asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had received any communication from Madeira on the subject of the recent outbreak of typhoid fever at the principal hotel at Funchal; and whether he was in a position to say that the authorities at Lisbon had converted the mountain water in their possession for the amelioration of the distress caused amongst British visitors to Madeira by the neglect of the municipality to provide proper drinking water?

According to information which I have received from Madeira, the cases of typhoid have been practically confined to one hotel, there being only four or five other cases in the rest of Funchal. The question of approaching the Portuguese Government with a view to the improvement of the water supply has been brought to my notice and to that of His Majesty's Minister at Lisbon, but it does not appear to be a matter in which I can properly intervene officially.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he was aware that an extensive mining monopoly had recently been granted to a Belgian syndicate in the Katanga region of the Congo; and whether the conferring of such monopoly was reconcilable with the provisions of the Anglo-Congolese Convention of 1884?

I understand that a Belgian syndicate has been granted the right to prospect over a large area in the Katanga, but that no mining monopoly has been granted to the syndicate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the increasing interest displayed by the chambers of commerce of this country with possibilities of British trade with Congo, he would publish a statement showing the condition under which such trade may be carried on, with indications from His Majesty's consular staff of the openings for commerce ire various parts of the Congo?

It would be very difficult to furnish a statement of the nature required by the hon. Member, while the conditions of trade in the Congo are in a state of transition, and without more precise indications of the particulars desired, but if any British merchant or firm applies to me, I will furnish such information as I possess or can obtain. As soon as new conditions are settled they will of course be made known.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would lay upon the Table of the House the Report or Reports received from His Majesty's Vice-Consul in Katanga, Mr. G. B. Beak, since September, 1907?

I do not think it would serve any useful purpose to lay Mr. Beak's Reports before the House at the present time, as they deal with a condition of things which will end on 1st July next. As I told the House last Thursday, I must await Reports from His Majesty's Consular Officers as to the working of the new system in the Congo, and as soon as I have definite information it shall be laid before the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he was aware that, by a recent decision of the Belgian Colonial Minister, the licences upon ambulating traders in the Congo had been raised from £7 to £20; and whether, in view of the effect of this increase on British-protected Indian and Swahili subjects in carrying on their business in the Congo territory, he proposed to take any action in the matter?

I do not gather that any discrimination against British subjects is involved by this decision, and I do not therefore propose to take any action in the matter. I may add that the Belgian Colonial Minister has explained to the Colonial Council, with reference to this increase of the licence, that he is anxious to encourage settled traders in the Congo, and that if any ambulating trader chooses to set up a fixed establishment in Congo territory, he becomes, by payment of the tax on a dwelling-house, free to trade without taking out a "colporteur's" licence.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had any further information to give to the House with regard to the French tariff?

The report of the Senate Commission on the French Tariff Bill has now been received. His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris has again drawn the attention of the French Government to various items in the proposed tariff which are injurious to British trade. The French Minister of Commerce informed the Senate on the 11th instant that the French Government would ask for the modification of the duties on a certain number of articles which they considered had been overtaxed.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that concessions have already been made to American and Belgian interests, and not to British?

I am not aware that special concessions have been made.

asked whether the British Consul-General in Cairo was using his influence to secure the consent of the Assembly or the Egyptian Government to the Suez Canal Agreement; whether Papers would be laid immediately containing all the correspondence which had passed between the British Government, the Consul-General, and the Suez Canal Company on the proposed agreement; and whether the House of Commons would be afforded an opportunity of considering this matter before it was finally settled?

I am not aware that Sir Eldon Gorst is exercising any influence on the National Assembly with regard to the proposed Convention. This question His Majesty's Government consider to be one which the Egyptian Government should decide freely for themselves, and in which His Majesty's Government should not exercise any influence at Cairo. I cannot undertake to lay Papers until the matter has reached its last stage; and as it is not one which is under the control of His Majesty's Government, I cannot promise that the House will have any opportunity for discussing it before it is finally settled.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether efforts will be made to get for the British representation on the Board exactly proportionate to their share of the stock, which representation I understand is, at present, conspicuously less?

The question of British representation has been under discussion for some years past.

Can the right hon Gentleman give us any idea how long it will take before an arrangement can be finally come to between the Suez Canal Company and the Egyptian Government?

I cannot say. When the General Assembly has pronounced its decision the Egyptian Government will have to consider what course they should take.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had yet succeeded in obtaining the most-favoured-nation treatment for petrol, the product of British India, when imported into France?

The French Government have stated that they axe unable to apply the minimum tariff to-petroleum imported from British India unless the Indian Government are prepared to reduce the import duties on French wines, silks, and silk goods. The Indian Government are unable to make this concession.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners now required their inspectors to report in accordance with paragraph 41 of the Regulations of 1906 when dealing with an estate sold direct to the tenants; and, if so, why did uneconomic holdings continue to be sold without enlargement on estates comprising untenanted land?

The paragraph to which the hon. Member refers is included in Part II. of the Instructions, which relate solely to sales to the Estates Commissioners and not to direct sales to tenants. The inspectors report, as required, by the paragraph in the case of all estates and untenanted land which are the subject of proceedings for sale to the Commissioners. As regards uneconomic holdings sold direct to the tenants, the Commissioners, when making allotments of untenanted land, bear in mind the desirability of enlarging such holdings.

asked whether the Local Government Board for Ireland held that the object of their supervision of public accounts was correct bookkeeping, not honesty, and that, so long as the accounts of expenditure were correctly kept, they would not intervene if work for which payment were made were not done; and, if this was not their view, what action they had taken, or proposed to take, with reference to unearned payments recently brought under their notice?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative.. If complaints as to definite instances of unearned payments are made to the Local Government auditors at the time of the audit and are supported by satisfactory evidence, and if on investigation the items objected to prove to be unfounded payments, the auditors will deal with the matter according to law.

asked why the Estates Commissioners permitted, in the vicinity of villages which had lost trade and required land, the sale of untenanted land under the Land Purchase Acts to monopolists and not to the villagers, thus making the relief of the latter more difficult; and whether the Commissioners would make any change in their practice in this respect in exercise of their new powers?

The Estates Commissioners are not able to identify the par- ticular sales to which the hon. Member refers. They have no such practice as is mentioned in the question.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners required to be embodied in every inspectors' report of an estate all the cases of congestion on the estate; whether from small-ness of area or infertility of soil, and all the untenanted land on or near the estate from which that congestion could be relieved; and whether they would, in future, require the enlargement of uneconomic holdings, where possible, before allowing the sale of an estate to be completed?

In the case of estates which appear to be congested within the meaning of Section 6 of the Irish Land Act, 1903, and Section 20 of the Irish Land Act, 1909, the inspectors are required to report whether any, and, if so, what, improvements could be made to relieve congestion, if the Estates Commissioners were in a position to deal with the lands as a congested estate. In the allotment of untenanted land the Commissioners have regard to the desirability of enlarging uneconomic holdings whenever it is possible to do so.

Would that rule apply to any estate complying with the legal definition of congestion, or must it fall within the definition of the section even though there is real congestion there?

Yes, I cannot deal with it outside the authority of the Act.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have purchased the estate of Lord Crofton, known as Ballybeg, parish of Ogulla, county Roscommon; and, if so, whether he could say if it was the intention of the Commissioners to immediately proceed with the division and allotment of the said lands amongst deserving applicants in the district?

The Estates Commissioners have not purchased this property, but proceedings are pending for its sale to them, and a scheme for the distribution of the untenanted land will be prepared as soon as practicable?

asked the Chief Secretary whether the sixteen years' lease, on 160 acres of untenanted land on the estate of Perigrand Maitland Ffrench, in the parish of Ogulla, county Roscommon, was held, had now only one year to run; whether there are, in the immediate neighbourhood, a number of poor people living upon small uneconomic holdings; and whether, under the circumstances, he would draw the attention of the Congested Districts Board to the advisability of purchasing the said land, known as Cashland, and distributing it amongst the small holders in question?

The estate in question has not been offered to the Congested Districts Board and their local officer has not been able to obtain any particulars as to the farm referred to.

asked whether it was the intention of the Government to close the police barracks at Augher, county Tyrone, this year; and, if so, whether the Government would reconsider its decision, in view of the fact that all the owners and occupiers of property in the neighbourhood memorialised the Government to retain the barracks, and that the local bench of magistrates repeatedly and unanimously passed resolutions against closing the barracks?

The Irish Government have decided to close this barrack, as the responsible police authorities are of opinion that it is no longer required. I am not aware of any sufficient reason for reconsidering this decision, and the magistrates and other persons who have written in favour of the retention of the barrack have been so informed.

asked by what procedure the congested tenants in Clonmellon and other portions of the Chapman estate, Westmeath, now deprived of employment and of trade, and left no alternative but land or emigration, could move the Estates Commissioners to purchase and distribute at once, under the powers conferred upon them by the Act of 1909, the untenanted land on that estate in which to their knowledge bogus tenancies were now being created?

The owner has instituted proceedings for the sale of this estate to the Estates Commissioners under the Land Purchase Acts, and it will be dealt with in its proper order. The Commissioners are not prepared to deal with the estate out of its turn. When on the lands the inspector will inquire as regards all tenancies on the estate, but the Commissioners have no information before them at present as to the creation of any bogus tenancies.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been called to the case of Pat Bushel, who was evicted in 1895 by Major Balfe, of Castlerea, and who had been promised several times by the Land Commissioners to be reinstated in a farm; would he explain why this promise had not been fulfilled; whether he was aware that Mr. Stuart, acting for the Land Commission, on 14th May, 1907, sent Bushel a telegram saying he was going to reinstate him in a farm, and asking him to meet him (Stuart) in Castlerea, and next day Stuart wired telling him not to come, and that since then Bushel had heard nothing from Stuart; and whether he would urge this case on the Commissioners?

Bushel's former holding is in the occupation of another tenant, and the Estates Commissioners cannot interfere in the matter, but they have noted his name for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land on an estate for which they are negotiating but which they have not yet acquired.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he would give the names of the magistrates who refused information in connection with the charge brought against several men of resisting and assaulting the sheriff in the execution of his duty at Kilmurry on 22nd June last; and whether the action of these magistrates had been brought to the notice of the Lord Chancellor with a view to their removal from the commission of the peace?

It is not the usual practice to state the names of magistrates who have taken part in judicial proceedings. Moreover, some of the charges arising out of the occasion referred to are still pending, certain indictments found against the persons accused in the case having been adjourned to the next Assizes. It is not usual for the Executive Government to bring to the notice of the Cord Chancellor the action of magistrates in the exercise of their judicial discretion.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he would state who was responsible for the procedure adopted in the case of the men accused of resistance to the officers of the law at Kilmurry, county Kerry, in June last, whereby, the local justices having refused to send the men for trial, they were brought before a Kerry jury at the Spring Assizes and acquitted, instead of being brought at once before the resident magistrate sitting alone and returned for trial at the Winter Assizes where the venue would not have been in Kerry; and whether he would explain the reasons for the course adopted by the Executive in this case?

On the refusal last August of the magistrates to return information in the case referred to by the hon. Member, the Attorney-General directed a bill of indictment to be preferred against the accused at the first Assizes at which it was possible to do so. In giving this direction the Attorney-General followed the long-standing precedent in such cases. The course suggested by the hon. Member would have been unusual, if not unprecedented, and in the circumstances uncalled for.

Was the right hon. Gentleman consulted with reference to this case?

I do not think I was.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been drawn to the address of Mr. Justice Gibson to the grand jury at the North Tipperary Assizes, in which it was stated that there was a certain amount of intimidation practised in the county, with a view to preventing the letting of grass lands and preventing sales; and whether any steps were being taken in this district to restore to the owners and occupiers of such land full liberty of action without hindrance to their daily occupations?

According to the newspaper report, which I have seen, the learned judge would appear to have qualified the statement referred to by the hon. Member by adding that he did not say that intimidation was prevalent. I am informed by the constabulary authorities that it has greatly decreased throughout the county of Tipperary during the past year. Wherever there has been intimidation the police are doing all they can to prevent its recurrence and to detect the offenders.

asked when it was intended to bring to trial the persons charged with boycotting conspiracy against Mr. Charles N. Clarke, of Thurles; and what was the reason for the delay in this case?

It is intended to bring the accused to trial during the next legal term, opening in Dublin on April 15th. While the cases are pending a discussion of the further matter raised by the hon. Member would not be desirable.

How long has Mr. Clarke been boycotted and under police protection.?

The hon. Member knows as well as I do that he has been boycotted and under police protection for a long time, but I cannot give the exact date.

asked what was the number of cases of cattle-driving reported to the constabulary in each of the years 1907, 1908, and 1909?

In 1907 there were 390 cases; in 1908, 681; and last year, 200.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been called to a cattle-drive at Ballynort, in the Ballysteen district, near Askeaton, when 150 head of cattle were driven off the lands; and whether extra police were to be drafted into the district as a result of lawlessness; and, if so what will be the cost to the ratepayers of the locality for the extra police?

I understand that on the night of the 7th inst. seventy-one cattle and seventy-three sheep and lambs were driven off Ballynort farm on to the adjoining lands, and were driven back the next morning by the owners. No extra police are being drafted into the district in connection with this occurrence. It is an isolated case of lawlessness, and I am informed by the responsible police authorities that the state of county Limerick is at present most satisfactory.

asked what was the total amount levied in respect of extra police charges in Ireland in each of the financial years 1905-6 to 1908-9; and the total amount claimed in respect of similar charges during the nine months ended 31st December, 1909, exclusive of the amounts paid by Belfast and Londonderry under the special provisions applicable to these cities?

The charges for extra police (exclusive of the payments made by the Corporations of Belfast and Londonderry) for the several years mentioned in the question, and for the half-year ended 30th September, 1909, were as follows: For 1905-6, £l,572; for 1906-7, £2,726; for 1907-8, £13,933; for 1908-9, £26,256; and for the half-year ended 30th September last, £12,723. In accordance with statutory requirements the claims are prepared half-yearly for the six months ending 30th September and 31st March. Xo figures are therefore available for the last quarter of 1909.

asked how many Normandy sires were upon the Irish Department of Agriculture's register of approved sires; how many of these animals were purchased with the help of loans made by the Department; how many were now being subsidised by the Department; and in what districts were these Normandy sires now standing?

There is one such sire upon the register-a Normandy coaching sire purchased in England in 1907 by a Cavan farmer, and now in that county. It is not subsidised by the Department.

Is it on the list of approved sires?

I do not know.

That was the subject of my question.

The question, as I understand it, was whether the sire in question was subsidised by the Department. The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the landlord had received the purchase price for the Hall estate, Knock-brack, Athenry; and, if so, whether he could state why the tenants were still called upon to pay 3½ per cent, interest, the agreements having been signed in May, 1905?

This estate has been purchased by the Estates Commissioners and the purchase money has been advanced to the owner. The Commissioners rearranged the holdings, divided the un-tenanted land, and spent over £1,100 on improvements, and the tenants signed undertakings to purchase their holdings as rearranged and to pay interest in lieu of rent at 3½ per cent, until the lands were vested in them, which could not be done until the improvements had been completed. The improvements have now been made and the lands will shortly be vested in the tenants. The Commissioners know nothing of the agreements referred to in the concluding portion of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he could state on whose recommendation the Lord Lieutenant acted in releasing the three young men who were sentenced at the Ardglass Petty Sessions to a month's hard labour for being drunk and disorderly on the day of the East Down election; whether the local county inspector, Royal Irish Constabulary, or the resident magistrate were consulted before he took that action; and whether he was aware that the police evidence went to show that the language of one of the party was so vile as to outrage humanity, and that windows were smashed and bottles and stones thrown at the police, that with regard to a second he behaved like a madman, urged the crowd to rush the barracks, and flung a bottle charged with sand at the sergeant, while the third was most boisterous and assaulted the police?

As regards the facts of this case I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the question asked by the hon. Member for South Down yesterday. I cannot discuss the grounds on which the Lord Lieutenant was pleased to exercise the prerogative of mercy.

Was the resident magistrate or the local county inspector among the authorities consulted on such an important matter?

I am not prepared to say who was consulted by the Lord Lieutenant. He was fully informed of the circumstances of the case.

By the parents of the persons in prison?

No.

asked whether the Secretaries of the Board of National Education had omitted to reply to official applications for instructions in connection with the amalgamation of schools under clerical management; and. if so, why this course had been adopted?

The secretaries of the Board of National Education are not aware of any such omission on their part. If particulars of any case of the kind are furnished, they will look into the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he could state the dates of any meetings of the Board of National Education during the year 1905 in the minutes whereof it was recorded that the case of Aughtercloney suspended national school (1223) was considered; and the terms of any Board's Order in reference to this school made at any meeting since the 1st January, 1905?

The proceedings at the meetings of the Board of National Education are of a confidential character, and I am not therefore in a position to give the details which the hon. and gallant Member seeks. If there is any particular matter in connection with the school on which he wishes for information, I shall be happy to make further inquiries.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any control over the Board of National Education?

None whatever.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Government had any powers in connection with the appointments made by boards of guardians in Ireland; if so, if any notice had been taken of the recent appointment of a matron for the Sligo infirmary; whether he was aware that there were eight candidates, mostly duly qualified nurses; whether they were all passed over in favour of a lady who was not a trained nurse; and if the Local Government Board intended to take action?

No appointment such as is mentioned in the question has been made by the board of guardians in connection with the workhouse infirmary of the Sligo Union. If, however, the hon. Member refers to the county infirmary, I have no official information as to the appointment of a matron in that institution, nor have I any responsibility with regard to it.

Have the Local Government Board no jurisdiction at all over the appointments?

The workhouse appointments are subject to sanction by the Local Government Board, but the county infirmaries are managed under an Act of Parliament, and we have no control over them whatever.

Has anybody control over these institutions which are subsidised from the rates?

I am not prepared to answer for anybody but myself and the Irish Government. We have no responsibility for them whatever.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been called to the schedule of special poundage rates in respect of extra police charges and compensation for malicious injuries in addition to the ordinary rates just published by the county council of Galway; would he state the total poundage rates for the divisions of Ballinasloe, Clifden, Galway, Glenamaddy, Gort, Loughrea, Mountbellew, Oughterard, Portumna, and Tuam, respectively, specifying in each case the special poundage rate for extra police and for compensation for malicious injuries; was he aware that the extra burdens upon the ratepayers of the county of Galway in respect of extra police and malicious injuries for the past year amounted to £28,000 or thereabouts; and would the Irish Government or the Congested Districts Board take steps to form a conciliation board representing the interests of landlords and tenants in the county, with a view to devising some means of relieving the ratepayers from this burden and its attendant unrest and ill-will?

I have seen a newspaper copy of the schedule to which the hon. Member refers. The total poundage rates for the year ended 31st March, 1911, in the rural districts mentioned in the question are as follows:-Ballinasloe 4s. 5¾d.; Clifden, 7s. 3d.; Galway, 6s. 1¼d.; Glenmaddy, 4s. 7d.; Gort, 4s. 3¾d.; Loughrea, 4s. 2¾d.; Mountbellew, 4s. 7¾d.; Oughterard, 6s. 4¼d.; Portumna, is. 4s. 1½d.; Tuam, 4s. 9¾d. A rate of 1s. in the pound is being levied in respect of extra police, and the rate for malicious injuries varies from ¼d. to 1s. 8½d. The net amount estimated by the county secretary to be raised in respect of extra police is £28,219. I do not, for myself, see how the state of such a place, for example, as Athenry could be brought before a conciliation board, but I will bring the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the Congested Districts Board.

May I ask whether in England it is not quite usual that conflicts of equal gravity between capital and labour are settled by the friendly initiative of the Board of Trade, and will he kindly inquire why that should be impossible in Ireland?

I am prepared to make any inquiry which the hon. Gentleman suggests, but disputes between capital and labour are of an entirely different kind from those which unhappily exist over a limited portion of Ireland.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, having regard to the fact that the mortality among Indian indentured labourers to the Federated Malay States amounted in the year 1908 to 84.8 per thousand, the Government of India had taken steps to prohibit the supply of indentured labour to these states?

The figures quoted by my hon. Friend are those given in the Report of the Superintendent of Immigration for 1908, but it has since been ascertained that they are incorrect. The correct figures appear to be 31.5 per thousand. Even these figures, however, are far from satisfactory, and in view of them action has been taken to put an end to the system of indentured immigration from India. The High Commissioner has informed the Secretary of State for the Colonies that after 30th June no more indentured Indian labourers will be allotted to the Federated Malay States, and it is estimated that steps which are being taken under the Immigration Enactments in these States will result an the immediate termination of the engagements of at least a thousand labourers.

asked the Under Secretary of State for India whether Lala Lal Chand, of Lahore, has been convicted and sentenced to a long term of rigorous imprisonment for selling Hindustani translations of Mr. William Jennings Bryan's pamphlet on "British Rule in India" and of two chapters from Professor Seeley's "Expansion of England "?

Lala Lal Chand and a number of other persons were prosecuted under the orders of the Punjab Government for carrying on an agency for the production and dissemination of seditious literature. Among the publications of this agency was a garbled translation of Mr. Bryan's "British Rule in India," containing alterations and interpolations. The Secretary of State has no information regarding any translation of portions of Professor Seeley's "Expansion of England," nor has he as yet heard the result of these trials.

May I ask the Under-Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Bryan's pamphlet was itself a compendium of all the stock, stale, and oft-refuted calumnies against British rule collected from the seditious section of the native Press?

I do not think that arises; the pamphlet in question was not a translation of Mr. Bryan's pamphlet.

asked whether the attention of the Government of India had been directed to the statements published in the ''Madras Times" of 10th February, to the effect that Lord Minto's policy in relation to the release of the deportees was a policy of shilly-shally, and expressing the hope that Lord Minto would pass away into well-merited retirement; whether such expressions in Anglo-Indian papers, published in India, bring them within the provisions of the Press Act on the charge of sedition; and, if so, whether steps would be taken to see that the Act was applied in all such cases where the statements published were calculated to bring the Government into contempt within the terms of the Act?

The Secretary of State does not know whether the attention of the Government of India has been directed to the article in question, nor whether they are at all likely to regard it as worth -attention. As regards the latter part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that it is for the local Governments in India to interpret the new Press Act, subject to appeal to the High Courts in that country.

May I ask whether the Secretary of State himself would permit discrimination in this matter, and whether, if he discovered that the Anglo-Indian Press were guilty within the terms of the Act, he would take action against those papers as well?

If the hon. Member will look at the Press Act he will see that the first move in the matter must come from the local Government, and anyone dissatisfied with their action can appeal to the High Court.

asked whether the printer of the "Hitabadi," of Calcutta, had been sentenced to a year's rigorous imprisonment for printing in the columns of his paper a translation into Bengali of an article which had appeared in the "Indian Daily News"; and whether any proceedings were taken against the "Indian Daily News" by the local Government?

No, Sir. The prosecution of the newspaper referred to was in respect of its own articles, not the republication of those of another journal.

asked the Prime Minister when he proposes to place upon the Paper the text of the Resolutions to be submitted to the House with reference to the functions of another place, the duration of Parliament, and kindred matters?

The Resolutions will be placed upon the Paper next week; but I cannot, at the moment, name the precise day on which this will be done.

asked if, having regard to the effect of the Coal Mines (Eight Hours) Act in the North of England, it is proposed to introduce a Bill to repeal that Act so far as it relates to the counties of Northumberland and Durham?

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

asked if, for the convenience of Irish Members, the Prime Minister will say when the Finance Bill of 1909-10, or any resolution in lieu thereof or giving effect to its proposals, would come before the House of Commons?

I cannot at present state the day when this business will be taken.

"Whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Finance Bill before the Spring Recess or at any time during the present Session; and, if so, whether that Bill will contain any, and, if so, which, of the provisions of the Finance Bill, 1909? "

I am asked by the Prime Minister to postpone this question until Monday, as there are other questions on the same subject on that day. I have no choice but to comply with his request, but I must not be understood to acquiesce in the postponement.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total estimated yield from additional taxation in 1910–11 and in future years imposed upon Ireland by the Finance Bill, 1909, and what is the estimated yield from each tax?

I have been asked to postpone this question until Monday. But while I regret the Chancellor of the Exchequer's indisposition, I think the question might have been answered by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, in view of its urgency.

asked the Prime Minister whether the retiring President of the Divorce, Probate, and Admiralty Court was, by his length of service, entitled to a pension?

I understand that the pension in question was granted upon a medical certificate.

Are we to take it as a precedent that judges who retire before having served the necessary time will receive pensions?

A judge is entitled to his pension when he has served fifteen years, and he is entitled to it also if he is disabled by infirmity before he has served the fifteen years.

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies if he will state when he expects the Return relating to the constitution and functions of Colonial Second Chambers to be issued?

I cannot promise it before Easter, as it is likely to be somewhat lengthy, but it is being expedited as much as possible.

asked whether the Government had under consideration the propriety of abolishing at the earliest possible date the import duty on corn now levied in Malta?

The Secretary of State regrets that in the present position of the finances of Malta it is not possible for him now to agree to surrender any of the existing sources of revenue.

Under what authority was this tax laid, and when was it laid?

It was laid, I think, in 1837, at the beginning of the late reign, and it has been acquiesced in ever since.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a very strong protest is made against it as a grievous burden.

Yes; but on grounds which would not commend themselves to my hon. Friend.

Am I to understand that the Government refuses to consider the propriety of abolishing this tax?

The Secretary of State, in the present position of the finances, finds it impossible to consider the matter now. We do not approve of a corn tax anywhere or at any time.

Does not the position of the revenue here require the impo- sition of some fresh taxes of a similar nature?

That is a long way from the question on the Paper.

asked if any representations have been made to the Government as to the necessity for a direct service with Port Soudan and East Africa; and, if so, whether they propose to take any steps in the matter?

The question of improving the steamship service between this country and East Africa has been engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government for some time. As the hon. Gentleman is no doubt aware, a service to Mombasa has been started by the Union Castle Steamship Company,viâ the Cape of Good Hope, but it has not yet been found possible to initiate a service by way of the Suez Canal which would serve British East African and intermediate ports by that route.

Has the Colonial Office asked for any tenders?

Not at the moment. I think a large subsidy is required for this purpose, and His Majesty's Government, do not see their way to afford it at the present time.

Are there any tenders in the office which have not been accepted?

It is not a question of tenders at the present time at all.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the negotiations which are being carried out between the Canadian and the United States Governments for the purpose of discussing the tariffs between the two countries in question; whether he will, in the interest of British trade, make representations to the Canadian Government to ascertain what reductions, if any, in the existing tariffs between the two countries are likely to take place; and whether he will have printed and circulated amongst the Members of the House any information that he may obtain in connection with his investigations?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I have to refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 10th instant to a similar question put by the hon. Member for the Chertsey Division. When the result of the recent discussion at Ottawa is known His Majesty's Government will be in a position to consider whether any representation should be made in the interests of British trade. At present there is no correspondence on the subject to present to the House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he will consider the question of introducing legislation calling upon joint stock companies to disclose the amount of unclaimed dividends in their possession?

As at present advised, I do not think that any useful object will be served by requiring joint stock companies to set out as a separate item in their balance sheets the amount of unclaimed dividends in their possession, and I do not therefore propose to introduce legislation with this end in view.

Would the right hon. Gentleman condescend to give any reasons for that opinion, and does he not think it would be to the advantage of the State and to the rightful owners of these funds that they should be handed over to the Public Trustee?

That would require legislation, and at present it is not opportune to have legislation with regard to that. As regards the other matters, if my hon. Friend has any particulars to give me I shall be glad to consider them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware of the sums of money which were annually forfeited by policy-holders in industrial assurance companies and societies owing to unemployment and other causes, and whether he would consider the question of introducing legislation to compel such companies and societies to make an annual return showing the amounts so forfeited?

The returns required by the Assurance Companies Act of last year include an annual return of the total amount paid by each assurance company for policies surrendered, and the valuation return (which is made quinquennially) requires the conditions to be set out under which free or paid-up policies are granted on the surrender of existing policies. Both these requirements are new, and I should not propose to introduce legislation further amending the law of life assurance until the law of last year has had a fair trial.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he will consider the question of introducing legislation to compel gas and water companies to disclose the amount of unclaimed deposits in their possession?

I am not proposing, at present, to introduce any legislation dealing with gas and water companies. I have not at present any information before me that would lead me to think that legislation is required for the object stated in the question. As I stated, in reply, just now, if my hon. Friend gives me any particulars I shall be glad to consider them.

I will do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the depression in the slate trade and of the expense now being incurred by the county council of Carnarvon in coping with unemployment, he can expedite the opening of a Labour Exchange at Carnarvon in accordance with the request of the county council?

Stops are being taken to obtain suitable, premises for the Carnarvon Labour Exchange, which will be opened as soon as these are acquired and adapted for the purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a request from the Quarry-men's Union, Carnarvon, for the inclusion of slate quarrymen within the provisions of the proposed Bill for compulsory insurance against unemployment; and whether, in view of the fact that the slate trade depends on the fluctuations of the building trade, he will favourably consider the suggestion?

No resolution of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend has yet been received by me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the action of the manager of the Glasgow Labour Bureau in telling unemployed men applying for work of the circumstances of the lock-out at Leadhills, and then asking them to decide for themselves whether to accept work there or not, he will instruct all the managers of these Labour Bureaux not to allow themselves in this way to be made the medium of interference in trade disputes.

The manager of the Glasgow Labour Bureau did not interfere in any way with a trade dispute. He complied fully with the General Regulations applicable to the matter. These Regulations were drawn up after consultation with representatives of employers and workmen, and are designed to ensure an attitude of strict impartiality and noninterference on the part of Labour Exchanges in trade disputes.

May I ask if he will give consideration to the procedure indicated, and whether it is not a considerable temptation to the men out of work to take that work in order to provide food, and is it likely that an unemployed workman will take a strictly impartial view of any story told to him about a strike or lockout?

That is a matter upon which we all can form our own judgment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to be in a position to make the appointments of those who are to act on the Wages Boards of the various trades under the Trade Boards Act?

A Trade Board for "hammered and dollied or tommied chain-making" has been formed in accordance with the Regulations dated 25th November, 1909. The Board of Trade appointed the chairman and two appointed members for this Board, and the representative members were elected by the employers and workpeople concerned. Several meetings of this Trade Board have already been held. The regulations for the paper box trade will shortly be laid on the Table of the House, and inquiries are in progress in the scheduled branches of the lace and tailoring trades.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will furnish the numbers of the members of trades unions who in 1909 ceased to be members of their unions owing to their inability to pay their subscriptions?

I regret that I have no information which would enable me to furnish the particulars asked for.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the figures for the years 1908 and 1909, respectively, of the sums paid out to unemployed members by each of the trades unions which give these benefits?

The amount expended by 100 principal trades unions on unemployed benefit in 1908, which was a year of bad employment, was £1,001,000. The corresponding figure for 1909 is not yet available. No complete annual returns of the expenditure of all trades unions on unemployed benefit are obtained, but the expenditure of the 100 principal unions is known to represent the great bulk of the total.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us the figures for 1909 when he can ascertain them?

As soon as they are available I shall be very glad to supply them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention had been called to the death of Miss Edith Derbyshire, who recently contracted anthrax at the works of Messrs. Campbell and Harrison, woolcombers, of Shipley, a branch of the woolcombers' syndicate; if he will examine the depositions of evidence given at the subsequent inquest; and whether he will say how many cases of anthrax have occurred among Messrs. Campbell and Harrison's employÉs during the last ten years, and the number of cases which have occurred at the whole of the combined firms of Woolcombers, Limited, during the same period, distinguishing between different years and fatal and non-fatal cases?

A report of this case has been received in the Department, and I have also obtained the depositions taken at the inquest from the coroner. An exhaustive examination of the existing conditions at the works has been directed. I will circulate the figures which the hon. Member asks for, and which cannot conveniently be given in an oral reply, with the Votes.

asked when the promised inquiry concerning the Manx Constitution is to be held?

I appreciate the importance of the questions which have been raised, particularly as to the extensive powers and unrepresentative character of the Upper House, in the Isle of Man Legislature; but I feel that their consideration cannot take precedence of the settlement of similar constitutional questions in this country.

asked whether, in the event of the Manx Legislature failing to pass at an early date a Workmen's Compensation Act in order to extend to Manx workmen the protection and compensation enjoyed by English workmen, he will take steps to extend the operations of the 1906 Act to the Isle of Man?

The island authorities were consulted in 1906 on the question of extending the provisions of the Bill to the Isle of Man, but they saw objection to this course, as an Employers Liability Act had only recently been passed which was considered sufficient for the needs of the island. No information has reached me to show the necessity of further legislation, but. I will communicate with the island authorities on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can give the names of the ports in the United Kingdom from which old and worn-out horses are shipped to the Continent; what steps have been taken, particularly at the Northern ports, to enforce the regulations and to prevent Buffering and cruelty during the sea pas- sage; will he state the number of such horses shipped during 1909, and the number of horses in 1909 which, on being disembarked, were unable to walk and had to be slaughtered on the spot or removed in waggons; and if, seeing the suffering caused by this traffic, steps could be taken to put a stop to it altogether?

The ports of shipment are Goole, Grangemouth, Grimsby, Hull, King's Lynn, Leith, London, and New-castle-on-Tyne. The enforcement of the provisions of the Exportation of Horses Order of 1898 rests with the local authorities, and they have appointed inspectors for the purpose. In addition, our own inspectors supervise generally the administration of the Order, and they make voyages to the Continent on vessels carrying horses, with a view to secure the more stringent and uniform enforcement of the law. In August last we appointed a veterinary inspector for the same purpose, who gives his undivided attention to the work. We have at present no statistics which give the information for which my hon. Friend asks, but we are in communication with the Belgian and Dutch Governments on the subject, and we hope to obtain from them periodical Returns of the character indicated. I believe that the inhumanity that has existed in connection with this traffic will be eliminated if we can secure the efficient enforcement of the law which absolutely prohibits the shipment of any horse which cannot be conveyed without cruelty during the intended passage and on landing. I have no power to prohibit the exportation of horses generally.

May I ask whether, in view of the announcement that has been made that the Board of Agriculture is in communication with the Belgian Government, he will not think it advisable to get into communication with other Governments with regard to the same matter?

Certainly. If we can do any good by doing so.

asked the Parliamentary-Secretary of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that objections are raised in Montgomeryshire to two compulsory sheep-dippings in one year; and! what effect has been given to representations made to him in this behalf?

Representations have recently been made to the Board on this subject. They have been very fully considered and discussed at conferences between officers of the Board and those concerned. The matter will be kept in view, but having regard to the prevalence of sheep-scab in the county, I regret that any modifications of the regulations at the present time are not possible.

The hon. Gentleman does not consider the matter closed, I note. Does he consider it still open to consideration when the sheep-scab has happily disappeared from the county?

Certainly, when it happily disappears.

asked when the decision of the Board of Agriculture will be arrived at with regard to taking Bradway Farm, in the parish of Bishops Cannings, Devizes, for small holdings; whether he is aware that twelve applicants have been waiting since July last for small holdings on this farm; and that the small holdings committee of the Wiltshire County Council is waiting for the decision of the Board of Agriculture to take action in the matter?

We are fully aware of the circumstances of this case. One of the Assistant Commissioners recently inspected this farm, but he has deferred submitting his report pending the receipt of certain information required from the county council's land agent. The Board will arrive at a decision as soon as the information is received, and will communicate it without delay to the county council.

asked the Parliamentary, Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will take steps to abolish the preference given to farmers on the subject of dog licences, or, if not, will he see that the preference is restricted to the number of dogs permitted by Law?

No, Sir, and the Board have no jurisdiction in the matter in regard to the enforcement of the law.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture when it is proposed to publish the Annual Report (nearly twelve months overdue) of the Board on the Distribution of Grants for Agricultural Education for the year 1907–8?

There is a misprint, as 1907–8 should be 1908–9.

I am not aware there is a misprint. The Report was issued in August last, and the other Report will be issued in the next two or three months.

asked whether the Board has received a representation from the Royal Agricultural Society of England to the effect that the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act in its present form is inoperative and requires amendment; and, if so, whether, in view of the injury which is being inflicted upon farmers, small holders, and cottage pig-keepers by adulteration, the Government will at an early date introduce a Bill for its amendment.

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Board will be glad to consider any practical suggestion for the Amendment of the Act and inquire into any specific case of injury to farmers by adulteration that may be brought to our notice, but the Board will consider if further legislation is required.

Is it a fact that when county councils send up samples to the Board of Agriculture under the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act they have often to wait six or seven weeks before they get permission to prosecute, and whether this delay does not often prevent county councils taking proceedings within the specified period of three months, which renders the Act imperative?

If it is so, and if the hon. Member gives me information as to any cases, I shall inquire into them.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider that the concurrence of the Board of Agriculture is desirable?

It is in the Act.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board had been approached on behalf of the British Dairy Farmers' Association with a view to secure- ing in future in the Returns of imports issued by the Customs House authorities a differentiated Return of the quantities of whole milk and skim milk now embodied under the general heading of condensed milk; and, if so, whether the Board had taken, or proposed to take, any action in reference thereto?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Board are in communication with the Customs Authorities on the subject. I will acquaint the hon. Member so soon as a decision is arrived at.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many schemes, involving the raising of loans, had been agreed to by the Board of Agriculture, under the Small Holdings Act of 1908, for the various county councils of England and Wales?

Practically all purchase schemes involve the raising of loans. The number of such schemes submitted to the Board is at present 339. The amount of loans actually sanctioned by the Local Government Board during the years 1908 and 1909 for the purposes of the Act was £826,289, of which £790,516 was for land and £35,773 for equipment and adaptation.

What is the number of loans sanctioned for equipment and fencing, apart from the purchase of land?

I must ask for notice of that question.

How many counties are represented by these 339 schemes?

I must ask for notice of that also.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, when taking over the undertaking of the National Telephone Company, it was proposed to require particulars from such company of all unclaimed deposits in its possession, with a view to seeing that they were returned to their rightful owners?

The point suggested by the hon. Member will not be overlooked.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he contemplated making any alteration in the Post Office arrangements at Clifton, Bristol, either in the status of the office or otherwise; and, if so, what alteration was proposed.

No alteration in the status of the Clifton branch office is contemplated. Proposals affecting the hours of attendance and the composition of the staff are, however, under consideration, and the hon. Member may rest assured that I shall examine them carefully before giving a decision.

asked the Postmaster-General if he was aware that Mr. Andrew Murray, who was a witness for the adult night messengers before the recent Select Committee, had not yet been placed upon the establishment; whether he was aware that Mr. Murray was personally assured by the present Financial Secretary to the Treasury that he would receive the benefit of an established appointment; and, in view of the fact that Mr. Murray's case was one of considerable hardship, and that by the Select Committee's recommendation adult night messengers were to be placed upon the establishment quite irrespective of the ordinary age limits, he would have inquiries made with a view to having Mr. Murray certified for the establishment either by Treasury warrant or under Clause 8 of the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910, as was done in the case of the unestablished telegraphist employed at the Central Telegraph Office.

I am making inquiry, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he would consider the case of W. H. Ellis, petty officer, first class-(No. 94,080, born September, 1859), medal, clasp, and star Egypt, Royal Fleet Reserve, who, having served four drills, was prevented by a serious accident while on duty from completing the fifth drill, which would have given him a pension of 5d. a day; and, seeing that the nature of W. H. Ellis's accident, resulting in the loss of his leg and thigh, prevented him doing much work and obliged him to move on crutches, whether he would give this case favourable consideration?

The man referred to cannot, under the regulations, receive the extra pension of 5d. a day, as he was not able to complete the necessary drills. The accident which incapacitated him occurred while he was employed as a civilian caretaker, and in compensation for it he was awarded £54 4s. under the Superannuation Act of 1887. The Admiralty have no power to make any further grant to him beyond the naval pension which he receives of £27 15s. per annum.

I understand that this man was employed as caretaker, and that, having now to walk with crutches, he is unable to go from ship to ship, or to bring up coal from the bunker. Under these circumstances, could not some lighter work be found for him?

That was not the original question put to me, and in my reply I have dealt only with the circumstances there raised. I regret that the Admiralty have no power to go beyond what they have already done.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in cases where such action involved the need or distress of a surviving wife and family, he would consider the possibility of altering the practice whereby under a recent order the clothes, effects, and cash of any member of the Coastguard are, upon his decease, impounded by the station officer pending the result of correspondence with the Admiralty as to the disposal of the same?

The practice referred to is in pursuance of legal opinion that the effects of men dying at Coastguard stations should be disposed of under the provisions of the Navy and Marines (Property of Deceased) Act, 1865, which necessitate an official inquiry into the claims of persons describing themselves as legal representatives or nearest of kin. Consideration is, however, being given to the matter with a view to arranging the procedure so as to avoid inconvenience to relatives of deceased Coastguard men.

asked whether it was the intention of the Government to introduce legislation with a view to strengthen the provisions of the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Act?

There is no intention to introduce such legislation at present, at all events.

When the Government do consider legislation on this subject, will they consider the propriety of making canvassing an illegal, if not a corrupt, practice?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, having regard to the statement in the prefatory Memorandum to last year's Code that the Board were carefully considering the question of developing all forms of manual instruction in correlation with the other parts of the curriculum, he could state what progress had been made with a view to such development and correlation; whether any Committee had been appointed to consider that question; and, if so, whether any Report containing the recommendations of the Committee would be published?

I believe that good experimental work is being done both under Rule 36 (2) of Schedule III. of the Code for 1909 and in the extension of various forms of manual work in many schools, and I am carefully watching the progress made. The hon. Member is, I think, aware that in 1908 I requested a Committee of His Majesty's Inspectors to consider the matter and advise me. Their report was confidential and not intended for publication, but I hope to publish portions of the report which are of general interest at an early date.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he was yet able to announce any definite reply to the request put before him by a deputation of scientists last autumn that a fitting building should be erected for the accommodation of the collection now in the Science Museum; and whether any steps could be taken to make the present building fireproof?

The matter is still under consideration, but favourable progress has been made by my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of His Majesty's Works, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement shortly. With regard to the second part of the question, I think it is doubtful whether it would be worth while to spend money on the present building in order to make it what is called fire-proof if a new building is shortly to replace it; but every precaution is taken in the way 6f appliances and supervision to guard against the risk of an outbreak of fire.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he would state the average number of candidates per annum for the qualifying examination for Sandhurst since September, 1905, and the percentage of candidates during that period who failed; the percentage of such candidates who failed to qualify in mathematics; and the number of candidates who failed to pass the medical test for eyesight since 1905?

It is not possible to state what proportion of the candidates attending the Army qualifying examination are candidates for Sandhurst. The average number of candidates presenting themselves at this examination since its institution in September, 1905, is 858 per annum. The percentage who failed to qualify is 51, and of these failures 67 per cent, failed in elementary mathematics. The number of candidates medically examined for Sandhurst during the same period who failed to pass the eyesight test is 30.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the regulation relating to the former Volunteer Force, that an officer who had risen from the ranks of that Force would only be entitled to count half his service in the ranks towards the twenty years necessary for the Volunteer Officers' Decoration, still applied to such officers now serving with the Territorial Force; and, if so, with a view to the encouragement of such men, whether he could see his way to amend such regulation?

This regulation still applies to the officers mentioned. The decoration was intended to be a special reward for officers as far as possible for service as such, and the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion would entirely defeat this object, and cannot therefore be entertained.