asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has information to the effect that while there has, during the first quarter of 1910, been a slight decrease in the import of native opium into Shanghai the import of Foreign opium has nearly doubled; and whether this fact and the storage of large reserves of opium in Shanghai, in view of the possibility of total prohibition of export from India, indicate that the measures taken are not having the desired effect?

I have no information to this effect.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the facts that the Belgian Government's Decree of 22nd March last, embodying that Government's reform scheme for the Congo, and the Colonial Council's explanatory preamble thereto, make no provision for a recognition of Native tribal and communal rights in the land, but maintain, in its essential features, the policy in respect to land in- augurated by the Congo Government in 1892; that they invest the Congo Administration with the power of alienating land and of conferring a monopoly in the exploitation of its fruits upon third parties, and also of withdrawing from the Native communities the faculty of trading in the land's produce where such may have been granted; whether he is aware that the documents reaffirm the exclusion of the concessionnaire areas from freedom of trade; and whether, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, such measures are compatible, both as regards Native rights and freedom of commerce, with the International Acts relating to the Congo to which this country is a signatory party?

It would not be possible within the limits of an answer to discuss the many important points of controversy raised in the question. These have, besides, been the subject of recent debate. As has been stated before, His Majesty's Government will carefully watch the working out of the Belgian Government's scheme of reform for the Congo. At present His Majesty's Government are not prepared to express an opinion as to whether the proposed reforms are likely to prove satisfactory and sufficient.

asked if any steps had been taken by the Egyptian Government to safeguard the present cotton crop, in view of the serious depredations made last season by the cotton worm.

I must refer the hon. Member to the latter part of the answer given to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton on the 15th ultimo.

asked whether the acquisition of a railway concession in Persia by any Foreign Power would be regarded by Has Majesty's Government as the acquisition by that Power of a purely economic interest or of a political interest?

I am not prepared to answer a general question of this character.

Is it purely a general question? Is it not hypothetical?

I think it is both general and hypothetical.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he could give any information to the House regarding the attack made on the recent British Acting Consul (Mr. Bill) at Shiraz while he was proceeding to Isfahan about the 15th instant?

His Majesty's Minister at Tehran reported on April 17th that on April 15th Mr. Bill was attacked by robbers between Kumishe and Abade, and that two Indian sowars were killed. Sir George Barclay at once demanded from the Persian Government the despatch of a sufficient number of Bakhtiari from Kumishe to meet Mr. Bill, and insisted on reparation and the punishment of the culprits, who are believed to belong to the Kuhgelui tribe. Sir George Barclay, with the cognisance of the Persian Minister of the Interior, instructed His Majesty's Consul-General at Isfahan to proceed to meet Mr. Bill with the available Isfahan escort. The Minister of the Interior sent most stringent orders for the immediate despatch of all available Bakhtiaris from Kumishe to join Mr. Bill wherever he might be. On April 17th Mr. Bill arrived at Kumishe.

Was Mr. Bill travelling under the Government's orders?

Yes. He had with him some Indian soldiers who had been the escort of our Acting Consul.

:Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in pre-Parliamentary days in Persia this road was as safe as Pall Mall and Piccadilly?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in view of the fact that the Japanese Government had opposed the construction of the Chin-chow-Aigun Railway, which, apart from the junction, runs throughout on Chinese territory, he would say what action he proposes to take, in view of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of 1905, one of the objects of which was the preservation of the common interests of all Powers in China by ensuring the independence and integrity of the Chinese Empire and the principle of equal opportunities for the commerce and industry of all nations in China?

The hon. Member's question is based on a misapprehension of the facts. The Japanese claim participation in the line if it is built.

asked whether His Majesty's Government had received from their Minister in Pekin a copy of, or details regarding the nature of, the agreement between Messrs. Pauling and Company and the Chinese Government, providing for the construction of the Chin-chow-Aigun Railway by Messrs. Pauling and Company?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked whether China has replied to Japan's demands for participation in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway; and, if so, what is the nature of the reply?

I am not aware whether a reply has been made by China.

asked at whose instance Sattar Khan was obliged to leave Tabriz; whether the British Government took any part in compelling him to leave; and whether he hats any information as to the alleged causes for his enforced withdrawal from Tabriz?

Sattar Khan was expelled from Tabriz by the Persian Government at the instance of the British and Russian Ministers at Tehran, acting on instructions from their Governments. The step in question was, in the opinion of both Ministers and of the British and Russian Consular Representatives at Tabriz absolutely necessary, because there was no chance of the restoration of order and public confidence in the town till Sattar and Bagher Khans were compelled to leave it, and their turbulent followers were disarmed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of the grounds on which that decision was come to? What has this gentleman done?

The grounds were the personal knowledge of our representative on the spot.

Can the hon. Gentleman state what this man has done to justify such extreme action?

I have explained that in the reply.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now state the terms on which the Russian and British Governments offered a loan to the Government of Persia; and whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the correspondence which has passed on this subject?

As the Persian Government have refused to accept the conditions on which the British and Russian Governments were willing to advance to them a sum of money, and as, therefore, the incident is closed, I do not propose to lay Papers on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these conditions are discussed publicly in Berlin and St. Petersburg? Why should knowledge of them be denied to the British House of Commons?

The incident has led to no action, and I am prepared to consider whether it is desirable to lay Papers.

As the incident is closed, does the British Government propose to prevent the Persian Government from obtaining the loan from other sources?

Certainly not.

Is it not the enforcement of publicity on the Foreign Office which leads to these negotiations coming to nothing?

I think that does occasionally happen.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a cattle-drive took place on Thursday night, the 17th March last, off a farm held by Mr. W. Bathersby, near Orristown, county Meath, when seventeen cattle and thirteen lambs were driven, and the flesh of the tails of three bullocks being cut off; whether any arrests have been made; and what steps have been taken to prevent further outrages of a similar character in that locality?

I understand that a drive took place as stated one night last month and that the owner is claiming compensation. The police have not succeeded in making any arrests, but they are doing all they can to prevent further cattle-drives.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he was aware that old age pensions granted by pension committees in Ireland had been disallowed in cases in which the Local Government Board for Ireland were and still are unaware whether the name of the applicant is in the Census Returns or not; by whose authority this was done; and whether he will have the Census Returns examined in each of these cases?

As I have already informed the hon. Member in reply to a question asked by him on the 14th instant, the Local Government Board are not aware of any case of the disallowance of a pension in the circumstances which he describes. If he will furnish particulars of any such case it will be inquired into.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Local Government Board frequently admit that a pension has been withdrawn, although the Census Returns have not been examined at all?

No; I am not in a position to admit that. If the hon. Member will give me the figures I will have the matter looked into.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain from the Local Government Board on what grounds they invariably sustain the appeals of the pension officers when the committees grant applications for pensions?

Will the right hon. Gentleman state on whose authority a pension is withheld when it is voted by the pension committee, although the Local Government Board know nothing about whether the name is in the Census Returns or not?

I do not agree with the facts as stated by the hon. Member. Anything that is done in the way of appeal is done on the authority of the Local Government Board.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that the Local Government Board refuse pensions, although they do not know whether the names are in the Census Returns or not?

I do not admit that they act in that way.

It is so.

asked the Chief Secretary, in view of the admitted fact that the rules under which the Old Age Pensions Act is being administered would deprive of pensions many in Ireland who get them solely on the evidence of the Census Returns, whether he will state the duty and practice of pension officers to have those Returns examined before disallowing any pension granted by a pension committee, and the duty and practice of the officers and of the Local Government Board when in such a case the name of the applicant is not found in the Census Returns though he has always resided in Ireland?

I understand that in all cases in which satisfactory documentary evidence of age is not produced the Census Returns are searched free of charge, provided that the necessary particulars for the search are furnished. If a claimant's name is not found in the Census Returns the Local Government Board are prepared to consider any other evidence of age that may be furnished to them. The onus of proof, however, rests upon the claimant, who is given full opportunity of furnishing it, and if the evidence produced is insufficient the Board have no option but to disallow the claim.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's statement in this House that hundreds and thousands get pensions on the sole evidence of the Census Returns, will he have these Returns examined in all cases?

I say that we do examine them in all cases where it is necessary, but the difficulty largely arises from the fact that the claimant frequently is not able to state the name of the townland in which he was born or where his family lived. I believe the Census Returns are invariably searched when he tells us where he believes he was born or indicates where his family lived.

asked whether John Ryan (Rody), Foilnadrough, Kilcommon, Thurles, was granted an old age pension by the Birdhill pension sub-committee; whether he is aware that Ryan furnished the sub-committee with a baptismal certificate in support of his claim; and that the Local Government Board refused to sanction his pension on the ground of unsatisfactory evidence of birth; and whether he can state in what way the certificate was unsatisfactory?

The Local Government Board have not yet decided this case, which presents unusual difficulty, inas- much as they are unable to accept the baptismal certificate furnished by the parish priest, as it appears that it is not a copy of an entry in the parish register.

asked the Chief Secretary if his attention had been called to the cancelling by the Local Government Board of a pension which had been granted to Michael McGrath, of Coble, county Westmeath, on the grounds that the 1851 Census showed him to have been only seven years of age in that year, the same Census Return giving the ages of his sister Mary and his brother Larry as 13 and 11, respectively, in the same year; whether he is aware that on examining the parish register it was found that the said Mary McGrath was baptised upon 16th June, 1832, and would therefore now, if she were alive, be nearly seventy-eight years of age, and Michael McGrath, who has been disqualified for a pension, between seventy-one and seventy-two; and whether, in view of these and other corroborated facts, which were brought to light by the Rev. Mr. Butler, he will have this case reconsidered with a view to restoring to this man, who is in a state of abject poverty and the only survivor of his family, the pension to which he is justly entitled?

The Local Government Board were not satisfied that the Mary McGrath baptised in 1832 was the same Mary McGrath who appeared in the Census Return of 1851. The Board came to the conclusion, from the evidence before them, that the first Mary McGrath died in infancy, and that there was a second child of the same name in the family. They were not furnished with any evidence from the baptismal register as to Michael McGrath's age. It is not open to them to reconsider their decision on the appeal already lodged.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the clergyman can produce absolute evidence to prove that the Mary McGrath in the Census Return is the Mary McGrath referred to in the baptismal register?

That evidence was not before the Local Government Board. An opportunity would arise on a claim for a pension, in which case the matter will be considered.

If a fresh application is sent in will the Local Government Board reconsider their decision?

They do not reconsider their decision. If a fresh application is made then it is open just as much as ever.

asked the Chief Secretary why Mrs. Flynn, of Kilfinane, county Limerick, who was in receipt of a pension from the time the Act came into operation up to five months ago, was struck off the list; whether he is aware that the pension officer made a statement before the subcommittee that, according to the Census Returns, she was not up to the age limit, and that, after such statement was made by the pension officer, the priest of the parish wrote to the Census Office and found through an official certificate that Mrs. Flynn was 73 years old; and, having, regard to the facts of this case, whether the Treasury will pay the money "which is due to her for the past five months, and have instructions issued immediately to have her pension continued?

An appeal is pending in this case. Apparently two persons of the same name were traced in the Census Returns, one under and the other over the statutory age, and the Local Government Board are inquiring whether Mrs. Flynn can fee identified with the latter.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he would state upon what grounds Bridget M'Morrow, of Corratymore, Beagh, Dromahair, county Leitrim, was deprived of her old age pension; and whether he is aware that she produced a certificate of her marriage and others to prove that she was over the statutory age?

Bridget M'Morrow was deprived of her pension by the Local Government Board on appeal on the ground that she had not reached the statutory age of seventy. She was shown as six years of age in the Census Returns of 1851. I am informed that no certificate of marriage was produced to the pension officer.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can explain the delay in vesting the Colonel Donaldson estate, Derryboye, Crossgar, county Down, in the occupiers; and when it is now expected that the sale will be completed?

This estate is being dealt with in order of priority and the Commissioners hope to be in a position to complete the sale during the current year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, two years ago he gave the same answer and said it would be ready to be dealt with in a short time?

I do not recollect the answer. That is an infirmity of mine.

Is he aware that the infirmity is chronic?

I am quite aware that there was great delay. It was owing to the block in getting rid of these estates.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that it has been decided in the Irish Courts of Law,ex parteQuirke, 8 I.L.T.R., 194, that the words "support" and "maintenance" as applied to Irish county infirmaries do not permit of any part of the county grant being allocated for the payment of a salary to a chaplain; whether, such legal decision having been given, he can say what steps will be taken by the Local Government Board auditor in connection with the auditing of the accounts of the Sligo county infirmary, where a salary of £80 a year has been paid to a Roman Catholic chaplain; and, if the auditor holds that such payment is regular in the accounts he is auditing, will it be a precedent for the payment out of county rates to chaplains of other denominations in that and other county infirmaries?

I am aware of the decision referred to. I cannot say what action the auditor may take, or what its effect may be. All decisions of auditors as to the legality of payments charged against local funds are subject to review on appeal.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state how many evicted tenants in county Carlow have been notified to the Estates Commissioners; how many have been restored to their holdings since 1903; how many of these tenants have received grants to assist them in stocking their farms and in providing the necessary buildings; how many were refused such assistance; and the grounds for the refusal?

One hundred and fifty-four applications for reinstatement from evicted tenants or representatives of evicted tenants in county Carlow have been received by the Estates Commissioners. Eighty-four applications have, after inquiry, been refused on one or other of the grounds mentioned in the Special Report of the Commissioners on Evicted Tenants, which was presented to Parliament in 1907. Twenty-six applicants have been reinstated or provided with new holdings, and nine have been noted for consideration in the allotment of un-tenanted land. The remaining thirty-five applications were received after the date mentioned in the Evicted Tenants Act, and cannot be dealt with under it. Detailed particulars of the cases of evicted tenants reinstated and of the grants made to them appear in the Quarterly Returns presented to Parliament in pursuance of Section 3 of the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907.

May I ask whether it is a fact that Gerald Dillon, an evicted tenant under the Plan of Campaign, has been refused a grant for the farm he got from the Estates Commissioners in county Carlow?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he proposes to take any, and, if so, what, steps to enable the citizens of Dublin to hold dinners, balls, and other entertainments in the hotels, restaurants, or other places in Dublin in which such entertainments have hitherto been held; and by whose authority the regulations affecting such entertainments have been altered?

As I have already stated, I am prepared to consider the question of legislation when an opportunity arises, but it is obviously impossible to do anything in the matter at present. The difficulty arises from the state of the law, and not from any regulations.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that on the 7th of this month the hon. Member for Salford asked a similar question and was informed in reply by the Secretary of the Home Department that there were eighty-two such premises in London in which these facilities were provided?

Yes; the law differs in the two countries.

May I ask when the right hon. Gentleman hopes to introduce this legislation?

I hope to do it at an early date.

May I ask what he means by an early date?

As soon as I can.

In view of the hardship to licence holders, may I ask if it is in the power of the Chief Commissioner to grant licences for the holding of these entertainments until such time as it is made legal by Act of Parliament?

I wish it were so, but I am advised it is not the case.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can say when the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, will come into operation in Ireland; whether it is his intention, as a means of promoting its first purpose, agricultural industry, to arrange for the whole or partial redemption or extinction of the debts due in respect of labourers' cottages and plots; and whether he will give favourable consideration to joint representations with that object from district councils and from labourers?

The administration of the Act in question is not under my control.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state how many members of the Royal Irish Constabulary committed suicide since the passing of the last Constabulary Act fixing the pay of the police at a rate scarcely higher than it was previously, and despite the promises of generous treatment held out to them by the Government subsequent to the Belfast outbreak; whether any cause can be assigned for these frequent acts of self-destruction; and what action the constabulary authorities propose to take in the matter?

There have been seven cases of suicide in the Royal Irish Constabulary since the date referred to, but there is no reason whatever for connecting any of these cases with the question of pay. One of the men had been arrested on a charge of murder and had escaped. No ground, except temporary insanity, could be assigned for the other cases. With a view to prevent, if possible, such occurrences, the rule excluding from the force any candidate in whose family there has been any trace of insanity will be more strictly enforced in future.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will explain how it happens that, although the Constabulary Vote for 1910–11 exceeds that of 1909–10 by over £8,181, the counties on which charges for extra police are levied are relieved to the extent of £9,210; and for what purpose the Subsistence Allowance Vote of £18,500 has been increased to £20,000?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. If he refers again to the Estimates, which have been presented to Parliament, he will see that the Constabulary Vote for 1910–11 shows a net decrease of £4,485, as compared with 1909–10. The reduction in the estimated charges for extra police is due to the fact that at the triennial redistribution of the force in 1909 the free force was increased and the extra force correspondingly reduced. An addition was made to the Sub-head, Subsistence Allowance, because at the time of estimating it seemed certain that the amount provided for 1909–10 would prove insufficient.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the suicide of Constable Reynolds, which took place at Errismore, Galway; whether he is aware that immediately previous to the tragedy the deceased was transferred to Galway City, on instructions by wire, a distance of 56 miles; whether the relatives of the deceased were informed by an officer stationed at Galway that the cause of the transfer was that a good man was urgently required for duty in the city; and if he will state the actual cause of the transfer which so affected the mind of the deceased constable as to cause him to take his life?

My attention has been called to this case. The order for the transfer of the constable to Galway was sent by wire, but the county inspector had previously been aware that the constable desired to serve in a less remote station than Errismore. The transfer was intended solely to meet his wishes and do him a service, and there was no cause for complaint against him; but it appears that he was under the mistaken impression that he was being removed on punishment. His relatives were informed to the effect stated in the question.

May I ask whether it is not possible in the constabulary service in Ireland to give these men one or two days' notice when they are to be moved from one station to another, except, of course, in cases of temporary duty?

I think that is a very sensible suggestion and I will communicate it to the proper quarter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the suicide of Constable Brophy at Beechwood, county Roseommon; whether his transfer from Loughrea a few months ago was on his own application, and, if not, what was the cause of his removal; whether the deceased constable was actually being reported for a breach of discipline when the rash act was committed; and what steps the authorities propose to take to prevent such occurrences in the future?

I am informed by the police authorities that Constable Brophy did not apply for transfer, but was sent to Beechwood because an experienced constable was wanted there. On 4th April he absented himself from duty for no apparent reason. In the ordinary course he would have been reported for this breach of discipline, but the next day he was ill and was sent to bed. A constable was placed in charge of him, and, while the latter was lighting a fire, he committed suicide by cutting his throat. I have already answered the last paragraph of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the circumstances attending the death of Constable M'Grath, of Union Quay Barracks, Cork; whether the medical officer in attendance suggested to his authorities that the deceased man was malingering, and recommended him a diet of bread and water; whether he was obliged to sleep in the common dormitory by day and by night during his illness with no sanitary accommodation or nursing until within a few days of his death; whether the Inspector-General caused inquiry to be made into the matter; and, if so, with what result?

I am informed by the police authorities that this constable went off duty on medical certificate on 11th January. The medical attendant did not suggest that he was malingering, or order him bread and water, but his illness does not appear to have been recognised as more than a bad cold until 16th January. He was then removed to hospital, where he died of pneumonia four days later. The Inspector-General is making inquiry into the case with a view to ascertaining whether the constable received proper attention.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can say if the Estates Commissioners received an application for reinstatement from the representatives of Mr. O'Beirne, a tenant evicted from his farms at Cloney and Kilberry, on the Vers-choyle estate, South Kildare; if so, what was the date of the application; and, whether he can say when the O'Beirnes will be reinstated or provided with art equivalent holding?

The Estates Commissioners have not received any application from a person named O'Beirne for reinstatement in a holding on this estate.

asked the Chief Secretary if he has received a copy of a resolution passed at a meeting of tenant purchasers held at Charleville, county Cork, stating that, having agreed to purchase their holdings and entered into contracts for so doing previous to 15th September, 1909, those agreements cannot be carried out owing to Section 13 of the Land Act of 1909; and whether, under the circumstances, he will reconsider his former decision and introduce a non-contentious measure to repeal Section 13?

I have not received the resolution referred to. As regards the remainder of the question, I have nothing to add to my reply to the question asked by the hon. Member for Waterford on 23rd March last.

asked whether, as the farm on the Sweetman estate from which James Goodwin, of Killurin, was evicted in 1888 is in the occupation of other tenants, the Estates Commissioners will, as soon as they have any untenanted land at their disposal, consider his claim, as an evicted tenant, to a new holding?

The Estates Commissioners have decided, after inquiry, not to take any action in this case.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state why?

No; it would not be in accordance with practice or wisdom to state their reasons.

asked whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to bring in a Bill dealing with the administration of the Poor Laws in Ireland and based on the Report of the Royal Commission which took evidence on the subject in various parts of Ireland some years ago, and for which there appears to be such urgent need at present?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask if it had not been for hon. Members below the Gangway would not this matter have been dealt with two years ago?

I would refer the hon Member to my reply to a question on the subject asked by the hon. Member fox-East Down on 23rd February last, to which I have nothing at present to add.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he is prepared to carry out, the pledge he gave this House in reference to the Bill of 1908, that he would introduce and pass legislation in 1909?

Nobody is more anxious than I to pass a measure of this kind, but, unfortunately, when you come to investigate it, it contains many particulars of a highly controversial character, although there are many others on which apparently very general agreement exists. It is impossible in this Session to introduce a controversial measure of this kind.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will follow the precedent of one of his predecessors in office by remitting the tax of over Is. in the £ which has to be met by the ratepayers of county Galway, most of whom have too much to do in paying their ordinary debts, seeing that this tax has been imposed upon them for the upkeep of an extra force of police for which there never was any necessity?

There is no precedent for the remission of the extra police tax in such cases as that of county Galway, nor is there any justification for the statement that the charge was imposed without necessity.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police tax was remitted in West Mayo about ten years ago?

It was remitted in certain cases because the law officers advised that the charges were illegal.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will recommend the Treasury to give a special grant to the Galway Urban Council for the development of Salthill as a seaside resort?

This is not a purpose for which a grant of public money could be given.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board has received petitions from representatives of several bodies of tenants in the Ballinrobe union, county Mayo, requesting that body to purchase the various estates within that union, with a view to having a general migratory scheme put into operation all over that area and the grazing lands divided up in such a manner as will enable those living within the confines of that area in congested villages to be settled down as nearly as possible to their old homesteads?

The Congested Districts Board have received memorials from tenants in the Ballinrobe Union asking that various estates may be purchased. The Board will communicate with the owners of the properties in question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state what are the dates, respectively, of the appointments of Messrs. Irving, Derenelly, and Doolan as horticultural inspectors, the salary which each is receiving, and the amount of travelling expenses paid to each one during the fifteen months ending 31st March last; whether those appointments were the result of a competitive examination or of nomination; if nominated, by whom was the nomination given; whether he will give the number of horticultural inspectors employed in Ireland at the present time; how many are Protestants and how many are Roman Catholics; whether, if the above-named gentlemen are Protestants, they have been appointed to their posts through any exceptional and superior qualifications which Catholics did not possess; and whether he will say what are the duties of persons holding such offices under the Agricultural Department in Ireland?

I understand that these gentlemen are overseers not inspectors. Mr. Irving's salary is £200 a year, Mr. Derenelly's £114 rising by £10 to £150 a year, and Mr. Doolan's £110 rising by £10 to £150 a year. They are allowed second-class travelling expenses. They were not appointed by competitive examination, but selected by the Department from men trained by themselves and in their own service. All three were trained at the Albert Agricultural College, Glasnevin, and have been in the Department's service for over five years. The Department have not made, and do not intend to make, any inquiry as to the religion of their officers.

asked whether the attention of the Government has been directed to the statement of Earl Spencer, contained in Hansard, Vol. 99, 15th August, 1901, that he, when Viceroy of Ireland, had promised compensation for loss of income, conditional on the loss proving permanent, to professors of the Queen's University affected by the dissolution of that university; whether that permanent loss, amounting in some cases to half the previous income, has been sustained by some professors; and whether the Government proposes to make good the promise of the Viceroy?

If the hon. Member will refer again to Hansard for the date mentioned he will see that the statement that Lord Spencer made the promise referred to in the question is inaccurate, and he will further find that it was distinctly stated on behalf of the Government of the day that the Treasury, having considered the matter in all its bearings both legal and equitable, had come to the conclusion that these professors had no claim to compensation. The matter cannot now be reopened.

asked the Prime Minister when the Foreign Office Vote will be taken; and if he is prepared to give time for the House to discuss the policy of His Majesty's Government as regards the Suez Canal and Somaliland?

I am not able to say when the Foreign Office Vote will be taken. I understand that some hon. Members propose to raise the question of Somaliland on the Vote on Account. No doubt an opportunity for discussing the policy of His Majesty's Government, as regards the Suez Canal, will arise on the Foreign Office Vote.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the Milk and Dairies Bill, and to the general desire expressed by the representations of producers and consumers alike that general legislation on this subject should be passed this Session; and whether, under these circumstances, he will afford facilities for this Bill to be read a second time upon the day when the Committee stage of the Consolidated Fund Bill is taken?

No, Sir, I am afraid not. From the information that reaches me I do not think that the Bill in question can be regarded as non-contentious.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the President of the Local Government Board, speaking on behalf of the Government, has for the last two years given a pledge to bring in a comprehensive measure dealing with the question of the milk supply of this country?

That is so.

Does not that modify the Prime Minister's answer?

No. The answer I have read was settled in consultation with my right hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give an approximate date for the publication of the Report of the Royal Commission on University Education in London; whether the evidence already taken is about to be placed at the disposal of the senate of the university; and whether the evidence to be taken in future will also be so placed?

I understand from the Chairman that steps are being taken with a view to the publication of the evidence already given before the Royal Commission, which will thus be at the disposal of the senate of the university. It is impossible to give an approximate date for the publication of the Report of the Commission. The answer to the third part of the question is that this is a matter wholly within the discretion of the Commission.

asked when the Bill embodying the Veto Resolutions will be in the hands of Members?

I hope some time next week.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to lay their schemes of sickness and invalidity insurance before Parliament in advance of the General Election?

I have no statement to make on the subject at present.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will say how many times in each month during the fishing season the boat used by the Fisheries Department (Ireland) visited the coast off the Old Head of Kinsale, county Cork; is he aware that this coast is frequented by large steam trawlers who sweep the bays between the headlands, doing harm to the fishing industry in this district; and whether he will consider the advisability of increasing the number of boats for policing these waters, as one boat for the whole coast line is inadequate for this purpose?

The "Helga" visited this coast three times in October last, twice in November, February and March, and once in December. She has also been there this month. No steam trawler was observed working inside the prohibited limits, nor have the Department received any complaint on the subject. The funds of the Department will not admit of their providing a second vessel to patrol the coast, but arrangements have been made under which the "Granuaile," belonging to the Congested Districts Board, helps in the work.

asked whether the Department have considered the advisa- bility of circulating among horse breeders in Ireland a pamphlet similar to that issued by the English Board of Agriculture, giving a full description of the various types of horses required for Army purposes, in order to encourage the breeding of suitable horses?

The Department have considered this matter, but it does not appear to them that there is any special need for the issue of such a pamphlet in Ireland, where the class of horses required for the Army is well known. If, however, there is any strong desire expressed for it, the Department will be prepared to have the pamphlet circulated in Ireland.

asked whether the Department of Agriculture will point out to county committees of agriculture, and other bodies organising shows which receive grants from the funds of the Department, that it is desirable that prizes should be offered in such shows for horses suitable for purchase by the Army authorities for remount purposes.

The Department will consider this suggestion.

asked whether, in the event of district councils resisting the enforcement of the Cowsheds and Dairies Order in Ireland, the Local Government Board is empowered to enforce it and surcharge the, district council with all cost incurred thereby; and whether such charge, if any, would be an individual or all union charge?

The Local Government Board are advised that this Order may be enforced against a local authority in the same way as other cases of refusal to discharge statutory duties, and it would, presumably, be competent for the court to award costs against the local authority. Such costs would no doubt, be payable out of the district fund, but the auditor would have to decide whether the expense had been incurred in circumstances making it a proper charge against the rates.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, if the Cowsheds and Dairies Order is enforced by the Local Government Board, it will have a very damaging effect on the co-operative creamery business in Ireland; and whether, having regard to the fact that it penalises those who sell milk to creameries or otherwise, and will have the effect of compelling farmers to revert to the antiquated system of dairying, he will consider the advisability of instituting an inquiry with a view of amending the Act?

The Local Government Board have no reason to think that this Order will injure creameries or cause a return to the system of home dairying. There is, therefore, no necessity for the suggested inquiry.

asked the Chief Secretary if he would grant a Return standing in the hon. Member's name showing the number of appointments made since the 1st day of January, 1906, in Ireland, of persons appointed to public offices, including offices in the National University, who have been connected with the "Freeman's Journal?"

No Sir.

Considering that this element in the administration has become a regular by-word in Ireland, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision?

No. I can only say that in my opinion writing articles in a newspaper is neither a qualification nor a disqualification.

Why is the right hon. Gentleman afraid to publish this Return?

Because the suggestion is that the appointments were made because of the reasons suggested in the question, which is not the case.

Are the only appointments which are given to journalists confined exclusively to members of the "Freeman's Journal"?

I am not aware that that is so. No appointments are given to a journalist because he is a journalist.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can state the denominations and areas of the untenanted lands in the Parliamentary Division of Mid-Tipperary which could be used, if acquired by the Estates Commissioners, for the enlargement of the uneconomic holdings in the division; and whether he can state the areas and denominations of such lands in reference to which the Estates Commissioners are in negotiations for their purchase and distribution?

The records of the Estates Commissioners are not kept by Parliamentary Divisions. As regards the first part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the Return of Untenanted Lands presented to Parliament in 1906 (No. 250 of that year). The Estates Commissioners have made offers for estates comprising 2,460 acres of untenanted land in county Tipperary. They have already acquired 9,720 acres of such land in the county. It would not be in the public interest to give details of the cases in which negotiations are pending.

asked, in view of the fact that Patrick Nolan's cottage and plot were inadvertently omitted by the inspector from the order which he made regarding the Thurles Rural District Council's Improvement Order, whether he will take steps to provide Nolan with a cottage and plot, which the negligence of the inspector deprived him of; whether he can state the answer of the Local Government Board to the council's inquiry in reference to this omission; and whether the inspector refused to give any explanation when appealed to by the council?

I understand the inspector had no power to issue a supplemental order in this case, as his original order dealt with the council's improvement scheme as a whole. In these circumstances a new cottage and plot can only be provided for Nolan under a further improvement scheme made by the council after the usual preliminaries. The Local Government Board have received no complaint of a refusal on the part of their inspector to explain the omission.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners, before declaring the lands of Francis C. Osborne, situate at Fourknox, county Meath, an estate, will make inquiries why an agreement signed by the largest tenant on the estate was not lodged?

The purchase agreements in connection with this estate were not lodged until March, 1908. The estate will be dealt with in order of priority, and when the property is being inspected due inquiry will be made as regards any holdings in respect of which no purchase agreements have been lodged.

asked whether the Chief Secretary has received a copy of a resolution passed at a meeting of tenant purchasers on several estates in the neighbourhood of Charleville who entered into contracts with the landlords before 10th September, 1909, but which now cannot be carried out owing to the change in the annuity rate under the Irish Land Act, 1909 calling on the Government to pass into law a Bill to ratify the contracts thus entered into, and to enable them to purchase at the 3¼ per cent, annuity rate; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have just given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for North Cork.

In view of the facts of this question, does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Land Act of last year still facilitates land purchase?

asked for information respecting the scenes of disorder on the Pollock estate, in Galway, on Saturday and Sunday last; and what action he proposes to take against those who organised the disturbances?

I understand that on Saturday and Sunday last large crowds assembled and drove the cattle off three farms on this estate. The question of the steps to be taken against the persons concerned is under consideration.

asked whether the Chief Secretary's attention has been called to the fact that a majority of magistrates sitting at Longford Petty Sessions have refused informations in the charge of conspiracy preferred against the hon. Member for North Longford and other persons; and whether it is the intention of the Attorney-General to send a Bill to the grand jury in this case?

On a point of Order. May I call attention to the fact that the hon. Member for North Armagh —[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order."]—the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh (if it is not one, it is the other)—

The hon. Gentleman had better deal with one at a time.

There is also Question No. 115 on the Paper, and I wish to ask whether it can be taken out of its order, so that I may deal with this latest carrion-crow statement?

The interruption of the hon. Member has, of course, delayed the chance of reaching Question 115.

I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the hon. Member's question. As to submitting a Bill to the grand jury in this case, the matter will receive the Attorney-General's attention.

Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware of the fact that during the recent General Election large numbers of Radical traders and labourers were boycotted by Tory candidates and their agents, honourable, right honourable, and dishonourable in this country?

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether, during the Budget Debate in the Legislative Council of the Governor-General of India, hon. Members who are natives of India made any protests regarding the present policy of the Government in respect of opium?

So far as the Secretary of State is aware, no protests against the policy have been made, though the loss of revenue which it involves was the subject of regret.

Is it not the fact that several very distinguished members of the Council protested strongly against the continued revenue from opium?

It is true that, speaking generally, both the cultivator and the taxpayer in India have acquiesced willingly in the reduction of opium. Nevertheless and naturally the loss of revenue and the consequent necessity of replacing it from other sources produce occasionally some expressions of regret.

asked whether, during the recent Budget debate in the Governor-General of India's Council, the need for legislation to check the growth of fraudulent provident societies, calling them- selves insurance societies, was urged; and whether the Governor-General in Council has intimated to the Secretary of State his intention of complying with this request?

The subject has been discussed in the Imperial Legislative Council and is engaging the attention of the Government of India, but no proposals have as yet been submitted to the Secretary of State.

asked whether, under the existing regulations of the Madras University, students can go through their university course and take their degrees without having studied their own vernacular languages; and, if so, whether the Secretary of State will consider the propriety of making representations to the Madras Government in favour of compulsory training in the vernacular?

Under the regulations of the Madras University a student whose mother tongue is one of the South Indian languages must, during his first and second years, undergo a course of study in composition in the vernacular. The Secretary of State sees no reason for addressing the Government of Madras on the subject.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a worse case than that of the Irish language which was discussed last night, this case relating to the living languages of these people?

asked whether the Government of India proposes to examine its standard of expenditure in view to a reduction, in consequence of the statement made by the Finance Member of Council to the effect that, owing to the loss of the opium revenue and demands for further expenditure in many directions, the present standard of administration will ultimately be beyond the means at the command of the Government?

The Government of India have not communicated to the Secretary of State any proposal for a special examination of their standard of expenditure. The Finance Minister's statement shows, however, that they are fully alive, as is the Secretary of State, to the necessity of restricting expenditure. They have drawn the attention of provincial Governments to the necessity of keeping their expenditure within the limits of their assigned revenues.

Will the Secretary of State consider whether the proposed separation of judicial and administrative functions is not a matter in which some saving might be effected by leaving things as they are?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if there were any agreements, treaties, or proclamations entered into with the Somali chiefs or issued to them before the Protectorate was established over Somaliland; and if any promises or any engagements were made on our side whereby the Somalis might have been made to believe or think that they had acquired a future and indefeasible claim and right, as British subjects, to the protection, assistance, and support of the British nation?

Certain treaties were made with tribes on the Somali coast before the Protectorate was established. In some of those treaties the British Government undertook to extend to the tribe concerned the gracious favour and protection of Her Majesty the Queen-Empress. In the remaining treaties no such undertaking was given.

Before the Government authorised the withdrawal of the troops to the coast, were the chiefs, with whom arrangements and agreements were made, and the Protectorate established, consulted?

The Commissioner was in constant touch with those chiefs who still remained friendly to His Majesty's Government, but, of course, some of the tribes with whom treaties have been made have not remained on friendly terms with the Government. The whole matter is a complicated one, but I understand I may have an opportunity this evening of referring to the matter in a Debate upon it this evening.

Has the hon. Gentleman the names of the tribes who were friendly to us and who have ceased to be friendly?

I have a very full list of the tribes and of what has happened to them since the original date in 1886, but I could not make a full statement on the subject by way of question and answer across the floor of the House. I hope to have an opportunity this evening.

asked whether complaints have been received that the rolling stock of the Government railway in the island of Mauritius is insufficient to provide for the transport required by the sugar-cane industry, and that great loss is caused thereby to the inhabitants; and, if so, what steps are being taken to make good this deficiency before the commencement of the sugar-cane harvest of 1910?

Orders are about to be placed in this country for a considerable quantity of rolling stock.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the orders were given in time for the harvest?

I cannot say without notice.

asked whether the hon. Gentleman has any information with reference to military operations now in progress in the region of the Nigerian Protectorate?

The operations to which the hon. Gentleman refers have been undertaken with the object of securing the safety of the station at Obudu and of the Obudu-Ogoja road and opening up the Obudu-Katsena Allah road. Obudu and Ogoja are the two northernmost stations in the Eastern Province of Southern Nigeria, and Katsena Allah is the nearest frontier station of the Northern Nigeria Government. According to my information, the operations, which I trust will not necessarily involve fighting, are being conducted exclusively by the Southern Nigeria Government, but no report of their progress has yet reached the Secretary of State.

asked whether a White Paper was issued from the Colonial Office recording the conviction in East Africa of Captain Grogan for unlawful assembly and riot, and that no official record has been issued of the fact that the conviction aforesaid was quashed on appeal; and whether, seeing that improper and defamatory use has been made of the official record of the conviction, he will give equal publicity to the record of the quashing of the same on appeal?

Captain Grogan's conviction for unlawful assembly is recorded in the correspondence presented to Parliament in July, 1907, Cd. 3562. The conviction was quashed on appeal on a technical point. The Government entered an appeal against this decision, but withdrew the appeal on the receipt of the expression of Captain Grogan's regret for the incident which formed the subject of the original trial and an undertaking that he would not bring any action against the Government or against any officer of the Government in connection with it. The Secretary of State is willing to lay Papers in continuation of Cd. 3562 if it can be shown that Captain Grogan is suffering as the result of the publication of Cd. 3562 without the subsequent Papers.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists in Carlow at the delay in the completion of the work of the telephone service; whether he is aware that some weeks ago the secretary of the General Post Office wrote from Dublin that they were awaiting the authority of the Treasury in order to commence the work without delay; and whether he will take the necessary steps to obtain the authority of the Treasury in order to have the work proceeded with?

I am in communication with the Treasury on the subject, and hope shortly to receive their decision.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware of the loss and inconvenience suffered by the people of the sub-districts of Crosspatrick and Galmoy, two thickly populated villages in North Kilkenny, which include magistrates, county and district councillors, and police by reason of the want of a Sunday postal delivery in those places; and, seeing that the extra cost which may be incurred by employing one of the existing rural postmen to deliver letters from Johnstown to those places would be trifling compared to the loss and inconvenience sustained by this non-delivery, whether he will consider the advisability of causing due inquiries to be made with a view to remedying this grievance?

I am having inquiry made on the subject, and will acquaint; the hon. Member with the result.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the advisability of making the necessary arrangements for having a trunk line established by which Galway city may be put into telephonic communication with other parts of the country; and whether, seeing that such towns as Ennis have such accommodation, he will give similar commercial facilities to Galway, the chief town of the Western Province and containing 14,000 inhabitants?

The Trunk telephone system is now being extended under guarantee to Athlone, which is on the route to Galway. I have offered an extension of the system to Galway itself under the usual guarantee, but so far the offer has not been accepted.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the pension officer is entitled to appeal when a pension has been refused by the pension committee under the Old Age Pensions Act; is there any case of the pension officer so appealing; and, if so, will he state how many; and whether in England, Scotland, Wales, or Ireland?

Under Section 7 (1) (c) of the Old Age Pensions Act, a pension officer may appeal against a decision of a local pension committee refusing a pension. As a general rule, however, pension officers do not appeal in such cases, as it is considered that if a claimant is dissatisfied with a refusal of a committee to award a pension, he himself is the proper person to enter an appeal to the Local Government Board. There has been a small number of cases of pension officers so appealing, but no precise statistics are available.

May I ask whether the chief function of pension officers is to object to pensions when they are granted?

No, there is no chief function at all. All their function is to see that the person who is entitled to a pension gets it, and that the person who is not entitled should not get it.

Why is it that they do not appeal when the pension is refused?

I have already stated there is a small number of cases in which they have so appealed, but in every case the person who does not get a pension is entitled himself to appeal to the Local Government Board.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these poor pensioners are not in a position to appeal?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he has received the petition of the ex-Royal Engineers employed in the Ordnance Survey in Ireland, forwarded to him on 26th January; and whether he is prepared to consider the claims of these men?

I have received the petition referred to. The matters raised in it will be referred to the Committee which is about to be appointed to inquire into various questions connected with the conditions of employment in the Ordnance Survey Department.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he proposes to introduce legislation to restore the law of Scotland in regard to the liability of an heir of entail to take over the sheep stock on a farm at a fixed price upon the termination of the lease, to what it was commonly considered t0o be before the decision in the Ardery case?

A similar question was put to me on 29th March of last year by the late Member for North Ayrshire, when I answered as follows:—

"If the Government can be assured on the part of those whose interest are involved in the question which was decided in the ease referred to, that there is a measure of practical unanimity with regard to the character of the legislative remedy desired, they will be prepared to consider what steps can be taken to secure the object mentioned in the hon. Gentleman's question."

May I ask if there was not considerable unanimity on all the electioneering platforms during the late election, and whether the Lord Advocate will not now introduce a Bill to find out who, if any, are opposed to it?

I am not aware of that. At any rate, we cannot introduce legislation in this Session of Parliament.