asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether either of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the failure of the last cotton crop in Egypt had yet reported; and whether any information had been received as to the alleged substitution of natives for whites in the administration of the irrigation system?

I am not aware whether either Commission has yet reported: I have no information as regards the second part of the question. I am making inquiry on both points.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he was aware that prior to any British representative or commercial traveller calling upon Swedish merchants or consumers for the purpose of negotiating sales of tin plates, black plates, or galvanised sheets or other commodities, a licence valued at £5 had to be taken out; and if he was prepared to negotiate with the Swedish Government with a view of getting the licence duly abolished?

I am aware that all British and other foreign commercial travellers exercising their calling in Sweden are required, and have been required for several years, to take out a licence at a cost of 100 kronor or about £5 11s. The licence is available for thirty days, after which a renewal fee becomes payable. Similar fees are payable in some other foreign countries, and representations with regard to the matter have been made from time to time to the principal foreign Governments concerned. Having regard, however, to the small success which has attended these representations, and to the fact that there is no differential treatment, I do not think there there would be any advantage in taking action in the direction suggested at present; but the matter shall be borne in mind with a view to reverting to it on the occasion of any favourable opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would lay upon the Table of the House the reports which have been received last year and this from the British Consular staff on the Congo?

I must refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for North-West Norfolk on 14th April.

asked if any representations were made by His Majesty's Government to the Government of Belgium relating to the scheme of reforms for the Congo between the introduction of that scheme into the Belgian Chamber and the Royal Decree of 22nd March, with a view to securing improvements?

His Majesty's Government did not make representations to the Belgian Government during the period mentioned, but they asked for, and received, explanations which, in their opinion, justified them in awaiting the further development of the scheme of reforms.

Did the right hon. Gentleman succeed in getting any modifications through these representations?

No, the explanations were given confidentially. I hope they will be realised.

asked if His Majesty's Government were aware of the Belgian Government's intentions, as specified in the Royal Decree of 22nd March last, to withhold freedom of commerce in large areas of the Congo territory until July 1911 and 1912, respectively, and to maintain forced labour for revenue purposes within those areas for the same periods; and whether His Majesty's Government are of opinion that the Belgian Government's policy in this respect is compatible with the international obligations that Government contracted when it annexed the Congo State?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have already in Debate on 10th March stated my views in regard to the point raised in the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention was drawn at the time to the publication in the Belgian Grey Book of last July of correspondence on the subject of the Congo between His Majesty's Minister at Brussels and the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs in January of that year; and on what grounds was this correspondence omitted from the British White Book published in June last year?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The correspondence referred to was not published in the White Book of June last, because the latter formed part of a special set of Papers containing a series of communications exchanged by the two Governments. It will be seen from the title-page of Africa No. 2, 1909, that that. White Book is a continuation of Africa No. 5, 1908.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the movement in the United States of America in favour of a league of peace, and of the action proposed to be taken in the House of Representatives at Washington in the matter, more especially to the proposal of calling an International Conference for the purpose of considering the possibility of limiting the armaments of the nations of the world by international agreement; whether the Government ban see their way to assist the realisation of such a project; and if, in view of the existing feeling in the United States, he would consider the present moment an opportune one for reintroducing, for ratification between the Governments of the English-speaking Powers, an arbitration treaty on the lines of the one which was before the United States Senate a few years ago?

His Majesty's Ambassador has reported to me certain resolutions of the Annual Arbitration Conference, relating generally to the preservation of peace and the limitation of armaments, which, it is understood, are now being considered in the House of Representatives. I need not say that His Majesty's Government will follow these discussions with sympathetic interest, but until they know what effect is given to them by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the United States Government, it would be premature to take any steps in the matter. His Majesty's Government have already signed an Arbitration Convention with the United States Government which was laid before Parliament in August, 1908.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the widespread and unrestricted traffic in the sale of rifles, guns, revolvers, and ammunition to irresponsible persons in Ireland, and the increase in the number of outrages on the person and property committed since the removal in 1906 of the restrictions imposed by the Peace Preservation Act, he will now consider the propriety of re-enacting the provisions of that Statute.

The number of firearms in the possession of the people has considerably increased in recent years, and there has been some increase in the number of offences committed with firearms. This condition of things is, however, not peculiar to Ireland. The matter is one which, in my opinion, demands serious consideration; and while the Government do not contemplate the re-enactment of the provisions of the Peace Preservation (Ireland) Act, they are considering whether, in the interests of the public safety, some legislation restricting the possession of firearms in the United Kingdom generally may not be desirable.

When may we expect to hear the result of these deliberations?

I can only ask the hon. Member to exercise patience.

We have exercised a great deal of patience.

Can the right hon. Gentleman announce the decision before 12th July?

I should be very glad to do so.

asked when the official statement of Irish exports and imports for the year 1909 will be published?

It is expected that the report referred to will be ready for presentation to Parliament early in August.

asked what was the amount levied in respect of extra police charges in Ireland for the half-year ending 31st March, 1910.

The total amount to be levied for extra police charges in Ireland in respect of the half-year ended 31st March, 1910, is £17,988 8s. 6d.

asked what was the total number of cattle drives reported to the constabulary up to 31st May, 1910, and the number of cases in which prosecutions have been instituted by the police against persons concerned in cattle driving?

The total number of cattle drives reported to the police up to 31st May last was 1,372. Prosecutions were instituted in 220 of these cases.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that two cattle drives have taken place recently in the vicinity of Ballymote, on the farms of Mr. R. R. Gorman and Mr. P. Quigley; whether any persons have been arrested in connection with the drive; and what steps are being taken to protect the cattle from further outrage?

Fourteen cattle belonging to Mr. Gorman, and a cow and calf belonging to his herd, Mathew Quigley, were driven off a farm near Ballymote on 20th May. There was only one drive, and all possible precautions are being taken by the police to prevent its repetition. No arrests have been made.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that injury was done to the cattle and sheep of Mr. Michael Costello in the course of a cattle drive on 3rd June at Bushy Park; and whether he proposes to take any action against the persons concerned in respect of cruelty to the cattle occasioned by their action?

In this case six persons have been returned for trial on the charge of unlawful assembly, and have also been bound to keep the peace. It is not proposed to proceed against the persons concerned for cruelty to the cattle which were driven two miles. The police understand that one or two of the animals were lame after the drive, but no injury was apparent.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that at the quarter sessions held at Athlone Mr. Mulock was awarded £128 compensation in respect of injuries inflicted on his cattle whilst they were being driven; whether his attention has been called to the evidence of Head-Constable Kyne to the effect that on the third drive the cattle were severely treated and savagely beaten; and whether he proposes to take any action against the drivers for cruelty to the cattle?

I am aware that Mr. Mulock was awarded compensation as stated in the question. The constabulary authorities inform me that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension in supposing that the evidence showed that the cattle were savagely beaten. No person can be identified as having struck the animals. Proceedings have been taken in connection with these drives against fifty-four persons, of whom twenty-two were discharged and thirty two were bound over to keep the peace. It is not proposed to prosecute the drivers for cruelty to the cattle.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that, on 14th and 15th April, at Ballycashen, in the Corofin district, a mare, belonging to Martin M'Gann, of Gortadene, was maliciously shot blind in both eyes; and whether the authors of the outrage had been discovered and punished?

The facts are as stated. The authors of this outrage have not been discovered.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the successful establishment of a fish-canning industry in Dingle, he will state if the Congested Districts Board will make inquiries as to the suitability of Valentia for a similar industry and use its influence to secure its establishment?

The Congested Districts Board have only very recently assisted in the opening of the mackerel-canning industry at Dingle. If a little experience shows that it is successful the Board will be glad to assist in any well-considered project for the establishment of the industry at such places as may be suggested by capitalists.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is now in a position to state what is the proposed limit of age for illiteracy under the Census (Ireland) Bill?

No limit of age for illiteracy is prescribed by the Census (Ireland) Bill now before Parliament or by any of the previous Irish Census Acts, but the Census forms to be filled by householders provide for a return showing in the case of every person in Ireland whether he or she can read and write, read only, or cannot read. From these returns it is possible to classify the illiterates at any age which may be determined upon for the purpose of the tables which accompany the Census Report. The form of the tables to be published in connection with the Census of 1911 will be carefully considered by the Census Commissioners in order to avoid conveying a false impression with regard to the amount of illiteracy in the country, and will be subject to the approval of the Irish Government. The question of an improved tabulation of illiteracy has been specially noted for immediate consideration by the Census Commissioners when appointed.

asked whether, out of five solicitors recently appointed resident magistrates, four were gentlemen carrying on business in the North of Ireland and one at Clonmel; whether the names of any Dublin solicitors were considered; and whether they are equally well qualified to perform the duties?

The facts are as stated. The applications of all candidates for appointment, including some Dublin solicitors, were duly considered. Many of the unsuccessful candidates were, no doubt, fully qualified to discharge the duties of the office.

asked whether the Returns of the Registrar-General show any change in the proportion of deaths in Ireland due to tuberculosis?

The Registrar-General's Returns show that the total number of deaths from all forms of tuberculosis in Ireland have decreased from 11,679 in 1907 to 11,293 in 1908, and 10,594 in 1909. The marked decrease in the number of deaths from tuberculosis is very gratifying, and must prove a great encouragement to those who for some years past have been engaged in a strenuous effort to check and extirpate the disease.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is a fact that during the past twelve months the Registrar-General has adopted a completely different method of classification in the mortality Returns, and that that accounts for a considerable amount of the decrease?

I do not want to exaggerate or to minimise the decrease. The figures are as I have given, showing a decrease.

Is it not due to the new method of classification?

I do not know that there has been any change, but even if there has, I do not think it would have the effect suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction have been prosecuted by the North Dublin Rural District Council for a nuisance to the public health created by a manure heap at the Albert Farm, Glas-nevin, and that it was pleaded that the Department was above the law; will he state the result of the prosecution; and what steps will be taken to prevent the public health being endangered in this manner?

A summons was issued on behalf of the North Dublin Rural District Council against the Agricultural College at Glasnevin for keeping manure in the manure pit attached to the farmyard, on the ground of its proximity to the farm dairy. The Department pleaded that the manure pit, which has occupied its present position since the institution was built, is neither a nuisance nor a danger to public health, and this view was supported by certificates from high public health and veterinary authorities. The result of the proceedings was that the magistrates suggested a conference between the officers of the Department and of the district council, and adjourned the case for two months. No such ridiculous plea as that suggested by the hon. Member was employed on the occasion referred to.

asked whether there are 4,496 teachers at present employed in Ireland as principals or assistants untrained; and if the Commissioners of National Education have made any arrangement with the authorities of the training colleges whereby a certain number of places should be reserved for these teachers, who, at considerable sacrifice, were willing to undergo a two years' course to fit them for the work of educating the people's children?

According to the last Annual Report of the Commissioners of National Education, there were 4,496 untrained teachers employed in national schools in Ireland. The Commissioners have included in their rules for 1910–11 a provision by which they reserve to themselves the power to require a certain number of places in a training college to be set apart for untrained teachers employed in national schools.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that goods of other than British origin are being imported into Portuguese East Africa stamped with coloured portraits of their Majesties the King and Queen, and purporting to be of British origin; and, if so, whether any measures will be adopted to prevent this practice?

My attention has been called to a statement made by His Majesty's Consul at Lourenco Marques in his Annual Report for 1909, to the effect that goods of non-British manufacture are being sold in Portuguese Africa made up in such a way as to suggest that they are of British origin. His Majesty's Consul is being instructed to make further inquiry and to furnish fuller information, with specific details, upon the subject, in order that I may be in a position to consider what action it may be possible to take.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the answer made to a deputation by the Governor, on the eve of leaving Nyassaland in March, to the effect that he agreed to discountenance labour recruiting for places outside the Protectorate, indicates any change in the policy of the Imperial or local Government?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that under Clause 23 of the Consolidated Labour Ordinance of the Government of Nyassaland, whereby recruiting is prohibited but power is taken by Government to make special arrangements when required, labour is being exported from Nyassaland for Zambesia, the Transvaal, and Southern Rhodesia; and whether he has received from the Associated Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce of Nyassaland any representations to the effect that labour in that Protectorate is insufficient for its proper development?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the Secretary of State has received from the Government of Nyassaland a copy of a memorandum on the labour question which was laid before him by the Chamber in March last, but from which it appears that the fears of the Chamber as to a shortage of labour have reference to the future rather than to the present.

asked whether any steps have been taken recently for securing concerted action between this country and the rest of the Empire to afford greater protection to rare species of birds and to put further impediments upon the sale of the plumage of such birds?

The Secretary of State has appointed an informal conference composed of representatives of the Colonial Office and the British Museum, to consider what steps can be taken.

asked whether, in view of the desirability of encouraging officers of the Colonial Office in East and West Africa to undertake the responsibilities of domestic life, financial arrangements could be made by which, when such officers have to take their leave, their wives and families could accompany them?

The matter to which my hon. Friend refers is receiving the most careful consideration of the Secretary of State.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the practice, which is increasing, of weighing the paper or wrapper along with the goods sold, especially in the matter of groceries, confectioneries, and drugs; and whether, in the interest of the purchasing public, he proposes to introduce legislation to prohibit the practice?

My attention has been called to the practice referred to by my hon. Friend, but I am not aware that it is an increasing one. The question is not free from difficulty, and it is receiving careful consideration, but I am not at present in a position to promise legislation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the increased duties placed upon black plates and galvanised sheets by the Swedish Government; if he is prepared to negotiate with the Swedish Government with the view of getting the increased duties abolished and for the black plates and galvanised sheets to be imported free of duty in the same manner as tin plates are at present; and if he will state what are the increased duties placed upon black plates and galvanised sheets?

My attention has been called to the increases in duty proposed. The views of Chambers of Commerce and of several important industrial associations on the probable effect of the proposed new Swedish tariff have been invited, and the replies received are now under consideration with a view to a decision being arrived at as to the nature of any communications which it may be thought to be desirable to make to the Swedish Government on the subject. The proposed tariff rates on black plates and galvanised sheets are too long to quote, but I will have a statement setting out the rates printed in the Votes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Cork Harbour Commissioners recently charged the steamer "Arabic" for pilotage on calling at Queenstown, as if the said steamer had been a ship coming within the terms of the special agreement under the provisions of the Cork Harbour (Pilotage) Act, 1892, applying only to Transatlantic ships, although the said steamer was in fact upon a voyage from the Mediterranean, and therefore not entitled to the reduced rate under the special agreement; and whether he will take any action in the matter?

I am informed by the Cork Harbour Commissioners that they have been advised that the "Arabic" came within the provisions of the special agreement referred to, inasmuch as that vessel was on her return voyage from New York to Liverpool, it being immaterial whether she proceeded direct from New York to Liverpool, calling at Queens-town on her homeward voyage, or called at the Mediterranean ports en route. The case does not appear to be one in which the Board of Trade can take any action.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that men signing articles as stewards and employed by the White Star Company on vessels sailing from Southampton are called upon, while at sea, to carry out painting and polishing work; and whether, in the absence of the usual health precautions prevailing in connection with painting work on land, and in view of the fact that these stewards come in contact with not only their own food but the food of passengers and others, steps can be taken to prevent the practice mentioned?

I have made inquiries into the matter referred to in this question, and am informed by the White Star Line that stewards are only employed on such work as painting and polishing either in foreign ports, when there are no passengers on board, or at sea in sections of the ship which are at the time unoccupied. While thus engaged the stewards do not come into contact with the food of passengers or others. No complaints have been received either from stewards or passengers as to the practice referred to.

Has the right, hon. Gentleman any information to show that while this practice does obtain on the boats of the White Star Line leaving Southampton, it does not obtain on the boats from Liverpool; and if it can be avoided in one case, why not in the other?

This is the report from the White Star Company. Whether there is a difference in the practice or not I cannot say.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the fact that the London and North-Western Railway are charging a toll for the use of the footpath connecting Willesden Junction with Hythe Road, Willesden; whether the Board of Trade has had any communication with the railway company on the subject; and whether this is a practice which the Board of Trade proposes to recognise?

I have sent a copy of my hon. Friend's question to the railway company for their observations, and I will communicate with him on receipt of their-reply. I am not, however, aware that the' matter is one in which the Board of Trade have any jurisdiction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it is the intention to collect and publish information in regard to earnings, hours of labour, and the social condition of the workpeople of Spain, Italy, and Russia on similar lines to the Reports already issued dealing with France, Germany, and Belgium?

There is no present intention of undertaking an investigation of the character suggested by my hon. Friend.

Would the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision with regard to these countries in view of the fact that the workers in these countries are without protection?

I think the reason why we did not extend the inquiry to these inquiries was that we wished to deal first with those countries as to which a comparison could be made usefully with our country, and I do not know that any considerable advantage would be gained by a comparison with Spain and Russia. If it was felt that the inquiry could usefully be extended, of course we should do so. These inquiries are, however, somewhat expensive.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the three workrooms for unemployed women directed by the Central Unemployed Body for London are in danger of being closed for lack of funds whilst 600 women are seeking admission; and if he intends making a further grant from the £200,000 set aside by the Government with a view of keeping these workrooms going?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that the workrooms for unemployed women under the direction of the Central (Unemployed) Body of London are in danger of being closed for want of funds, while 600 women are seeking admission, most of whom, being widows with young dependent children, who have been waiting and hoping for many weeks to obtain employment; and whether, in the circumstances, he will make a grant of money in order to secure a continuance of these workrooms?

Perhaps I may be allowed to reply to this and the next question on the Paper together. I have had before me some proposals of the Central (Unemployed) Body for London for utilising certain moneys which they have in hand for various purposes, including, amongst others, the maintenance of the women's workrooms, and I have agreed to the appropriation of £500 for this purpose. The sum of £200,000 was voted by Parliament in aid of expenses under the Unemployed Workmen Act during the financial year ended 31st March last, and it is not now in my power to make further grants out of it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the clerk of the Bridgwater Union has issued a poster giving, under the description of outdoor paupers, the names of all persons in that union in receipt of outdoor relief, with their ages, extent of their families, amount of relief, cause of relief, and other particulars, and stating that this list is circulated with a view of enabling any ratepayer to report any case which in his or her opinion is undeserving of relief; and whether he authorised the issue of such a poster?

I have had no correspondence with the guardians of the Bridgwater Union on the subject, but I may powered to circulate among the ratepayers observe that boards of guardians are em-the parochial lists which give the names of the persons in receipt of indoor and outdoor relief and various particulars concerning them.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the officials in the service of the Bristol Corporation have formed themselves into an association, with a view to obtaining concessions from tradesmen upon their purchases; and whether this has been done with the sanction of the Board?

I am communicating with the corporation regarding this matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received a report from the Woolwich Borough Council respecting the proposed abolition of the municipal milk depot for supplying specially prepared milk to infants, which was established in pursuance of a private Bill affecting the borough; and if he will call for a report on the subject from the medical officer of health of Woolwich and communicate with the borough council on the subject?

I am in correspondence with the borough council on the subject of the question, and when I get a reply I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what steps the Board intends to take to secure that in all counties expert officials shall be appointed under the Insects and Pests Order, 1910; whether he can state by whose advice the particular pests named in the Schedule of the Order have been selected; and for what reason the Gooseberry Mildew, which was included in the previous Order, has now been omitted, although the disease is still prevalent?

The Board will urge local authorities to appoint such inspectors as may be necessary to execute and enforce efficiently the provisions of the Order to which the hon. Member refers. The particular pests scheduled in the Order were selected on the advice of the Board's expert officers. It was not necessary to include Gooseberry Mildew in the new Order inasmuch as a special Order dealing with that pest was already in force.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state on what day or days it is proposed to take the Scottish Estimates?

I hope we may be able to take the Scottish Estimates the week after next.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intended to introduce a Small Landowners Bill for Scotland this Session of Parliament?

I fear it will be impossible to introduce such a Bill this Session.

In that case, might I ask my right hon. Friend to consider the Bill of the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Cathcart Wason)?

I am well acquainted with it.

Will my right hon. Friend give time for the consideration of that Bill if he cannot introduce one himself?

I am afraid I cannot do so.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to give facilities for the discussion of the Resolutions with respect to the proposed Conference on the relations between the two Houses of which notice was given on Tuesday?

I am afraid that no advantage would result at this moment from such a discussion.

May I ask will the House have any opportunity of discussing this question at all before a decision is given by the Conference, or whether we are to say nothing about it?

I am sure there will be ample opportunity for saying a good deal about it in this House.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of land legislation in Scotland (especially in the crofting districts), he would appoint a Committee to consider the various Bills on the subject before the House?

The policy of the Government remains that which was indicated in my speech at Earlston in October, 1908, and I do not think that any practical purpose would be served by the adoption of the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

Would the right hon. Gentleman, for the convenience of those interested in this matter, have a report issued on the success or otherwise of the Government small holdings at Vatersay, and their effect on the rates?

I do not think that that arises in any way. Perhaps the Noble Lord will give me notice.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can publish the report of the veterinary surgeon on the death of calves on Mr. Sillitoe's farm at Newport, Salop?

One of the Board's veterinary inspectors visited Mr. Sillitoe's farm and arranged that a calf, which was thought to be suffering from the disease from which others had died, should be killed and examined. No signs of distinct disease were, however, apparent. The owner has since called in his own veterinary adviser, and we have no information that any further losses have occurred.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can warn farmers and others who buy chaff used in packing cases from abroad that they run a danger of introducing anthrax; and, if so, what means does he propose to take to make this widely known?

We have published a leaflet on anthrax, which has been very widely circulated, in which owners of stock are warned that the disease may be introduced by feeding stuffs brought on to a farm. The Board were not aware that the disease had been introduced in the particular manner mentioned and they would be obliged if the hon. Member would supply any particulars which may have been brought to his notice.

Will the hon. Gentleman go through the reports which are handed in by the Shropshire County Council, and seeing that there is such a large amount of disease there, will he go into the matter?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will confer with me on that question.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state whether auxiliary postmen become entitled to a gratuity or bonus in consequence of long service; and, if not, under what circumstances do they become entitled to assistance?

Auxiliary postmen, like all other unestablished officers who give only a portion of their time to the Post Office, are outside the scope of the Superannuation Acts. The Treasury have, how- ever, placed a fund at the Postmaster-General's disposal, out of which I award small gratuities to such unestablished part-time officers as have served at least fifteen years and are in necessitous circumstances at the time of leaving the Service.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that mail drivers employed by contractors to His Majesty's Government are required, on the issue of new uniforms, to return the old uniforms to the contractor, or, on their failing to do so, are subjected to a fine; whether such a practice is in accordance with the regulations; and, if so, what becomes of the old uniforms?

The contractors for mail cart services are required to put their drivers into uniform, but the contracts do not provide for old uniforms being retained by the men when new ones are issued. I am inquiring as to the practice, which I understand varies in different cases, and I will communicate later with the hon. Member in the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will state the scale of wages paid to the established sorting-clerks and telegraphists at the Tunstall sub-office; and whether the units of work at this office, which serves a population of about 30,000, are credited to the borough of Stoke-on-Trent, of which it forms a part?

Established sorting-clerks and telegraphists at Tunstall sub-office are paid on the scale 14s. to 40s. in the case of male officers, and 12s. to 28s. in the case of female officers. In accordance with ordinary practice, the units of work at this office are not credited to the borough of Stoke-on-Trent, but the Stoke-on-Trent post-office receives credit according to the appropriate scale for controlling the Tunstall sub-office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Tunstall has been amalgamated with Stoke-on-Trent, and will the higher rate of pay benefit Stoke as a whole?

I will inquire into that. If they are entitled to the higher rate of pay they will certainly receive it.

Owing to the federation of the Potteries?

asked the Postmaster-General if girls are being substituted for boys in the internal messenger service of the Post Office; and, if so, are they to receive less wages than have been paid to the boys?

The employment to a limited extent of girls upon in-door messenger duties instead of boys in offices where there are women employed is one of the expedients now under consideration by a Committee appointed to consider the whole question of the employment of boys in the Post Office. I am not in a position to state the conditions under which girls would serve should this expedient be recommended and adopted.

asked the Lord Advocate what total amount of money is raised by the burghs and counties in police rates; what further amount is contributed in aid by the Treasury; and what would be the increased cost if the Police (Weekly Rest-Day) Bill were put in force by all the burghs and counties?

The total audited expenditure on pay and clothing of police in Scotland in 1909–10 was £482,936, towards which a fixed Government contribution of £180,000 was paid, leaving rather more than £300,000 as a charge for these items paid out of rates. In evidence given on behalf of the Convention of Royal and Parliamentary burghs before the Select Committee on Police Forces (Weekly Rest-Day) Bill in 1908, the cost in Scotland of a weekly rest-day for police was estimated at an addition of 10 per cent, to the existing expenditure.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the firm of Cox Brothers, of Lochee by Dundee, Government contractors, does not observe the conditions laid down in the Fair Wages Clause in the payment of the mechanics employed to do the machine repairs; and whether he will have the matter inquired into and the Fair Wages Clause complied with?

No complaint as to wages paid by this firm has reached the Admiralty. From the information given in the question it is not quite clear whether the wages clause of any Admiralty contract is affected or not, but if a detailed complaint is received I shall be happy to have investigation made into it.

asked whether, in view of the statement made in the course of the-inquiry into the loss of the vessel "Thistlemoor," that it is no part of the duty of a Coastguard to watch for ships, the right hon. Gentleman will consider the desirableness of instituting a national service of coast-watchers?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, on Monday last, he will see that the arrangements for watching the coasts of the United Kingdom for wrecks are within the province of my right, hon. Friend, who, as his reply shows, is giving the matter the most careful attention.

asked when the Naval Prize Bill will be introduced?

The Bill has been drafted and is under consideration, but no date can yet be assigned for its introduction.

asked if Admiralty Circular Letter No. 16, of 7th April, 1910, defining command and military command, is intended to be read with Circular Letter No. 4157 of 28th March, 1903, or if its effect is to prevent and avoid the fusion of the present engineer and military branches?

The circular letter of 7th April was issued without reference to the circular letter of 28th March, 1903, and was intended simply to define more clearly the responsibility of officers of the different branches in their own departments.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the circular letter of 7th April has caused intense dissatisfaction in the engineering branches of the Navy, and that they read it as meaning that the new engineer officers under the scheme will be in advance when the fusion takes place next year?

The reply I have just given should be quite sufficient to relieve them from that apprehension.

Will there be any chance of discussing the question this year in the House on the Votes?

I am afraid that is not a matter within my power. I do not control the business of the House.

Will the Navy Vote for the men not come on again?

No. Vote A for the men is finished.

asked if the Order in Council requiring a Civil servant to resign on the announcement that he has been adopted as a Parliamentary candidate applies to workmen in the dockyards who are permanently employed, and if it applies to the hired men who are formally discharged on 31st March each year and re-engaged the following day; and does the rule under Order in Council prohibit the re-engagement of a workman who may have resigned to become a Parliamentary candidate?

The Order in Council referred to is applicable to all persons "serving in an established capacity in the permanent Civil Service of the State." It would, therefore, apply to established workmen, but not to hired workmen. An established workman who resigned in accordance with the terms of the Order in Council could be re-entered on the establishment on being granted a new certificate.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what is the present procedure in respect of disputed claims to old age pensions in Ireland; whether, upon an inspector's notice of objection to a grant by the local committee, the pension is stopped pending the Local Government Board's decision; if so, what authority is quoted to justify the stoppage; and whether, when a pension has been stopped and the Local Government Board has subsequently reaffirmed the local committee's decision, the payments stopped are refunded at once and in full, or whether repayment is made by instalments?

In cases in which the allowance of a claim by a Pension Committee is made the subject of appeal, there can, under Section 7 (1) (c) of the Old Age Pensions Act, be no operative grant of a pension until the appeal has been decided by the Central Pension Authority. In these cases, therefore, pension order books are not delivered to claimants until a decision by the Central Authority is arrived at. When, as is usually the case, the Local Government Board make their award operative as from the date of the original allowance by the committee, the pension officer then delivers to the pensioner a book of orders dated back to the first Friday after the date of the committee's decision.

What is the procedure in regard to pensions under appeal while being paid?

It is rather a technical subject, and I shall be glad if the hon. Gentleman will put his question on the Paper. I do not like to give an answer off-hand.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state Mr. Ronald Muir-Mackenzie's qualifications for the appointment of assistant secretary to his uncle, the Clerk to the Crown; whether he was subsequently appointed Mace Bearer, at the maximum salary of £250 a year; whether this office was then changed in name to that of Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms and the salary increased to £500 a year; whether, on a rearrangement of offices, he was further appointed an assistant secretary in the Department; and what is the total of the salaries drawn by him?

I understand from the Lord Chancellor that the facts are as follows: Mr. R. Muir-Mackenzie is private secretary to his uncle, who has an allowance of £150 per annum to provide himself with a private secretary, as to whose qualifications the Treasury do not inquire. He was recently appointed Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, on the retirement from that office of Mr. Hand—there is no office of Mace Bearer—and the salary, which is paid by the House of Lords, was raised from £250 to £350. It was at the same time arranged that he should act as assistant secretary to the Lord Chan- cellor for ecclesiastical business, for which he receives £100 per annum. His total salary at present is £600 a year.

asked whether the attendants and repairers at the Public Record Office are divided into first and second class; whether the scale of the salaries of the first-class attendants is 39s. a week, rising by an annual increment to 45s. per week, and of the second-class attendants 22s. per week, rising by au annual increment of 1s. 6d. to 37s. per week; whether the duties of the two classes are the same; whether promotion from the second to the first class is not by death or retirement, and is therefore remote and improbable; and whether he will consider the advisability of abolishing the class system, as has been done already at the Post Office, at Somerset House, the War Office, and the British Museum?

The salaries of the two classes are as stated in the question, but, in addition, one superintendent, three foremen, and three sub-foremen receive additional allowances. The numbers in the two classes are, first class, including superintendent, 16; second class, 26. The proportion of men in the higher class is, having regard to the value of the work required to be done, liberal. A block of promotion does sometimes occur. It is not the case that the duties of the two classes are identical. The attendants of the first class are employed chiefly in the arrangement and classification of the records and in duties of superintendence, those of the second class in the production of records from the strong rooms as required. The first-class repairers are, as a matter of course, employed on work requiring a greater amount of skill and experience than that entrusted to the men of the second class. The division of Civil servants into classes or grades is quite usual, and there does not seem to be a case for amalgamating the two classes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, on the occasion of the funeral of His late Majesty King Edward VII., the work on the extension of Parkhurst Prison, in the Isle of Wight, was suspended by order; whether about 109 men employed by the Home Office on the work were deprived of one day's wages; and whether, in view of the universal practice of private employers to pay wages on the day of national mourning, he will give instructions that these men shall be paid the wages for that day?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Prison Commissioners had no authority for paying the men, who are employed and paid by the hour, in respect of a day when they were not at work, but the Treasury have now, on my recommendation, sanctioned the payment.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman has completed the inquiry set on foot by his predecessor in office into the working of the public-house clause of the Children Act?

Yes, Sir, I have made inquiry in some of the great towns and selected rural districts as to the working of the Section referred to in the Children Act, and the general opinion expressed is that the Section is working well and with beneficial results to children.

asked whether the Home Secretary's attention has been called to the recent observations of Mr. Cluer, the London stipendiary magistrate, in dismissing a charge against the proprietor of a licensed house in Parnell Road, Bow, that he considered that the evidence given by the police was false; whether he has instituted any inquiry into the matter; and, if so, with what result?

The case referred to is one where a summons taken out by the police for allowing betting in a public-house was dismissed by the magistrate. This he was bound to do if he felt any doubt that the evidence presented by the police was inaccurate or incomplete; and whether his decision was right or wrong, the police have no appeal against it. The Commissioner of Police has, however, in the light of the magistrate's remarks, most carefully considered the evidence given by the police officers concerned and all the circumstances of the case, and he has come to the conclusion that there is no ground for charging them with giving wilfully false evidence or for passing any censure on their conduct.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been drawn to the case of Alfred Bransby Walter, a young man of twenty-five years of age, who has been confined at Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum since the year 1902, when he was convicted of obtaining money by false pretences; whether he is aware that, upon his father's appeal, the recorder sent the lad to Broadmoor, despite the fact that Dr. Scott, the medical officer at Brixton Prison, who had him under observation prior to the trial, always maintained his sanity; and whether, seeing that Walter persists in maintaining that he is perfectly sane, he will cause inquiry to be made into the case?

This young man was charged at the Central Criminal Court with forgery, and was found by a jury to be guilty of the offence, but insane when he committed it. The Recorder thereupon, as the statute requires, ordered him to be detained during His Majesty's pleasure, and he was removed to Broadmoor Asylum. The evidence given at the trial fully justified the view taken by the jury. The case has since received most careful consideration, and I find myself unable to take any other view than that the patient is still insane. Should any improvement in his condition manifest itself, the question of allowing his discharge from the asylum will arise, but at present there can be no question of this.

asked if an iron instrument of punishment, shaped like the figure eight, is used at Maidstone Gaol upon prisoners; if so, whether the hands of a prisoner were recently confined in this instrument for thirty-four hours, causing excruciating torture; and whether such treatment is authorised by his Department?

The figure of eight handcuff is used not as a punishment, but merely as a restraint in cases of violence in the same way as in medical cases the strait jacket is used. It is very rarely used, and only when a prisoner is specially violent and destructive. The Governor of Maidstone Prison reports that no prisoner has been so restrained at that prison for many months and that the restraint has never been continued for thirty-four hours.

asked whether it is the intention to appoint as a prison commissioner a medical man skilled in mental disease?

Dr. Donkin, who was for several years one of the Prison Commissioners, on his retirement in February last from the post of Commissioner, was retained in the position of Medical Adviser to the Prison Board, and in that position has a voice at the meetings of the Board, and exercises his medical functions as fully as he did in his former capacity. He is specially skilled in all question of mental disease, and his expert knowledge has been of great service both to the prison administration and to the Royal Commission on the Feebleminded, of which he was a member. So long as he retains his present post the appointment of a Medical Commissioner is not considered necessary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the present Prime Minister, when this question came on some years ago, very strongly urged the view that there should be a competent qualified medical man placed amongst the Prison Commissioners on the Board, and that the Board should not merely be dependent on outside medical advice?

This has already formed the subject of a Debate in this House, and I could not attempt to reply to the arguments in answer to a question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department in the course of that Debate clearly intimated that it was quite probable that a further appointment would be made to the Board?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has seen an article entitled "The Assassination of Plehve," by one of the assassins, in the "Strand Magazine" for the current month; and whether he proposes to take any action in order to prevent the publication in the United Kingdom of matter injurious to public morality and offensive to a friendly nation?

I have been in communication with the editor on the subject of this article. He had no idea, in accepting the article, that it could be regarded as containing incitements to crime or as expressing sympathy with criminals. He deeply regrets that it has produced an impression wholly different from anything he anticipated, and he undertakes that no further articles of the series shall . In these circumstances, I do not think I need take any further action.

May I ask whether the Home Secretary has any evidence to show that this article has produced any result on anybody else other than the won. Gentleman who asked the question?

I have read the article, and I am bound to say I do not think it is a very desirable publication.

asked whether, having regard to the magnitude of the losses of the public, the important questions involved, and the injury done to the best interests of the legal and insurance world by any policy capable of conveying any suggestion of secrecy, the Government is prepared by any means to institute a full and adequate public investigation into the causes of and responsibility for the failure of the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society?

I am asked by my right hon. Friend the Secretary for the Home Department to answer this question. The only means provided by law for an official investigation into the affairs of a company in liquidation is the inquiry which is Conducted by the Official Receiver into the affairs of every company which is ordered to be wound up by the Court. The powers and duties of the Official Receiver do not, however, arise until an order for winding up by the Court has been made. In the case of the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society, I understand that the making of such an order for winding up by the Court was opposed by the shareholders, and, as a result, the voluntary liquidation was continued. The company has consequently not come before the Official Receiver. The Board of Trade have no power to institute an investigation as suggested by my hon. Friend's question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe an inquiry is contemplated?

If it comes before us in the ordinary operations of law. At all events, we have no power otherwise.

asked whether any of the workmen of the Wellington Colliery, Whitehaven, or their representatives, were consulted before it was decided to close up the intake-airway on 13th May; and whether any communication on the subject from or on behalf of the workmen has been received at the Home Office or by the Inspector of Mines?

I am informed by the Inspector of Mines that there was-opportunity for the workmen or their representatives to express their views at the time the rescue operations were abandoned and directions given to erect the stopping. Some of the workmen in the pit were present when the rescue party was withdrawn from the smoke, and the Inspector thinks that Mr. Hanlon, the miners' agent, was in the colliery office when the orders were given to complete the stopping. No representations, however, were made to the Inspector at that time or later, but between 5 and 6 p.m. on the same day, some fifteen hours after the completion of the stopping, a telegram was sent by Mr. Hanlon to me asking me to give orders that the men should be allowed to continue the attempts at rescue. I was advised that any attempt to penetrate the workings would be attended with certain death to the rescue party, and was unable to sanction further loss of life.

asked whether a second outlet from the workings to the bottom of the shaft was provided in the Wellington pit, Whitehaven, such as is made compulsory in the matter of shafts or outlets from the mine by Section 169 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887; and, if not, whether he will consider the advisability of introducing a Bill making the provision of such second outlet from the workings compulsory, so as to prevent the recurrence of calamities such as that which occurred at the Wellington pit?

Yes, Sir, I am informed that the requirement in Section 16 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887, that there must be at least two shafts or outlets with which every seam for the time being at work shall have a communication, is complied with at the Wellington pit. There are two roads—an intake and a return—from the shafts to the workings, both affording good means of ingress and egress, available for the persons employed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what was the distance between these two roads, from the intake to the outlet; and whether, in addition to those, there was any means of escape from the workings?

I cannot say what was the distance between the two roads. I believe it varies in different parts of the mine. In reply to the second part, there is a general road in and the return.

May I ask for a reply to the last part of the question, whether he will consider the advisability of introducing a Bill making the provision of a second outlet from the workings compulsory?

I will consider that point. We are to have a general discussion this afternoon, and it might be more convenient to discuss it then.

May I ask if it is not within the knowledge of the right hon. Gentleman that the delegates of the miners are fully satisfied with the efforts of the colliery company at the time of the disaster?

I do not think there is any question that everything that science and heroism could contribute were employed in the endeavour to save the lives of those who were cut off.

Is it not the fact that the miners were so dissatisfied with the decision that they threatened to storm the colliery, and extra police had to be called in in order to prevent them from doing so?

It is perfectly true that, undeterred by the practical certainty of immediate death overtaking any rescue party which attempted to penetrate the workings, numbers of miners, with a heroism which commands the greatest respect, were anxious, in their despair, to make another effort, but I think that unquestionably we did right to prevent them.

Is it right that persons should spread the report that the colliery company did not take every precaution?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that patients chargeable to Poor Law unions who die in the county asylums are described as pauper patients in the notices of death sent out from the asylums; and, as such a description is not only unnecessary but very objectionable and hurtful to the feelings of the relatives at a time of bereavement, will he at once take steps to stop the practice?

I am in communication with the Commissioners in Lunacy on this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can state when the secondary school regulations will be published?

The Board have decided not to make any changes for the ensuing educational year in their regulations for secondary schools. An intimation to this effect was conveyed by a circular which was issued to local education authorities on 2nd May. I shall have much pleasure in sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular in question.

asked the Solicitor-General if His Majesty's Government will consider, in view of the arrears in the King's Bench Division whether it would be possible to shorten the long vacation of seventy-two days by eleven and the Christmas vacation of twenty days by six, thus reducing the total year's vacations of sixteen weeks and increasing the total year's sittings of thirty-six weeks by seventeen days, or, alternatively, whether it would be possible to arrange that, until the arrears are disposed of, the courts shall sit from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on the first five days of the week and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, thus increasing the sittings from the present twenty-five or twenty-seven hours to thirty-six and a half hours per week; or whether, by rearrangement and reorganisation of the judicial system, means can be found of dealing with the arrears otherwise than by the appointment of two additional judges at a cost to the country of £10,000 a year.

The subject of the question was referred by the Government last autumn to a Committee of both Houses of Parliament. That Committee reported unanimously that the arrears in the King's Bench Division should be dealt with by judges and not by Commissioners, and that two judges should be appointed immediately for the purpose of clearing the arrears, and that the other matters brought under the notice of the Committee should be forthwith considered with a view to the adoption of so much as seemed advisable. Among these matters were suggestions similar to those contained in the question. The opinion of the Lord Chancellor was fully stated before the Joint Committee, and may be found in the evidence. He, in common with the Government, has accepted the Report of the Joint Committee including the recommendation that two additional judges should be appointed.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the need of funds for the heating and cleansing of Irish national schools, the expectations encouraged by the Countess of Aberdeen and the Chief Secretary for Ireland that these funds would be provided in the current financial year, the resolutions passed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church and other representative bodies asking managers to provide their half of the cost, and the action of many managers in providing funds in accordance with these resolutions, and in the expectation that the Treasury would supply their proportion, he can now say if the expected Grant has been sanctioned?

No proposal in regard to this matter is before the Treasury officially at the present time, but I understand that the Irish Government is in communication with the Board of National Education on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as a result of the conferences which took place last year between himself and certain friendly society officials, he has agreed to the exclusion of any particular group of regis- tered friendly societies, such as deposit societies, from the benefits or privileges which may be conferred upon friendly societies by the suggested scheme for compulsory insurance against sickness and invalidity; and, if so, to what group or groups of friendly societies does the exclusion refer?

The answer is in the negative.

asked whether it is intended to have a Supplementary Estimate in connection with the funeral expenses of His late Majesty King Edward; and, if so, when is it likely to be introduced?

An Estimate is in course of preparation, and will be laid before the House in due course.

Will it be a Supplementary Estimate or an ordinary Estimate?

I think it must be a Supplementary Estimate.

asked whether the exemption of gravel from mineral rights duty included all stone used for mending roads?

The answer is in the negative, except as regards the minerals specified in Section 20, Subsection (5) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910.

Is there any reason why the exemption should be confined to roads?

That is an argumentative question which would toe more pertinent to a discussion on the Finance Act.

asked whether, now that the Development Commission was constituted, the Treasury would issue at an early date the Regulations prescribing the mode of application for advances out of the Development Fund as contemplated by Section 1 (2) of The Development and Road Improvement Fund Act, 1909?

The Regulations in question will be issued very shortly.

Is it possible for intending applicants to put in their applications at once?

Yes, I think so. If applications are sent in they will be attended to.

asked how the abatement was deducted for Income Tax from an income made up of £200 a year unearned and £180 earned—that was, if the abatement was made in fixed proportion from each or wholly from the one income or the other?

The abatement would be allowed in the case stated by the hon. Member wholly from the "earned" income under the provisions of Section 19 (2) of the Finance Act, 1907.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the event of the claim against Mrs. Pridgeon, of Victoria Road, Teddington, whose goods have been seized by issue of a writ of extente, not being substantiated, the Treasury will give her any compensation for the injury done to her, and will refund the 5s. per day which has been taken out of the earnings of her business since 21st May by the sheriff's officer; and whether the Treasury will give every facility to have Mrs. Pridgeon's case decided in the courts as soon as possible?

To the first part of the question, which is hypothetical, I cannot undertake to give a reply. As regards the second part of the question, no unnecessary delay will be caused by those representing the Crown.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention had been called to the case of Lance-corporal A. Pengelly, stationed at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, who had been deprived of his stripe in consequence of being seized with faintness whilst on duty at the funeral of the late King Edward; and if he intended taking action in the matter?

If the facts were as stated there would be a good deal in the question, but they are not. Inquiry has been made into this matter. Instructions were given to the troops lining the street to remain rigid with heads bowed while the funeral procession was passing. This lance-corporal did not comply with these instructions, but gazed about in all directions, and was properly punished for disobedience to orders.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been drawn to the case of W. Tobin, a storeman in Woolwich Arsenal for about fifteen years, who died on 11th January last after some weeks of sickness, during which he was in receipt of sick pay as allowed in the department; whether he was aware that on 11th January Tobin received a letter of discharge on the ground of medical unfitness, that shortly after Mrs. Tobin received a letter to the effect that the Treasury had decided to grant a gratuity of £18 16s. 3d., but that in consequence of Tobin's death having taken place since the application for gratuity was first submitted it would be necessary to submit the case again to the War Office; whether he was aware that on this being done a reply was received to the effect that the award previously made would have to be cancelled on the ground that the deceased man had received sick pay for the day on which he was discharged and on which he died; whether he was aware that on that day, the 11th January, Tobin did not die until 11.45 p.m., nearly seven hours after what would have been the close of his working day for which he received sick pay; and whether he would have the case reconsidered with a view to justice being done to the deceased man's widow?

This is one of the hard cases that almost inevitably arise in applying the conditions laid down by Act of Parliament. The question is engaging my attention, and I will communicate to the hon. Member the result of my investigation.