asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether the fullest facilities will be given for training the officers of the Colonial navies by receiving them on board the ships of the Royal Navy?

A reference to Parliamentary Paper (Cd. 4948) giving the correspondence and papers relating to the Conference of this year on the Naval and Military Defence of the Empire, shows that the question to which the hon. Member alludes has received consideration; and I need scarcely add that the Admiralty will give every assistance which may be practicable in this matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he could state how many men are now on active service who have been enlisted as short service men; and whether, in view of the six years' experience of the system, the Board can see their way to reducing their number by substituting long service men again?

By the latest information available the numbers of special service ratings borne were—

Special service seamen	1,683
Special service stokers	6,190
	7,873

out of a total number in each class of—

Seamen	42,458
Stokers	32,604
	75,062

There is no intention of altering the present arrangements.

Why has the number of stokers been increased by nearly 3,000?

I do not know. Will the hon. Member give notice of that question?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many foreigners of the Chinese and other navies have been received on board His Majesty's ships for training during 1908 and 1909; whether any application has been received in reference to any more being embarked in the ships of the Royal Navy; and, if so, what answer has been returned?

The reply to the first part of the question is 18; and to the second part in the affirmative. The reply to the third part is that the request will be acceded to.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state what action has been taken by the Admiralty to investigate the truth or otherwise of the allegation that the firm of Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth, and Company, of Elswick, are not observing the Fair Wage Clause in the payment of certain electrical wiremen in their employ, or whether the contrary statement by the firm in question is taken as satisfactory and final; whether he is aware that this matter has been in negotiation since July, 1908; and whether he will take steps to have it thoroughly investigated and promptly settled?

Full enquiries were made of the firm upon the statements originally made, and the conclusion was reached that the Fair Wages Clause was not being infringed. My hon. Friend was so informed in reply to a question in July of last year. If, however, he is in a position to submit any detailed particulars applicable to the present time which seem to suggest the contrary, I will carefully consider them.

Has the hon. Gentleman overlooked the fact that the men employed on the vessel supplied the names of men who were not paid the standard wages?

Inquiries were, made into the trades supplied to us, and the replies received were what I gave to my hon. Friend. If, in addition, he would like any further information, or if there is any complaint with respect to the present time, I will carefully consider the matter.

Were investigations made last year; and, if so, what were the results of those investigations?

I say full inquiry was made, and the result I communicated to my hon. Friend.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps are being taken to replace the destroyers "Blackwater" and "Lee," which have been lost this year?

Two destroyers of approximately similar design to the "Blackwater" have been purchased ready built from a British firm, and added to the Navy list.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Immigration Law of the Transvaal, read in conjunction with the Registration Law of that Colony, constitutes a barrier against the immigration into that Colony of British-Indians, by reason of their race, irrespective of any educational or property qualifications they may possess; and whether such legislation exists in any other part of His Majesty's dominions?

Yes, Sir. Even more stringent legislation has existed in the late Orange Free State and the present Orange River Colony for many years past.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether the local allowance of 5s. a day granted seven years ago in consideration of the high cost of living, to Government officers in Northern Nigeria has been cut down and is to be discontinued altogether in March next; and whether the salaries of these officers have been increased, or if there is reason to suppose that the cost of living there has been reduced?

Yes, Sir. The reasons for this action were stated at length by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade on 31st July, 1906, in reply to a question in this House, to which I beg leave to refer the right hon. Gentleman. It is a very long statement; too long, I think, to read to the House. I shall be happy to send him a copy of that reply for facility of reference, and I need only add to it that, in order to effect the change as gradually as possible, the allowance was reduced by 1s. a day in each year from 1906 onwards.

Have the salaries been raised?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give me notice of that question, because it will involve a reference to the salaries of the officials?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has been received to the further communication addressed to the Argentine Government regarding the desire to export to the United Kingdom live cattle for slaughter, in consequence of the freedom of that country from foot-and-mouth disease; and, if so, will he state the nature of such reply?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question, and to say that no reply has as yet been received to the further communication mentioned.

What is the reason why these cattle should be excluded when that country is free from this disease?

My Noble Friend has said that the Board will not let in these cattle until they are satisfied, and they are not satisfied at the present time.

If the replies prove to be satisfactory will the Board remove the restrictions?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Argentine, Chile, China, and Turkey are about to embark on a programme involving the construction of a considerable number of armoured ships; and, if so, whether any steps are being taken to assist British builders to secure a share of these orders?

The Foreign Office are aware that the Governments of Argentine and Chile are contemplating the construction of a number of armoured ships, and that a Commission of Inquiry has been recently despatched to this country by the Chinese Government to study the question of naval construction. As regards Turkey, we are not aware that any definite proposals have been drawn up. All proper assistance is afforded to British firms in such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been directed to the recent case in which a workman was found dead and another unconscious at the Winnington (Northwich) Chemical Works; whether these men had been overcome by carbon-monoxide gas; and, if so, whether he will further consider the advisability of scheduling affection by this gas as a dangerous disease under the Workmen's Compensation Act?

I have obtained a report with regard to the circumstances of this case, from which it appears that the men were suddenly overcome by carbon-monoxide gas while clearing out a cylinder in a tower used for washing residual gases. The case, therefore, appears to be one, not of disease, but of accident, to which the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act are already applicable. It was announced at the inquest, on behalf of the employers, that full compensation would be paid.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the sentence passed on each of three men for the offence of destroying two rabbits on land in the occupation of a Mr. Cousins, of Tregwynt, namely, two months' imprisonment each, with hard labour, on the expiration of the sentences each defendant to find a surety of £10 or two sureties of £5. failing this, each defendant to be further imprisoned for six months; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

Owing to difficulty in tracing the case to which the hon. Member refers, I have only just been able to obtain a police report, and have not yet had time to communicate with the magistrates. The case is, therefore, still under my consideration, and I will let the hon. Member know the result as soon as I am in a position to do so.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will make the question one of urgency, because, if not, the result will be that the men's time will have expired?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether all constables in the Metropolitan Police Force have an equal chance of competing for any vacancies that may occur from time to time for promotion in the force, or whether those allowed to compete are specially selected for that purpose; and, if so, by whom?

Promotion in the Metropolitan Police is not a mere question of educational fitness such as can be tested by an examination. It depends also, and mainly, on whether the man has a good record, and whether his practical work shows him to be suitable for the efficient discharge of the duties, of the higher post. Only those men who possess these essential qualifications are selected by the Commissioner to compete for promotion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether there is any competition at all allowed amongst constables in the force for promotion, or whether it is entirely due to the favour of his superiors?

It is not a question of favour but of efficiency.

Who has to decide that?

The Commissioner.

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the Commissioner is the sole judge of this matter and not the superior officers?

He is the responsible head of the force and I have no reason to think he has in any way misused his opportunities.

Upon whose recommendation does the Commissioner act?

He acts upon his own knowledge and upon the advice of those qualified by their position in the force to so advise him.

asked the President of the Hoard of Trade whether His Majesty's Government has taken any steps to give effect to the views put forward by the deputation from the London County Council to the Prime Minister on 24th November, 1908, with regard to the establishment of a Traffic Board for London; in this connection, if he will state what duties are performed by the London Traffic Branch of the Board of Trade; and whether it is the intention of the Government that that branch shall be in substitution for the Traffic Board suggested in Part III. of the Report of the Royal Commission on London Traffic?

Since the deputation referred to waited upon the Prime Minister steps have been taken to strengthen the London Traffic Branch of the Board of Trade. The principal duties of this branch are to study the problem of London traffic continuously in all its branches, to keep the statistics up to date, to report upon all schemes affecting London traffic seeking statutory authority, and to make an annual report on the whole subject for submission to Parliament. The increase lately sanctioned in the staff of this branch will enable it to undertake certain special enquiries recommended by the Royal Commission on London Traffic, particularly with regard to the roads leading out of London. The branch performs many of the duties that would have been assigned to the Traffic Board recommended by the Royal Commission, and to this extent it may be regarded as a substitute for it, at all events, for the present. Should an independent statutory board be constituted by a future Act of Parliament it would find its task materially simplified and facilitated by the work now being carried out by the London Traffic Branch.

asked how many appointments have been made by his Department in connection with the Labour Exchanges, the names of those appointed, the salary attached to the position, and the experience in the performance of similar duties to those involved in the new appointment which each of the appointees has had?

I propose, when the first batch of appointments is complete, to issue a statement on the subject. In making the higher appointments regard will be had, in the first place, to organising and administrative capacity and experience. With regard to the appointments of Superintendents of Exchanges, I hope to receive recommendations from the Selection Committee during the coming month. The salaries attaching to these posts were given in a reply to the hon. Member for Bradford West on 21st September last.

May I ask whether appointments to the higher positions have not been made by the right hon. Gentleman himself?

Oh, yes. I made some appointments.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the names?

No, Sir. I propose to publish a complete batch of the names in order that the whole of the appointments and the character of the staff may be seen.

asked the hon. Member for South Somerset whether he can now state what action the Suffolk County Council have taken to supply land, under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, to approved applicants at Walberswick; whether his attention has been directed to the case of one man whose application has been rejected on the ground that he is not of the working class; and if he is aware that this statement is denied by the applicant in question?

There are no approved applicants for small holdings at Walberswick, and so far as we are aware no applicant was refused for the reason mentioned. If, however, my hon. Friend will supply me with any information in support of his statement I shall be very glad to have inquiry made into the matter.

asked what steps are being taken by the Suffolk County Council to supply land to approved applicants at Wenhaston; if suitable land is available, the only objection being that the rent asked is excessive; and, if so, whether it is proposed to take compulsory powers to acquire the land?

The county council have obtained the offer of a farm of 90 acres to supply the two approved applications at Wenhaston. One of the applicants is willing to take about 23 acres of this land, but the other refuses to take any of it at the rent required. There would appear to be no need for the exercise of compulsory powers in this case, but the matter is to be further considered by the small holdings committee.

asked whether, as a result of recent communications passing between the two countries, satisfactory assurances have been received from the Argentine Government regarding the freedom of that country from foot-and-mouth disease; and, if so, whether it is intended, or in contemplation, to remove the existing restrictions upon the importation into the Deptford cattle market and other foreign animal wharves of live cattle for slaughter?

The Board have received assurances that the Argentine Republic is free from foot-and-mouth disease at the present moment. The Board propose to consider fully the advisability of modifying the existing restrictions, but before doing so require further information, which the Foreign Office have been requested to obtain from the Argentine Government.

May I take it that if the assurances given to the Government are satisfactory the Government will be prepared to remove the restrictions?

I cannot answer that hypothetical question of my hon. Friend.

Will the hon. Member introduce legislation next Session dealing with this question1?

asked whether an application has been received from the Doncaster Common Preservation Society for a copy of the Report made by the Board's Commissioner on a recent local inquiry into an enclosure of common land; whether such request has been acceded to; and, if not, will he state the reasons for the refusal?

Yes, we received the application mentioned and declined to accede to it on the ground that the Report in question was confidential.

asked whether the Agricultural Holdings Act, 1906, which came into force on 1st January, 1909, is now in active operation; whether the Act has done anything to protect the tenant farmer; and whether any steps have been taken to make it generally known among tenant farmers that the Act is now in force?

We have issued a leaflet calling attention to the provisions of this Act, and I shall be pleased to send my hon. Friend a copy of it. The Act came into operation in January last, and it is at present too early to estimate the extent to which farmers are likely to avail themselves of its provisions.

asked the Lord Advocate, in view of the fact that a committee was appointed last year to consider the question of employment and training of boys and girls in the Highland crofting counties, will he state whether he has yet received a Report on the subject and his decision thereon; and is it proposed to continue the training schemes which have been in force for some years under the direction of the Congested Districts Board?

The Report has been received, and is at present under the consideration of the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the character of the speech delivered by Bailie Ferguson, at Motherwell Town Hall, on Wednesday, the 24th ultimo, with reference to sectarian disturbances there; whether he proposes to take steps with a view to having this bailie prosecuted and declared incapable of exercising magisterial functions; whether Bailie Ferguson has himself been imprisoned on a criminal charge; and whether the attention of the Court of Session has been directed to the speech of a local solicitor who also attacked the sheriff at the same meeting?

My attention has been directed to a speech delivered by Bailie Ferguson in Motherwell Town Hall on 27th of November. I have ascertained that no meeting of the character indicated took place on 24th November. I am at present considering certain questions which have been brought under my notice in regard to this meeting, and meantime I must refrain from making any further statement regarding them. My information is that Bailie Ferguson was imprisoned on a criminal charge. The answer to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question is in the negative.

May I ask the Lord Advocate whether the attention of the Court of Sessions will be directed to the speech of the solicitor in view of 0the fact that he was guilty of contempt of Court?

That I cannot say.

asked the Lord Advocate if he is yet in a position to allocate the moneys granted for the purposes of the Distress Committees under the Unemployed Workmen Act; if so, will he state what sums have been granted to the committees; if he is aware of the distress existing and arising out of unemployment in Glasgow and district; and, if so, if he can state to the House what steps are being taken to lessen it?

Claims for participation in the Parliamentary grant have been received by the Local Government Board for Scotland from the Distress Committees of Edinburgh and Glasgow only, and grants have been given of £5,758 to Glasgow and £1,000 to Edinburgh. I am aware that distress due to want of employment still exists in Glasgow and the surrounding districts, with which the Distress Committee is doing its best to cope.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much the Glasgow Distress Committee have expended more than they received?

I suppose the hon. Member refers to the summer. On the work undertaken by the Distress Committee between the 12th July and the 17th September I understand upwards of £3,000 was spent.

May I ask, in view of the decision of the Court of Sessions regarding the dispute between the Distress Committee and the town council, and seeing that the town council cannot now make a grant, whether the £1,000 allotted in any way met the requirements?

The Government would require consideration of the question whether or not the grant could be used to pay travelling expenses.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the money borrowed by the Distress Committee on the strength of the Lord Advocate's guarantee has been repaid to them?

I gave no guarantee, but I offered certain assurances with which the hon. Member is acquainted. The question is now under the consideration of the Government.

asked the Lord Advocate whether the Secretary for Scotland is aware that the recently issued Report of the Poor Law Commission, Scotland, calls attention to the evidence of Dr. Ross, Poor Law medical officer and local medical officer of health for the parish of Barvas, island of Lewis, condemning the conditions under which the people live in the parish of Barvas; if he is aware that the Committee add that these conditions, as described by Dr. Ross, are corroborated by Dr. Dittmar, medical inspector for the Local Government Board for Scotland, and by Mr. Millar, one of the Board's general superintendents, and that members of the Committee, having themselves visited the outer islands, have found these conditions to prevail, not only in the parish of Barvas, but also in other parishes; and, seeing that local authorities are unable to cope with the difficulty for lack of means, will he consider the expediency of approaching the Treasury with a view to secure a grant such as will admit of these townships being placed in a suitable sanitary condition, especially bearing in mind that the Committee state that they are convinced that the problem in the Outer Hebrides is largely a public health problem, and that without outside pecuniary assistance it is scarcely possible that any adequate measures can be taken to improve the existing I conditions?

I am aware that the Report of the Royal Commission on the Poor Laws contains paragraphs in the sense indicated by the lion. Member's question. As I have already indicated this subject is receiving the earnest consideration of the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the fact that meetings have been and are being held at various centres in the Indian Empire in protest against the treatment of British Indians in the Transvaal; and whether, in view of the fact that the treatment of those, there, and the deportation of those who have been expelled, is responsible for much Indian disquiet, the Government of India will take any steps, such as the prohibition of further indentured Indian labour to South Africa, by way of protest against such treatment of British subjects?

The Secretary of State is aware of the meetings referred to, and the subject is one that receives the constant attention both of the Secretary of State and of the Government of India, but the Secretary of State is unable at present to make any statement as to the future policy of the Government of India in the matter. I might point out to my hon. Friend that no indentured labour is furnished to the Transvaal by the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether his attention has been called to a notification in the "United Provinces Gazette," over the signature of the officiating Inspector-General of Civil Hospitals, republic competitive examinations to be held in December for the post of assistant surgeon, that only Europeans and Eurasians are eligible; and whether, in view of the proclamations of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII., the Secretary of State has refused his sanction?

The assistant surgeons referred to in the notification in the "United Provinces Gazette" are required for duty in station hospitals with British troops, and for this reason the, appointments have, always been confined to Europeans or Eurasians. For corresponding appointments with native troops only natives of India are eligible. The question whether any revision of the constitution of the Indian Subordinate Medical Department, or of the scope of its employment is advisable, has been referred to the Government of India in accordance with the statement made in reply to a question by the hon. Member for North Galway on 24th September last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, will be taken by the Estates Commissioners to secure the reinstatement of the representative of the late Michael O'Sullivan in his holding at Dooks, county Kerry?

The Estates Commissioners have carefully considered the application of this man's daughter, and have decided to take no action in the matter.

asked when the Estates Commissioners will have houses built, or give grants for the same, for the evicted tenants who have been reinstated on their holdings at Stroke, Ballinamore, county Leitrim, on the Marsham estate, as the houses in which some of those tenants at present reside are entirely unfit for human habitation?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that one of their inspectors is arranging for the expenditure of the sums sanctioned for buildings in this case.

asked if the Estates Commissioners will reconsider the case of Hugh Fox, Lissicairn, Ballinamore, county Leitrim, with a view either of restoring to him the portion of land from which he was evicted on the Harbison-Maguire estate, or else giving him compensation in lieu of it, so as to avoid any further friction in the district, and particularly as all the other evicted tenants in the locality have been reinstated?

The Estates Commissioners have decided not to take any action on Hugh Fox's application for restoration to two acres of his former holding, which comprised 22 acres. He has already been reinstated in the remaining 20 acres. The two acres in question are in the occupation of another tenant.

asked on what terms the Irish Land Commission are prepared to sell the estate of the late W. B. C. Ruthven, situate in the Mohill rural district, county Leitrim, to the tenants; and if the sale will be carried out soon, particularly as the Land Commission, who hold a mortgage on the estate, decreed several of the tenants at the October quarter sessions for arrears of rent due?

The Land Commission have only recently been able to take the final steps necessary to put them in a legal position to deal with this estate, and are now quite prepared to consider offers from the tenants for its purchase.

asked whether an advance has been made for the purchase of houses in McDonald's-lane, in the town of Athenry, on the estate of W. P. Lambert, to Thomas Kennedy and Edward Brady; and what has been the advance sanctioned in each case.

The Estates Commissioners have sanctioned an advance of £8 to Brady, but none to Kennedy, who is paying cash.

asked why, when valuing the houses in occupation of the tenants on the Rodney estate, Athenry, the Estates Commissioners have refused to recommend advances for the purchase of the houses which they occupy to John Whyte, Barrack-lane, Michael Barrett, Bridge-street, and Martin Headd, of Bridge-street, while the houses in question are superior to the houses in the occupation of Edward Brady and Thomas Kennedy on the Lambert property?

The Estates Commissioners cannot identify any of the persons named as tenants on the Rodney Estate which has not yet been acquired by them.

asked what reasons the Estates Commissioners assign for giving a plot of accommodation land to Johanna Hayes, district nurse, Athenry, and refusing to give any accommodation land to Patrick Fox, Church-street, a man with eight in family, and Christy Daly, of Northgate-street, with six in family, whereas Messrs. Daly and Fox purchased their houses and the district nurse has not purchased the house which she occupies?

The allotment referred to was made by the Estates Commissioners in the exercise of their discretion. The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension in stating that Fox and Daly have purchased their holdings in the town of Athenry.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that the justices of Portadown made an order directing that the public-houses should be closed on 28th August in the Portadown urban district; if he is aware that several gentlemen of repute, including three Methodist clergymen, in recent proceedings in Portadown swore that this order was in many instances openly disobeyed by Nationalist publicans; if the police in such proceedings called no witnesses to support the testimony of the clergymen and made no effort to find them in support of a prosecution for breaches of the above order, although such breaches took place in broad daylight and in the presence of different constables other than the head constable; whether County Inspector Ball originally opposed the making of such order, and if this was the reason that the Irish Government took no steps to enforce it; and what action the Government intend to take in the matter, having regard to their publicly expressed policy on the temperance question?

I am informed by the constabulary authorities that the magistrates at Portadown made an order closing the public-houses in the town on 28th August, and that three Methodist clergymen made statements to the effect that in one case the order was disobeyed. Proceedings were taken against the publican, and the police did all they could to obtain evidence in addition to that of the clergymen, but without success. No breaches of the order took place in the presence of the police, and if the order was broken without their knowledge it is due to the fact that they were fully occupied in preventing rioting, in which they were happily successful. Mr. Ball, at the request of the magistrates, attended their meeting, and expressed the opinion that there were not sufficient grounds for making the closing order, but this in no way affected the action of the police. The case against the publican has been dismissed by the magistrates, and no further action appears to be required.

asked on what grounds has John Fennell, Blantis, Ballinamult, county Waterford, been deprived of his old age pension; seeing the unreliability of the Census Returns, what steps does the Local Government Board take to ascertain ages of applicants; and when no documentary evidence as to age can be procured, does the Local Government Board take local evidence on the subject, or does it reject all cases where no documentary evidence can be procured, or where the name does not appear in the Census of 1841?

The Local Government Board confirmed the decision of the local pension sub-committee disallowing the claim of John Fennell on the ground that he had failed to prove that he had reached the statutory age. The Board are always ready to consider any evidence as to age which claimants or pensioners can lay before them.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that William Shaughnessy, of Church-street, Athenry, was twice awarded a pension of 5s. a week by the sub-committee in Loughrea; whether he is aware this old man is an invalid and confined to his room for over a dozen years; that all his family, with the exception of one boy, were obliged to emigrate to America, and that this boy is in bad health and absolutely unable to render any help to his father; whether he is aware that Shaughnessy's sole and whole means of maintenance comes from a rough and useless mountainous holding at a rent of £10 a year, which carries two yearling cattle and one calf, bringing him in not more than 4s. or 5s. a week; and, having regard to all the circumstances of this case, if he will communicate with the Local Government Board and see that this applicant is awarded a pension?

William Shaughnessy appealed against the decision of the pension sub-committee allowing him a pension of only 1s. a week, but the Local Government Board disallowed the pension. The pension officer has recently appealed against the decision of the committee on a further claim by Shaughnessy, granting him a pension of 5s. a week, and the Board are at present making inquiries into the means and age of the claimant.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state the reason why James Beggy, Orristown, Kells, county Meath, was disqualified for an old age pension?

The pension in this case was disallowed by the Local Government-Board on the ground that Beggy's means exceeded the statutory limit.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Martin Connolly, of New Sunnagh, Loughrea, applied for and was awarded a pension of 5s. a week by the Loughrea sub-committee; whether he is aware that this man's holding is rented at £1 16s. 6d. yearly, and that his mountain holding is grazed in common by sons who are working mechanics and living away from their father's home; whether he is aware that his entire stock consists of a cow, calf, yearling, and a little tillage, with some money in bank intended for the settlement of his two daughters; and whether, in view of the fact that this aged veteran has no more than 3s. a week coming in to him from all sources, he will call the attention of the Local Government Board to his application so as to bring him the assistance he is entitled to in his old age?

The claimant has made statements to the effect indicated in the question. His case is at present under the consideration of the Local Government Board, and inquiries are being made as to his circumstances.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he was aware that Michael Kelly, of Clontyclay, county Armagh, has been refused an old age pension on appeal by the Local Government Board for Ireland on the ground that, he had received poor relief; whether he is aware that Kelly was twice granted a pension by the Armagh Rural (North) Pension Sub-Committee after careful investigation of the case; whether he is aware that Kelly, who never applied for poor relief, was sent to the Armagh workhouse infirmary by the dispensary medical officer for medical treatment and was located in the infirm ward of the workhouse simply because of the temporarily con- gested state of suitable infirmary wards, and left the institution as soon as he was well enough to do so; whether this case differs in any essential particular from the case of Andrew Jenkins, which was before the Local Government Board in March last, and to whom the Local Government Board allowed a pension on 8th April, 1909; and whether he will, in the circumstances, remove the disqualification in the case of Michael Kelly?

The statements made by the hon. Member in regard to this case are now being made the subject of local inquiry by the Local Government Board, and if the facts are as alleged, a claim for pension will be favourably considered. The case is not the same as that of Andrew Jenkins as there was no question in that case of chronic infirmity, the patient having been admitted to the workhouse suffering from influenza.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will consider the advisability of issuing some Memorandum or Return for the information of old age pension committees, summarising the various decisions given in doubtful cases in Ireland under the Old Age Pensions Act similar to the Circular issued by the Local Government Board in England?

The Local Government Board for Ireland issued circulars on 15th and 30th December last corresponding to those issued by the Local Government Board for Engalnd on 11th December and 16th April last, to which the hon. Member presumably refers. I am sending copies of the Irish circulars to the hon. Member.

Would it be possible to have them in the form of a Parliamentary Paper?

I will consider that.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the hon. Members for East and South Galway attended a meeting in Athenry on Sunday, 21st November, and that the object of the meeting was perfectly peaceable and lawful, it being to welcome home from prison two gentlemen who had been released that day; will he explain how many policemen were brought into the parish and lined along the street of the town on the occasion; and what was the cause of this display?

The two men referred to in the question had just been released from prison after undergoing a sentence of 14 months' hard labour for having formed part of a band of armed and disguised men who made a murderous attack on a police patrol. Twenty extra police were brought into Athenry on the occasion to preserve the peace and prevent intimidation. The attitude of the crowd towards persons who had incurred their displeasure afforded abundant evidence of the necessity for the presence of this force.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how many policemen are at present stationed in the village of Athenry and the police huts adjacent to the village; is he aware that the presence of so many policemen in the town where everything is at present quiet and law-abiding is a menace to the public peace and calculated to exasperate the people into acts of violence and disturbance; and whether, seeing that a general all-round settlement has taken place on practically all the estates surrounding the town, he will take steps to reduce the police stationed there to its normal level?

There are at present 31 police in Athenry and 18 in the neighbouring police huts, and I am advised by the responsible police authorities that this force is absolutely necessary for the preservation of the peace and to prevent acts of violence and intimidation. I regret to say that the people of the town cannot all be described at present as quiet or law-abiding, and there are, unhappily, several estates in the neighbourhood on which no settlement has been reached.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can say what payments have been made to the trustees of the Kilmorey estate, county Down; whether the total purchase price has been paid; if so, whether he can explain why a demand has been made upon the tenant proprietors for the payment of interest this month at the rate of 3½ per cent., whereas the interest authorised by the Land Act is only 3¼ per cent, on land vested in the Land Commission; whether the sums demanded have in some cases exceeded even 3½ per cent.; and whether the demand forms will be recalled?

This estate has been sold to the Estates Commissioners under Section 6 of the Irish Land Act, 1903, and the purchase money, amounting to £194,155, has been advanced. Section 18 of the Act provides that the interest in lieu of rent payable by the tenants to the Land Commission in cases of this kind shall be at a rate not less than 3½ per cent, per annum, and in their undertakings to purchase their holdings from the Commissioners the tenants have contracted to pay interest at 3½ per cent, until the lands are vested in them on resale, which will be completed as soon as practicable. The interest which is being collected from the tenants does not exceed 3½ per cent., as stated in the question, but the sum payable for the half-year ending 1st November is slightly an excess of the amount payable for the previous half-year owing to there being more days in the half-year.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman what is the cause of the delay in the purchase of this estate in view of the fact that the purchase money has been paid to the landlord.

Delay in these matters frequently occurs for reasons over which nobody has any control. I am not able to answer the hon. Member's question now, but I will make inquiries.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any assurance that this matter is being pushed forward?

Oh! Yes it is.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any further steps towards the acquisition of the untenanted grazing ranches on the Fuge estate, Garryduff, and Templemary, county Cork; and whether, in view of the number of deserving evicted tenants looking for suitable holdings under the provisions of the Land Acts, 1903–7, the Commissioners will take immediate action with a view to acquiring this available untenanted land?

The Estates Commissioners have had a preliminary inspection made of the lands of Templemary, and have intimated to the owner the price they would be prepared to advance if formal proceedings for sale were instituted tinder the Irish Land Act, 1903. The owner is not willing to sell at the price. The Commissioners have published a notice in the "Dublin Gazette" of their intention to acquire the lands of Garryduff under the Evicted Tenants Act, and have made an offer, against which the owner has filed a petition, which has not yet been determined.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any recent action in regard to purchase of the untenanted lands on the Leader estate, Dromagh, county Cork; and whether, in view of the demand for the settlement of non-provided evicted tenants, enlargement of uneconomic holdings, and allotments of land for labourers of the district, and of the fact that the sale of the tenanted portion of the estate has now been concluded, the Commissioners will make a further effort to secure this untenanted land under the provisions of the Land Acts, 1903 to 1907?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on my behalf to the question asked by him on the 13th September last, to which I have nothing at present to add.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any steps to acquire the lands of Ture, Slieve-brickan, Macken, Drumlane farm, and Stranadara, all being untenanted lands or ranches coming under the Evicted Tenants (Ireland) Act, 1907?

The Estates Commissioners are unable from the particulars given in the question to identify these lands as pending for sale before them. If the hon. Member will furnish the Commissioners with the names and addresses of the owners of the lands they will make further inquiries.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any steps recently with a view to the purchase of the untenanted land on the Gubbins estate at Bottoms-town, county Limerick; and, if not, will he urge on the Commissioners the necessity of doing so?

The Estates Commissioners instituted proceedings under the Evicted Tenants Act in this case, but the owner filed an objection, and the Commissioners have decided to discontinue the proceedings.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the number of evicted tenants in county Limerick whose claims have been accepted, and also the number of the same who have been reinstated since the passing of the 1903 Act?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that 135 evicted tenants or their representatives have been reinstated in county Limerick, and 25 others have been provisionally noted for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what amount of purchase money has been advanced in county Limerick under the Act of 1903; and what is the amount waiting to be dealt with under the same Act?

£1,931,493 has been advanced under the Irish Land Act, 1903, for the purchase of land in county Limerick, and advances applied for, but not yet made, amount to £3,251,018.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state the amount of untenanted land purchased by the Estates Commissioners in county Limerick; and what are the names of the various owners, the area of the lands purchased, and the amount of purchase money agreed to in each case?

The Estates Commissioners have acquired 3,295 acres of untenanted land in the county of Limerick under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and the purchase money thereof amounts to £58,573. The details asked for in the concluding portion of the question could not be given within the limits of an oral reply, but the hon. Member will find particulars of all estates and untenanted land sold in the Monthly Returns of Adances presented to Parliament.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case in the Belfast summons court brought against P. J. Courtney, on 11th November, 1909, for illegally supply- ing drink; whether he is aware that the I resident magistrate, Mr. Brady, commented adversely on the decision of the magistrates in dismissing the case; and whether the Government intend to take any action in the matter?

I am informed by Mr. Brady that this case was heard by him and several other magistrates. In announcing the decision of the court he reviewed the evidence, and stated his own opinion but did not comment on the views of the other magistrates. The case having been dismissed no further action can be taken in the matter.

Does Mr. Brady object entirely to the verdict given by his brother magistrates on the bench, and, in view of the fact that this is a perfect scandal in Belfast, will the right hon. Gentleman take care that the bench will not be packed in this way in future?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the resident magistrate said, "I think it very regrettable that such a decision should be arrived at by the bench," and that the members on the bench at the moment were practically all appointed by the right hon. Gentleman's Government?

I have no knowledge who appointed the magistrates. Differences of opinion frequently occur between magistrates in various parts of the Kingdom.

May I ask whether he is aware that this abuse was carried on long before the present Government came into power?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the usual competitive examinations for entrance to the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, have been abandoned, and all candidates who pass the qualifying examination are to be admitted without further test; and, if so, what is the reason for this departure from the established practice?

In the competitive examination that was to have been held this month the number of qualified candidates who applied for admission to the Royal Military Academy did not exceed the number of cadetships offered for competition, and the number of qualified candi- dates who applied for admission to the Royal Military College was only slightly in excess of the number of cadetships offered for competition, and this number will probably be further reduced by medical rejections. It was accordingly considered unnecessary in the interests of both parents and candidates to hold the usual competitive examination. It must be remembered that the intake of cadets into the cadet colleges has recently been increased owing to the demand for regular officers for the Special Reserve and Territorial Force.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say to what reason he attributes this sudden lack of desire on the part of young men to enter the Army?

I will answer that. There is no lack of desire, but there is a lack of qualification. The standard of education for officers has risen in consequence of the progress in their duties, and the qualifying educational standard is a bar to a great many coming in. I am taking all the steps I can to meet the difficulties, because the one thing I am anxious about is not to lower the standard of the education of officers in the Army.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is making representations to the public schools with regard to their inability to supply candidates who comply with the qualification?

I am not only making representations, but I am conferring with them myself, and it remains to be seen what comes of it.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that the local regulations under which the privilege extended to non-commissioned officers and men of wearing plain clothes when on pass vary at different stations in the United Kingdom; and whether he can arrange, without detriment to the Service, to have the conditions under which this privilege is granted made uniform in all military districts?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, who is granted full discretion in the matter, is necessarily the best judge as to what extent the privilege may be granted in any particular place.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very frequently complaints are received from men in military districts when transferred that they are deprived of the privilege they enjoyed at other stations?

I think that is less so than it was, but it still exists to some extent.

asked the Secretary for War whether he had any information as to the outbreak of bubonic plague in Mauritius; and, if so, whether he would give orders to prevent the landing of the troops—the 7th Fusiliers—who were now on their way there from the Cape?

I only received notice of the question about 10 minutes ago. I have no personal knowledge, but I will make inquiry and inform the hon. Member. I have, however, no doubt that the Army medical authorities are fully alive to the necessity of taking precautions.

asked the Home Secretary: (1) Are Mrs. Chapin and Miss Neilans, who were recently sent to prison for three months without the option of a fine, being forcibly fed? (2) Is the forcible feeding having any bad effect on their general health? and (3) in view of the political nature of their offence, and the statement of the prisoners that if they were treated as political prisoners they would obey all prison rules, will you recommend their removal to the first division?

Mrs. Chapin takes her food quietly. Miss Neilans has refused her food, and, as all attempts to persuade her to take it failed, the medical officer has had to feed her by tube. Her health is not suffering. I am sorry I cannot transfer them to the first division. It was for the judge to decide in what division they should be placed, and he ordered them to be in the second division, where they have the advantage of separation from ordinary criminals of the third division.

In rising to move, as I do, "That the House do now adjourn," I have to say I find, after consulting the authentic records of the proceedings of the other House that the Finance Bill passed by this House was last night refused a Second Beading by the House of Lords. I therefore give notice that at the earliest opportunity—which will be to-morrow—I shall move the following Resolution:—

"That the action of the House of Lords in refusing to pass into law the financial provisions made by this House for the Service of the year is a breach of the Constitution and a usurpation of the rights of the Commons."