lower establishment. The Secretary of State told us 6 per cent., but as a matter of fact, it is only 4 per cent., owing to an order from the War Office, and I should like an explanation.

That is a different question. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put it on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he could state on what date the regulations provided for by Subsection 2 of Section 1 of the Militia and Yeomanry Act, 1902, creating the body known as the Irish Horse, were laid before Parliament; and where might copies of those regulations be seen?

The Militia and Yeomanry Act, 1902, gave power generally to raise regiments of Yeomanry under Section 3 of the Militia Act, 1882, under which no regulations were required. Section 1, Sub-section (2) of the Militia and Yeomanry Act, 1902, relates to the regulations required for the reserve divisions of the Militia and Yeomanry (under Section 1, Sub-section (1) which may be found in Army Order 36 of 1903, and were laid before Parliament.

Is it not a fact that the Militia and Yeomanry Act, 1902, only gives power to the Secretary of State to annul certain sections of an Act of Parliament, whereas in providing for the creation of the Irish Horse two Acts of Parliament have been entirely annulled?

If the hon. Member looks at Section 1 (3) he will find that power was given to raise a Yeomanry regiment under the Act of 1882.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether, in view of the circumstances attending the violation of the Fair Wage Clause by Messrs. P. and J. Gordon, for the painting of Maryhill Barracks, and of the fact that the painters on the contract had not been receiving the wages to which they were entitled, he would take some further action besides striking the firm off the list of contractors?

It is considered that the case has been adequately met by the removal of the firm's name from the list of Army contractors, which is held to be the most serious penalty which a contractor can suffer.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the firm in question made a pretence of paying wages 50 per cent. more than were actually paid; and having regard to that fact, can he not compel the firm to pay the wages which they stated they were paying, but which the men had not had?

We have not legal power to do so.

asked whether the official reports received from the New Hebrides confirmed the accounts published in Australia of the high mortality among the native population and rapid decrease of their numbers in several islands of the group; whether the matter was receiving the attention of the Government; and what measures were being taken to prevent the extinction of the aboriginal population?

The question of the decrease of the native population throughout the Pacific is one of long standing and of extreme complexity. His Majesty's Government have no special official reports with regard to the New Hebrides; owing to the uncivilised condition of the group it has been impossible to obtain even approximately accurate figures of the population. It is hoped that with the gradual extension of settled government under the Convention of 1906, and particularly with the prohibition of the sale of arms and liquor to natives, the decrease of numbers may be checked.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention had been drawn to the fact that the rate of Import Duty on opium in the Federated Malay States now stood at 1,200 dollars, or £140, per chest; and if he could state the present rate of duty in the China treaty ports?

As regards the first part of the question, I have seen the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies on October 5th. With regard to the second, the duty on imported opium is determined by the additional Article of 1885 of the Chefu Convention, which fixes the Import Duty at 30 taels per chest of one picul, to which is added a further 80 taels for likin, making a total of 110 taels. This works out at the present rate of exchange at, roughly, £12 17s. a chest.

Is it within the power of the Chinese Government to raise the duty?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any communications had passed between his Department and the Naval Department at Washington on the proposal of the United States Government to man and equip with modern guns and armament two naval training ships on the great lakes; and, if so, would he state the result?

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

asked whether the Russian troops had retired from Tabriz?

His Majesty's Minister at Tehran has reported that two companies of infantry and one grenadier battery left Tabriz for Russia on 16th October.

Is the Persian Government preserving order and peace in that district now?

That is an entirely different question.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, with a view to the more effectual protection of the public health, he would consider the desirability of making it compulsory upon all owners of live stock commonly used or sold for the food of man to notify the local authority within 24 hours of any ailing, injured, or apparently diseased animal, in order to prevent such animal being offered upon his premises, or removed therefrom, for the purpose of sale until the carcass of such animal had been duly examined by a qualified veterinary surgeon, and that the penalty for contravention of any such amended Act should be made sufficiently heavy to prevent the foisting of anything unfit or unsound upon those who were responsible for the distribution of the meat supply of the United Kingdom?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I will take note of the suggestion made in it; but I could not promise to introduce legislation for the purpose of giving effect to it. There would, I think, be a good deal of difficulty in the matter.

asked the Lord Advocate, having regard to the fact that the cottars of Valtos and Kneep some time since petitioned the proprietor of the island of Lewis to break up the farm of Reef, in the parish of Uig, would he state what decision had been arrived at; and whether the Congested Districts Board would be prepared to co-operate with the proprietor in the creation of new holdings?

also asked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the small number of new holdings created in the island of Lewis out of the funds of the Congested Districts Board, arrangements would now be made for a portion of the Board's funds to be utilised for that purpose, especially bearing in mind that the Secretary for Scotland intimated in March last that he then had the matter under consideration?

In reply to these two questions I can only inform him that the Congested Districts Board are in communication with those concerned, but no decision has yet been arrived at.

asked the Lord Advocate, having regard to the fact that the recommendations of Dr. Dittmar, the Local Government Board inspector, for improving the sanitary condition of the townships in the island of Lewis, supported by suggestions of the medical officer of health for Ross and Cromarty, had been under the consideration of the Secretary for Scotland since 1906, would he state what sum had been expended in the island by the Government and local authority, respectively, with a view to remedy these conditions, since the Government came into office?

I am informed that £175 has been expended by the local authority in protecting wells, and that in some districts dwellings are being considerably improved by the inhabitants themselves. The Government has no powers to enable it to spend money on sanitary purposes.

asked the Lord Advocate, in view of the fact that the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill made no provision for crofters, cottars, fishermen, and others who were without means with which to equip and stock a holding, would he state how the Government proposed to deal with the numerous persons of this class, mainly cottars, in the island of Lewis and else-where who were without means with which to equip a new holding; and, if legislation was necessary, would he state when he proposed to introduce it?

The Government are not able now to anticipate the legislation of future Sessions; and I cannot encourage my hon. Friend to think that any such proposals as he appears to suggest are likely to be laid before Parliament.

In view of the difficulty of raising sufficient money to equip these new holdings, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of recommending His Majesty's Government to extend the Unearned Increment Tax to personal property, such as the Clydesdale Bank shares?

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that letters posted in Glasgow, Liverpool, and other cross-Channel ports reach Loughgall the following morning about 10.30, but are not delivered till the day following, and if posted on a Friday are not delivered till the following Monday; and if, having regard to the amount of the fruit-growing industry carried on in Loughgall and its necessarily perishable character, he will alter the existing system of delivery of such correspondence?

Letters arriving at Loughgall by the second post at about 10.30 a.m. are at once delivered in the village. I regret that the cost of an extension of the second delivery beyond the village would not be justified, as the service is already carried on at a considerable loss to revenue, and the number of letters which would be benefited would be very small.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has extended the advantages of the Canadian magazine post to Newfoundland?

I have been in communication with the Prime Minister and the Postmaster-General of Newfoundland in reference to this matter, and I am glad to say that I have come to an arangement with Newfoundland similar to that which I made with the Dominion Government—namely, that in view of the particular local circumstances the postage on magazines, newspapers, and trade journals from Great Britain to Newfoundland will be reduced from 4d. to 1d. per pound. The whole loss of the reduction in the postage from 4d. to 1d., as in the case of Canada, falls on the British Post Office, while the Newfoundland Government, like the Dominion Government, undertakes the cost of the sea transit.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention had been directed to the general state of dissatisfaction which exists in the town of Monasterevan, county Kildare, with regard to the unsuitability of the present post office premises; whether the Department have acknowledged the unsuitability by entering into negotiations for larger premises; and, if so, will he say how far these negotiations have proceeded, and what is the cause of the delay in providing proper accommodation for the public who use the post office?

The need for improved accommodation is recognised, and inquiries for better premises are proceeding, but hitherto no satisfactory offer has been received.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that there are a great number of discrepancies and omissions in the Census Returns of 1841 and 1851, of which the following is an example: Margaret King, Kilmihill, no trace in Census Return of 1841, 10 years of age in Census Return of 1851, certificate of baptism proving her birth on 18th March, 1838; and whether, in view of the unreliability of the Census Returns, he will issue instructions to pension officers not to lodge objections founded on no better evidence than the Census Returns, but to defer to the opinion of the pension committee unless he can produce indisputable evidence to the contrary?

I regret to be unable to accept the suggestion of the hon. Member. Although discrepancies may have been found in the Census Returns, I am unable to admit that they are in general unreliable.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the number of people in receipt of old age pensions in England, Ireland, and Scotland, respectively, and the amount received in each country?

The figures are:—

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has yet convened a meeting of the Board; and, if not, whether he proposes to do so?

The reply to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know the names of the members of his Board?

Yes; the members of the Board are the Lord President of the Council, the five Secretaries of State, the Lord Privy Seal, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman why they have not been consulted as to the work of his Department?

Because the Department do not think it needs such consultation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the fact that His Majesty's fleet frequently visits Cromarty Firth and lies off Invergordon, where there is ample anchorage for the largest vessels afloat, will he again consider the expediency of establishing a floating dock off that town, seeing that it is on the main line of railway and in direct communication with both the North and South, and forms an excellent base for coaling and other purposes?

A floating dock would not at present be suitably placed in Cromarty Firth, owing to the absence of workshop facilities.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many building slips there are in Great Britain of sufficient size and capacity to admit of the building of ships of the "Dreadnought" and super-"Dreadnought" type?

I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton on the 17th March last.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state hen orders will be given for the gun-mountings for the armoured ships which are to be laid down on 1st April, 1910; whether tenders for supplying these gun-mountings have been submitted; and if any of the contractors on the Admiralty list have already made expenditure upon an increase of their plant or preparation of material in anticipation of increased orders for gun-mountings?

The hon. Gentleman rain error in assuming that armoured ships are necessarily to be laid down on 1st April, 1910. If he means to refer to the four large armoured ships mentioned on page 226 of the Navy Estimates, the reply is that an order for the gun-mountings for one ship has already been provisionally placed, and the tenders for the gun-mountings for three ships are under consideration. As regards the latter part of the question, there is nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Gentleman on 2nd August last.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in regard to the first part of the question, if he can say—if this question is inaccurate—when the four ships are to be laid down?

Probably some time in the month of April, 1910. But the Government attach more importance to the date at which they are to be finished. They are to be finished by March, 1912.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether His Majesty's ship "Victory" is falling into a condition of decay; and, if so, what action the Board of Admiralty proposes to take in the matter?

The "Victory" was extensively repaired in 1903 with the object of putting her into such a state as would enable her to last for many years. I am happy to be able to assure my hon. Friend that there are no grounds for thinking that the ship is falling into a condition of decay.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Admiral of the Fleet the Right Hon. Lord Walter Talbot Kerr, G.C.B., has been placed on the retired list; whether it is proposed to promote any of the present admirals in consequence of that retirement; and whether he will take care that in future promotions no other considerations shall prevail but those of seniority or exceptional merit displayed in the course of naval service?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative, the officer referred to having been, by authority of a special order in Council, promoted supernumerary to the established list of Admirals of the Fleet.

Would the right hon. Gentleman care to refer to the third part of the question?

Well; the hon. Gentleman suggests that I should do my duty in the third part. If he needs an assurance on that point——

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what hospital accommodation has been installed at Rosyth, and how far would victims of an accident at the new dockyard works have to be carried before receiving treatment in hospital; and what provisions have been made for transport thereto?

No hospital accommodation has yet been installed at Rosyth. Injured men requiring hospital treatment are conveyed about three and a half miles to Dunfermline Hospital. The contractors have arranged for the use of the St. Andrew's Association's ambulance waggon, which is kept in Dunfermline. This can be summoned by telephone, and arrive on the site in 25 or 30 minutes. Less serious cases can be transported by the contractor's motor car in 15 minutes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very great demand for hospital accommodation, and is it not necessary to do something more than that?

The matter is one for the contractor, and not for the Admiralty.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the whole matter?

I have already explained that it is not a matter in which the Admiralty can act themselves. The workmen in question are employed by the contractor and not by the Admiralty.

Are the Admiralty going to employ any men there?

Not at present.

You have a clerk of works on the job. I should have thought it would have been his duty to prevent as many accidents as possible?

We have inspectors on the works to see that the work is carried out according to contract. But we are not the employers of the labour.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state how many men are now being employed at Rosyth; and whether any considerable addition to that number is contemplated in the near future?

Five hundred and seventy-three men are now employed at Rosyth. In March next this number will probably be increased to about 2,000.

Two thousand men are to have no hospital accommodation, and have to be taken four miles in case of accident?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is not justified in saying that.

I think I am justified.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has directed the county committee of agriculture and technical instruction for North Tipperary to dismiss their secretary, and refused to assign any reason for his action when requested by the committee to do so; if he is aware that the secretary, Mr. Walsh, has held the position for the past nine years and at the end of the first six years got an increase in salary for his efficiency with the approval of the Department; whether he will state what has since taken place to justify its change of attitude; whether it is usual with his Department to dictate to the elected representatives of the people whom they should employ; whether he will state if the work of the local committee is at present at a standstill; and, if so, from what cause?

also asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether the North Tipperary committee of agriculture and technical instruction has refused to dismiss their secretary at the instance of his Department; if the local committee requested the Department to state its reasons for desiring the dismissal of Mr. Walsh; if so, what reply the Department gave; and whether there is any, and, if so, what, objection in this case to confer with the local committee on matters affecting the future progress of the Department's work in their district?

I will circulate the reply with the Votes and Proceedings; but I may add that I am satisfied as to the desirability of the action taken. [See Written Answers this Date.]

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to an interview with the local committee?

I have had two interviews with the local committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is usual in London to allow licensed premises to remain open after the usual hour for closing on the occasions when balls, dances, or public dinners are given on such licensed premises; whether this permission is given by virtue of any Act of Parliament; and, if so, what Act or Acts, or whether it is a discretionary power exercised by the police for the benefit and convenience of the public?

Permission for licensed premises in London to remain open after the usual hour for closing on special occasions, such as those indicated in the question, is given in pursuance of the discretionary power for the benefit or convenience of the public conferred on the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis by Section 29 of the Licensing Act, 1872.

Do I understand that there is a practice of allowing discretion to the police; and is that discretion to the police all over the Kingdom?

No.

Only in London?

The Commissioner has discretion only in the Metropolis.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether, having regard to the fact that 49 assistant teachers in Irish national schools were dispensed with last year and 623 others were threatened with withdrawal of salary owing to a decline in average attendance, which may arise from emigration or other causes of diminution of population, the Commissioners of National Education will be given discretionary power to relax the rules relating to average attendance bearing upon the retention of an assistant teacher when once recognised in a school?

The powers of the Commissioners in regard to the retention of teachers, when the average attendance from any cause falls below the number specified in the Commissioners' rules as warranting the recognition of such assistance, are limited by the financial rules which have been approved by the Treasury. Under those rules they may continue to recognise as assistant teacher for four successive quarters of insufficient attendance, but beyond this they cannot go without the special consent of the Treasury. They have no discretionary power under which they could continue their grants for an assistant beyond four successive quarters, and it is not proposed to extend their powers in the manner suggested in the question.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners received an application for reinstatement from the representatives of the late John Hannon, who was evicted from his farm at Lughill, Monasterevan, county Kildare, in September, 1891, by Mrs. Fraser Johnston; whether he is aware that the new tenant, Mrs. Harriet Waters, died last October, and that the farm is now occupied by a caretaker; and can he say what steps are being taken to reinstate the representatives of the evicted tenant or provide them with an equivalent holding?

Miss Kathleen Hannon, who lives in Londonderry, has applied to the Estates Commissioners for reinstatement in a farm in Kildare from which, according to her statement, her father was evicted in 1891, owing 5½ years' rent. The Commissioners received the application after the date mentioned in the Evicted Tenants Act and have not inquired into it.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will ascertain from the Estates Commissioners whether the tenants on the Fraser estate, Mitchelstown, Cork, have agreed to purchase their holdings at the rate of 21½ years' purchase of non-judicial and first-term rents and 23 years' purchase of second-term rents, and if the sale is now nearing completion; whether the Commissioners are aware that Mrs. Catherine O'Brien, the occupier of three holdings on the estate, has been refused the terms given to and agreed upon with the other tenants, although she informed Mr. Hunt, an inspector, of her willingness to accept the terms given to other second-term tenants; whether he is aware that Mr. Henry Frond, agent of the owner, is demanding a price from Mrs. O'Brien amounting to over 25 years' purchase; and whether the Commissioners, before giving their sanction to the sale and purchase of this estate, will cause inquiry to be made into the case of Mrs. O'Brien and secure for her terms of purchase equivalent to those obtained by the other tenants?

I understand that the terms of purchase agreed to by the tenants on this estate work out as follows: First-term rents, 21½ years' purchase; second-term rents, 23 years' purchase; non-judicial rents, 22½ years' purchase. At the time the sale was arranged in 1905 Mrs. O'Brien was offered the same terms as the other tenants, but refused to purchase. In 1908 she had a second-term rent fixed in respect of one of her holdings. The price asked by the vendor in respect of this holding represents 21½ years' purchase of the first-term rent and 26¼ years' purchase of the second-term rent. The Estates Commissioners have the case still under consideration.

Am I to understand that Mrs. O'Brien will get the same terms as other tenants?

I do not know. She did not accept them, and since her refusal second-term rents have been fixed, but all the circumstances are before the notice of the Estates Commissioners.

asked whether, in view of natural resources in West Clare which would become productive if properly developed, he will consider it advisable to send a small commission, comprising a distinguished civil engineer and a competent business man, with instructions to furnish practical reports on the basis of which public works can be immediately undertaken, such as the reclamation of about 1,400 acres in Poulnasherry Bay; the construction of a small serviceable pier at Labsheeda, and others of the kind; and whether, in the cases where a favourable report is forthcoming, he will undertake that the carrying out of these works shall not impose any additional burden on the people of West Clare?

There are no funds at present at the disposal of the Government for carrying out works such as are suggested in the question. Should funds hereafter be made available for the purpose, the claims of West Clare will be carefully considered in connection with similar applications from other districts. The Government has ample means of obtaining expert advice as to the practicability of works of the kind.

asked the Prime Minister whether Mr. R. M. Thomas, who has acted as secretary of the Royal Commission on the English Church in Wales since its formation until recently, has resigned his position; if so, what were the grounds of his resignation; with whom does the appointment of his successor rest; has any successor been appointed; and, if so, who has been appointed?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Mr. Thomas resigned the secretary ship a few days ago, but without stating the grounds of his resignation. Mr. F. H. M. Corbet, barrister-at-law, has been appointed secretary by the chairman of the Royal Commission, with whom the appointment rests.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the need of land legislation for the Highland crofting counties, will he state whether the Government propose to reintroduce a Small Landholders Bill next Session?

The Government are fully alive to the need of land legislation for Scotland, but I cannot make any statement as to the business of next Session.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give some ray of hope that he will introduce legislation next Session.

I am afraid I cannot say more now.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that the defective character of the present sewerage system in Kilkee has been the cause of considerable detriment to that town; and whether he can state what steps he is prepared to take with the object of providing a scheme for the establishment of a satisfactory sewerage system in Kilkee?

The question of the unsatisfactory sewerage of Kilkee has occupied the attention of the Local Government Board for a long time, and in 1904 they issued an Order dealing with this subject and with the water supply. Legal difficulties have, however, considerably delayed the Kilrush Rural District Council in procuring an improved water supply, without which new sewers could not advantageously be laid down. As the Board now understand that the new water supply will shortly be in working order, they have urged the district council to appoint an engineer an obtain plans for the sewerage system. In the event of unnecessary delay in proceeding with the works the Board will take steps to enforce their Order.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary has advertised in certain English newspapers for tenders for the supply of cloth, tartan, and tweed for clothing the Irish police, naming a number of English chambers of commerce at which tender forms can be obtained by intending contractors, and omitting to include the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, which has a larger interest in this business than any others named could have; and whether, in view of the convenience to Irish manufacturers of being able to obtain tender forms for this Irish contract, he can explain this omission and have it corrected?

Forms of tender for the cloth, tweed, and tartan required for the Royal Irish Constabulary uniforms in 1910 were sent direct by the Inspector-General to every manufacturer in Great Britain and Ireland likely to be in a position to quote for the supply of the material. Advertisements were also inserted in Irish, English, and Scotch newspapers, stating that forms of tender might be obtained, and patterns and specifications of the cloth inspected at the principal Chambers of Commerce of Great Britain, or at the office of the Inspector-General, Royal Irish Constabulary, Dublin Castle. No increase of convenience to intending contractors would be attained by having forms of tender and patterns left at the Chamber of Commerce, Dublin, as it is quite close to the Inspector-General's Office.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Thomas Walsh, Kilfarnon, Kilmainham Wood, county Meath, entered the Kells Union infirmary upon the certificate of the local doctor that he was suffering from paralysis; whether he is aware that the doctor under whose care he was in the infirmary has certified that while there he was suffering from and treated for paralysis; and whether, having regard to the fact that he was there for medical treatment only, this man, considering his advanced years, will receive, the pension to which he is entitled?

As I informed the hon. Member in reply to the question asked by him on the 19th August last, the nature of Walsh's illness was certified to the Local Government Board as being debility, and as he was relieved in the hospital from May, 1907, to April, 1909, the Board regarded the medical assistance which he received as incidental to ordinary relief. The Board, therefore, considered that he was disqualified for a pension in accordance with the principles laid down in their circular letter of the 30th December, 1903, which has already been furnished to the hon. Member.

To whom was it certified? Was it to the Local Government Board, because I can produce a certificate from the doctor who attended him while in the infirmary, and if the right hon. Gentleman wishes I can show him the certificate?

If the hon. Member does that, I will forward copies to the Local Government Board.

Are not all these matters decided by clerks in the Local Government Board offices, and is it not a fact that these things never come before the Board or the members of the Board except for initialling purposes?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by clerks. I assure him that all these matters receive very careful attention from most competent and highly placed officials of the Board.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state whether it is the intention of the Irish Government to close Kilmainham Prison; and if regard has been had to the fact that the prison population in Ireland during the past three months has been considerably over the normal limit?

It is not proposed to close Kilmainham Prison formally, but the prisoners now confined therein are to be transferred to Mountjoy Prison, the prison buildings at Kilmainham being retained for use in emergencies, such as winter assizes. It is true that the number of prisoners in Ireland during the past few months has been rather higher than usual, but the accommodation in local prisons in Ireland, exclusive of Kilmainham, is sufficient for all probable contingencies.

Might I ask whether the emergency contemplated by the right hon. Gentleman is such as may arise under coercion should hon. Members above the Gangway come into power?

My vision takes the very widest range.

asked whether there is a vacancy now in the depot command of the Royal Irish Constabulary, owing to the promotion of Mr. Ball; whether Catholic officers are excluded on religious grounds from promotion to these positions; if not, can he explain why no Catholic officer was ever promoted to that position since the establishment of the force; and whether he will see that in filling Mr. Ball's place fair play is shown to Catholic candidates?

There is at present a vacancy for an assistant inspector-general in the Royal Irish Constabulary. The officer to be promoted to the vacancy will probably act as commandant at the depot. Catholic officers are not excluded from these positions, professional qualifications only being taken into account in filling them. Any other method of selection would be contrary to the public interests.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that in a force which is overwhelmingly Catholic no Catholic ever got this post before?

I can give no explanation, except that, as I understand it, certainly so far as I have experience of it, the question of religion does not enter into consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he could state the number of Chinese seamen engaged through the mercantile office at Poplar during the quarters ended 30th September, 1908, and 30th September, 1909, respectively?

The number of Chinese seamen of all ratings engaged through the Mercantile Marine Office at Poplar during the quarters ending 30th September, 1908, and 30th September, 1909, was 240 and 360 respectively. In order to avoid misapprehension, I should like to add that the figures at Poplar are quite exceptional, and afford no criterion as to the number of Chinese seamen engaged at Mercantile Marine offices in the United Kingdom. Of the 360 engaged during the quarter just ended 325 proved that they were British subjects, leaving only 35 of Chinese nationality.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the death at sea, from beri-beri, on 11th August, 1909, of an Asiatic seaman named Dheria Fackeer, whilst serving on the steamer "Singapore," of London; whether he was aware that this disease was attributed to improper and insufficient food; whether any inquiry had been held into the matter; whether the seaman was medically examined before joining; how long he had served on the vessel; whether he had had any previous sea service; whether any previous deaths from this disease had occurred on this vessel; and whether, as in cases of deaths from this disease, owners, in reply to questions, invariably stated that the food was in excess of the official scale, he would direct the Board of Trade inspectors to institute independent inquiries in all such cases, with a view to determining whether the owners' statements were correct?

The Lascar seaman referred to in the question died of beri-beri on the voyage from New Orleans to Antwerp. The cause of beri-beri has not yet been definitely ascertained, but there seems to be no doubt that bad and insufficient food predisposes to the disease. Inquiry was made by the Consul-General at Antwerp and a deputy superintendent of the Mercantile Marine Office at Dock-street, London, and also by Dr. E. W. S. Evans, sanitary surveyor, who was appointed by the Board of Trade as an inspector to report to them on this and other cases of disease amongst the crew of thy "Singapore." The crew were medically examined before joining at Bombay. The man had been 265 days on board the vessel, but it is not known whether he had had previous sea service. Board of Trade inspectors have been and will continue to be instructed to make independent inquiries in such cases into all the conditions of employment, including food supply. In the present case the inspector has reported that the food was good, sufficient in quantity, and in accordance with the Lascar Food Scale sanctioned by the Government of India. The full report of the inquiry is being forwarded to the Government of India, and has been communicated to the Royal College of Physicians, who have the subject of beri-beri under investigation. No other death from beri-beri besides those which were inquired into by the inspector has occurred in the "Singapore" during the last three years.

Will the hon. Member state whether any complaints have been made by the Government of India or any other organisation by or on behalf of any Asiatic seaman against the captain, the owner, or the master of this vessel?

No, Sir. I am not aware that there is anything to complain of.

In view of the prevalence of beri-beri in European waters, and in view of the great doubt existing as to the origin of this disease, will the right hon. Gentleman direct that a special medical inquiry should toe made into the matter?

I am pleased to inform the hon. Gentleman that there is no special prevalence of beri-beri at the present moment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the disappearance at sea, on 13th June, 1909, of an Asiatic seaman named Li Li, whilst serving on the steamer "Dunbar," of Leith; whether any inquiry has been held into the matter; whether the seaman was medically examined before joining; how long he had served on the vessel; whether he had had any previous sea service; whether he was on duty at the time; and whether any previous cases of suicide, supposed suicide, or disappearance have occurred on this vessel?

The Asiatic seaman Li Li jumped overboard from the "Dunbar" on the voyage from Cardiff to Yokohama. Inquiry was held by the Acting Vice-Consul at Yokohama and the Superintendent of Mercantile Marine at Avonmouth. The man was not medically examined before joining the ship at Sharpness, but appeared to be of poor physique and in weak health. He was 51 days on board the "Dunbar," and had had previous sea service. He had been off duty and on special diet for some days before the occurrence. No other case of suicide, supposed suicide, or disappearance has occurred in this vessel during the last three years.

Is it not a fact that in all such cases inquiries are, as a matter of official routine, made, and published in a list, and were any complaints made on behalf of the seamen on this vessel?

I think there are automatic inquiries. There were no complaints made in this case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention had been called to the fact that at midnight on Sunday, 3rd October, a call was made at the West India Dock gates to discharge a steamer which had arrived; that a considerable number of men without tickets assembled, blocking the way of the men who had been ordered to work with tickets; that the dock police opened a small wicket gate, which was quite inadequate to admit the number of men having to go in; and that several wild rushes were made, when a large gate was opened and the men without tickets were allowed to enter the docks, with the result that on the quay fighting took place, one man having his jaw broken; was he aware that the men were compelled to work from 12 midnight till 7 in the morning without a break; and that one night in the London Docks, 1 to 4 Depot, they were compelled to work from 10 p.m. till 7 a.m. the next morning without a break; and would he make inquiries into these things with a view of preventing such scenes occurring again and such a system of sweating?

As the reply is a rather lengthy one perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to circulate it with the Votes?

I have no objection to that.

I may add that the Board of Trade have been, and are, in communication with the Port of London Authority with a view to joint action under Section 28 of the Port of London Act and the Labour Exchanges Act for the improvement of the conditions of dock employment. [See Written Answers this Date.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, since his appointment to that office, there had been any meeting of the Board; and, if not, whether he proposes to convene one?

No, Sir. I understand the Board has not met for many years, and it is not proposed to convene it now.

May I ask the hon. Member whether the Archbishop of Canterbury, as a member of that Board, was consulted as to the provisions of the Trade Boards Bill, with a view to extending its provisions to sweated curates?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give the number of mines and quarries of all kinds not visited by Government inspectors during 1908, and the number not visited since 1906?

The number of mines not visited in 1908 was 396 out of a total of 4,059; the majority of the un-visited mines were unimportant mines, employing only a few persons. I cannot say whether there were any mines not visited since 1906 without special inquiry of the inspectors, but I think it may be taken that there were very few, if any, such cases. The number of quarries not visited in 1908 was 3,119 out of a total of 6,938 on the Home Office list. The Home Office list contains a very large number of small quarries. Out of the 6,938 quarries on the list, 5,570 employ less than 10 persons inside the quarry. In many cases these quarries are only casually worked, and the unvisited quarries would belong almost entirely to this class.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now considered the Report of the Commissioner appointed to inquire into the question of employment in florists' shops with reference to the granting of exemptions under the Factory Act; whether he will give the date of such Report; and when it is likely to be published?

The Report was presented to me last month, and I have given directions for it to be printed and presented to Parliament. It is now under my consideration.

I desire to ask the Prime Minister a question of which I have given him private notice. I wish to ask, in view of his correspondence with Lord Charles Beresford, published this morning, whether any other letters have passed, and what steps he proposes to take for the guidance of Parliament in regard to the grave charges which are made?

I observe that Lord Charles Beresford has thought it right to publish this correspondence in the newspapers to-day, although his last letter was written on Saturday, and was only received by me in the country on Sunday night. The correspondence cannot be regarded as complete until I have had an opportunity of replying to that letter. In the circumstances it would be premature for me at this moment to answer the last part of the hon. Member's question.

I wish to ask the Prime Minister a question of which I have given him private notice. I wish to know if his attention has been called to the notice of Motion placed on the Paper by the hon. Member for the Banbury Division of Oxford (Mr. Fiennes) relating to the recent speeches made by the Lord Advocate in reference to old age pensions being stopped in view of the likely return to Parliament of the Unionist party, and whether he proposes to allot time to discuss that subject so as to allay, if possible, the unnecessary alarm and anxiety which has been occasioned to the old people?

I am afraid in the present state of Parliamentary business I cannot at this moment promise a day.

Will the Prime Minister put some curb upon the right hon. Gentleman?

subsequently asked: Should I be in Order, Mr. Speaker, in moving the adjournment of the House in reference to these scandalous utterances of a Member of the Government, in view of the Motion on the Paper to stop discussion?

The hon. Member has himself pointed out that there is a blocking Motion to prevent the moving of the adjournment of the House. I have no power to remove the block.

If you will forgive me, Sir, I did not point out that. I had no idea it would stop me from moving the adjournment of the House. I am anxious to move so as to ventilate the matter. At present a responsible Member of the Government, the Lord Advocate——

The hon. Member had better address himself to the hon. Member for Oxfordshire.

I am afraid it is useless.

I desire to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department a question of which I have given him private notice, (1) Whether he is aware that official disclosures were made last Friday morning from which it appears evident that the present dangerous situation in Liverpool originated not with anything said or done by Pastor George Wise, but in consequence of and following upon the erection of an altar in a public street, for which official permission was given through some blunder on the part of the authorities? (2) Whether he is a ware that on Saturday afternoon last Pastor George Wise surrendered and was escorted to gaol by a procession of 60,000 sympathising citizens? (3) Whether the inquiry for which the Government has promised a Bill, which I believe is to be introduced to-day, will not necessarily be largely concerned with events connected with Pastor George Wise? (4) Whether it is reasonably fair and just to the Protestant community of Liverpool that this inquiry should be held whilst Mr. Wise is in prison, and therefore unable to take part? (5) Whether the Secretary of State can see his way to do an act of common fairness, and also allay popular excitement, by accepting Mr. Wise's solemn promise, supported by the offer of prominent citizens, to be bound over, that pending the official inquiry Mr. Wise will take no part in any public meeting which could reasonably be objected to as referring to a matter sub judice, and release Mr. Wise for the time being by allowing the warrant to stand over pending the inquiry? And lastly (6), I apologise for the length of the question—whether, pending consideration of the matter, he will give instructions for Mr. Wise to be put in the second division? May I also say that representations have been made to me——

The hon. Member is entitled to ask questions, but not to air his views.

It was not with a view of representing any views——

The hon. Member was making a statement.

No, Sir; it was not a statement.

Communications have passed between the hon. Member and myself. I suggested to him that this question should be put down for Wednesday, and, perhaps, if that is convenient, the hon. Member will do so.

Having regard to the extreme importance of the position and the great excitement in Liverpool, I readily fall in with the suggestion that these questions should be put down for Wednesday.