asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies if he would state which of the Governments repre- sented at the Colonial Conference of 1907 had not replied to the request of the inter-Departmental Committee on the Naturalisation Laws; and whether, seeing the importance of the question, he could do anything to expedite the assembly of the subsidiary conference contemplated in the resolution of the Conference of 1907?

The Governments which have not replied on the question are those of Canada and New Zealand, and the Secretary of State is about to communicate with them further on the subject. The replies from the South African Colonies indicated that so far as South Africa was concerned the question must be left open for the consideration of the Union Government and Parliament.

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention had been called to the Governor of Southern Nigeria having publicly stated that the Nigeria Seditious Offences Act differed very little from that of India, and to his having threatened that when in operation it would be employed against the local press, which had been criticising the endowment of a State church and the financial matters of the railway system; and whether these utterances may be taken to express the policy of the Government?

No, Sir, lam not aware that the Governor of Southern Nigeria has made any such statement as that attributed to him in the question of my hon. Friend or that he has used any threat as to the application of the Ordinance. That Ordinance, as I stated in answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Ashburton Division on the 22nd March, is readily differentiated from the Indian law, and is, as I said, simply the translation of the existing law of the Colony that is the Common law into Statute.

Were any representations or objections made to these Ordinances by the members of the Legislative Council?

Speaking from recollection, I do not think there were. I think not. I would not say for certain.

Does the Under-Secretary accept the implication in the question that the Indian Government has become an accepted standard of badness in this behalf?

No; nor do I accept the implication in the question that the Governor is likely to take action such as suggested in it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he was aware that unsalaried British Consulate Officers in America, through their official character, intimated to the next-of-kin in this country the death of a person under whose will or intestacy the next-of-kin in this country were entitled to legacies or distributive shares of the assets, and that the Consular Officers offered to undertake the collection of these legacies or shares and charge for their services as much as one-half of the amount collected; and whether he would see his way to take some action to prevent these Consular Officers, in cases where their services were accepted, from charging unreasonable fees?

British Consular Officers in the United States cannot in their official capacity undertake the administration or distribution of estates of British subjects dying in that country, though they may communicate on the subject with the next-of-kin, either in England or elsewhere. Unsalaried Consular Officers, however, can undertake the task in their private, as distinct from their official capacity. The remuneration for their services is then a matter of arrangement between them and the parties interested; there is no obligation on the next-of-kin to employ them.

Are not the next-of-kin in this country, under the circumstances, likely to be misled into thinking that they were bound to employ these officials?

They are under no obligation to employ the Consulate Officers. Of course, if they obtain information from them they do employ them.

Is he aware that these officers have extorted fifty per cent, of the amount collected?

No, I am not aware of that. I believe one case has been mentioned.

Will the Under-Secretary inquire into the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would give the number of cases, from 1st January 1900 to 31st March 1910, in which negotiations with other countries for tariff concessions on the part of those countries had been successful in the case of Great Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and the United States of America, reference only being made to cases which had come within the official cognisance of His Majesty's Ambassadors or Ministers in those countries?

As the question whether or not negotiations are successful must be a matter of opinion, I cannot provide an answer.

Would it not be possible to state what specific concessions have been asked for and obtained?

That is a different question from that which was asked by the Noble Lord.

I will put it down.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would lay upon the Table copies of all instructions given to the British Ambassador in Paris with reference to the French tariff, of despatches received from the Ambassador on the subject, and of all written representations in relation thereto made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of the French Republic?

We will consider what papers can be printed and properly presented to Parliament.

When are these papers likely to be presented?

At the earliest possible moment.

When will that be?

I cannot give a more definite answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was aware that the arrangement come to between Great Britain and Russia in 1899 regarding railway concessions north of the Great Wall and in the Yangtse Valley referred to concessions only; and, under these circumstances, in what way could that arrangement regulate the attitude of His Majesty's Government regarding the proposed Chinchow-Aigun Railway, which China proposed to build by contract, and for which no concession of any sort was given?

There is nothing in the Agreement referred to in the question which affects the right of China to build what railways she pleases for herself, but there is an understanding on behalf of Great Britain not to seek on behalf of British subjects or others any railway concessions in this region. I cannot, therefore, select such railways as a suitable field for diplomatic interference on the part of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, did His Majesty's Government propose to give the notice contemplated by Article 1 of the Sugar Convention, 1907, enabling them to withdraw from the Convention from 1st September, 1911; if so, did they propose to give one year's notice at the last meeting of the Commission held before 1st September, 1910; in case no such notice was given, would the Convention remain in force at least until 31st August, 1913; and did His Majesty's Government propose to call for a meeting of the Commission to take place before 1st September, 1910, or do they in any case propose to leave Great Britain pledged to the Convention till 31st August, 1913, without making any attempt to relieve the country from its obligations?

There has been no reason hitherto to make His Majesty's Government think that it would be practicable to withdraw from the Convention on the 1st September, 1911, and they have not contemplated doing so.

Will the Under-Secretary answer the last part of the question, whether the Government propose to leave Great Britain pledged to the Convention till 31st August, 1913, without making any attempt to relieve the country from its obligations?

The answer is that the Government have no reason to think that any effort would succeed, and they have not therefore contemplated any effort.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware that certain workmen employed by the Port of London Authority had been ordered to remove their trades union buttons from their coats; and whether he would state by whose authority this was done?

This is not a matter over which Board of Trade have any control. I have, however, ascertained from the Port of London Authority that, following the practice previously adopted by the London and India Docks Company, their regulations do not permit labourers to wear any distinctive badge while in the docks or town warehouse, on the ground that such a badge might lead to a disagreement among the labourers working together. No difference is made between union and non-union men.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he would state how many foreigners were registered as holding pilot's certificates; and if they could be classified according to the countries to which they belonged?

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what date the last certificate as pilot was granted to a person who was not a British subject; and if it was an absolute regulation at that time that no further certificates would be granted to such persons under any circumstances?

No new pilotage certificates can be granted to foreigners under any circumstances. Pilotage certificates could be issued to alien masters or mates prior to the 1st June, 1906, and some of the certificates held by foreigners at that date have been renewed in accordance with the provisions of Section 73 of Merchant Shipping Act, 1906. The number now in force is sixty-five. The nationalities of the holders are as follows:—Thirty-one Dutchmen, nine Germans, seven Frenchmen, seven Swedes, three Norwegians, three Russians, three Belgians, two Danes.

If no other certificates will be granted or renewed, will that be done by regulation or in what way is it absolutely certain?

By regulation under the Act of 1906.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he had considered the report of the proceedings of a conference recently held in Bristol by representatives of the seaports of the Bristol Channel on the subject of the present insufficient watching of the coasts; and, if so, what steps he proposed to take in the interests of our mercantile marine and for the better preservation of life and property?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he had received copies of resolutions passed by a representative conference at Bristol, on the 9th of March last, praying that a Royal Commission may be appointed to consider the watching of our coasts in the interests of the maritime marine; whether he had replied; and, if so, in what terms; and whether he would indicate the line proposed to be taken by the Government on this matter?

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset on the 16th ult., I have received copies of the resolutions referred to. I am giving the matter careful attention and am taking active steps by local investigation and otherwise to ascertain how far and in what way the existing arrangements for coast watching require strengthening. Until the investigation alluded to is completed I am not able to decide what, if any, further action will ultimately be found necessary in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention had been called to the number of dismissals from several grades of the staff by the London underground electric tube railway companies; whether the Camden Town Labour Exchange had been and was still used as a means of advertisement for ex-soldiers who had been discharged not more than six weeks from the Army to fill the places of the ordinary men dismissed; and what action, if any, he proposed to take in the matter?

I have no knowledge of the dismissals from the London underground electric tube railway companies referred to by the hon. Member. The demand for ex-soldiers exhibited by the Camden Town Labour Exchange was in connection with temporary additional porters required by another railway company for Easter holiday traffic, and had nothing to do with the tube railway companies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether any tests were applied to railway bridges prior to their use for railway traffic; and whether, with a view to securing the safety of the employés and passengers, further tests were made as the age of the bridge increased and the weight of locomotives and trains was increased by the railways companies using such bridges?

All bridges carrying railways are tested by the inspecting officers of the Board of Trade before being brought into use for passenger traffic. After the opening of a line, the responsibility for the proper maintenance of the bridges rests with the company concerned.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he was aware that in the cast of James Anthony Downes, of Kildimo, Miltown Malby, West Clare, M 216–197 Station, Kilkee district, Ennis, the pension officer had appealed against the decision of the pension committee of 10th March, 1910, increasing the pension from 3s. to 5s. per week; and that the holding of James Anthony Downes consisted of 4¾ acres (Irish) of poor land unable to grow green crops, situated three miles from the nearest village, and valued at £5 annually; and whether he would consider that the applicant in question was entitled to the full pension?

The case is under appeal to the Local Government Board against the Committee's decision increasing the pension from 3s. to 5s. per week, and I have no power to interfere in the matter.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he would state in what office the papers were retained in the case of old age pensions where the pensions were granted, and in the cases of appeals by the pension officers against the decisions of the pension committees in what office were the papers relating to the appeal kept; and would he state under what authority the documents were so retained in each case?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to paragraph 31 of the Statutory Regulations of the 15th October, 1908.

Have any documents been destroyed in connection with Subsection (2) of paragraph 31 of the Regulations?

I could not tell. I should have to make inquiries first of all.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he was aware that on the 10th March last the pension committee sitting at Ennistymon recommended a pension to Mrs. Mary Murphy, of Kilshanny; whether the pension officer lodged an appeal on the ground that in the Census Report of 1851 she was returned as eight years of age; and, if so, whether he would accept as sufficient evidence sworn declarations of two respectable inhabitants of the district, one of whom, Mr. Patt Flanagan, of Liscannor, was eighty years of age, and who distinctly remembered the applicant as a young woman of about twenty in 1856?

The facts are as stated in the first part of the question. The case is now under appeal to the Local Government Board, with whom the final decision on the claim rests. I have no power to interfere.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he was aware that Mrs. Margaret Reid, of Port Glasgow, was granted an old age pension in January, 1909, and that this pension was paid regularly till October, when the pension officer gave notice that he was going to oppose its continuance; whether any fresh information had come to light from the time the pension was granted and any allegation of concealment of facts was made; whether he was aware that the Local Government Board decided the appeal in favour of the pension officer's view and stopped the pension, without affording any opportunity for Mrs. Reid's case being laid before it; whether he had sanctioned the practice that benefits received by a paying patient in a hospital for the purposes of the Act should be calculated not by payment but by dividing the cost of maintenance of the hospital by the number of inmates; whether he was aware that the Local Government Board suggested that Mrs. Reid should again apply, and that the application was granted in February of this year; whether the pension officer intended to delay payment till 1911, in order to repay the fund for moneys expended in 1909; and whether he would make inquiry into the whole case and take action to prevent Mrs. Reid from suffering from mistakes which, if made, were none of her making?

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of my hon. Friend's question. I learn from the Board of Customs and Excise that the pension officer received information which indicated that the benefit derived from maintenance in the home of which the pensioner was an inmate had been under-estimated in the first instance, and really exceeded £31 10s. per annum. There is no allegation of concealment of facts. The Local Government Board for Scotland decided the appeal in favour of the pension officer's view after they had made full investigation and satisfied themselves that the pensioner's means for the year 1909, as calculated for the purposes of the Old Age Pensions Act, had exceeded £31 10s. The method of calculation is a matter of administration and is entirely within the province of the Local Government Board, and having regard to all the circumstances I see no reason to take exception to the course followed, which was that described by my hon. Friend. I am informed that the Board of Customs and Excise have under consideration the matter referred to in the penultimate part of the question which is one for them and not for the pension officer to decide.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he was aware that the Somerset County Council had been unable to obtain the instalment of whisky money usually paid in January; and if he would state the reason why the payment of that instalment was refused?

Owing to a decrease in the yield of the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Duties, the amounts payable into the Local Taxation Account as the equivalent of the proceeds of the English share of those duties in respect of the financial year just ended is smaller than usual and consequently the instalment which has generally been paid to county and county borough councils in the month of January could not be paid in the present year. A letter on the subject was sent by the Board to the Somerset County Council on the 31st ultimo.

Does this apply to all counties with equivalent rates?

I assume it would apply to all counties, but only four or five are in the same position as the Somerset County Council.

Will the right hon. Gentleman exercise his great influence with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to postpone the matter?

I will communicate that view to him.

Are we to assume that we are not to get an instalment at all?

Not necessarily. I have issued a circular, a copy of which I shall be pleased to give the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General, if he would state what standard of practical experience in manufacturing operations was required of the body of inspectors recently appointed by the Controller of Stores, and to whom the duty had been entrusted of reporting as to efficiency and conditions of labour prevailing in any firms that were desirous of being placed on the list of Government contractors to the General Post Office?

No such body of inspectors has been appointed by the Controller of Stores. An officer of the Department inquires and reports with regard to the observance of the Fair Wages Clause by firms holding Post Office contracts. That officer is generally conversant with manufacturing systems and processes. If, however, in any given case he should require technical assistance, it is afforded to him.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was aware that five qualified unestablished male officers with from four to seven years' service are awaiting appointment at Limerick; whether provision would be made for them and their appointments antedated in the forthcoming revision of the Limerick office; and would he state whether it was the Department's intention to retain local officers beyond the pensionable limit, in view of these exceptional circumstances and the lack of promotion locally?

As it will probably be possible to appoint all the five learners in question under the impending revision at Limerick, there is no occasion to consider special and exceptional means of securing their appointment. Nor would such measures be necessary, seeing that each of the learners has been offered and refused appointment at other offices.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he would consider the advisability of affording an additional delivery and despatch of letters in the town of Cappawhite, county Tipperary?

I have very recently considered this matter on receipt of a memorial on the subject. I regret that I am unable to sanction the expenditure that would be involved by the grant of additional facilities.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he would cause inquiries to be made with a view to improve the present arrangements for the delivery and despatch of letters in the town of Ballin-garry and surrounding villages, county Tipperary?

I am having inquiry made, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was aware that telephone exchanges had been promised by his Department, since June, 1908, at both Lyndhurst and at Brockenhurst, Hants; what was the reason for the delay in these installations; and when did his Department propose to complete them?

The Department is anxious not to interfere with the amenities of the New Forest, and the delay has been caused by the extreme difficulty of arranging telephone lines in such a way as to avoid this. My officers are in communication with the officers of the Woods and Forests, and every effort shall be made to reach a satisfactory settlement.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he had any statistics of the cases of misappropriation of trust funds by trustees or their solicitors that had been reported in the last five years to his Department; of the number of these prosecuted by his Department; of the number convicted under these prosecutions; and would he say whether these figures would lead to his introduction of legislation instituting a public trustee for Scotland?

I have caused inquiry to be made into the records of cases of misappropriation of trust funds during the last five years. I find that nine cases have been reported to my Department during that period. In, six cases prosecutions followed, and convictions were obtained. In three cases the accused absconded, and warrants for apprehension were obtained. I consider that legislation in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend is unnecessary. The law of Scotland, differing, as I understand, in this respect from the law of England, makes ample provision for the administration of trust estates subject to audit and to judicial control.

Had a public trustee been appointed in Scotland, as there is in England, would any of these frauds have been prevented?

It would have been impossible to prevent them.

asked whether, in view of the expense entailed on the county council of Shetland by the necessity of continued inspection of the whaling stations, the Fishery Board of Scotland would either undertake such inspection at its own cost or hand over the fees derived from whaling licences to the county council?

The Fishery Board for Scotland undertakes certain duties of inspection necessary for the execution of the Whale Fisheries Act, 1907, but the sanitary inspection referred to is a statutory duty of the local authority. The sums received by the Board in respect of licences are extra receipts payable into the Exchequer and are not available for the purpose suggested.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the fact that since the whaling companies started their operations in Shetland the herring stations on the west coast of Shetland had been practically ruined, he would, in order to enforce By-law No. 22 made by the Fishery Board for Scotland with reference to killing of whales from the 1st June to 5th July, prohibit the landing of whales in Shetland during the same period?

I am not to be taken as assenting to the implication contained in the first part of the question, but in any case the Government do not at present contemplate fresh legislation in the matter referred to by my hon. Friend.

Would legislation be necessary in order to enforce the by-law?

Yes. I am afraid it would.

asked the Lord Advocate if he had received a petition from a committee representing the ordinary clerks in the various sheriff clerks' departments in Lanarkshire; and, if so, whether he was prepared to include the ordinary staff of clerks within the scope of the inquiry into the position of sheriff clerk deputes?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.

Are we to understand that only sheriff clerks depute have grievances in their offices and that the sheriff clerks on the ordinary staff have not?

The sheriff clerks depute are embraced within the enquiry, but not the ordinary clerks, who are servants of the sheriff clerks.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he was aware that in many cases where the Board had authorised a loan to provide buildings for small holdings constructed of sound timber creosoted under pressure for a period of thirteen years only, the Board of Agriculture had, with full knowledge of the circumstances, advised county councils that they were justified in applying for a loan for twenty-five years; that the durability of such material was estimated by many building experts to be almost equivalent to that of brick; that the limitation of such a loan to thirteen years necessitates small holders being charged annually an additional rent amounting to about 9 per cent, upon the capital cost of the buildings, or nearly twice that usually charged by an individual landowner; and that the onerous terms required by the Local Government Board in the case of loans required by county councils for the equipment of small holdings was creating a serious deadlock in the administration of The Small Holdings Act, 1908; and whether, in order to facilitate the provision of small holdings on favourable terms to deserving applicants, the Board would extend such loans to the period suggested as appropriate by the Board of Agriculture?

I am aware that the period allowed by the Local Government Board for the repayment of loans for buildings constructed of timber creosoted under pressure is thirteen years, and that officers of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have suggested to the county council that they should apply for a loan for twenty-five years in respect of such buildings. I am also aware that varying estimates are held as to the durability of the material, but I have not yet heard of the expert who seriously expressed the view that its durability is almost equivalent to that of brick. The difference in the amount required to repay £100 in thirteen years instead of twenty-five is about £3 13s. per annum, or a little over 3½ per cent. I am in communication with my colleagues at the Board of Agriculture on the subject of the terms allowed for the repayment of these and other loans under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act.

May I ask whether we are to understand from that reply that some arrangement is likely to be come to on this matter?

I think it is premature to express that view. There is comparatively little difference between the two Departments on this question. I trust that the matter may be settled amicably.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention had been called to the arrival at Liverpool of a consignment of Chinese pork, and to the fact that, in connection with its arrival, a member at a recent meeting of the public health committee at Liverpool declared that Chinese pigs were the common scavengers of the street refuse; whether the local public health medical officer had examined the pork; if so, with what result; and whether he could say what had been done with this shipment of Chinese pork?

My attention has been drawn to the consignment referred to, and I have already answered several questions on the subject. In regard to the latter part of the question, perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to my replies to similar questions on the 10th and 14th ultimo.

May I ask if this Chinese pork does not come under the head offal?

No; not the Chinese pork I have seen.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will take steps to encourage the importation of live German horses instead of dead Chinese pigs?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what has become of this consignment of Chinese pork?

I could not say what has become of it, but I know that no unsound, unclean, or diseased food from any part of the world has been allowed into this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Chinese pigs are fed on the remains of human beings? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh !"] That is the statement of the Public Health Committee of Liverpool, not mine.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he was aware that in November last the managers of the Children's Infirmary, Carshalton, submitted to the Local Government Board certain proposals for increasing the accommodation from 800 to 1,200 patients by the provision of the necessary additional staff quarters and isolation wards; and, if so, would he say what reply had been given by the Board?

The managers of the Metropolitan Asylums Board, on 23rd November last, submitted to my Department proposals for certain extensions to the Children's Infirmary at Carshalton. These proposals involve the expenditure of a very large sum, estimated to exceed £50,000 or £60,000. In view of the large margin of spare accommodation in other institutions belonging to the Asylums Board I am of opinion that the whole question of the accommodation of the various classes of patients in the charge of the Asylums Board needs careful consideration, and I am in correspondence with the managers on the subject.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will inform the House of the order permitting non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines, when on shore, to wear plain clothes, has recently been varied; in what respect the order has been varied; why any variation was deemed necessary; and whether the regulation now in force regarding the wearing of plain clothes by non-commissioned officers and men in the Royal Marines, when on shore, are identical in every way to similar regulations governing the wearing of plain clothes by non-commissioned officers and men in the Regular Army; and, if not, will he say why they are not identical?

Royal Marines serving on shore are subject to the provisions of the Army Act and of the King's Regulations and Orders for the Army except where otherwise distinctly provided for by special orders from the Admiralty. In the question of the wearing of plain clothes by non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines, the general regulations as laid down for the Army are followed, but discretion in this matter is allowed to general officers commanding, under whom Royal Marines are serving at the various headquarters and the Royal Marine Depot, Deal. As non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marines are constantly being drafted for service with those of other divisions, it was recently considered desirable to issue instructions with a view to the same rules being applied to all of them. In this respect instructions have been issued for the guidance of commanding officers of the Royal Marines, but the general regulations remain the same as those governing the wearing of plain clothes by non-commissioned officers and men of the Regular Army.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the men have to get leave daily in order that they may wear plain clothes?

I have given a very full answer to the hon. Gentleman. If he will wait until he sees it in print I daresay he will find that it contains all the necessary information.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether any special instructions have been issued to officers commanding in regard to the Royal Marines in the direction of extending or restricting the privileges now accorded to men in the Army?

The general regulations in the Navy as to the wearing of plain clothes are very much the same as those which govern the wearing of plain clothes in the Army.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the report of the proceedings of a conference recently held in Bristol by representatives of the seaports on the Bristol Channel on the subject of the insufficient watching of the coasts; and whether, in view of that report, he will make arrangements for increasing the number of men employed in the Coastguard Service and for the efficient watching and patrolling of our coasts?

A copy of the report of the conference at Bristol has been forwarded to the Admiralty and the Board of Trade. As stated on 31st March by the Prime Minister in reply to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth, steps are being taken by the Board of Trade to inquire into the adequacy of the existing arrangements for the protection of life from casualties on the coast, and the Admiralty do not propose to take any independent action in the matter. The position of the Coastguard in regard to watching the coast has already been fully stated to the House, and there is nothing to add.

May I ask whether, in view of the gravity of the situation on the coasts, the right hon. Gentleman will state when this report will be submitted to the House?

I stated that a copy of the report had been forwarded to the Admiralty and the Board of Trade. I have no doubt it appeared in the Press at the time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, considering that by the last Battle Practice (Navy) Return H.M.S. "Commonwealth" scored only 86.3 points as against 247.2 scored by H.M.S. "Dominion," a vessel of similar class, and H.M.S. "Mars" and H.M.S. "Magnificent" only 13.39 points respectively as against 267.85 scored by H.M.S. "Majestic," a vessel of similar class, and that the average points scored per ship in the second and third divisions of the Home Fleet, to which the above ships belong, was in the former case 177.76 and in the latter case 187.5, it is intended to take steps to insure an improvement in this matter of gunnery?

All possible steps will be taken to improve the gunnery of the Fleet.

May I ask whether there were nucleus crews on board those ships?

Yes, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that in the nucleus-crew ships gunnery and torpedo officers are employed in watch-keeping work to the detriment of their specialist work in instructing men, and that men sent on board are employed in cleaning ship while they should be undergoing their special courses; further, if he is aware that the standard of efficiency set up in these ships is practically that of fully commissioned ships; and whether he will give assurance that the complements shall be increased to enable that standard to be maintained without unduly taxing, the officers?

The distribution of work of officers and men in nucleus-crew ships is a matter which is left to the discretion of the commanding officer, and, so far as is known, the present arrangements have been found quite satisfactory. The highest efficiency possible is the only standard that is recognised for all officers and men of His Majesty's Navy. It is not proposed to increase the complements allowed to these ships.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the trial speeds on their full-power runs of the destroyers "Maori," "Nubian," "Viking," "Zulu," and "Saracen," and the maximum velocity attained on the measured mile in each case?

It is undesirable to give the precise figures, but in every case the contract speed was reached.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he recently gave me exactly similar information to that which he is now asked to give?

Possibly, but I am advised that it is desirable to exercise even more prudence than we have done in the past in this matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether either of the four armoured vessels "Thunderer," "Princess Royal," "Conqueror," and "Monarch" have yet been laid down; and, if not, when is it anticipated that they will actually be commenced?

Information has been received from the various contractors that the first portion of the keel plates of the "Monarch" was laid on 1st April; the keel of the "Conqueror" will be laid tomorrow; the keel of the "Princess Royal" will be laid two or three weeks hence, and that of the "Thunderer" on 13th of this month.

Is it anticipated that all these four ships will be completed by the end of the financial year 1911–12?

Yes.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the number of rounds that can be fired from 12-inch guns, Marks VIII., IX., and X., before they are removed for a detailed examination and re-truing of the rifling and bore generally?

It is not in the public interest to supply the information asked for.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his atten- tion has been called to the continual fluctuations in the taking on and the discharge of men in the engineer manager's department in the Devonport Dockyard; whether he will explain how it happens that the conditions in this respect vary so widely in the engineer manager's department and the construction department respectively; and whether it is possible to arrange the work so as to prevent these continual discharges in the engineer manager's department?

The bulk of the work in the Engineer Manager's Department consists in repairing, refitting, and making good defects of machinery of ships. There is necessarily considerable uncertainty and fluctuation in the amount of work involved particularly as regards defects of ships in commission. In the constructive manager's department a large part of the work, consists of new construction, about which there is less uncertainty, and it is consequently possible to arrange for less fluctuation in the number of men employed, and as the money allowed for new construction has been recently steadily and largely increased, discharges in this department have been unnecessary. Fluctuations of employment are necessary in all departments which deal with repairs, and are unavoidable, except by considerable financial waste, or by attaching to such establishments such an amount of new work as will allow the fluctuations in the demand for workmen in the repair section to be absorbed on the new and regular work. It is considered that the fluctuations in employment in the engineer manager's department would be found to compare favourably with those in outside firms similarly employed. In order to ensure repairs being economically performed, it is evidently necessary to vary the number of men employed according to the pressure of work which has to be done.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the disadvantage of bringing men from a distance to take up work and discharging them on short notice while within a few days further men are taken on?

As the hon. Member knows, in all large businesses discharges are unavoidable; but we do our utmost to maintain regularity of employment in His Majesty's dockyards.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many entries and discharges have taken place in the engineer manager's department at the Devonport Dockyard from 1st November, 1909, to 31st March, 1910; and what is the shortest period of time between entry and discharge?

The total entries and discharges during the period mentioned are:—

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many men have been discharged on one day, and that the dockyard authorities have started men on similar work next day?

If the hon. Gentleman will bring to my notice any particular case to which he refers and place a question on the Paper, I shall be happy to look into the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will inform the House how many workmen it was intended to discharge from the engineer manager's department at Devonport Dockyard during the month of March, 1910, specifying the number of fitters, boiler-makers, moulders, patternmakers, coppersmiths, and labourers; how many workmen in each of these classes received their notices and were subsequently informed they were withdrawn; what caused the withdrawal; how many workmen in each of the classes specified were now under notice, and how many may expect to receive their notices before 30th April; and whether the action taken or contemplated rested with the local officials or with the Admiralty?

It was not, and has not been, intended to discharge any fitters, boilermakers, moulders, patternmakers, or coppersmiths, from the engineering department during the month of March, 1910, and except in one or two cases of discharge of unsuitable workmen, no discharges during this month have been made. About 120 labourers previously employed as casuals and entered for temporary service, were given notice to be discharged on 24th March. For purposes of financial adjustment, which are always necessary at the end of the financial year, these discharges were deferred to 2nd April, and, with the exception of a few which have been transferred to other departments they have now taken place, and, in addition, there have also been discharged or transferred to other Departments on 2nd April four moulders, four patternmakers, and ten fitters, also for reasons of financial adjustment. The latter were the less efficient men and had been entered for special temporary work. Thirty casual labourers have also been discharged. No statement can be made as to possible discharges before 30th April, as these will be entirely dependent on financial arrangements still under consideration, and on the amount of work coming to the department from the defects of ships arriving for refit. In reply to the last part of the question, any action taken or contemplated as to future discharges would be initiated by the local officers, and referred to the Admiralty if the special financial or other questions involved made it necessary.

In the case of these men who have been discharged, was notice sent to the Admiralty before the discharge?

I think that I have given the fullest answer possible to the question on the Paper. If the hon. Gentleman will put down any subsequent questions on the Paper I will be glad to answer them.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to submit the Bill carrying out the Veto Resolutions now before the House for-three Sessions in succession, in the event of its not sooner passing the House of Lords, before advising the Crown to create peers to procure the passing of the Bill?

I cannot make any statement as to the conditions under which I might tender particular advice to the Crown.

Might I ask if the Government does not consider that a Bill involving great changes in the Constitution of this country is at least as important as any ordinary Bill on which it is conceivable that the two Houses might possibly differ?

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is still the intention of the Government to introduce the Finance Bill without the alteration of a comma, in the sense that no alterations of substance are contemplated, but only such formal changes as have been rendered necessary by the postponement of its introduction?

A full statement of the alterations contemplated in the Budget of last year will be made before the House is asked to assent to it.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's statement that it is no longer the intention of the Government to carry the Budget without the alteration of a comma?

That is a phrase which I never used, and which I never authorised.

Does the right hon. Gentleman repudiate responsibility for the utterances of his colleagues?

Will the contemplated changes affect the question of Irish finance?

I am afraid that we must wait and see.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has accepted the orders which were given to him yesterday in Tipperary?

Will the Ministers, whose language the right hon. Gentleman repudiates, continue to form part of his Government?

I do not know to whom the Noble Lord refers.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman on the Motion in respect of the Budget fix a date for the Third Reading?

The hon. Member had better wait and see.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce the financial provisions for the year 1910–11 immediately after the Spring Recess?

I cannot at present name a date for the introduction of the Budget 1910–11.

Having regard to the natural anxiety of those about to be taxed, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is possible to give the date before the rising for the Spring Recess?

I can only repeat the answer which I have already given. The Noble Lord must wait and see.

asked the Prime Minister if he has promised any concessions to the Irish Nationalist party in respect of the land and spirit clauses of the Budget; and, if so, when he will be prepared to announce them to the House?

No promises of any kind have to my knowledge been made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to grant a Return showing the number of Government Bills which, since the year 1880, have passed the House of Commons but been rejected by the House of Lords; and whether he will in that Return include a statement showing which of those Bills, if any, subsequently became law, and the time which elapsed after their first rejection by the House of Lords and their subsequently becoming law?

I have considered the hon. Member's suggestion, and, in view of the fact that the information for which he asks is easily accessible, I am not, as at present advised, disposed to grant the Return in question.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the event of the Resolutions on the Relations between the Two Houses being adopted by both Houses during the present Session, he proposes in this or next Session to introduce a Bill dealing with the Constitution of another place?

This is a hypothetical question which does not seem to me to call at present for answer. As to the intentions of the Government, I must refer the hon. Member to my speech last Tuesday.

Do I understand that the Government, in making their proposals, have not contemplated what they are to do in the event of the proposals not being accepted?

No, Sir. The hon. Member is not to understand that.

What am I to understand?

As the case is unprecedented will the right hon. Gentleman say by what procedure these Resolutions would be introduced into the House of Lords?

The hon. Member must wait and see.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government can now give an assurance that it is their intention to extend the operation of the Agricultural Rates Act, 1905, which expires in December next?

Yes, Sir, it is proposed to include the Agricultural Rates Act in the Schedule of the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if any relief be granted to agricultural ratepayers under the Agricultural Rates Act there would be a corresponding burden upon the urban ratepayers?

Yes, I am well aware of that.

asked whether the Government have made arrangements by which the Crown and this House are to act together to restrict for ever the veto of the House of Lords; and whether he has received the necessary guarantees for the passing of the proposed Veto Bill into law?

As I understand the question, it seeks to ascertain whether the Government have tendered to the Crown advice as to its possible action in certain contingencies. I do not think that that is a question that I am bound or entitled to answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what meaning is to be attached to the words of the Home Secretary in his speech of last Thursday?

The Noble Lord is quite as capable as I am of construing the words.

Was the Home Secretary speaking on behalf of the Government on that occasion?

asked on which date the Government propose to take the adjourned Debate on the Second Reading of the Duke of York's School (Chapel) Bill?

asked when it is proposed to move Mr. Speaker out of the Chair on Civil Service Estimates?

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer these questions at the same time. I regret that I am unable to make any announcement at present, but due notice will be given.

asked whether the scheme of reconstruction of the House of Lords which is contemplated by the Cabinet will provide for the limited veto on all Bills that may be passed by the House of Commons?

It would be premature at present to make any statement on the character and provisions of any scheme of reconstruction.

May we take it no decision has been arrived at?

I have nothing to add to my answer.

Would it be premature that there should be any change in the constitution of another place until a Home Rule Bill has been passed?

Again my answer is that the hon. Gentleman must wait and see.

The "wait-and-see" Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether any communications have passed between the London County Council and the Government with regard to the sale of the site of the Duke of York's School; whether he is aware that the London County Council and the borough councils concerned regard the proposed erection of blocks of flats upon the open space in question as a menace to the amenities and the health of the district; and whether the Government can see their way to temporarily suspend progress with their scheme until the London County Council, as the authority primarily responsible for the health of the Metropolis, shall have had an opportunity of making further representations to the Government?

A representation on the subject has been made by the London County Council, but the Government see no reason for suspending proceedings in connection with this scheme; nor is it considered, regard being had to the exceptionally large area of open space in the neighbourhood, that there is any ground for anticipating the prejudicial effects suggested in the hon. Member's question.

asked whether the Prime Minister was aware that it is laid down by Blackstone that all Bills that may in their consequences in any way affect the right of the peerage are, by the custom of Parliament, to have their first rise and beginning in the House of Peers, and to suffer no changes or amendments in the House of Commons; and whether, in any policy which His Majesty's Government adopt in regard to the House of Lords, they will adhere to this constitutional maxim?

I have not had time as yet to refresh my memory as to what Blackstone has written on this subject. Perhaps the hon. Member will postpone the question for a few days?

Does the right hon. Gentleman, propose to subordinate constitutional law to party tactics?

Is it not the fact that the Irish bishops were turned out of the House of Lords by a Bill which originated in this House?

I have no doubt my hon. Friend is right, as he always is in matters of this kind. I would like to refresh my memory.

Before proceeding with these Resolutions; will the right hon. Gentleman wait until he has seen what Blackstone says?

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to take the next Vote on Account before the Parliamentary Recess?

Yes, Sir.

Arising out of that answer, will the right hon. Gentleman say at what date he will take the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill?

I do not think that arises out of my answer. I said "Yes."

On what date will the right hon. Gentleman take the Vote on Account?

I cannot state that.

asked whether, in view of the Imperial trade interests involved, it is intended to substitute modern and powerful cruisers for the present inadequate representation of the British Navy on the Pacific Coast of North, South, and Central America, now consisting of the two 1,000-ton sloops "Algerine" and "Shearwater" only?

In arranging the disposition of His Majesty's ships due consideration is given to the protection of trade interests, and it is not proposed to make any change at present in this part of the world.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman could state when the first effective order was given for H.M.S. "Dreadnought," laid down on 2nd October, 1905, and commissioned on 11th December, 1906?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to his predecessor in the representation of Kings Lynn on 10th March, 1909, namely, that the dates of order of heavy guns and mountings are considered confidential. In the case of the "Dreadnought," the first order given was for guns and mountings.

Am I to gather that we are never to learn from the Admiralty what is the real time taken from the date of the first effective order?

Last year I stated to the House that under ordinary circumstances a ship could be built from the first order until the period of trial in two years and three months.

Is it not a fact that the "Lord Nelson" and the "Agamemnon" were delayed for many months in order that guns and gun-mountings might be put into the "Dreadnought"?

As I have already stated that it is undesirable—I stated in March last—to give any further information on this subject, I hope the Noble Lord will respect that.

asked the Attorney-General if any cases of intimidation affecting votes during the recent General Election are in the cognisance of the Government; if so, will he state the number of such cases, and when and where they took place; and, if such cases are in the knowledge of the Government, whether it is proposed to take any action in the matter under the Corrupt Practices Act?

Three cases were called to my attention. The first case was un- accompanied by any particulars. The second was by a private person who is himself taking proceedings. The third was an important and difficult case, in which the party alleged to be intimidated had been advised by counsel, rightly I think, that a conviction was not likely to be obtained. The Government do not propose to take any action.

Is the third case one of those alluded to by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Do the Government propose to take any steps to protect electors against these wholesale charges brought by Ministers of the Crown?