asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would give figures showing the total cotton crop in Egypt for the last five years?

The figures showing the cotton crop in Egypt for the last five years are as follows:

May I ask whether those figures include the Soudan?

I must inquire as to that.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he had, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, accepted the invitation of the United States to an International Conference at the Hague on the subject of international regulation of the traffic in opium and kindred drugs; and, if so, when would the Conference take place?

The proposal is still under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when we shall know?

I cannot tell, but I am in communication with the India Office.

Does a settlement of this character impose any pecuniary penalties upon the United States, as it undoubtedly does upon the British Indian Government?

I do not see that any settlement is referred to in the question.

But there is a settlement in view, I presume?

I cannot say what effect it will have.

asked what is the present position with regard to the negotiations now proceeding between Canada and the United States on the subject of their tariff relations?

After communication with His Majesty's Embassy, Professor Emery, Chairman of the United States Tariff Board, and Mr. Pepper, Commercial Adviser to the State Department, were delegated, in conjunction with the United States Consul-General at Ottawa, to discuss the tariff relations of Canada and the United States with the Dominion Government at that capital. I have not yet heard the result of what has passed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government contemplate opening any negotiations with the United States to mitigate the evil effect upon British labour of the United States' tariff, particularly upon the yacht building industry of the United Kingdom?

The hon. Member ought to give notice of that question. It does not arise directly out of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he was aware that James Casey, of Foxfort, Causeway, was in receipt of an old age pension from the Ballyheigue committee; that on appeal the pension was disallowed on the grounds that his means of subsistence exceeded the statutory amount; and whether he could say on what grounds and by what method his means of living was ascertained or computed to exceed the maximum of £31 10s. per year?

I understand that James Casey, who had assigned his farm to his son when the latter was married on 23rd February, 1909, made a claim for a pension on 3rd March, which was disallowed by the sub-committee. The committee came to this decision apparently on the ground that the value of the privileges reserved to the claimant by the deed of assignment and of the fortune of £200 retained by him, exceeded £31 10s. per annum. On the claimant appealing, the Local Government Board upheld the committee's decision. When Casey made a second claim the committee granted him a pension of 5s. a week; but the Board allowed the appeal of the pension officer as Casey's circumstances appeared to have undergone no alteration in the meantime.

asked whether instructions as to the administration of the Old Age Pensions Act were issued to pension officers in Ireland; and, if so, would the House be supplied with copies of same?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for the Kingswinford Division and the hon. Member for Marylebone (East) on 14th and 15th October, 1908, in which he stated that the instructions given to the pension officers are of a confidential nature, and are intended for Departmental use only.

As it has been denied that such instructions were issued upon one occasion, may I ask whether the pension officers are acting under the direct instructions of the Treasury or on their own initiative?

No instructions are given by the Treasury. It is by the Board of Customs and Excise. But on many occasions the pension officers must act upon their own initiative.

Are the pension officers in Ireland acting under the instructions of the Board of Customs and Excise, or of the Local Government Board of Ireland?

I agree it is a difficult position, because part of their responsibility is due to the Customs and Excise, and part, as it were, to the Local Government Board. That results from the Old Age Pensions Act. There is a division of responsibility. Where a pension is granted it is on the responsibility of the Customs and Excise.

Then there is no one responsible?

Is it not due to certain instructions that a large number of pensions granted and enjoyed in Ireland for some time, on evidence which was considered satisfactory at the time, were subsequently repealed?

The first part of the question is correct; the second part is incorrect. It was in consequence of fresh evidence not forthcoming that any pensions were withdrawn.

Has the Treasury addressed any communication to the Board of Customs and Excise with a view to the taking of such action as would result in the reduction in the amount of the pensions in Ireland and a saving to the Treasury?

No. No such instruction has been given.

Who is responsible for taking away the pensions?

The ultimate decision whether or not a pension shall be taken away rests with the Local Government Board.

asked the Chief Secretary in how many cases where pensions under 5s. had been recommended, and the applicant appealed, had the Local Government Board refused to sanction any pension whatever; and in how many cases had they increased the amount to 5s., or approved the lesser sum?

I am not in a position to furnish the information asked for by the hon. Member, which could only be obtained by making a special examination of each of the 30,000 cases already decided by the Local Government Board.

As this is a matter of tremendous importance, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman cannot see his way to have the Return made out? Is he aware that in every case in which a sum of less than 5s. has been appealed against the Local Government Board has refused to give any pension at all?

The Local Government Board is always willing to have its conduct inquired into. But it would be a work almost of impossibility in view of the number of pension cases.

Is it not the fact that the cases covered by the question of my hon. Friend were identical with Foley's case, in which it was laid down by the judges that the action of the Local Government Board was ultra vires?

That case was one which hardly governs any other except itself.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in the case of Mary Hickie, old age pensioner, of Inches, district of Millstreet, county Cork, whose pension was stopped on the sole ground that her name was not found in the Census of 1841, and whose marriage certificate, endorsed by the pension officer, bears out her statement, which is also supported by other independent evidence, that she is well over seventy years of age, any remedy is now open to her to reclaim her pension; and, if so, will he state the steps necessary to be taken to secure this object?

I have already gone fully into the facts of this case in reply to the question asked by the hon. Member on the 3rd instant. It is open to Mrs. Hickie to make a fresh claim at any time if she thinks she can produce satisfactory evidence of age.

asked the Chief Secretary if he would state the number of cases in which sales of land under the Land Purchase Acts were completed in January and February, 1910, compared with the number of cases in which sales were completed in January and February of the three preceding years?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the number of holdings vested in the case of direct sales in January and February of each of the years mentioned was as follows: In 1907, 1,255; in 1908, 1,723; last year, 2,357; and this year, 2,819.

asked how tenants of uneconomic holdings can obtain relief under the Land Act of 1909 from the Estates Commissioners or Congested Districts Board, according to the county in which they were situate, in the common case of the sale of an estate being kept in suspense by the vendor in order to force such tenants by exhausting their resources to sign improvident terms, while untenanted land on the same estate which should be used to enlarge their holdings was applied to other purposes?

If the hon. Member will give me the particulars of the cases which be has in his mind, I will endeavour to obtain the information which he requires, but I cannot lay down any general rule on the subject.

asked what steps the Estates Commissioners propose taking to distribute the land of Adamstown, Temple-more, now in their possession; and when they propose to distribute them?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the lands have been let temporarily up to November next. No scheme has yet been made for their final allotment.

asked whether the Chief Secretary's attention had been called to an agreement to purchase the non-residential grazing ranch, known on the Ordnance map as Clooneen, Hartland, the estate of Maurice M'Causland, Esquire, Drenagh, Limavady, County Derry, held under judicial lease by William J. Walpole, Castlenode, Strokes-town; whether the Estates Commissioners were aware that the applicant for purchase was the wife of the grazier, William J. Walpole, who had exhausted his borrowing powers in purchasing his residential farm at Castlenode, containing 600 Irish acres; whether he was aware that the Clooneen Hartland ranch contained about 350 Irish acres, and was the only land available in the district for dealing with the question of congestion; whether the Congested Districts Board would use their influence with the Estates Commissioners to prevent the confirmation of the proposed sale, and so defeat an attempt to render impossible the relief of congestion in this locality; whether he was aware that about 30 or 40 uneconomic landholders, whose valuation was from £2 to £5, live in the district; and whether he would use his influence with the Estates Commissioners to secure that this Clooneen Hartland ranch should be reserved for distribution among the small landholders of the district?

I have nothing at present to add to my reply to the question asked by the hon. Member on the 8th instant.

asked what steps, if any, the Estates Commissioners had taken to reinstate in her old holding or otherwise provide for Widow Sammon, of Carrowkennedy, Westport, whose eviction in 1878 was the immediate cause for the foundation of the United Irish League?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that Mrs. Sammon's former holding is in the occupation of another tenant. They have published in the "Dublin Gazette" a notice of their intention to acquire certain untenanted lands on the estate, compulsorily, under the Evicted Tenants Act, and propose to provide Mrs. Sammon with a holding on these lands, if ultimately acquired.

That is exactly the same answer I have been receiving for the last five years from the right hon. Gentleman and his predecessor. I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will kindly look into this particular case for himself and see whether after 15 years something more substantial can be given than promises, seeing that this case was one of the direct causes of the Land Purchase Acts?

The Estates Commissioners cannot do more than acquire land compulsorily on this estate, and having done so this lady with her historic connection will receive the earliest attention.

The operation has already taken place.

The hon. Member is not entitled to argue the case.

asked whether it was with the concurrence of the Intermediate Education Board for Ireland, and, if not, at whose instance, the rewards to students amounted in 1909 to only £7,766, as compared with £20,406 given for that purpose in 1901; whether the examinations showed any more unsatisfactory results than what was attributable to that reduction; whether he was aware that this was a check to intermediate education in Ireland; and whether he proposed to increase the amount available under this head?

The amounts awarded by the Board in rewards to students in 1901 and 1909 respectively are correctly stated in the question. The distribution of the available funds as between school grants and prizes is entirely a matter for the Board, and I have no power to determine the amount to be made available under either heading.

Have the Commissioners got the money?

Oh, yes. The income of the Commissioners has no doubt fallen off, but still they have available funds. It is a matter which is entirely within their discretion.

asked whether, seeing that the production of opium in China is being very largely restricted, he is now prepared to respond to the desire of the Chinese Government to shorten the period of nearly eight years during which India is to continue to send opium to China?

In undertaking, in response to the request of the Chinese Government, that the Indian opium traffic with China should, if certain conditions were fulfilled, be brought to a close within ten years, His Majesty's Government contemplated a settlement that would be final, and that was within the capacity of both countries to carry out, with due regard to the magnitude of the changes involved and interests affected. In this spirit it was accepted by the Chinese Government, which has not expressed a desire to reopen the question. The strict fulfilment of India's share of the agreement has imposed serious burdens on the Indian Government and on the Native States of India. His Majesty's Government are not disposed to disturb the settlement arrived at with the Chinese Government.

Has there been any recent decrease in the income from opium in India?

Yes, there has been a decrease.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he would now say whether even in a single case since the Land Act of 1909 passed an originating agreement to purchase had been lodged?

Since 3rd December, 1909 (the date of the passing of the Irish Land Act, 1909), eleven originating applications in respect of estates which are being sold direct by landlords to tenants, and nine originating requests in respect of estates proposed to be sold to the Commisioners under Section 6 of the Act of 1903 have been lodged with the Estates Commissioners. The number of purchase agreements in direct sales lodged since 3rd December is 161.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me how many of these tenants are affected?

The number of purchase agreements and direct sales is 161. That is the minimum number. How many more are affected I do not know.

How many tenants will that affect?

I do not know. I say that 161 purchase agreements have been lodged by the tenants.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether those agreements had been lodged under former Acts and had been relodged?

No, sir; the explanation I have received from the Estates Commissioners is as to the number of estates and actual purchase agreements lodged since the Act came into operation.

Is there nobody to give us the names of the landlords and the tenants in respect of which it is alleged these agreements are lodged?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "alleged." I will endeavour to obtain the further information he seeks.

I did not in the least mean to suggest anything to offend the right hon. Gentleman, but I do not trust the Land Commissioners.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a copy of a resolution recently adopted by the county Waterford County Council calling his attention, and that of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, to the recent appointment as magistrates for the county of Waterford of gentlemen residing in the county of Tipperary who have no residence or property in the county of Waterford; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in the county of Waterford with the appointments made and with the manner in which the recommendations of the local authorities are ignored; and whether the recommendations made by the county council will be acceded to?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the recent appointment of two Tipperary magistrates to the magistracy of the county of Waterford. These gentlemen live in county Tipperary, close to the borders of the two counties, and were appointed in the usual course on the recommendation of the Lieutenant of the county who considered it desirable for the public convenience that their jurisdiction should be extended. The Lord Chancellor always considers with attention the qualifications of the persons whose names may be submitted to him by any public body for appointment to the magistracy.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the final paragraph: whether the recommendations made by the county council will be acceded to? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the very fact of a body like a county council recommending is enough in the minds of these Lords Lieutenant of the Counties to ignore them altogether?

The Lord Chancellor will certainly not ignore any application made by any such public authority.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he could now inform the House regarding the case heard at Newtownbutler on the 21st October, 1909, in which Sergeant Carroll, R.I.C., was charged with assault at Maguires-bridge; 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 would state on what grounds the sergeant was authorised to interfere with persons who were hoisting the flag of their country on private grounds?

The appeal lodged by Sergeant Carroll was heard at the Assizes at Enniskillen on the 5th instant, by the Lord Chief Baron, who held that a technical assault had been committed by the sergeant in making an effort to prevent the erection of a pole at Maguiresbridge, and gave nominal damages of 6d. in each case against the sergeant. After the pole was erected a Union Jack or Red Ensign was hoisted upon it, and this was done in a field opposite the priest's house on a party anniversary, and presumably as a party emblem, and as such was a source or danger to the public peace. The Lord Chief Baron expressly pointed out that he did not decide that the police would not have had power to take down the flag, as this question was not before him. As the hon. and gallant Member was informed on the 4th November last, no general or particular instructions have been issued to the Royal Irish Constabulary with respect to the flying of the Union Jack on private property or elsewhere in Ireland.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether, therefore, the sergeant was wrong in making the statement that he had received instructions not to allow the flag to be hoisted or to give the source of his instructions unless he received permission from the right hon. Gentleman?

The instructions given to the police sergeant had nothing to do with the hoisting of the flag, but were simply of a general character to preserve the peace on troublesome occasions of this sort.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he considers the Union Jack a party emblem?

No, Sir; but the Union Jack, as hon. Members who have taken part in elections on both sides know, is very often made a party emblem.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that a meeting of the Gurteen branch, county Sligo, United Irish League, expressed its opinion that any person occupying any portion of Mr. M'Dermott's land in Lisbally was a grabber of the worst type and would be treated as such; and what steps he proposed to take to prevent men placed on the land by the Congested Districts Board, which had striped it off, from being subjected to intimidation?

The meeting referred to took place indoors, and the police are not therefore in a position to say what happened at it. The police will give every protection which may be necessary to persons placed on the land by the Congested Districts Board.

asked how many cases of intimidation were brought to the notice of the Lord Chief Justice at the recent Clare Spring Assizes; and how many individuals were made amenable in such cases?

I understand that twenty instances of intimidation which had occurred since the Winter Assizes were brought under the notice of the Lord Chief Justice at the Clare Spring Assizes. In one of these cases a man was arrested, but the Grand Jury found no bill.

asked the Chief Secretary if he could state why the old age pension granted to Mrs. Nancy Cannon, Carrowcannon, Falcarragh, by the Dun-fanaghy sub-committee on 17th February had not yet been paid? I have been asked to address this question to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury. Am I to take it that all similar questions are to be addressed to that right hon. Gentleman?

I certainly, as between myself and the hon. Member, hope the questions will be put to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Chief Secretary what steps he proposed to take to bring to justice the person who fired at a man named O'Dwyer, in county Clare; and whether O'Dwyer was so intimidated that he denied he was fired at at all, though twenty pellet holes were found in his hat and one in his ear?

In this case the man who is said to have been fired at denies the truth of the statement and refuses to give any assistance to the police, who therefore see little prospect of bringing his assailant, if any, to justice. He has marks on his face, but says that they were caused by the bough of a tree, and his cap has holes in it such as would be made by shot. The police cannot say whether he is intimidated or not.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that notices had recently been posted in Kinvara, threatening with death anyone who pays rent or acts as a traitor to his fellow-tenants, and that the notices bear a photograph of a coffin with a skull and cross bones and a smoking rifle; and what steps he proposed to take in connection with the matter?

Four notices of the kind, written in pencil, were found posted up on the 27th of February. The police are inquiring into the matter, and will afford protection to anyone who may appear to need it.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been drawn to the meeting of the Dromard branch of the United Irish League on 27th February, when the branch decided to publish a black list of all who would not join; and what steps he proposed to take to protect the persons referred to from intimidation?

The Constabulary authorities are not in a position to say whether it was decided to publish a list such as is mentioned in the question, but no such list has been published in the newspapers or otherwise, nor has any complaint been made to the police on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, having regard to the announcement he made in this House on the 24th April, 1907, that it was the fixed intention of the Government that the office of Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) should be a Ministerial office, held by a gentleman sitting on the Government Benches and responsible to this House for the work of his Department, he would state the reasons which had led the Government to change their fixed intentions and allow this office to be held by a gentleman who had no seat in this House?

There has been no change in the fixed intentions of the Government, who are still of opinion that the office in question should be a Ministerial office, held by a gentleman in sympathy with the party in power, sitting here on these benches, and responsible to this House for the work of his Department. It is unfortunately true that the Vice-President lost his seat at the recent General Election, but, in the opinion of the Prime Minister, it is only right to allow him reasonable time to seek re-election elsewhere.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which seat in Ulster he hopes to be able to win?

Ulster is not the whole world.

May I ask whether this position of Vice-President of the Irish Department of Agriculture will be held by a person holding a seat in any part of the United Kingdom except Ireland?

I think there is no reason whatever why the Vice-President should hold an Irish seat.

Then we might have a Welshman in the position of Vice-President?

The post is open to the honourable ambitions of all hon. Members in this House.

asked the Chief Secretary, in connection with the recent Maguiresbridge disturbances, whether his attention has been directed to the action of certain magistrates at Lisnaskea petty sessions, on Saturday, 26th February last, when two Protestants, named John A. Boles and William J. Boyd, were sentenced to two weeks and fourteen days' imprisonment, respectively, the resident magistrate dissenting, while all the cases against Nationalist prisoners were dismissed; whether the majority of the magistrates adjudicating were Nationalists; whether the Sergeant Carroll who gave evidence on behalf of the police against the Protestant prisoners is the same Sergeant Carroll who illegally prevented the flying of a Union Jack in private grounds for which he was convicted and mulcted in damages; whether the Lord Lieutenant has been requested to release Boles and Boyd; whether he has done so; and what further steps it is proposed to take in these cases?

I am informed that two persons, named Boles and Boyd, were sentenced to fourteen days imprisonment on 26th February, at the petty sessions named in the question, and that the resident magistrate dissented. I am also informed that on the same occasion cases against certain other defendants were dismissed, and that the resident magistrate concurred in this decision. I am not aware of the political opinions of the majority of the magistrates. Sergeant Carroll gave evidence in the cases. I have already informed the hon. and gallant Member of the result of the sergeant's appeal against the conviction referred to in the question. A Memorial praying for the release of Boyd and Boles was presented to the Lord Lieutenant on the 7th instant, and His Excellency decided to exercise the prerogative of mercy, and has ordered the discharge of the two prisoners, thereby shortening their sentences by three days. No further action appears to be necessary.

asked the Chief Secretary if he could state when the programme for the King's scholarship examination of 1911 would be issued, and whether the expressed intention of the National Board to make a second language an essential part of the programme would be embodied in it?

I understand that the programme is in the printer's hands, and will be issued within the next few days. The Commissioners of National Education have decided not to make a second language an essential part of the examination until 1912.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been called to the destruction of crops that takes place in certain parts of Ireland by rabbits and ground game; and would he consider the advisability of introducing legislation with the view of enabling farmers to protect themselves against such ravages?

I am not aware of any demand for legislation on this subject.

Does the Ground Game Act which prevails in this country apply to Ireland?

I am not sure. Since the hon. Member has put the question on the Paper I have endeavoured to ascertain whether any general complaints have been made with reference to general destruction made by rabbits, and I am told that it is not the case generally.

It is very much so in Waterford.

asked whether it is necessary that the assizes should open in Galway on 17th March, that day being observed in Galway as a public holiday?

The dates for the holding of assizes at the several assize towns are fixed by the going judges of assize, and the matter is not one over which the Executive Government has any control. This is not by any means the first time that assizes have opened on 17th March. In the present year the Spring Assizes at Belfast and Londonderry, both open on that day, and other assizes open on the 16th, and, presumably, will be continued on the 17th.

asked the Chief Secretary what steps the Estates Commissioners are at present taking to acquire the lands of William X. Leader, D.L., situate at Dromagh, county Cork; if Mr. Leader offered these lands for sale to the Commissioners to be acquired by voluntary arrangement; if an inspection took place; and, if so, can he say what was the amount offered to Mr. Leader, and the number of acres proposed to be taken; are there a number of evicted tenants on this estate and district scheduled for reinstatement; whether he is aware that a number of small holders on the estate were prevented from purchasing their holdings under the Land Act of 1903, as they were included in the lands proposed to be acquired, the Estates Commissioners insisting that Mr. Leader should not sell to them pending negotiations; and whether, in view of the injury inflicted on these parties, on the evicted tenants and other landless people by the delay which has taken place in the acquisition of these lands, the Estates Commissioners will now take such steps as may be necessary to come to a speedy arrangement with the owner?

The Estates Commissioners recently instituted proceedings under the Evicted Tenants Act with a view to the compulsory acquisition of some 960 acres of land owned by Mr. Leader in the county Cork. They had previously been in negotiation with him, and had an inspection made, but no agreement as to price was come to. The proceedings are still sub judice, and the Commissioners must decline to disclose their estimated price. Applications received from tenants evicted from this estate and others will be considered in the allotment of the land, if acquired. The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in supposing that the Commissioners insisted that Mr. Leader should not sell to the tenants who had not agreed to purchase their holdings, pending his negotiations with the Commissioners for the sale of the lands in his own hands. Their holdings were not included in the sale of the tenanted lands, as no purchase agreements were lodged in their cases, but it is open to the parties to enter into and lodge purchase agreements at any time.

asked the Chief Secretary how many new officials have been appointed, or are proposed to be appointed, by the Congested Districts Board, under the Act of 1909, with the amount of their proposed yearly salaries, estimated travelling expenses, and other appointments; will the new officials be selected by competitive examination or, if not, in what manner and on whose nomination; and what will be the total annual amount of the expenses of administration of the Board as soon as the increased staff has been appointed, including all travelling expenses of the members and officials of the Board?

The following new officials have been appointed by the Board: Seven assistant inspectors at £120 a year and travelling expenses, estimated at £75 a year each; one temporary valuer at two guineas a day, when employed; one shorthand clerk at 30s. a week; three instructresses in lacemaking at £1 a week, and two in dressmaking at 30s. a week; one manual instructor at £10 a month. The assistant inspectors were appointed after competitive examination, the instructors, both men and women on the recommendation of the Board's industrial inspector, the valuer and clerk by the Board. The annual cost of administration, including travelling expenses, is estimated at £37,000. The Board propose to appoint some additional temporary valuers at two guineas a day, with a guinea a night subsistence allowance.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his atention has been called to the judgment of the Master of the Rolls in an application last week under the Land Purchase Act of 1909 in respect of Heard's estate, county Cork, in which he stated that the financial provisions of the Act were that the vendor was to put his head in a noose and the Treasury were to be allowed to draw the knot, and complained of the regulations under which cash and stock might be advanced by the Treasury, remarking that they might make a million pounds last for a million years, but at the same time they might starve land purchase altogether; and, having regard to the nature of the regulations governing advances under the Act of last year, as disclosed in the judgment of the Master of the Rolls in the case mentioned, he will state what are the intentions of the Irish Government in regard to the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question on the same subject asked yesterday by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh, and to the two questions asked by the hon. Member for South Antrim on the 8th instant in reference to the recent regulations.

asked the approximate date when the Report of the Viceregal Commission on Irish Railways will be laid?

The Final Report of the Viceregal Commission on Irish Railways is at present under the consideration of the Commissioners, and will, it is expected, be ready for submission to His Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant and presentation to Parliament at an early date.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have inquired into the claim of Timothy W. Kelly, evicted tenant, of Shanacashel, Gueeves, Kil-michael, Macroom, on the estate of John and Timothy O'Mahony; was this man evicted in 1896; did his brother acquire the farm in 1897 and allow the former tenant back as caretaker; is he in every sense a bonâ fide evicted tenant, entitled to reinstatement under the provisions of the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907; did Mr. Vaughan, inspector of the Estates Commissioners, report in favour of his claim, and estimate the fair rent of the holding at £9; were the landlords offered twenty years' purchase of this rent and did they refuse, demanding twenty-three and a half year's purchase of the old rent at £11 15s.; has the present tenant offered to surrender the holding to the Estates Commissioners if he is suitably compensated for his out-of-pocket expenditure on it; and will the Commissioners exercise their discretion in favour of the evicted tenant?

The Estates Commissioners have inquired into Kelly's application for reinstatement in a holding, now occupied by his brother, from which he appears to have been evicted in 1896. The Commissioners have decided not to take any action in the matter.

asked whether the Indian Government have just imposed protective duties on cigarettes; and whether, in view of this abandonment of Free Trade in the Indian fiscal system, the Government propose to take any action?

The duties in question have been imposed for revenue and no other purposes, and involve no alteration of the fiscal principles of Indian finance.

asked whether the Home Government were informed of the intention of the Indian Government to raise the import duty on cigarettes; and, if so, whether the Government sought and obtained the views of the trade in this country on the effects of these changes before signifying their approval to the Indian Government?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. All the proposals of the Indian Budget were framed in concert with the Secretary of State in Council. The answer to the second question is in the negative. It is not usual to make public in the way suggested impending changes of taxation in India or elsewhere.

Is not the effect of this duty on cigarettes protective?

That is a question of opinion; but, as I said the other day, the Government of India are considering the question of putting a corresponding Excise duty upon tobacco manufactured in India.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the Government have frequently expressed their approval of inter-imperial preferences, they have made, or are prepared to make, representations to the Indian Government to grant preferential duties for cigarettes imported from within the Empire?

The answer to both questions is in the negative. The Indian import tariff is solely for revenue purposes, and in the view of the Indian Government the grant of preferences within it would not be consistent with its object. The question seems to assue that the Government of India stands on the footing of an independent State or a self-governing Colony. This, of course, is wholly inconsistent with the statutory enactment defining the relations of the Government of India to the Home Government.

asked what was the total quantity of imported cigarettes on which duty was collected in India during the last financial year; and what reduction in consumption has been assumed in consequence of the increase in the duties?

The quantity of cigarettes imported into India in the year ending 31st March, 1909, was 2,995,692 pounds. The Secretary of State has not been furnished by the Government of India with an estimate of the reduction in consumption anticipated during the coming year.

asked the Chief Secretary whether purchase agreements lodged between 15th September, 1909, and the date of the passing of the recent Land Act have all been rejected by the Estates Commissioners; whether these agreements were valid when lodged and in the only form in which, at that date, they could have been received by the Land Commission; whether interest had been collected by the Land Commission from the tenants under these agreements, thus leading the tenants to believe that they would be acted on; whether, before rejecting these agreements, any steps were taken by the Estates Commissioners to bring about a fresh ararngement between the parties which would enable the purchase to proceed; and whether, in view of the hardship involved in the enactment operating retrospectively to nullify agreements which, when entered into and lodged, were quite legal, he can hold out any hope of amending the law so as to permit these agreements to be financed on the old terms?

Purchase agreements under the Act of 1903 lodged subsequently to 15th September last (the date mentioned in Section 13 (a) of the Act of 1909) are not "pending purchase agreements," and cannot therefore be financed under the Act of 1903; they have accordingly been returned to be amended in accordance with the new Act, or to be replaced by new agreements. Interest in lieu of rent, payable on 1st November, was collected by the Land Commission in a number of the cases. That interest, which was necessarily less than the rent, must, of course, be allowed for when rent is collected. The agreements in question were for sale direct from the owners to the tenants, and the Commissioners have nothing to say to the arrangements as to the terms come to between the parties. The answer to the concluding portion of the question is in the negative.

asked whether the Secretary of State will lay Papers exhibiting the spread of the co-operative banks movement in India?

The Secretary of State has caused a copy of the Proceedings of the Fourth Conference of Registrars of Co-operative Societies to be placed in the Library of this House. The conference was held in November, 1909, and its proceedings exhibit the present position of the movement. If the hon. Member should think the report of sufficient general interest, perhaps he will move for its Return.

Has there not been a very satisfactory development of this important movement, and is it not very honorably associated with the name of Mr. Dupernex?

If the hon. Member will study the report he will see how far Mr. Dupernex had a share in its development.

Do I understand that if a request is preferred, a Return will be granted as regards these co-operative banks?

A Return of this report? Yes.

asked whether it is proposed by the Government of India to legislate in order to the safeguarding of the interests of policy holders in Swadeshi life insurance companies, in respect of which in many, if not in most cases, there are no substantial deposits, no periodical actuarial investigations, and no investigation of accounts by an impartial and uninterested authority?

The Government of India have the question of amending the law as to life insurance companies under consideration, and are in communication on the subject with Chambers of Commerce and other bodies competent to express an opinion.

asked for what specific purposes, other than those already reported on by Lord Reay's Committee, the new committee is called together; whether arrangements for a public appeal form a prominent part of those purposes; and whether, if so, the Government, with a view to materially encouraging public subscriptions, will make immediate provision in next year's Estimates for a money grant in conformity with the strong recommendations laid down in the Report of Lord Reay's Committee?

The object of the committee will be, as already stated, to prepare in full detail a definite scheme of teaching in the various branches of Oriental study. There is no reason to suppose that the committee will traverse the ground covered by, or reconsider the decisions of, Lord Reay's Committee. But it would be impossible to start a school or spend money until further details of staff, syllabus, etc., have been decided. When the new committee has concluded its deliberations a statement will be made as to the proposed means of providing funds. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 24th February.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say at what date we can expect the Report of the recently formed committee, and whether it will come in sufficient time to enable a sum to be included in next year's Estimates?

It would not appear that the deliberations of the committee will take any very long time, and the Report will probably be forthcoming quite shortly.

Would not the present provision of the sum of £12,000 recommended by Lord Reay's Committee promote the object in view when this second committee's Report is received?

There does not seem to be any use in asking the House of Commons to vote money before the scheme on which the money is to be spent is decided on.

Could not Lord Reay's scheme be taken for this purpose as a kind of dummy Bill?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the recommendation of £12,500 has already been carried by the committee, and, therefore, there appears to be no reason for hesitation on the matter.

I am afraid I did not catch the question.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he has yet received any communication from the Governor of British Guiana with respect to the proposal that an expert on irrigation should go out to British Guiana with the object of inquiring into and reporting upon the feasibility of irrigation and drainage schemes being undertaken; and, if so, what was the nature of the communication?

The Governor of British Guiana has informed the Secretary of State that there is no necessity, so far as he can see, for the appointment of an expert in irrigation to come to the Colony for the purposes mentioned, as the present Colonial civil engineer has the requisite knowledge and experience, and the Government are already in possession of a mass of information on the subject. The Governor added that a Bill was being drafted to facilitate the promotion of schemes for the irrigation and drainage of lands in the hands of resident proprietors, that the proposals of the Government had been explained in outline to the Combined Court, and that the elective members who took part in the discussion expressed themselves as satisfied with the scheme.

asked the Under-Secretary whether he will make inquiries as to the number of occasions since the provisional appointment of Mr. George Garnett to the Executive Council of British Guiana questions affecting the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, Sprostons, Limited, and the Demerara Railway Company, in all of which Mr. Garnett is financially interested, have been before the Executive Council; and whether Mr. Garnett was allowed to vote?

The function of the Executive Council is not to decide questions of policy by vote, but to advise the Governor of the Colony, who is, however, not bound to follow their advice. The Secretary of State is aware of Mr. Garnett's connection with the companies referred to, but, as I explained in reply to a question addressed to me on 29th October last, he does not regard them as in any way disqualifying him for the position of an Executive Councillor.

asked the Under-Secretary whether he is aware of any intention on the part of the Government of British Guiana to effect a reduction in the mounted section of the police force in compliance with the expressed desire of a majority of the members of the British Guiana Legislature; and, if not, whether he will make representations to the British Guiana Government on the matter?

The Secretary of State has no information on the subject, but will make inquiries.

asked whether consideration will be given to the advisability of framing conditions in connection with appointments to the Executive Council of British Guiana; and whether, in the filling of future vacancies, regard will be had to securing fair representation on the Executive Council of the three interests represented by the Chamber of Commerce, the Planters' Association, and the People's Association?

It would scarcely be possible, and in any case it would appear to be undesirable, to attempt to frame definite regulations governing the appointment of unofficial members of the Executive Council. Due regard must be had to the interests of the Colony as a whole, and, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, it would not be politic to prejudge the selection for any future vacancy by an undertaking that any particular interest shall be represented.

asked whether the opium dens in Hong Kong were all now closed; and what steps were now being taken there to bring to a speedy close the habit of opium smoking; and also what progress was being made at the Straits Settlements in bringing to a speedy close the habit of opium smoking?

I will reply to my hon. Friend's two questions to me on the subject of opium smoking together. In the case of the Straits the Colonial Government are putting themselves in a position in which they will be able to exercise very considerable control over the traffic in opium. As regards Hong Kong, I understand that the last remaining divans were closed on February 28th. The House may rest assured that both His Majesty's Government and the Colonial Governments will continue to exercise energy and vigilance in pursuance of their policy, and the Governors of Hong Kong and the Straits shall be asked to include in the annual reports of their respective Colonies an account of the measures taken to regulate and restrict the consumption of opium and of their effect.

Perhaps the Under-Secretary might say if any other steps have been taken in Hong Kong which are known to him? I should be grateful to him if he would.

I thought my hon. Friend would have been so glad to hear that the last opium divan was closed on 28th February, that he would not wish me to give any further information to-day. I have given him all I can, and if he will put down another question I will endeavour to reply to him.

Have the Colonial and Home authorities made any observations as to the Use of alternative stimulants and drugs, which are quite as harmful as opium, and which the cessation of the use of opium may bring into use?

Yes; that matter has received, and is receiving, full consideration. We know that there are other drugs which are quite, if not more, injurious than opium. The matter is being watched by the Government.

Will the investigation in any way affect the policy of the Government, or is merely a scientific interest taken in these alternative stimulants?

No; the Government, both in Hong Kong and here, have considered the matter as a whole, and have taken measures which they hope may result in checking the abuse of opium, and at the same time will not result in the increase of alternatives.

asked what change has been made in the last United States tariff in the duties on cream imported from Canada; what has been the effect of these changes upon Canada's export trade in cream, the price of butter in Canada, the price of butter in the United States, and the export of Canadian cheese to the United Kingdom?

I fear the Secretary of State has not to hand the information necessary to answer the hon. Member's question, but he will communicate with the Governor-General of Canada on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any and, if so, what provision is being made to enable women candidates for the elementary school teachers' certificate to obtain the medical certificates required by the Board by examination at the hands of women doctors; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of making arrangements for this purpose as soon as possible?

The Board are fully alive to the desirability of making arrangements for women candidates for the certificate to be examined by doctors of their own sex, and since 1908, forty-one names of women doctors have been added to the list of Medical Officers recognised for this purpose by the Board. In June, 1908, there were eleven women doctors on the list; there are now fifty-two. Further names will be added as opportunity offers; but it is necessary that the women doctors recognised for this purpose should be practising within reach of centres convenient for the attendance of candidates, and the number of them so placed is limited.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to a memorandum issued by the National Association of Teachers of the Deaf, complaining that the regulations issued in 1909 inflict injustice on old teachers; whether the Board has considered this memorandum; and whether it proposes to modify the provisions, so that teachers that have been serving for a certain number of years may be exempt from disqualifications applying to the promotion of assistants and the transference of head teachers from one school to another?

The memorandum referred to has come into my hands for the first time to-day, and I have not yet had time to consider it. The Board had, however, previously received a communication on the subject from the Council of Headmasters of Institutions for the Deaf, and they are considering the desirability of including in the next issue of the Regulations a provision to the effect that teachers of the deaf who have been so engaged for a certain period, but do not possess the qualifications prescribed by the regulations for head teachers, shall not on that account alone be debarred from promotion to headships.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, on the occasion of parents applying for free education for their children in some of the council schools in Liverpool, they are asked how much money they earn, what rent they pay, how they spend their money, and how many children there are in the family; whether he is aware that the respectability of parents is judged by the streets in which they live, those who happen to live in certain streets being refused the application without inquiry; and whether he will make representations to the Liverpool education authority on the matter?

There are in Liverpool certain public elementary schools in which fees are charged. Fees are charged in these schools in accordance with the provisions of the Elementary Education Act, 1891 (commonly known as the Free Education Act). I find that a considerable proportion of the children attending these schools have their fees remitted or reduced. I understand that it is usual in such cases to ascertain as far as possible by inquiry whether the circumstances of the parents of the children applying for admission free of charge are such as to warrant the remission or reduction of fees. The inquiries to which the question refers are no doubt made with this end in view. Such investigations should, of course, be conducted as delicately as possible. I have no information on the point referred to in the second paragraph of the question, but I do not understand that any question of respectability arises.

Does that apply to the council schools or to all schools?

I cannot say what are the specific schools that now charge fees, but there is nothing in the Statute to prevent council schools charging fees under certain conditions.

Is it the policy of my right hon. Friend to terminate the practice of paying fees in any council school?

The only possibility of terminating that would be by amending the Statute. The Statute provides that in certain cases what may be called vested interests in the way of fee charging should be continued under certain limited circumstances.

Are not the parents entitled in many cases to claim free places?

Yes. I understand that free places are given in Liverpool schools under certain conditions which are defined, not by the local authority, but by Statute.

Can the right hon. Gentleman ascertain if the lines of the inquiry into the condition of these parents are as stated in the question?

I have given all the information I have. I cannot add to it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that a considerable time frequently elapses between the date of a claim being lodged with the pension committee, and that in consequence deserving persons are sometimes kept for months from the pension to which they are entitled; if it is possible to give instructions that the pensions shall be payable from the date when the claim was lodged; and if, where it is impossible to deliver the book of orders personally within a reasonable time, such books might be sent to the pensioner through the local postmaster?

Pension officers are required to investigate every claim and submit it to the Committee as soon as possible after it is received. The investigation sometimes occupies a considerable time, especially if evidence of age has to be obtained; but the regulations allow of claims being preferred four months before the date when the claimant will attain the age of seventy. There is no authority for allowing the pension to be paid at a date earlier than that specified in Section 5 (2) of the Act, namely, the first Friday after the claim has been allowed, or, in the case of a claim provisionally allowed, the first Friday after the day on which the claimant becomes entitled to receive the pension. The question of allowing the first book of pension orders to be delivered by post is under consideration. Delay in delivering the book does not, however, entail any ultimate pecuniary loss to the pensioner

asked in estimating, i.e., for purposes of old age pensions, the income derived from a croft, on what grounds fair wages to a son or daughter are not allowed for to the same extent as would be allowed to a stranger employed on the croft?

Pension officers estimate, but do not decide, what is the amount of a claimant's means. A reference is suggested to the Scottish Local Government Board as to the lines adopted by that Department in deciding appeals.

asked, in view of the fact that if a pension is refused there is nothing to prevent a claimant lodging a new claim, which would come before the pension committee and be duly considered, on what grounds a claim for an increased pension does not in practice come before the pension committee but is left solely to the discretion of the pension officer?

Under the proviso to No. 17 (1) of the Statutory Regulations the pension officer is not bound to make any report to the committee on a question raised by a pensioner claiming an increased rate of pension, if the officer is satisfied that there is no evidence in support of the allegations made by the pensioner. Otherwise the question must be sent on to the committee with a report. So far as I know it has not been alleged that any pension officer has abused the discretion given him by the proviso.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a revision of old age pensions granted in England, Scotland, or Wales has taken place; and, if so, will he state the number of persons deprived of pensions in the respective countries?

There has been no special revision of the old age pensions in any part of the United Kingdom. The number of pensions withdrawn on questions raised in England, Wales, and Scotland respectively during the year ended 31st December last was:

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the instructions which have been issued to pension officers in Ireland were issued to pension officers in England, or whether special attention was directed to Ireland in the way of giving different instructions?

There was no such distinction made so far as I am aware.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can hold out any hope this year of amending the Small Holdings Act, 1908, so as to give compensation to farmers who are disturbed by the county council in order to provide small holdings?

I am not in a position at the present moment to give any formal undertaking, but we recognise the great importance of the subject, and it is receiving our careful and sympathetic consideration.

Will the Government support a Bill brought in by a private Member?

That is a question, of course, for the Prime Minister.

Will it take into consideration the fact that the cases of hardship arising under the Act are increasing every day, and that great discontent is felt in country districts with its working?

asked whether the Board of Agriculture will appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the general question of swine fever?

asked whether the Board of Agriculture are still of opinion that the methods employed against swine fever are adequate to eradicate the disease; and, if not, whether they will now cause a fresh inquiry to be made into the pathology of the disease, the manner in which it is propagated, and the best means which can be employed with a view to restrict its ravages?

We are disposed to think that the question of the continued prevalence of swine fever in Great Britain, and the practicability of the adoption of further measures with a view to secure its speedy extirpation, might, with advantage, be investigated by a Departmental Committee, and arrangements for the purpose are now under consideration. The inquiry would naturally include the various matters to which my hon. Friend the Member for St. Pancras refers in the question which stands in his name, to which this reply will also be applicable.

Will the terms of reference to the Committee include the consideration of the steps which are being taken in other countries, notably Ireland and Holland, with very great success to stamp out this disease?

The terms of reference will be so wide that it will be able to consider everything it should consider.

Will the proposed Committee include among its Members competent pathologists?

I expect so.

asked whether there is any record at the Board of Agriculture of carcases of animals washed ashore in Great Britain as is done in Ireland; and, if so, are they examined to see what was the cause of death, and if they died of a contagious disease?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only carcase wrecked on the shore of Ireland last year was the Budget?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that many contagious, diseased animals were picked up there?

asked when the Report for the year 1909 of proceedings under the Diseases of Animals Acts will be issued?

The Report will be issued at no very distant date.

asked whether the Board of Agriculture has any information as to the death of a large number of calves on the Chetwode Aston farm, Newport, Salop; and if he could make inquiries into the cause of death?

We received a communication from the Secretary for Higher Education for the county of Salop on this subject a few days ago and have asked for further information respecting it. I will communicate the result of our inquiries to the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state the terms under which a grant of £17,000 has been given to the Fraserburgh and Aberdour Light Railway; and whether the House will have an opportunity to consider them?

A grant has been offered in respect of the Fraserburgh and Aberdour Light Railway, subject to certain conditions. I will furnish the hon. Member with a copy of the Treasury letter containing the conditions, which would be inconveniently lengthy to state orally. Grants under the Light Railway Act, 1896, are made from funds placed at the disposal of the Treasury by that Act, and do not require formal confirmation by Parliament before being made.