asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, if he would state what were the circumstances which led to the giving of an official reception by the Commander-in-Chief, Vice-Admiral Sir W. May, and the officers of H.M.S. "Dreadnought," to certain reputed Abyssinian princes and their staff; whether these reputed Abyssinians were received by the admiral and the officers of the ship with full naval honours; whether by the admiral's orders they were furnished with a special train on the return journey to London; and whether any inquiry had yet been held?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the reply given to the right hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Epping last Thursday. No flags were hoisted or salutes fired, and no special train was ordered by the Admiral.

Is it not a fact that certain pairs of white kid gloves were actually purchased for the occasion, and can the right hon. Gentleman say who will pay the expense?

I am afraid that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is better informed than I am, but if he will kindly give notice of his question I will inquire into the matter.

asked when the "Renown" last fired the guns of her main armament; and whether the casemate fittings for her 6-inch guns are available for immediate refitting?

The 10-inch guns were fired in 1908, the 6-inch guns were removed on deposit in 1905. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The two after casemates on the upper deck have not had fittings removed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain of the casemate fittings were sold as useless, and is he also aware that since the conversion into a Royal yacht His Majesty's ship "Renown" has not been out on navigation trials?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would kindly give notice of his supplementary question.

asked the price paid by the Canadian Government for the cruiser "Niobe"; and when she was to be delivered?

The Admiralty are not at liberty to state the price fixed for the purchase of the "Niobe" by the Canadian Government, as the matter is still the subject of negotiation between the two Governments. The arrangement is subject to the approval of the Dominion Parliament.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he had any official information showing that the Turkish Government had purchased four destroyers, originally built for the German Navy, from the Schichau Yard?

We have no official information, but I believe the facts to be as stated in the question.

asked whether the Admiralty was still of opinion that Germany will have seventeen battleships of the "Dreadnought" type completed in the spring of 1912, as stated by him in the House of Commons on the 16th March last; if not, what was the present estimate of the number of battleships that Germany might have at that time, when this new estimate was formed; and whether it led to a corresponding reduction in the expenditure on naval preparations in this country?

There are thirteen ships of the "Dreadnought" or "Invincible" type at present completed or under construction in Germany. Four more are due to be laid down during the next financial year, but as it is understood that the orders have not yet been given, it is not possible yet to make a reliable estimate of the date of their completion. I will add that I do not agree that my right hon. Friend has correctly represented the opinion I expressed last March.

Is the right hon. Gentleman now of opinion that there will be seventeen "Dreadnoughts" at any time in 1912?

As the orders have not yet been given for the four ships to be laid down in the next financial year, it is not possible now to give any reliable estimate, and I would refer my right hon. Friend to the language which I used last year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention had been called to a recent statement by Mr. Rose, one of the Metropolitan magistrates, condemning the working of the public-house clause of the Children Act; and whether he could state the result of the inquiry promised by his predecessor into the working of this clause?

My right hon. Friend and predecessor set on foot his promised investigation of the working of Section 120 of the Children Act, and when the result of it is before me I will give the matter careful consideration. In the meantime I must not be taken as accepting every hostile interpretation which can be put upon any incident arising out of that enactment.

asked when the Departmental Committee on Humidity and Ventilation in Cotton-weaving Sheds would issue their final Report?

A series of experiments to determine the matters left outstanding by the Committee in their first Report are now in progress. I understand it is hoped that they will be completed in the course of the present year.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman would bring before the notice of the Royal Commission on Accidents in Mines the full particulars under which the five persona engaged in rescue work after the explosion in the Deri Colliery, South Wales, lost their lives, with a view of pressing forward the provision at all collieries of efficient rescue appliances?

The Royal Commission have already submitted their recommendations in regard to the organisation of rescue work, and the question of giving effect to them is now engaging my attention. I have received a report on the circumstances attending the accident at the Deri Colliery which ought, I think, to be brought to the notice of managers and others engaged in the industry, and I hope to issue it in the course of a few days.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman's attention had been called to a report of the medical officer of health to the Ebbw Vale Urban District Council that certain workmen had died in consequence of a disease they had contracted through the insanitary conditions of the mine they were employed in; and would he instruct the Royal Commission on Accidents in Mines to include in their investigations an inquiry into the sanitary conditions of underground workings?

My attention had not previously been called to the report referred to, but I will make inquiry into the circumstances of the case. As regards the last part of the question, the hon. Member will find that the Royal Commission deal with the subject of the sanitation of underground workings in their Second Report, and make certain recommendations.

asked whether the Home Secretary's attention had been called to a case of alleged lead poisoning at Pilkington's tile works, Clifton Junction, Manchester; whether the medical referee heard the medical attendant attached to the works without also hearing the medical attendant of the workpeople, and the judge therefore referred the case back; and what action his Department had taken or would take in the matter?

My attention has been called to this case. Where an appeal is made to the medical referee in a case under Section 8 of the Act both parties receive notice from the referee of the time and place of the examination and both are empowered, if they so choose, to send a representative or to make a written statement. In the present case the employer's medical man attended; the worker put in a written statement, but her medical man did not attend. The medical referee was, in these circumstances, acting in accordance with the law in deciding the case; but I understand that at the request of the judge he is about to re-open it and to hear the worker's representative. There do not appear to be any grounds on which my Department can take action in the matter.

Is this the first case of lead poisoning at this place?

I do not know.

It is so.

The hon. Gentleman has supplied the answer as well as the question.

asked the President of the Local Government. Board whether his attention had been called to the fact that the Parks Committee of the Cardiff Corporation had been in the habit of selling its hay to a local corn merchant at £3 2s. 6d. per ton, whilst the Health Committee of the same corporation had been purchasing its hay from the same corn merchant at £4 2s. 6d. per ton; and whether he would instruct the district auditor of the board to make inquiries into the matter?

Except as regards education, the accounts of the Town Council are not subject to the audit of the district auditor. I have, however, made some inquiries on the subject, and I understand from the town council that it is true that the Health Committee purchased hay from a contractor at £4 2s. 6d. per ton on the 23rd November last, and that on the 1st February the Parks Committee sold hay to the same firm. The hay sold was disposed of in bulk and not by weight, and not cut in any way; the contractors were required to cut, truss, and haul the hay at their own expense, which is estimated at £1 per ton; this hay, moreover, is described as of poor quality, being gathered from the cemetery and fields adjoining. It is stated that the hay purchased was, on the other hand, of first class quality, clean cut, according to sample and specification, and was delivered by the contractors free of all charges.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the information which he has given is diametrically opposed to every explanation given by the Mayor of Cardiff.

I have taken great pains to ascertain the facts with regard to this matter, and I believe them to be as stated. I know there is considerable difference between the Cardiff City Council and my hon. Friend, and I have difficulty in reconciling the two statements. I am, how- ever, consoled by the motto of the hon. Gentleman's own paper:

"The world is a bundle of hay,

Mankind are the asses who pull,

Each tugs in a different way,

And the greatest of all is John Bull."

Will the right hon. Gentleman in fairness quote the rest of the motto?

I think it is appropriate that Burns should be satisfied with Byron.

asked whether the night hon. Gentleman can yet take steps to obtain the information as to the rate of mortality in Poor Law institutions of children between the age of two and five years, and the rate of mortality under one year of age of infants being maintained on outdoor relief, the absence of which was noted and regretted in the Reports of the Poor Law Commission?

The whole question of obtaining more and better statistics on Poor Law matters is receiving attention, but I am not yet in a position to give particulars as to the figures which will be collected with a view to meeting the suggestions of the Royal Commission. I may mention that an inquiry is now being undertaken by Dr. Darwall Smith, on behalf of my Department, as to the causes of mortality among new-born babies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Government proposed to give any grant for horse breeding, and to arrange for the ear-marking of certain classes of horses which, in return for monetary consideration, their owners would undertake not to export, but to retain in the country for military purposes?

We hope to be able to obtain a grant for the encouragement of horse breeding out of the Development Fund established by the Act of last Session. The suggestion made in the latter part of the question is one for the consideration of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.

Has any application been made by the Board of Agriculture with regard to this?

We shall make it at the proper time.

May I ask whether under a voluntary system of payment of a premium once for all for each brood mare or gelding, a stud of 50,000 of either class could be ear-marked and made available when required for military purposes?

We hope to obtain a grant out of the Development Fund for this purpose, but I regard the other part of the question as hypothetical.

asked with reference to land obtained on lease for small holdings in Staffordshire, whether the hon. Baronet will state for how long the leases generally run; and whether the leases contain clauses allowing of extension at specified rentals?

The leases for land in the parishes of Gnosall and Hatherton are for thirty-five years, in the parishes of Penn and Seighford for twenty-one years, and in the parish of Cheslyn Hay for fifteen years. The lease of the land in the parish of Gnosall contains an option for its renewal for a further term of twenty-one years. None of the other leases contain provisions of this nature.

Where there is no power to extend the lease, what is there to prevent the improvements effected by the county council from becoming the property of the landlord at the expiry of the lease?

That depends upon the terms of each lease.

asked, with reference to land obtained for allotments in Staffordshire, how many acres have been purchased and at what average price; and how many acres have been leased, and at what average rental?

No land was purchased for allotments in Staffordshire in 1908. Twenty-two acres 0 roods 8 poles were leased for rents amounting to £95 5s., being an average of £4 6s. 7d. an acre. The information for 1909 is not yet available.

asked, with reference to small holdings and allotments in Staffordshire, how many applications for these have been received during 1908 and during 1909; and whether such applications are still being received by the county, borough, and urban district councils?

Two hundred and twenty-four applications for small holdings in Staffordshire were received in 1908 and 34 in 1909. One hundred and ninety-nine applications for allotments were received in 1908. The number for 1909 is not yet available. So far as we know applications are still being received.

asked whether any experiments had been carried out with regard to the cold storage of fruit; and, if so, with what result?

A number of experiments on the cold storage of fruits have been made in this and other countries, and notices of the results have appeared in the Board's Journal for September, 1894, June, 1899, June, 1900, March, 1903, June, 1904, and January, 1905. These experiments indicate that when due regard is paid to the stage of ripeness and colour of the fruit cold storage may usefully be employed by traders dealing in either hard or soft fruits.

asked how many bonâ fide agricultural labourers had been supplied with small holdings under the Small Holdings Act of 1908; and what proportion they were in to the total number of small holders who had acquired holdings under the Act?

4,470, or nearly 34 per cent. of the total number of applications received for small holdings in 1908 were from agricultural labourers, and in 1909 they numbered 893, or 25 per cent. We have no means of knowing how many of them have actually been provided with land except by asking the county councils to instruct the small holdings officers to prepare a special Return on the subject, and we are reluctant to take this step at the present, when, as the hon. Baronet knows, those officers are so fully occupied.

asked whether the Board has applied, or intends to apply, for any, and, if so, what, amount out of the Development Fund for the purposes of agricultural development in Great Britain?

The Board propose to submit applications for grants out of the Development Fund so soon as the Commission is constituted. It is not possible as yet for me to state the amounts for which we shall make application under the various headings specified in the Act with which the Board are concerned.

Does the Board propose to make application for a portion of this Fund?

Certainly.

Will the Board take care that England gets her fair share of the grant?

The hon. Member may be quite certain the Board will see to that as far as possible.

May I ask the hon. Baronet when is the time application should be sent in for this grant?

As I have already replied to another hon. Member, the Board will certainly send in an application at the earliest and at the proper moment.

Is the hon. Baronet aware now that application can be made by the Board of Agriculture?

I have already replied that the Board propose to make application.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any further steps had been taken by his Department to provide a goods side at Drumhawnagh station on the Midland Great Western Railway line to Cavan; what steps, if any, the Board recommended the company to take; whether he was aware that there was ample space each side of the existing station to grade and provide a proper loading shed; and whether he would bring this case to the notice of the Railway and Canal Commission at its next sitting in Dublin?

It is no part of the duty of the Board of Trade to provide accommodation at railway stations, and it is for the railway company to consider the advisability of the works suggested in the question. The Board of Trade have, however, again communicated with the company, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of their reply. I do not think that the matter is one which I could properly bring before the court of the Railway and Canal Commission.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of sending one of his inspectors to see this place and report?

I will consider that point, but our information is that it is really beyond our scope.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the attitude of the Railway Company is non possumus, and if he does not take some action there is no possibility of it being forced through?

Perhaps the hon. Member will get the answer sent by the railway company, and if after that he asks a further question I will endeavour to answer it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he would state whether in the Labour Bureaux preference would be given to British workmen who want employment over alien workmen?

It would clearly be impracticable for Labour Exchanges to make detailed enquiries into the nationality of every applicant to whom a vacancy is notified, but it is open to any employer in notifying a vacancy to express a preference for British labour, and the manager of the Exchange would endeavour to respect his wishes.

If one man is an alien and another a Britisher, will the Britisher be preferred to the alien?

It depends on the employer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the four thousand German Labour Exchanges preference is given to the German or British workmen?

May I ask whether the Labour Exchanges give jobs at all?

Labour Exchanges were intended to notify the vacancies, but not necessarily to supply them.

Is it not the British labourer who is paying the taxes for these Exchanges?

May I ask whether a similar preference should not be given to Welsh workmen?

asked in what towns in Wales Labour Exchanges will be established, and when they will be opened?

Labour Exchanges have already been opened in Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport. It is hoped that it will be possible in the near future to open other Exchanges at Pontypridd, Merthyr Tydvil, Barry, Bute Docks, and Carnarvon.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he could state the number of Chinamen engaged as crews of British foreign-going ships at each of the mercantile marine offices in London, and the number who presented themselves for engagement but failed to pass the language test during the year 1909?

The numbers of Chinese seamen engaged for British foreign-going ships through the mercantile marine offices in London during the year 1909 are: Dock Street, 196; Victoria Docks, 211; Poplar, 1,624. No Chinese were engaged through the Tilbury mercantile marine office. No record was kept at the Dock Street office of men who presented themselves for engagement but failed to pass the language test during the first six months of the year. The number for the second half-year was thirty-six. The numbers of men who failed at Victoria Docks and Poplar were sixteen and 167 respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he could state the number of seamen who failed to join British foreign-going ships in the United Kingdom, and the number of continuous discharge books suspended during the quarters ended 31st December, 1908, and 31st December, 1909, respectively?

The number of seamen who failed to join British foreign-going ships in the United Kingdom in the final quarter of 1909 was 1,884; the number of discharge books suspended was 216. The corresponding figures for the final quarter of the previous year were 2,180 failures, and 56 suspensions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the average price of foreign wheat, respectively, in London and Paris for the year 1909; and whether he could say what proportion of the Paris price represents the extra cost of carriage of foreign wheat from the seaboard to Paris, and what proportion represented the import duty of 12s. 2d. a quarter?

In the official returns of wheat prices at Paris, as published by the French Ministry of Agriculture, no distinction is made between native and foreign wheat. The proportion of foreign to home-grown wheat is, as the hon. Member is aware, insignificant. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to furnish the hon. Member with the information he desires.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the comparative prices of foreign or home grown?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention had been called to the proposed schemes of amalgamation or of working agreement of the South-Eastern and Chatham and London, Brighton, and South Coast Railways, and of the London and South-Western and Great Western Railways; and whether, having regard to the importance of such amalgamation or working agreement and in order to assist Members of this House to form a correct judgment on this policy, he would endeavour to persuade the companies in question to lay upon the Table of this House copies of the agreements in question?

Negotiations between the companies mentioned are, I understand, not yet completed, but when matters have reached a more definite shape I shall be glad to consider whether anything can be done to meet the hon. Member's wishes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been drawn to the statement recently made by the chairman of the British Cotton-growing Association that no further expenditure could be incurred by the association for the purposes of experimenting in any new part of the British Empire unless special assistance be rendered by the Government for this purpose; and whether, in view of the importance of this question to Lancashire, the Government would render such assistance as may be necessary?

further asked whether he is aware of the growing danger to the Lancashire cotton industry caused by the fact that the United States of America require for their own use an ever-increasing proportion of the American cotton crop; and whether, in these circumstances, the Government would appoint a Parliamentary Committee to inquire into the best means of developing by State aid the areas within the British Empire where it had been demonstrated that long staple cotton, suitable for the Lancashire industry, could be grown?

I am aware of the facts stated. I am glad to say that the Treasury have recently sanctioned a grant of £10,000 a year for three years to the British Cotton Growing Association in order to assist that body in continuing its experiments in certain portions of the British Empire. Pending the prosecution of these experiments, there seems no occasion for the appointment of such a Parliamentary Committee as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he was aware that the proposed schedule of rates for the Port of London did not observe the assurances given by the Government in the House of Commons as to the insignificant scale contemplated by the Bill, in the aggregate 2s. on the £100 value, and on the contrary that heavy duties were proposed amounting in certain cases to 1 per cent. of the value of the goods; and would he undertake that, before this schedule was approved by the Board of Trade, it should conform in specific items in reasonable degree to the limitations in the Bill as to aggregate value?

An inquiry is now being held by Lord St. Aldwyn on behalf of the Board of Trade as to the schedule of maximum rates proposed by the Port Authority. Until I have received and considered the report of that inquiry I shall not be in a position to come to any decision on the matter. The schedule now under consideration refers solely to maximum powers of charge on any given commodity and not to actual rates. But I may point out to my hon. Friend that nothing therein can affect the specific limitation of aggregate revenue from rates on goods which is imposed by Section 13 (3) of the Port of London Act.

May I ask whether the fact that there is an inquiry does not override the statutory powers of the Board of Trade, or, to put it another way, does the fact that there is an inquiry override the statutory powers of the Board of Trade?

Certainly not, The inquiry is to arrive at the facts and the suggestions made. In no case can it possibly override the statutory provisions of the Act in regard to maximum rates generally.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the effects, amounting to prohibition, which would be caused to the trade in high-grade steels and engineers' tools from Sheffield to France by the proposed new French tariff; and, if so, what steps he was taking to bring his influence to bear on the French Government, with a view to the rejection or modification of the proposals?

When the Tariff proposals of the Customs Committee of the French Chamber of Deputies were first made public, the attention of the Board of Trade was drawn inter alia to the serious effect which the proposed duties on high grade steels and engineers' tools would have on the trade between this country and France. The views of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce were brought to the notice of the French Government. The Customs Tariff Bill, as passed by the Chamber of Deputies, made modifications, on the whole, of a favourable character, in the original proposals of the Customs Committee, but I am aware that the modified duties still give rise to apprehensions, and the views of those concerned have again been brought before the French Government. The Tariff Bill has yet to be considered by the French Senate.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, with a view to being in a position to negotiate in cases of this kind, he is considering the advisability of establishing a tariff in this country?

That does not arise out of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the export trade in plated goods is also very seriously menaced, and, further, whether he can suggest any means of persuading the French Government to vary these duties besides that suggested by my hon. Friend?

This matter is under the consideration of the French Government. Representations have been made to them, and I feel confident they will desire to meet us in as favourable a way as they can.

Is there any means of enforcing those representations?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury whether he would lay upon the Table Papers relating to Sir F. Wingate's visit to Somaliland and the present military position of affairs in that Protectorate?

The question of laying Papers will be considered at a later date. A Supplementary Estimate for Somaliland will be brought before the House to-morrow and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, will then make a statement as to the present position of affairs and the policy of His Majesty's Government.

asked what were the average county rates in England and Wales (excluding London) for each financial year from 1901–2 to 1909–10?

The hon. Member will find information as to the average rates in the £ in counties in Part II. of the Local Taxation Returns. I will send him a table showing the figures from the year 1901–2 to the year 1907–8, the latest year for which complete figures are yet available.

asked the Prime Minister if he would state whether the President of the Local Government Board was to have his emolument increased to £5,000 a year, as in the case of the President of the Board of Trade?

My own personal opinion is that, now that the President of the Board of Trade is in receipt of a higher salary, it would be an invidious thing that the President of the Local Government Board should not be in the same position, and that my right hon. Friend should be released from the self-denying covenant into which, with the late President of the Board of Trade, he entered last year. But the matter is one for general assent.

Would it not be a matter of general assent if the Prime Minister inquired as to the brilliant manner in which the right hon. Gentleman answered the hon. Member for Hackney (Mr. Bottomley) just now?

asked the Prime Minister if, in the case of officers and men entitled to votes in the Army and Navy, he could introduce a Bill to allow such men when sent abroad to record their votes by proxy or any other means deemed advisable?

I am not sure that I understand the precise meaning of the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion; but, in any case, it does not fall within the category of legislation to which, as I have before stated, the Government are already confined.

asked whether it was the intention of the Government to create a separate administrative Department for Wales, with a Secretary of State responsible to Parliament, modelled on the lines which had proved so successful in Scotland?

I am aware that there is a strong feeling among men of all parties in Wales in support of the hon. Member's suggestion. It is obviously one that could not be given effect to without legislation, which, for reasons already given, the Government are not in a position this year at any rate to propose.

May we assume that the Government are favourable to the suggestion?

We have a sympathetic mind.

asked whether it was the intention of the Government to propose that the question of altering the constitution and powers of the House of Lords should be submitted to the electors by any method other than that of a General Election?

The hon. and gallant Member's question is of a hypothetical character, and is at any rate one upon which it would be premature at present to express an opinion.

asked whether the Government proposed to take any action against the persons who were charged with conspiracy at Riverstown, county Sligo?

The accused in the case referred to were tried last May before the Lord Chief Justice and a county Dublin jury. In the result, the jury disagreed, and it is not proposed to send the case to a second trial.

asked the Lord Advocate if he was aware that, owing to exceptional expenditure in providing new schools in the parish of South Uist, a sum was required from the rates this year which would necessitate a school rate of 11s. in the pound; was he aware that any attempt to levy a rate of anything like this amount would result in hardship and distress, indeed, in the bankruptcy of most of the inhabitants, and that the parish council had refused to impose it; and would he say how he proposed to deal with this most exceptional case.

The rate per £ mentioned is a nominal rate which gives an exaggerated impression of the real burden imposed. So far as that portion of it which is borne by proprietors is concerned, it is levied on sixty per cent. only of the receivable rental, and as regards occupiers, on three-eighths only of that reduced rental. So far as occupiers are concerned the actual payment to be made by the great majority of individual ratepayers is of a small amount, and cannot be correctly described as leading to hardship and distress, to say nothing of "the bankruptcy of most of the inhabitants." The action of the Parish Council is at present sub judice of the Court of Session, and any statement of further action on the part of the Government must be deferred pending the decision of the Courts.

Did I understand the Lord Advocate to say that the rate paid by the small ratepayers is only three-eighths of the rental? Does not that refer only to agricultural occupiers? Are not shopkeepers, ministers, teachers and others who are not agricultural subjects, liable to a rate of 11s. in the £?

As far as my information goes, all occupiers in the parish who have these rates levied upon them are assessed upon that artificially diminished rental.

Is it not the case that in England when the Education Rate reaches 1s. 6d. in the £, there is a special grant by the Treasury to meet the extra expenditure?

asked upon what principle procurator-fiscals are appointed in Scotland?

Fitness for the performance of the duties of the office.

asked the Lord Advocate, in reference to the procurator-fiscalship for Forfarshire, Dundee district, was there no member of the legal profession in Dundee able and qualified for the position, or had he any difficulty in making a Dundee appointment, seeing that he had appointed an outsider?

There were several members of the legal profession in Dundee able and qualified for the position of procurator-fiscal. The new procurator-fiscal is not, as is suggested in the question, "an outsider." He is an able and thoroughly qualified member of the legal profession, who has resided and practised for many years in the district of Forfarshire over which his duties as procurator-fiscal extend?

Is it not a fact that on both sides political consideration enters very largely into these appointments?

That is so.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was in a position to state that the inquiries which were being made into the alleged inequalities existing in the supervision of London sub-district offices were now completed; and, if not yet complete, would he take steps, having regard to the length of time the inquiry had occupied, to hasten a settlement of the question?

Large and difficult questions of organisation are involved in this matter. The inquiries are not yet completed, but are actively proceeding, and every effort will be made to bring them to a conclusion at an early date.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was aware that the wages rate in Randalstown district for postmen appointed after this date had been reduced from 22s. to 21s. per week; and, seeing that in the adjoining districts of Antrim and Muckamore, where the cost of living was no higher than in Randalstown, the rate of wages had been raised, whether he would reconsider the matter?

The cost of living is not the only factor to be taken into account in the classification of offices. Careful consideration was given to all the circumstances before the classification of Randalstown was decided upon, and I regret that it is not possible to place that office upon the same scale as Antrim and Muckamore.

asked what is the scale of salaries, promotion, and pension given to secondary teachers in Welsh schools?

There is no fixed scale of salaries for teachers in secondary schools in Wales, nor is their promotion governed by any established rules. There is not, so far as the Board are aware, any general scale of pensions in operation in these schools.

asked when the complete Report of the Welsh Church Commission would be published?

I am informed by the Secretary of the Commission that one or two of the Commissioners are preparing separate memoranda, and cannot state when they will be ready; and that it is impossible to give a date for the completion of the Report.

Will parts of the evidence be published separately?

I have not addressed my mind to that question since I took over the duties of a new office. I do not know of anything to lead me to believe there will be any interim publication.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he would state whether the rebate of 1½d. on petrol was only being granted to those hackney motors who stand or ply for hire in a public place, being duly licensed to do so; and, if so, whether garage proprietors owning one or two cars were refused the rebate?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The rebate is not allowed in respect of motor spirit used in motor cars which are kept in private garages for the purpose of being engaged for hire.

Are we to understand that there is no rebate except where the local authority gives a licence to ply for hire?

I do not think that is quite the distinction. They are endeavouring to draw a distinction between hackney carriages of the ordinary kind and private carriages.

Is it not a fact that in certain places the local authority cannot give a licence?

I should not like to answer that question off-hand.

In view of the fact that different authorities take different views on the subject, in some cases allowing the rebate and in others not, will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to lay down some fixed principle for the guidance of officials?

Fixed principles have been laid down, but whether or not they are satisfactory I cannot say.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in relation to the settlement of returns for Inland Revenue purposes, it is the practice of surveyors of taxes to exercise their discretion in making allowances for obsolete machinery; whether that practice is founded upon any minute or official authority, and, if so, by whom the same was issued and when; and whether, in the interest of the public and of the service, he will see that important and far-reaching questions of this kind should not be left to the unfettered discretion of an Inland Revenue official and a practice continued which has not the sanction and authority of Parliament?

This and subsequent questions, as the hon. Member is aware, were put down for Monday last, and though they were not then asked by him, the answers were printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT for that day among the answers not given orally, and copies of the replies were sent to him.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the questions and answers are recorded in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

They are already there.

Oh, that is all right.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he had finally decided to charge Excise duty upon all sugar that may be manufactured from beetroot in this country, and not to grant exemption to the company that proposed to undertake the growth of beet and the manufacture of sugar in Lincolnshire?

It will be necessary to charge Excise Duty at rates corresponding to the rates of Customs Duty on sugar manufactured from beetroot in this country, but I propose to allow a reduction from the rates of Customs Duty to compensate for the additional cost of manufacture under Excise restrictions.

Why will it be necessary to impose an Excise Duty? Where does the necessity come in?

The legal necessity. I have got to administer the law.

Under what Statute is there any necessity for putting an Excise Duty on home-grown sugar?

I should like notice of that. I cannot for the moment give an answer. I cannot recall the Statute, but so I am informed.

May I ask if it has not, as a matter of fact, nearly crushed this industry, which it was proposed to establish in Lincolnshire—instead of protecting it?

I do not see how that can be crushed which is not in existence.

I described it as a "proposed" industry.

Is there any possibility of setting up the industry except through the Brussels Sugar Convention?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the fact that the surveyors of Income Tax are writing to taxpayers that a further statement or claim for Income Tax will be sent to them towards the end of March, and if it is intended by this that Income Tax will be required to be paid by traders and professional men before the end of March?

I am not aware that surveyors of Income Tax are adopting the course alleged in the question.

I personally have seen such a statement as is made in the question. Is it proposed to enforce the collection at 1s. 2d. in the £ upon all dividends paid, and not to put any pressure upon traders or professional men to pay the Income Tax due from them?

I am not aware that any distinction is drawn.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the directors of the Bank of England have decided to deduct it at 1s. 2d. in the £?

I should have thought that that was obviously for the convenience of those who are concerned with the dividend. It certainly has got to be paid sooner or later. The declarations, both of the Prime Minister and of the Leader of the Opposition, have made it clear that whatever the decision of the electors the 1s. 2d. would be imposed.

Is it not a benefit for a man who owns money to be allowed to retain it in his money?

We are getting very far from the question on the Paper.

Will not the Prime Minister reconsider his decision not to put down the Resolution legalising Income Tax, which would avoid all this?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to earmark any definite proportion of the sum of at least £250,000, part of the Development Fund, promised for agricultural purposes in the United Kingdom, for such purposes in Great Britain; and whether it is proposed to apply any, and, if so, what, part of the above sum towards the development of agriculture, as distinct from forestry?

It is not proposed definitely to earmark to the different parts of the United Kingdom that portion of the Development Fund which may be allotted to purposes of agriculture or forestry. I have every confidence that the personnel of the Commission, when appointed, will be such as to guarantee that the Fund will be equitably distributed between the component parts of the Kingdom.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Secretary of State can give the House any further information regarding the circumstances in which the Dalai Lama has sought refuge in British-Indian territory?

also asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can make a statement concerning the flight of the Dalai Lama from Tibet; whether this Government has made inquiries of the Chinese Government as to the invasion of Lhasa; and what is the result of its inquiries?

Hon. Members have been able to follow the course of events in the daily newspapers, and it is unnecessary for me to recapitulate the main facts. I will, however, read from a telegram which was received from the Viceroy last night: "It appears that Tibetans sent considerable force to face Chinese troops near Chiamdo in order to intimidate them, but with orders not to fight. They accordingly retreated as Chinese troops advanced, and meanwhile Amban at Lhasa promised Dalai Lama that only 1,000 Chinese troops would be brought to Lhasa. Forty Chinese mounted infantry arrived suddenly in Lhasa and fired on several Tibetans, including two high officials, as these latter were leaving Potala peaceably, wounding one in leg and hitting pony of other. Dalai Lama also ascertained that Chinese had broken their promise to bring only 1,000 soldiers to Lhasa. He accordingly decided to fly to India, though against advice of Council and National Assembly. There appears to have been no fighting, except at Chaksam, where several Chinese were killed, the number of killed being variously estimated at from 40 to 80. Dalai Lama complained that Emperor of China promised him in Pekin that he, Dalai Lama, would have the same power as before in governing Tibet, but that Chinese in Tibet have broken this promise. Above information is from reliable Tibetan source. Dalai Lama arrives at Darjiling to-day."

His Majesty's Government have communicated with the Chinese Government with regard to the unexpected situation thus created, and in reply have received assurances upon the details of which it would be premature to make a statement.

What is the meaning of "Amban"?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether it is proposed to counterbalance the new duty on beer imported into India by an equivalent Excise duty on native-brewed beer?

Yes, Sir. The Indian financial proposals include provisions for raising the present duty on beer brewed in India after European methods, so as to correspond with the new duty on imported beers.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that owing to the damming of the River Erne near Belturbet, in county Cavan, by an eel weir, the lands on the shores of Lough Gowna and the confluents thereof are perennially flooded, causing damage to the farmers' crops along the river course; and whether any action will be taken by the Board of Works to compel the owners of this eel fishery to provide such sluices and other drainage apparatus as will prevent the continued flooding of this district?

The Board of Works have no power to act in such cases except in default of action by a drainage authority, and the particulars given in the question are not sufficient to enable the Board to form an opinion whether any drainage authority has a duty or a power to act in this case. If the complainants' land lies within the boundaries of the Lough Oughter and River Erne Drainage District their best course would probably be to make their complaint to the drainage board of that district.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in consequence of the Swine Fever Order difficulty is experienced in removing pigs from one part of the country to another; whether vendors have to go to the local police barracks for licences, which may or may not be granted, according to the views of the local policeman; and whether, as no swine fever now exists in Ireland, he will direct that the present restrictions be withdrawn?

The hon. Member presumably refers not to any order made by an Irish Department but to the regulations governing the movement of store swine from Ireland to Great Britain under an order of the English Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, and I would suggest that he should address his inquiries to that Department. I may add that, unfortunately, swine fever has not ceased to exist in Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any inspection has yet been made of the Douglas estate in the townlands of Baun, Kilnashee, Cloonmacort, and Clonaugh, forty-nine tenants in which townlands have signed a protest against carrying out this sale, in consequence of the landlord having broken his agreement with them and deprived them thereby of their bog; and whether the undertaking which he gave to have a full inquiry into this transaction by an inspector before passing the estate will be given effect to or, in the alternative, that the tenants who have been deprived of their bog will be restored to the portion they occupied before the sale as regards the bog of which they were deprived?

The purchase agreements for the sale of this estate were not lodged until October, 1908. It will be inspected in order of priority, but its turn has not yet come. Due inquiry will be made by the inspector when on the lands as to the allotment of the turbary.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the scale of salaries, promotion, and pension provided for secondary teachers in Irish schools?

The salaries and pensions of teachers in secondary schools in Ireland are not defrayed from public funds, and I have therefore no information on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he would state what money in the last financial year was placed at the disposal of the Commissioners of National Education for the teaching of Irish in Irish national schools; if he was aware that the inspector to the Commissioners has reported that in the standards above the second the teaching is more or less of a sham; and if the Government will reduce or withdraw the grant in this subject, or apportion it equally between French and German studies?

The amount available for the teaching of Irish in national schools in the financial year 1908–9 was £14,400. An inspector has reported that the teaching of Irish as an optional subject only in standards above the second is more or less of a sham. There are, however, no fees paid for such teaching. The answer to the concluding paragraph of the question is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the waste of public money in teaching this senseless subject?

I think that Irish well taught is an admirable subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say to whom it is of the least utility?

It is difficult to say who benefits by any education. [An HON. MEMBER: "Bear it like a, man."]

Would this money not be better used for cleaning and heating the schools?

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland have decided that the salaries of teachers shall be paid in future monthly instead of quarterly, as heretofore; and, if so, when the new system will come into operation?

The Irish Government have been in communication with the Treasury in reference to this matter. A large cost is involved, and there has not been time to consider the matter maturely in connection with the Estimates for the coming financial year. The question whether arrangements can be made to effect the change as regards the year 1911–12 will be fully considered before next year.

asked the Chief Secretary if any of the fund at the disposal of the Development Commissioners is available for carrying out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Arterial Drainage (Ireland) of 1905?

This is a matter in the first instance for the consideration of the Development Commissioners.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is now able to state what action is to be taken to punish the proprietors or conductors of Irish newspapers who have published boycotting notices and resolutions in defiance of official warnings, and to prevent the publication of such notices in the future?

This matter is under the consideration of my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making these gentlemen Privy Councillors of Ireland?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he could state the total cost to the State of teaching the Irish language in national schools in the years 1906, 1907, 1908, and 1909 respectively?

I could not, without considerably more time for inquiry, state the total cost to the State of the teaching of Irish in the several years mentioned. All I can say is that the amount expended in fees was £13,843 in 1906 and £11,766 in 1908.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he could state the cost, approximately, to the State of heating and cleansing the national schools in Ireland on the basis of one moiety being charged on Imperial funds and one moiety being found by the local managers?

Assuming that the work is limited to procuring fuel, whitewashing, and cleaning out of the out-offices, the estimated cost to the State on the basis defined in the question would be £21,000 a year.

May I ask, knowing the right hon. Gentleman's sympathetic attitude towards this matter, whether he will make an earnest endeavour to get it carried out this year?

I assure the hon. Member there is nobody in this House more anxious than I am to bring this matter to a conclusion very much upon the basis of his question, but I cannot say more.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can now inform the House regarding the case heard at Newtownbutler on 21st October, 1909, in which Sergeant Carroll, R.I.C., was charged with assault at Maguiresbridge; whether the assault was committed in an attempt to prevent the hoisting of a Union Jack upon private grounds; whether the sergeant stated that he had acted under authority, but refused to produce his authority to the court without the consent of the Government; and whether he will state on what grounds the sergeant was authorised to interfere with persons who were hoisting the flag of their country on private grounds?

I understand that Sergeant Carroll's appeal in this case has not yet been heard. The case is therefore sub judice, and I cannot discuss it.

Is there any appeal possible from the county court judge in this case?