asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any fresh instructions had been issued to His Majesty's Consul-General in Egypt; and, if so, whether he would lay the text of such instructions upon the Table of the House?

Instructions are frequently issued to His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General at Cairo relative to questions of current business as they arise, but it is not the practice to publish them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform us who is responsible at present for the government of Egypt, because he has answered me several times saying that the Khedive's Ministers are responsible?

We have always laid it down—and I said it in the Debate the other day—that in regard to general policy and so forth in Egypt, while we are in occupation our advice must be taken.

asked whether the Governments of England and Russia still adhered to the pledge given to the Government of Persia after the signature of the Anglo-Russian Convention that they would guarantee the absolute integrity and independence of Persia?

In the Note referred to by the hon. Member the two Governments informed the Persian Government of the agreement arrived at between them to respect the integrity and independence of Persia. They adhere to this undertaking. The two Governments did not guarantee the independence and integrity of Persia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would now state what were the terms on which the Governments of Russia and England offered a loan to the Government of Persia, and the grounds on which the Persian Government refused the offer?

As the loan has not been made, no useful purpose would be served by making a statement on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention had been called to the instructions given by the French Government to their Consuls in Tripoli to take under their protection the natives who are brought there from the French Soudan; and whether he would give similar instructions to British Consuls in Tripoli as to the natives who are brought there from Anglo-Egyptian territory?

His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of the instructions referred to as having been issued by the French Government. British Consular officers abroad would afford such assistance and protection as would be right and proper to natives of the Anglo-Egyptian Soudan who were furnished with the usual passports.

asked whether the Commissions appointed to consider the failure of the Egyptian cotton crop were expected to issue their Reports this year?

I have no reason to suppose that there will be any undue delay in the issue of the Reports. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bolton on the 16th instant, from which he will see that I am already making inquiry as to the Reports.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners had awarded Mr. John Coleman, a member of the Limerick County Council, Style Park Mansion and thirty acres of enclosed and wooded demesne land in Bruree; whether Mr. Coleman was already the possessor of a large grazing farm; and what reasons led the Commissioners to grant this additional land to the exclusion of landless men in the neighbourhood?

Style Park Mansion and about eighty-five acres were advertised by the Estates Commissioners for sale by tender, subject to a land purchase annuity of £55 2s. 6d. Mr. Coleman's tender was the highest, and was accepted by the Estates Commissioners. They understand that he also holds a farm of about sixty acres. The Commissioners, in deciding on the amount of land to be sold with the mansion house, had regard to the fact that the land offered for sale had been previously included in the demesne and comprised plantations which, in the opinion of the Commissioners, should be preserved with the residence. Some 270 acres of land formerly used in connection with the mansion have been divided by the Estates Commissioners into allotments.

asked the Chief Secretary how many appointments of resident magistrates were now vacant; whether those vacancies were to be filled up in the near future; and whether he proposed to limit the appointments to members of the staff of the "Freeman's Journal"?

There are at present no vacancies.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

I am informed that up to the present no member of the "Freeman" staff has ever been appointed a resident magistrate.

The right hon. Gentleman has not fallen out with the "Freeman's Journal," has he?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he would state the number of agrarian outrages of an indictable character reported throughout Ireland in each of the years 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, and to the end of May, 1910?

The numbers of agrarian crimes of an indictable character, including threatening letters, reported during the period mentioned in the question were 275, 231, 384, 576, and 402, for the years 1905–6–7–8–9, respectively, and 192 for the present year up to the 31st May last.

asked the Chief Secretary if he would state the circumstances under which two prisoners named Dermody and Hynes were discharged from custody after the acquittal of Dermody in Dublin on the charge of the murder of Police-constable M'Goldrick; whether he was aware that the Attorney - General announced in court that other charges were pending against these men; and whether he would state the nature of these charges, and why they were not proceeded with?

In addition to the charge of murder against Hynes there remained, after the acquittal of Dermody, outstanding against him and Hynes charges relating to the shooting at the two men Malone and Coady on the same occasion as the murder, though a short time prior to it. On a full consideration of the circumstances the Attorney - General decided not to proceed with the charges undisposed of, inasmuch as there was no evidence available in proof of them, beyond that produced on the trial of Dermody, who was acquitted.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the night after the discharge of the two prisoners, Dermody and Hynes, charged with the murder of Police-constable M'Goldrick, a crowd assembled on the spot where the constable was murdered, a bonfire was lit, and public rejoicings were indulged in; whether he was aware that Dr. P. J. Quinlan, of Athenry, who gave professional evidence at the trial of Dermody, had since been boycotted and unable to obtain cars in the locality; whether he was aware that on the night of the 10th June shots were fired at a man named Collins when driving to his home at Moyode, and his horse was killed; and whether, in view of the disturbed condition of the districts of Athenry and Craughwell and of certain areas in county Clare, it was intended to take special measures to enforce the law and protect life and property?

Upon the receipt of the news that one of the prisoners indicted for the Craughwell murder had been j acquitted the occasion was celebrated in j the manner stated in the question. An attempt has been made to boycott Dr. Quinlan, who was a Crown witness in the case. As regards Collins, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question asked yesterday by the hon. and gallant Member for East Down. The condition of the districts referred to is no doubt very bad, and it has been necessary for that reason to retain a considerable force of extra police in Clare and in the East Riding of county Galway.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been called to the case of John Hynes, of Kilfenora, (district, Ennis; station, Ennistymon: number in pension officer's register, K 147), whose claim for an old age pension was allowed by the pension committee on 4th September, 1909, disallowed by the Local Government Board in October, 1909, and again allowed by the pension committee on 10th March, 1910; whether he was aware that the total income of John Hynes was £5 per annum, being the reservation of a holding of 15 acres in all now owned by his son; and whether the Local Government Board would favourably consider this case?

Under the agreement referred to the claimant in entitled with his wife to maintenance in a fit and proper manner, and, in the event of dispute, to an annuity of £10 a year to himself and his wife jointly or £5 a year to the survivor, with an allowance of milk, butter and turf and the use of a room. In the circumstances the Local Government Board estimate that the value of the benefits and privileges of maintenance on the farm, which is well stocked and cropped, exceeds £23 12s. 6d. per annum, and they have accordingly allowed a pension of three shillings a week to John Hynes.

asked upon what grounds the decision of the local subcommittee that Thomas Fitzsimons, of Butterstream, Navan, county Meath, was entitled to an old age pension has been reversed by the pension officers?

The Local Government Board upheld the appeal of the Pension Officer in this case, and disallowed the claim on the ground that there was no evidence that Fitzsimons had reached the statutory age.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Patrick Kilbey, a known leader of the persons engaged in recent cattle-drives on the Pollock estate, county Galway, has been personally interviewed on several occasions by the local officer of constabulary, who strongly urged him to use his influence with a view to bring about a cessation of further cattle-drives on the property pending the completion of the negotiations for its sale to the Estates Commissioners; whether the district inspector of constabulary obtained from Kilbey a written undertaking that there would be no repetition of the crime provided the negotiations were completed by a specified date; and whether he will communicate to the House the text of this undertaking?

The sale of this estate to the Estates Commissioners was arranged last year and it was understood that the lands would shortly be distributed. The unexpected delays which subsequently occurred appear to have aroused feelings of disappointment and irritation which culminated in the cattle drives of April last. A force of extra police was at once sent to the district to prevent such misconduct. The district inspector at the same time informed Patrick Kilbey of the true position with regard to the sale, pointed out the illegality of the conduct of the people, and requested him to use his known influence to prevent a recurrence of disorder, which he agreed to do. The result of the action of the district inspector has been satisfactory. Mr. Kilbey wrote to the district inspector, but as the letter is marked "private" its contents cannot be stated. The inspector-general informs me that it contained nothing which the district inspector could not properly accept.

Was the district inspector then acting in accordance with instructions received?

No, Sir, I think the district inspector was simply acting in accordance with his desire to keep the peace in his own locality.

On his own initiative?

I cannot say; certainly no initiative proceeded from me in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, under various statutes and regulations made by departments in prisons, factories, and workshops, it is compulsory that adequate heating and sanitary arrangements should be made, but that no such regulations exist in respect of national schools; whether the Government consider that the time has arrived when a grant should be made towards the proper heating and cleansing of national schools; whether legislation on the lines of a Bill introduced by the Irish Unionist party will receive the support of the Government, or whether it would be possible to carry out a satisfactory scheme without legislation; if so, will the necessary steps be taken before the ensuing winter; whether he can state if several memorials and other representations have reached the Lord-Lieutenant on the subject; and, if so, can he state the nature of the replies forwarded from the Irish Office?

The facts of the case would appear to be as stated in the first part of the question. I have on several occasions expressed myself as being in favour of the principle embodied in the Bill, to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, and have promised to make representations on the subject to the Treasury as soon as a suitable scheme for the heating and cleaning of the schools has been submitted to me, with the general support of the school managers. I hope that it may be possible to attain the object in view without legislation, and I should be very glad if a scheme for the purpose could be carried into effect before next winter. In the present position of the question it has not been possible, in most cases, to send more than formal acknowledgment of the representations which have been made to the Irish Government on the subject, but replies have been sent to the representatives of school managers of various denominations in the sense of this answer.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has yet approached the Treasury on the subject?

Oh, dear, yes, again and again. But we have been waiting for a formal and proper scheme. I think I may say that such a scheme has now been submitted, but it awaits the criticism which it will no doubt receive at the hands of the Treasury. The scheme has only been put forward within the last few days.

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to get this carried through before next winter?

I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that I share with him very strongly the desire to get this matter through before next winter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the number of firing outrages reported to the police since the Government removed the Peace Preservation Act from the Statute Book, and the number of such outrages for the corresponding number of years prior to that date; can he say if there is now no restriction even for children acquiring firearms of all descriptions in Ireland; whether licences are taken out, and if the police have any means of ascertaining the number of firearms imported into Ireland since the dropping of the Peace Preservation Act; whether it is intended to introduce legislation in view of the number of outrages that have recently taken place in which firearms were used; and whether he can state the difference in the regulations in respect of the possession of such arms in England and Ireland respectively?

The number of outrages in which firearms were used in each year since 31st December, 1906, the date on which the Peace Preservation Act expired, was as follows:—117 in 1907, 207 in 1908, 127 in 1909, and 69 in the first five months of 1910. The number of such outrages in 1906 was 60. The figures for 1904 and 1905 have not been tabulated, and could not be furnished without a careful examination of the records, which would take some little time. There are now no restrictions on the acquisition of firearms in Ireland except those imposed by the Gun Licence Act. The police have no means of ascertaining the number of firearms imported into Ireland. The only difference between England and Ireland in this matter is that the Pistols Act of 1903 does not extend to the latter. As regards the question of legislation, I have nothing at present to add to my reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh on the 16th instant.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the number of persons convicted for agrarian outrages in Ireland during the years 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, and the five months January to May, inclusive, 1910, respectively, stating in each case the number of persons sentenced to terms of imprisonment for the actual commission of such outrages, the number committed in default of giving bail to be of good behaviour, and the number who have given bail?

During the period named 310 persons were convicted for agrarian outrages of indictable character. Of these 144 were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, two were committed in default of finding bail for good behaviour, ninety-two were bound to keep the peace or be of good behaviour (or both), and sixty-eight persons were released on recognisances to come up for judgment when called on. The four remaining persons were released under the First Offenders Act.

asked the Chief Secretary whether it is the intention of the Government to press the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland to grant full civil rights to national school teachers so that they may be in the same position as in England and Scotland?

As I stated in my reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Newry on 14th April last, the Commissioners of National Education do not consider that it would be in the interests of the teachers or the schools to modify still further the rules on the subject which have been considerably relaxed in recent years. The responsibility in the matter rests entirely with the Commissioners, and I have no power to press a different view upon them.

Will the House be given an opportunity to discuss the question as to whether these teachers should have the same civil rights as the teachers in England and Scotland?

I recollect that on more than one occasion this subject has been discussed on the Education, or similar, Vote. I see no reason why it should not be before the House again.

Is not the opinion universally in favour of giving the teachers civil rights?

I could not say—certainly not universally.

asked whether the attention of the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture has been called to the number of temporary appointments made in his Department; whether these have been made without competitive examinations; whether many of them have become permanent and have been followed by promotion, to the prejudice of officials who passed the necessary examinations; and whether the duration of temporary appointments will henceforth be specified and adhered to?

The attention of the Vice-President has been called to this matter. Fifteen temporary clerks appointed without competitive examination have been promoted to permanent posts since the establishment of the Department. Of these, twelve were transferred from other offices to the Department at its formation and three were specially appointed during the early stages of its work. In the opinion of the Department none of the promotions referred to were to the prejudice of officials who had passed competitive examinations. The Vice-President does not consider that it would be practicable or equitable to act on the suggestion made in the last part of the question, but he has already stated that the necessity for such temporary appointments has, in his opinion, practically ceased and that no further appointments of the kind will be made save in most exceptional circumstances.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that some distinction ought to be introduced in Government employment in Ireland between the word "temporary" and the word "permanent"?

There is a distinction between the two.

Not in practice; only in theory.

asked whether fifteen vacancies have occurred on the Board of National Education within the past ten years, nine in the period 1901–5 and six in the period 1907–10; whether appointments to these vacancies are in all cases made by the Lord Lieutenant; whether, seeing that three-fourths of the Board have thus been renewed within ten years, the Government can, in effect, disclaim responsibility for the Beard; whether the Government can, by means of these appointments, exercise an effective control over the Board; and whether the Resident Commissioner has a virtual veto over the appointments?

The Commissioners of National Education are appointed by the Lord Lieutenant, and fifteen out of a total of twenty Commissioners have been appointed during the past ten years. The Government has no power to interfere with the Commissioners in the exercise of the powers conferred on them by their charters. The Resident Commissioner has no voice in the appointment of members of the Board.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether His Excellency makes any attempt by consulting the education lists to get members upon this Board who know something of the work that they have to do?

Oh yes; both His Excellency and myself are most anxious to get members of the Board who are acquainted with this work. We do our very best.

In view of the fact that there is a vacancy now, will the right hon. Gentleman select a gentleman for the office who is a practical educationist?

If the hon. Gentleman can tell me what a practical educationist is, I will endeavour to meet his view.

Somebody, to begin with, who is not a retired judge. I would suggest some retired inspector of schools or university professor.

asked when the Report of the Estates Commissioners will be circulated?

It is expected that this Report will be circulated next month.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not accelerate the circulation, because there will probably be a Debate upon the matter?

I will see what can be done.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the address of the Lord Chief Justice to the grand jury at the Clare Spring Assizes, held at Ennis on 3rd March, 1908, in which he referred to the cases of five families who, although returned as examples of minor boycotting, were compelled to go considerable distances for the necessaries of life, in addition to suffering from other acts of exclusive dealing; whether he will state over what period these families were reported as having been affected by boycotting in this manner; whether they continue to-the present date to be so affected and to be entered on the Returns of minor boycotting; and whether he will give the explanation of the inspector?

These cases first appeared in the boycotting Returns in the autumn of 1907 and continued to be recorded in those Returns up to November last. One case disappeared from the returns in that month, one in January last, and two in May, so that there is now only one case out of the five in which the boycotting continues. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question on the same subject asked by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh on 26th October, 1908.

Can the right hon. hon. Gentleman say how many persons in Ireland have now been returned as examples of minor boycotting who have to send a long distance for their supply of food?

Well, other conditions may enter into a definition of minor boycotting than that; but we have proceeded upon a well-known principle, which I have explained to the hon. Gentleman. I do not think there is any doubt as to what they are or that they are not properly enumerated when they occur.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have them correctly tabulated on the next occasion when he is asked for a Return?

I do not mind explaining what minor boycotting is when I next deal with the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will ascertain from the police authorities in what respects the boycotting of Mr. Clarke, of Holycross, Thurles, was considerably relaxed in April, 1909, so as to warrant his case being classified as one of minor boycotting, which has been denned to consist of petty isolated acts of boycotting as distinguished from organised or sustained boycotting, or when an attempt is made to boycott though the effect is inappreciable; and whether the case has since continued to be returned on the list of minor boycotting?

I am informed by the constabulary authorities that about April, 1909, the boycotting of Mr. Clarke's workmen entirely ceased, and both he and they could obtain necessaries in Holycross. Mr. Clarke could also obtain goods in some shops in Thurles, a town where he had been previously completely boycotted. In these circumstances it was considered that the boycotting had so decreased as to render the case one for the minor category. Boycotting Returns are carefully revised each month, and cases are included, excluded, or moved from one category to another according to the circumstances. In June, 1909, it was found that Mr. Clarke was again considerably boycotted, and his case was then replaced in the category of serious boycotting, and has remained there since.

Is it not a fact that the boycotting of Mr. Clarke's farm had greatly decreased, and before the late trials in Dublin took place at all?

They had decreased at one time, but not before the beginning of the trial. At the actual moment the trial began the case was still in the category of serious boycotting.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Clarke has now in the house sixteen policemen for the purpose of protecting him?

Yes, Sir, he has that protection.

asked whether Mr. J. W. D. Mitchell has retired from the secretaryship of the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, whether the appointment rendered vacant has yet been filled and by whom?

Mr. Mitchell has retired from the secretaryship of the Congested Districts Board, and Mr. J. E.. O'Brien, assistant secretary, has been appointed to the vacancy.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to a case heard at Claremorris quarter sessions, when Mr. M. J. Dillon was awarded compensation of £32 for the malicious burning of his haggard; and whether anyone has been arrested in connection with the offence?

No arrests have been made in this case. An appeal has been lodged by the Claremorris District Council against the award, and the matter is therefore sub judice.

asked whether any order has been issued forbidding the officials of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction to visit the headquarters of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society in Merrion Square: and, if this is the case, by whose authority the order was issued, and how long it has been in force?

No such order has been issued.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can give any information as to a shooting outrage that took place near Ennis, county Clare, on 20th June, at a place called Kilmorrane, when at one o'clock a police patrol found a man named Daly bleeding on the roadside; whether he can state how many gun shots had been fired; what was the nature of the wounds inflicted; whether any and, if so, how many pellets were extracted from the wounds; whether the man has recovered; whether any arrests have been made in connection with the outrage; and what steps have been taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future?

I am informed by the Constabulary authorities that Patrick Daly was fired at and wounded at about 11 p.m. on the 19th inst., while, on his way home from Ennis. Three shots appear to have been fired. Daly is seriously wounded in both legs and in one arm, but is progressing favourably. Twelve pellets have been extracted. The police have not succeeded in making any arrests, but they are doing all that, is possible to prevent further outrages.

May I ask whether it is a fact that the same man was shot at about a month ago, and if both these outrages were not subsequent to a resolution passed by the United Irish League calling upon his mother to surrender up her farm?

How far the resolution may have led to this I have no knowledge, but the man has been, I believe, the victim of an outrage on another occasion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring these matters before the Cabinet?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether the resolution was passed?

These matters have again and again been before the police— I am not saying in this particular case— and the constabulary have over and over again reported that it is quite impossible for them to say whether there is any connection between these resolutions and the outrages. I can assure the Noble Lord very often in Ireland these resolutions are treated with perfect contempt.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry whether the resolution was passed?

Oh, yes; I will undoubtedly do so. I should not be at all surprised to find it was.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to prevent these intimidatory notices?

The hon. Member knows perfectly well the Government has taken several steps, and other Governments before them have taken several steps.

Have they resulted in the suppression of these notices?

No, Sir.

asked how many factories in Ireland were sanctioned by the Agricultural Department for re-working of water-blended butter; and in what counties, towns, or cities were they located?

The Department assume that the question refers to the registration of butter factories under the Butter and Margarine Act, 1907. Four such factories—one in the borough of Cork, two in the borough of Limerick, and one in county Wexford—have been registered with the sanction of the Department. The registration of ninety-three other butter factories has been notified to the Department, the Department's sanction not being necessary in these cases.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the lands of Spandaw, situate near Kells, county Meath, have been offered for sale to the Estates Commissioners; whether there is at present, and how long, a police hut on the lands; if so, how many policemen reside in it, and at what cost; and whether any portion of their cost will be chargeable to the local rates?

The Estates Commissioners are unable from the information supplied to identify these lands as pending for sale before them. A police hut was established there in July last for the protection of the herds on the farm. Three police are stationed in it, costing about £100 a year each. They form part of the free quota of the county, and consequently no portion of their cost will be chargeable to the local rates.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a request from the Meath County Council that Section (4) of the Lights on Vehicles Act, 1907, be amended in certain respects; and what action he proposes to take?

I have received a copy of a resolution adopted by the Meath County Council suggesting that the Statute in question should be amended so as to admit of the exemption from its provisions of vehicles carrying hay or straw to market. I am in communication with the Home Office on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any, and, if so, what report has been received from India regarding mortality among Tamil coolies in the Federated Malay States and Straits Settlements?

Correspondence has been received from India on the subject. It shows that on receipt of the Report on Indian Immigration into the Federated Malay States for 1908 the Government of Madras drew attention to the heavy mortality among indentured labourers, and suggested that specially unhealthy estates should be declared unfit for their residence.

Was any action subsequently taken by the Secretary of State?

The House will remember that just before the Recess I was able to inform it was being done. It had been stated of course that there is a large number of indentured labourers still there, but the latest information I have is that which I have given the hon. Member. I will make further inquiries.

asked whether the Hon. J. O. Miller has resigned or has expressed his intention of resigning in the near future his appointment as an ordinary member of the Council of the Governor-General?

The Secretary of State has no official information, but he understands that Mr. Miller has informally expressed his intention to retire from his office shortly.

asked if it is proposed to create a Department of Education in charge of an ordinary member of the Governor-General's Council; and, if so, whether the creation of such a Department will necessitate legislation, giving power to increase the number of ordinary members of the Council of the Governor-General beyond six?

It is premature to make a statement upon this subject; but the reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the names of the ordinary members of the Council of the Governor-General at present constituted who at the time of their appointment had been for at least ten years in the service of the Crown in India?

The ordinary members who possess the qualification in question are Mr. Miller, Mr. Jenkins, and Mr. Robertson.

If Mr. Miller retires, the first appointment on his retirement will be that of member of the Civil Service who has had at least ten years' experience in India?

Under the Statute three members of the Council must have been in India ten years. If Mr. Miller retires there will only be two, and it will be necessary to appoint a third.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Thomas Nichol, farmer, of Hughsrigg, Dumfriesshire, convicted on 29th April last by two justices, at Hawick, for removing swine from one area to another—that is, between Dumfriesshire and Roxburghshire—without a properly filled-up licence; whether the conviction was based on the mere omission to get inserted by the issuing constable the words "for breeding purposes," opposite an asterisk on a form which contained no information about the asterisk, nor any intimation that on getting the words "for breeding purposes" inserted the licensee might lawfully convey his pig to the place required and bring it back over the area boundary if he did the double journey within six days; whether he will examine the record of the case and communicate with the justices as to the function of the constable in issuing the licence, and if he ought to have inserted the words "for breeding purposes": and whether he will take into consideration the need of having plain directions printed on such removal licences for the guidance of farmers owning swine for breeding purposes who may wish to do the double journey within the six days allowed?

My attention has been drawn to the case referred to by my hon. Friend, and further inquiry will be made as to the facts.

asked the Lord Advocate whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation as regards the single arbitrator Clause of the Agricultural Act of 1906, in view of the decision of the Court of Session in Williamson v. Stewart?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Members for Caithness, Inverness-shire, and West Perthshire on the 13th instant.

asked whether, in 1907 and 1908, the county councils of Roxburghshire and Berwickshire moved the Secretary for Scotland to authorise bylaws to allow locomotives drawing threshing mills to have studs or spikes in the tyres of their wheels when travelling from place to place on the highways in frosty weather; and, if so, whether the Secretary for Scotland has given any, and what, reply; whether similar recommendations have been made by the directors of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and of the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture; and whether the Secretary for Scotland is aware that under the present law farmers in Roxburghshire are put to inconvenience in not getting the ricks threshed, because if a frost comes on the locomotive cannot bring the threshing mill to the steading?'

Proposals of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend were submitted by the county councils mentioned, but, as indicated in the reply given on 31st March last to the hon. Member for Banff, the competent way of dealing with the matter is by an Order of the Secretary for Scotland under Sections 9 and 10 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, and not by a by-law made by a local authority. I am aware that the matter has been before the Scottish Chamber of Agriculture, and the views of that Chamber and of the two county councils referred to will be borne in mind as repre- sentations in favour of the making of an Order under the Act of 1896. But there is at present no sufficient evidence of agreement among the various parties interested to justify the Secretary for Scotland in proceeding to make an Order.

asked whether any statistics are available to show the number of families dispossessed in Scotland during the past twenty-five years; the total area devoted to deer forests and sport; and the total number of agricultural holdings in Scotland with a valuation of £10 or under?

I am not aware of the existence of any statistics relating to the matter referred to in the first portion of the question. Particulars regarding deer forests are contained in the Returns Nos. 220 and 344 made in 1908. The numbers of occupiers of farms classified according to rental are given in the Return No. 127 of 1907.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the question of the award of compensation for the destruction of the carcases of animals affected with tuberculosis had yet been decided?

The matter would require legislation, and I am not at present in a position to announce any legislation on the subject.

Is it not a fact that this disease would long ago have been scheduled under the Contagious Diseases Act if it were not for the reluctance of the local authorities to allow additional burdens to be thrown upon the ratepayers?

To some extent that is a matter of conjecture.

Is it a fact that no compensation is paid?

There is no law requiring local authorities to give compensation. There are two or three instances in which by private Bills some local authorities in certain circumstances are allowed to give compensation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this hits the dairy farmers very hard?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether a small holding or allotment not exceeding two acres in area, bon â fide used as a poultry run, is exempt under the Public Health Act and The Allotments Rating Exemption Act, 1891; and what instructions, if any, are issued to local authorities by the Board in this matter?

An allotment within the meaning of the Allotments Rating Exemption Act, 1891, must be cultivated as a garden, or a farm, or partly as a garden and partly as a farm, but whether the definition would include a poultry run is a question which I have no jurisdiction to determine. The Local Government Board issued a circular in 1891 to rating authorities drawing attention to the Act, but they are not empowered to issue any instructions in the matter.

Is it not clear, from reference to the Public Health Act, 1875, which is the principal Act, that a poultry run is included among the kinds of land enjoying partial exemption from rates?

What action would the right hon. Gentleman advise the owners of such holdings to take when a demand is made for rates?

The owner of a poultry run has an appeal to the justices and in certain circumstances to the quarter sessions, and probably they may be advised to make that appeal.

asked whether, in view of the continual source of difficulty boards of guardians have in dealing with feeble-minded females, the President of the Local Government Board can see his way to introduce legislation to empower boards of guardians to detain such persons?

I am aware of the difficulty to which the hon. Member refers. The matter is, however, part of a much larger question, and I am not in a position at the present time to promise legislation dealing with this particular aspect of it.

asked the Prime Minister if he can see his way to give the House an early opportunity of discussing on Second Reading the Bill for the Parliamentary Enfranchisement of Women?

The Government have considered this matter, and recognise that the circumstances of the case are exceptional, from the fact that under the conditions which govern private Members' proposals the House of Commons has never had an adequate opportunity of discussing so momentous a change. They are, therefore, prepared to give time, before the close of the Session, for a full Debate and a Division on the Second Reading of the Bill which has been introduced. In dew of the exigencies of other Parliamentary business, and their own announced decision not to prosecute contentious legislation, they cannot afford any further facilities to the Bill this Session. The Government recognise that the House ought to have opportunities, if that is their deliberate desire, for effectively dealing with the whole question, and the course of the Debate may be expected to throw instructive light on Parliamentary opinion both in regard to this Bill and to other proposals.

Will the Prime Minister state if he is yet in a position to announce the mind of the Government on the Trade Union Law Amendment Act?

I must have notice of that question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman still adhere to his announced undertaking not to take contentious business during this Session, and is he not aware that this Bill is one of the most contentious Bills that has ever been introduced in the House of Commons?

asked the Prime Minister on what date he intends to introduce legislation with reference to the King's Statutory Declaration?

asked whether His Majesty's Government propose to repeal those clauses of the Bill of Rights of 1689 and of the Act of Settlement of 1700 which require every Sovereign of this Kingdom to make either at his coronation or on the first day of the meeting of the first Parliament next after his or her coming to the Crown the Declaration therein referred to, or do they propose in any, and, if so, in what, way to vary the conditions laid down by those Acts, of succession to the Throne; and, in case they do so propose, will he undertake that the constitutional and religious questions thus raised shall, before their final decision, be submitted to the people?

I hope to introduce the Bill referred to next week. It will merely propose to alter the language of the Sovereign's Declaration, and will not vary in any material respect the conditions of succession to the Throne.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to introduce legislation for regulating the possession of firearms; and whether, having regard to the use of such weapons in certain parts of Ireland, he will deal with the matter this Session?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to a question by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh on 16th June. I may add that the matter is under consideration, but I cannot give any undertaking as to legislation this Session.

Are any of these very serious firing outrages which have taken place in Ireland brought under the notice of the Cabinet or are they left entirely to the Chief Secretary to deal with?

The Cabinet is well aware of the facts.

Is the Cabinet aware of the fact that most of these firing outrages take place in the North of Ireland?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give a single instance of a firing outrage of the nature I have referred to occurring in the North of Ireland?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the incorrect tare weights of waggons used by certain colliery proprietors, which result in coal merchants being supplied with short weight of coal; and whether, in the interest of honest trading, he will introduce legislation so to amend the Weights and Measures Acts as to secure the more frequent and correct tareing of all railway trucks used in the coal trade?

I am giving the subject to which my hon. Friend calls attention my careful consideration. The matter is full of difficulty, and I have not yet been able to come to a conclusion as to the steps which it may be possible to take.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Bristol Corporation, acting as the pilotage authority for the port of Bristol, has committed a breach of Section 599 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, by endorsing the pilotage certificate held by the master of the passenger steamer "Barry" for the purpose of authorising him to pilot the said steamer after a change in her ownership without examining the said master, as required by the said Section; whether he will communicate with the said pilotage authority and point out that if a ship changes owners a pilotage certificate held by the master becomes invalid, and that the master must be examined again before he can be authorised to pilot the ship; and whether full consideration has now been given to this matter, with the view of having the Act of Parliament carried out?

I am not prepared to say that the Section in question requires re-examination of a master or mate holding a pilotage certificate in all cases in which the ownership of the ship or ships in respect of which it has been granted, changes. In this particular case, however, I incline to the view that the master should be re-examined, and I have so informed the pilotage authority. As my hon. Friend is aware, the whole question of pilotage is being considered by a Departmental Committee.

asked for the number of Trade Boards and district trade committees established in Ireland under the Trade Boards Act, 1909, to deal with ready-made and wholesale bespoke tailoring, and the manufacture of juvenile clothing?

Regulations under which it is proposed to establish a Trade Board for certain branches of the tailoring trade in Ireland are at present under consideration, and it is hoped that they will be laid before Parliament shortly. The establishment of district trade committees, and the number of such committees, are matters which, under the Trade Boards Act, are for the decision of the Trade Board when formed.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the sinking of the "Kate Thomas," of Liverpool; whether he is aware that the colliding vessel was being navigated as a coasting vessel and had no certificated officer on board; and whether he will introduce legislation to prevent the dangers disclosed in this case?

Yes, Sir, my attention has been called to the loss of the "Kate Thomas." The colliding vessel, not being a foreign-going ship or a home trade passenger ship, was not obliged to carry certificated officers. The desirability of requiring home trade cargo ships to carry certificated officers has already engaged the attention of the Board of Trade, and will receive careful consideration at the first opportunity which arises for legislation on the subject.

asked whether any premises have been secured up to the present for the Wednesbury Labour Exchange; and if he can state approximately the date of opening the same?

Premises have been secured at Wednesbury for the purposes of a Labour Exchange. The necessary alterations will be undertaken without delay, but I am unable as yet to state the date of opening.

asked whether the Postmaster-General is now in a position to give a definite reply to the question of the alleged inequalities existing in the supervision of the London sub-district offices?

The matter is still under consideration. Every effort will be made to bring the inquiries to a conclusion at an early date.

How long is it going to take before this matter is settled? It has been under consideration now for two and a-half years.

I hope we shall be able to deal with it very shortly. The matter raises very important questions of principle.

asked the Postmaster-General what action he proposed to take to meet the case of those officers in his department who prepared themselves for the limited competition for clerkships on the supplementary establishment, expected to have been held in September, 1909, but now suspended without previous notice; whether these officers were in any way so informed; whether he proposes to secure any extension of the age limit in order that these officers who were qualified for such examination may compete in the open Civil Service competitions which serve to recruit the force in other branches of the Post Office; and, if not, whether any preference will be given in considering applications for writers' duties or other similar appointments to such officers, subject to it being proved that they had fully qualified themselves?

The temporary suspension of the competitions for clerkships on the supplementary establishment results from a recent revision under which the numbers of that establishment have been reduced; and it was not possible to issue any notice respecting the competition until it was known that the recommendations would be approved. I am sorry that a number of officers have been disappointed of the opportunity of competing, but in all Civil Service competitions fluctuations are unavoidable, and I should not be justified in attempting to obtain an extension of age in respect of these particular competitions, which could not be granted in respect of much wider competitions.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the fact that capable telegraphists who have returned from postal service in South Africa, owing to retrenchment or other reasons, can only be reestablished in the Home Service on the wage scale paid to clerks of twenty-one years of age; and whether, in view of the fact that these officers are usually between thirty and forty years of age, and have no other source of income, he will make representations to the Treasury, with a view to the payment of a scale more commensurate with their age and service?

I do not think any advantage would result from further representations on this subject, the rule having been definitely laid down that reappointment to the Home Service can only be allowed under the conditions applicable to new employment. On leaving the Colonial Service officers are usually awarded a pension, which they may receive concurrently with their salary on reinstatement in the Home Service

asked whether, up to the middle of May, 1910, unpaid learners were being used in the Dundee telegraph office to send and receive public messages; whether they are now being paid 12s. per week; whether, in consequence of cheap or unpaid labour being employed in the instrument room, telegraphists of many years' experience are systematically listed for sorting duties, causing many extra late and night duties for the remainder of the male telegraph staff; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to an early remedy?

I am making inquiries on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of years remitted, as a result of the Gracious Order for remission of sentences on prisoners on His Majesty's Accession?

The total number of years remitted is approximately 500.

asked if the Home Secretary's attention had been called to the fact that forty-two police constables and two sergeants have received extra pay for the overtime caused by the lying-in-state of His late Majesty King Edward VII. in Westminster Hall, but that twenty-one police constables and a chief inspector who served the same extra hours have up to the present received no special financial consideration; and, if so, will he state why the extra pay has not been granted?

Yes, Sir. After consideration of further facts which have been brought to his knowledge, the Com- missioner of Police, with the concurrence of my right hon. Friend, has arranged to extend the benefits of the extra pay to all the police officers stationed in the Houses of Parliament.

asked whether the Home Secretary can state the new arrangements for the inspection of mines in South Wales; the names of the various grades of inspectors; the towns at which they will reside; which of the inspectors have a competent knowledge of the Welsh language; and whether the divisional inspector would take charge of the inquiries usually made by the Home Office immediately after an explosion or similar disaster?

Particulars of the new arrangement of the mines inspection districts, which follows the scheme recommended by the Royal Commission on Mines, were published in the newspapers last April. The names and residential towns of the different grades of inspectors in South Wales are as follows:—Divisional inspector, W. N. Atkinson (Bridgend for the present, he will remove later to Cardiff); senior inspectors, J. Dyer Lewis (Swansea), F. J. Trump (Cardiff), F. N. White (Newport); junior inspectors, A. Pearson (Bridgend), T. S. Davies (Cardiff), J. M. Carey (Newport). Mr. Atkinson does not speak Welsh. Mr. Davies, who was transferred from the Southern District on the transference of Monmouthshire (there being no other Welsh-speaking junior), has some knowledge of Welsh. All the other inspectors named have a competent knowledge of the Welsh language. The divisional inspector, who is perhaps, of all the inspectors in the United Kingdom, the one with the greatest expert knowledge in regard to explosions, would, of course, take charge of the inquiries which would follow any serious accident, but he would always have the assistance of one or more of the inspectors who act under him.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury upon what grounds and under what statute the Excise authorities refuse to supply to the Dundee and district branch of the Scottish Association of Watchmakers and Jewellers a list of all the parties in the said district who are holders of an Excise licence required by the Plate Licences Acts?

The Board of Customs and Excise are under no obligation to furnish lists of holders of plate licences to private traders or to trading associations. They have expressed their willingness to aid the Central Scottish Association of Watchmakers and Jewellers in their desire to suppress unlicensed competition by furnishing them from time to time, on application to the Board, with information as to whether licences are held in particular cases in which illegal trading is suspected. But they do not think it advisable to furnish local branches of the association at Dundee or elsewhere with lists of local licence holders. Such lists, while involving considerable time and labour in their preparation, would serve no useful purpose unless kept constantly corrected up to date, owing to the opening of new premises and changes which are of frequent occurrence in the ownership of existing businesses.

asked whether examinations for clerkships to surveyors of taxes are still being held throughout the country; whether each candidate is charged 10s. for the privilege of sitting at these examinations; whether there is already a long list of men who have passed such examinations for whom there are no appointments; and, if so, whether he will instruct that this practice of examining and charging will be discontinued meantime?

No examination for clerkships to surveyors of taxes are being held as suggested by the hon. Member, and consequently the remainder of the question does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, having regard to the fact that the Board of Education are enabled, under Chapters of their regulations for technical schools, etc., to make Grants to university colleges and universities with respect to that part of their work which is concerned with engineering and other technical subjects, and that the colleges and universtities also receive a Treasury grant applicable to their work generally, and further that it is undesirable in the interests of university education to distinguish administratively the engineering and technological faculty from other faculties by special conditions of financial help, the Government will con- sent to arrangements being made for unifying these Grants; or, if he considers the matter to require further consideration, whether he, would appoint a Committee to determine the conditions under which the unification of Grants might be effected so as to make the total Government Grants available for university education generally, and to render unnecessary the twofold inspection to which such colleges and universities are now subject as desire to avail themselves of financial aid from the Board of Education in addition to the Treasury Grants?

I must not be taken as agreeing to the accuracy of what the hon. Member alleges as to overlapping between the Grants from the Treasury and those from the Board of Education in aid of universities and university colleges. I may say, further, that the arrangements in respect of the distribution of both the Grants are not so separate as is implied in the question. The Board of Education has representatives on the Treasury Committee which deals with the Grants; the committee is in constant touch with the Board, and all information is interchanged. Nor have there been any indications of any difficulties arising, as suggested in the question, from the present arrangements for inspections, which do not clash in any respect, but supplement each other. The Government have been considering the question of some increased measure of co-ordination or unification, but my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I have not yet come to any decision. It is not a matter, I think, which would be assisted by the adoption of the course suggested in the last part of the question.

asked whether it is the intention of the Board of Education no longer to recognise the Towyn Church school, Merionethshire; if so, for what reasons; and on what date will the recognition cease, and what opportunity will be given for managers to appeal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Board's reasons for so deciding were that the school appeared to them to be unnecessary in view of the following facts: (1) For the past two Grant years the average attendance has been not more than twenty; (2) ample accommodation is provided in the other schools of the area; (3) the closure of the Church school and the transference of the children into the council schools in the area will make for the economy of the rates, and will serve the interests of secular education. The managers had made full representations to the Board before the Board's decision was taken. The school will be removed from the Annual Grant List on 30th June.

asked what is the accommodation and average attendance in the Towyn Church school and council school, respectively, for the month of May, 1910; and whether the Towyn Council school has been condemned by the medical officer of health?

The recognised accommodation in the Towyn Church school is 104. I am informed that the average attendance for the month of May was 57.2. The accommodation in the mixed council school is 164 and in the adjoining infants' council school, in which two classes of the mixed school are taught, 150. I cannot at present state what was the average attendance in these two schools for the month of May, but I understand that in the preceding month it was about 220. I understand that the medical officer of health some time ago called attention to certain defects in the premises of the mixed school, which the local education authority are taking steps to remedy. He has not at any period condemned the school so far as I am aware.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any other accommodation in the district for children requiring education in the principles of the Church of England, or whether they will be totally deprived of the facility?

I cannot say whether they will be totally deprived. I can only say in Towyn itself there has been a Church school, with an average attendance of under twenty, and there is a Council school where at present the attendance is 220.

What provision is there for the education of those twenty?