asked if the church at Lagos, for which a considerable grant of public money was made, would be open under reasonable conditions to all Christian denominations, or if it would be reserved exclusively for Anglicans?

The Governor has been informed that it is inadvisable that any steps should be taken in connection with the consecration of the church which would prevent its use under reasonable conditions by members of all Christian denominations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government had yet received any information showing that David Serrano and Ildefonso Gonzalez have been murdered on the Putumayo Valley?

We are informed by the Colombian Government that Serrano and Gonzalez were both murdered, although we are not aware of the circumstances in which they met their death. The Colombian Government know nothing respecting the fate of their families.

asked whether British traders may understand by the Congo grant of free-trade zones that they will receive the same treatment and consideration from the Belgian Government as will be extended to Belgians, and that they will be able to establish trading stations in the Congo free-trade zones as freely as a Belgian company?

This is the natural interpretation to be placed upon the decree issued by the Belgian Government, and is the only one in accord with Treaties.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will explain why in the official returns of zymotic diseases sent to Captain Christian, the head of the Royal Naval College at Osborne, the returns with regard to West Cowes are omitted; whether he is aware that in the official returns of East Cowes sent to Captain Christian measles, chicken-pox, whooping-cough, and German measles are not mentioned; has Captain Christian called the attention of the Admiralty to these omissions; and whether, in the interests of the general health of the college, he will take steps, to ensure that outbreaks of all such diseases in the neighbourhood of the college shall in future be reported to the head of the college?

I understand that it rests with the local authorities to decide whether their own statistics of notifiable diseases shall be included in the weekly returns issued by the Local Government Board. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question, it would not be possible for the Board of Admiralty to ensure that local authorities do more than fulfil their statutory obligations in the matter; but the Fleet Surgeon of the College is instructed to make private arrangements with the local medical practitioners for the interchange of information regarding cases of infectious disease.

asked whether complaints had reached the Admiralty regarding the damage done to the outfall sewer at Norton, near Yarmouth, belonging to the Isle of Wight Rural District Council, by the salvage operations carried out at the time His Majesty's ship "Gladiator" was wrecked; whether the Admiralty had as yet taken any steps to ascertain the amount and the nature of the damage to the outfall; and whether, in view of the consequences likely to arise from such damage, he would give instructions for an immediate inquiry into the extent of the damage?

A communication on this subject has been received from the Isle of Wight Rural District Council, and inquiries are now being made into the matter.

How soon will the decision be come to?

I cannot say. The salvage company have been asked what light they can throw on the matter. It is impossible for me to make any statement as to when the decision will be arrived at.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he could state how many temporary clerks were now engaged by the Admiralty; whether he was aware that some of these temporary clerks had been in the service of the Admiralty for nearly a quarter of a century; and whether, as temporary clerks were appointed by patronage, he would see that this growing practice was abated, and that future appointments would be confined to the holders of Civil Service certificates?

The numbers of the various grades of temporary clerks, writers, etc., employed in the Admiralty and at the naval yards at home, are as follows: Admiralty 341, Outports 737. The number of men who are still on the hired list after nearly twenty-five years' service is very small, and these men have remained on the hired list because they have failed to qualify by examination for established posts. The great majority of vacancies are now filled either by open competitive examination or by promotion from the grade of boy clerk and boy writer.

How long must a clerk be temporary before he becomes permanent?

The term "temporary" applies to the status of a clerk and not to the period over which he is engaged.

Will the Admiralty consider the advisability of getting out a new dictionary?

asked the dates upon which the German battleships "Nassau," "Westfalen," "Rheinland," and "Posen" were commissioned for trial and for service, respectively, with the fleet after final acceptance by the authorities; and how long these vessels have taken to build from the date of laying the keel to the date of commissioning for service with the fleet?

The following are the dates and times asked for:—

Commissioned for trials— "Nassau" October, 1909 "Westfalen" November, 1909 "Rheinland" April, 1910 "Posen" May, 1910

Joined the High Sea Fleet— "Nassau" & "West-falen" 3rd May, 1910 "Rheinland" & "Posen" Not yet joined

Time from laying keel to joining High Sea Fleet— "Nassau" & "West-falen" 33 months

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to the dates upon which the two Argentine battleships recently ordered in the United States were laid down; and when it is anticipated they will be completed?

The keel of one battleship was laid on 25th May last. The first ship is to be completed in January, 1912, the second ship in April, 1912.

asked if it would be possible to dock the battleship cruisers "Lion" and "Princess Royal" at Gibraltar?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Is it not a fact that, in reply to a question put by the Admiralty, the authorities in Gibraltar have said that they find some difficulty in docking the "Princess Royal"?

I am not aware of it.

asked what was the number of cases and of deaths from Malta fever and simple continued fever respectively in the Navy at Malta for the year 1909?

There were eleven cases of Malta fever and sixty-nine simple continued fever. No deaths occurred.

asked the number of nominations for naval cadets for Osborne at the disposal of each member of the Cabinet?

There are no nominations for naval cadetships at Osborne. A limited number of special recommendations are placed in the hands of the Secretary of State for the Colonies for boys recommended from the Dominions and Colonies. No other member of the Cabinet has any special recommendation.

asked if, it having been decided to continue the enlistment of short-service men in the Royal Navy, he will consider the advantages of some scheme, by extra pay or otherwise, under which these men should be picked or selected?

In reply to the hon. Gentleman, I can only say that it is not in contemplation to make any alteration in the conditions of entry.

Is the Admiralty satisfied with the present state of intelligence and physique of these short-service men?

Yes, Sir. We should not take them as short-service men unless we were satisfied.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what provision, if any, the Government propose to make for improving the condition of the national school teachers of Ireland as regards their salaries, promotion, and pensions; and whether, in view of the recommendation of the Commissioners of National Education that the grievances of the teachers as regards pensions should be inquired into, he will recommend the appointment of a Commission to investigate at once the conditions of salaries, promotions, and pensions of Irish national school teachers?

His Majesty's Government cannot under existing circumstances undertake to propose a further provision from public funds with a view to improving the salaries, prospects of promotion, and pensions of Irish National School teachers. I am not prepared to recommend the appointment of a Commission to inquire into the subject.

Is it a fact that, although these national school teachers have to contribute towards their pensions, the provision made for them in a number of cases is less than that made in ordinary cases under the Old Age Pensions Act?

I could not answer that either affirmatively or negatively without notice.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been directed to the recommendation of the Commissioners on National Education in Ireland that the pension scheme for teachers in Ireland is so defective that in their opinion it is necessary for inquiry into it?

My notice has not been called to that particular recommendation. It has been brought to many other matters. All I can say is that it would involve great expense.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has read the question which I addressed to him on the 17th inst., and which drew his attention to the recommendation of the Commissioners on National Education?

The question asks me what provision, if any, the Government proposes to make, and I have asserted that the Government do not propose to make any.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deaths arising from prize fights at the National Sporting Club or similar institutions have been reported to the police for the past ten years?

Three deaths attributed to boxing contests have been reported to the Metropolitan Police during the last ten years. One of these contests was held at the National Sporting Club.

How do those statistics compare with the accidents arising from steeplechasing, hunting, and golf?

The hon. Member cannot expect me to provide him with an elaborate statistical return without notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any prosecutions for manslaughter have followed upon these deaths?

I cannot say without notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to alter the assize circuit system; and to remove the North Wales Assizes from Ruthin to some town in England?

By the request of the Secretary of State for the Home Department I will answer this question. The Government are considering various plans suggested for the rearrangement of the circuit system, but no decision has yet been arrived at. Opportunity will be given for discussion in the House of any proposed alteration of assizes.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling on this subject in other towns in North Wales beside Ruthin?

I am aware there is some objection, and it is for that reason I made the answer that there will be full opportunity for discussion.

asked the Secretary for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to a poster which has been issued by the headquarters of the Conservative party, and posted in the Eastern Division of Dorsetshire, in which the Government flag is depicted as a red flag with a skull and crossbones upon it, and in which the supporters of the Government are described, amongst other things, as a mob of factions taught to shirk and steal but not to fight, and as hired betrayers of a noble trust, and in which the Irish electors are described as breeding treason at the Empire's core; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent a breach of the peace?

Sir, I have seen the poster in question, and it certainly seems to be of a full-blooded character. The electors of East Dorset have been exposed to a good deal of offensive language in the last few weeks, and I trust they have learned not to treat it too seriously, from whatever quarter it comes.

May I be allowed to pass the poster to the right hon. Gentleman? [Copy of poster handed to the Home Secretary.]

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that, owing to apprehended intimidation and violence in East Dorset, the police authorities have recommended that the polling held at Heatherlands school at the recent General Election should be changed and take place at the Old Municipal Buildings, Branksome, at the coming by-election in order to secure better protection for those voting; and whether he is taking steps to ensure that in other parts of the constituency of East Dorset special care shall be taken to protect electors in view of the systematic and organised terrorism which has recently occurred in the division?

I have communicated with the Chief Constable of Dorset, who informs me that the police authorities did not recommend the removal of the polling station. He was not consulted in the matter, and does not know why the change referred to was made. He does not consider the change was necessary for the protection of voters. The Chief Constable also informs me that he knows of nothing that has taken place which justifies the reports of "systematic and organised terrorism" in East Dorset. I think I had better read to the House the actual terms of the Report:— I know of nothing that has taken place which justifies the reports of systematic and organised terrroism in East Dorset. The disorder which is complained of is that of the interruption of political meetings which are held in the streets in the Borough of Poole, and in a few cases the speakers have been driven off and have had to be protected by the police, in those cases very few blows have been struck, the disorder taking the form of pushing, shouting and booing. Since 18th June no complaints of any kind have been received by the police, although there is considerable excitement, and the usual cheering and booing. My superintendent at Poole informs me that he has considerable trouble in dealing with disorderly persons on account of the many respectable persons of both shades of political opinion who get into the crowd in the hope of seeing something of an exciting nature. This, to my mind, disproves the reports of terrorism. Nothing has happened of a serious nature beyond the breaking up of the meetings (held in the streets) of one of the political parties, which meetings the Poole Justices have decided are not lawful meetings, and therefore not entitled to the protection of the Public Meetings Act, 1908. So person has been injured, nor has any person complained of intimidation, or that he or she is in fear of violence. The police have endeavoured to exercise a wise discretion in dealing with the supporters of both political parties, and I do not think it can be said that their efforts have been anything but impartial. I have made adequate arrangements for the maintenance of good order, and I see no reason why this election should not pass off as peacefully as on previous occasions. I should like to say that both candidates and their agents have done all in their power to prevail upon their supporters not to resort to violence, or to disturb or annoy the opposite party. I should like to add I have personally visited the Borough of Poole and have moved about amongst the people unobserved. I have witnessed the meetings held by both parties on private ground and on the public highway, and I have no hesitation in saying that I saw nothing to which any person could take exception considering a political campaign is in progress.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at this polling station at the last election there was undoubtedly a great deal of hostile terrorism, and that there are great chances of the same terrorism existing at this election, and is he aware that something like twenty meetings have been absolutely broken up and the speaker driven off the platform; further, in answer to the report of the Chief Constable, may I inquire if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that on the 14th the speakers at three meetings—Sea View, Albert Road, and Richmond Road—were severely hustled; that on 16th June, at a meeting at Victoria Road, Parkstone, the speakers were knocked about, and that on 18th June, at a meeting at the Pump Room—

How can the right hon. Gentleman be expected to be aware of all these things?

I should like to say, in reply to that part of the question which has been allowed, I think there is only one opinion in the House of Commons, and that is that the breaking up of the meetings should be repressed by law, and that the practice deserves the censure of every right-minded man.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, as far as he knows, the Lord Advocate is going again to Branksome?

I hope he is, I am sure.

Was the letter which has been read written before the unfortunate death that has taken place?

The letter was written on 26th June.

Was not this death caused by a public-house brawl?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any details of the unfortunate death of a Conservative labourer announced in to-day's papers as having taken place as the result of the election riots?

It is quite clear that that is a matter which will be the subject of legal proceedings of the gravest character, and by long custom it has not been thought proper to comment on matters coming within the purview of the courts.

Am I to understand that a speaker who addresses meetings in the public streets, provided he is not causing an obstruction, is not entitled to the protection of the police?

The hon. Gentleman knows that the maintenance of order is in the charge of the local authorities. I have read to the House the views of the Chief Constable who acts for the local authority, and I am not prepared to go beyond that at the present time. I have given the fullest information in my power.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is prepared to take steps for the deletion of the description pauper patients from the notices of death sent out from the asylums, as such a description may be hurtful to the feelings of the relatives at a time of distress and bereavement?

I have communicated with the Commissioners in Lunacy, and I do not think there will be any serious difficulty in making the change desired. The alteration of the form of notice will require the approval of the Lord Chancellor, and I am asking the Commissioners to submit the matter for his approval.

asked whether the provisions of the Police (Weekly Rest-day) Bill, now before the House of Lords, apply to the police force of a borough which is not wholly paid for out of the rates of that borough, or whether an Order in Council will have to be issued in such a case?

The Bill, if it pass in its present form, may be adopted in any borough which has a separate police force by resolution of the police authority. In the absence of such a resolution it comes into force in county boroughs at the expiration of four years, in non-county boroughs if and when directed by Order in Council. In all boroughs a portion of the cost of the police is charged to the Exchequer Contribution Account.

Do I understand that a compulsory charge is laid upon county boroughs by Parliament, and that they have no option but to pay?

I am sure my hon. friend is quite familiar with the terms of the Bill, which set out much better than I can in answer to a question the purport of the Bill.

Those are the terms.

asked the Secretary for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction which exists amongst the mill and factory workers in Belfast in consequence of the operation of the system of fines for late attendance and other trivial offences which is being enforced by the employers; and whether he will direct the local factory inspectors to make representations on the system with a view to its mitigation or abolition?

Reports on the subject have been received from the factory inspectors, and inquiry into the matter is now proceeding.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, before approving any applications to the Development Commissioners for Grants out of the Development Fund for the purposes of research, the Board will consider the desirability, in order to secure thoroughness of work and to prevent waste of public money, of allocating substantial Grants to existing institutions for investigation along special lines of research, e.g., to Rothamsted Experimental Station for investigation into soils and manures, to Cambridge University for experimental breeding of plants and animals, to Cirencester or Wye Agricultural College for the study of plant pathology, or to Swanley Horticultural College for investigations in reference to bees, rather than the distribution of Grants among numerous institutions and persons for the conduct by each on a small scale of research along several different channels?

The Board will keep the suggestion made by the hon. Member in view when preparing applications for advances from the Development Fund and when reporting upon such applications in conformity with Section 4 (1) of the Act.

Will the Board adopt the same principle when it is making application for a proportion of the funds?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Lord Advocate if he will consider the desirability of expediting the consideration of appeals under The Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, by the Local Government Board for Scotland?

The Local Government Board have not, in my opinion, shown any want of expedition in dealing with appeal cases of which only 3 per cent, remained unsettled up to the end of May last. I shall be glad to do anything in my power to expedite any particular case which my hon. Friend may have in view.

asked the Lord Advocate if his attention has been directed to the fact that there are nine appeals against the decisions of the pension committee of Orkney which have been before the Local Government Board (Scotland) for over six months; and if, in view of the circumstances of the applicants, every effort will be made to deal with the different cases at an early date?

I am aware that the decision of the Local Government Board for Scotland on several appeals from Orkney has been delayed owing to the complicated and difficult nature of the questions that fell to be decided. In practically every case to which the hon. Member refers the Board have had to consider important questions of principle, on which they had to be guided by the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown, and the delay was unavoidable. The cases referred to have either been or are in course of being disposed of.

asked when the Report will be issued by the Local Government Board of Scotland; and whether adequate time will be allowed to Members for its consideration before the Scottish Estimates are taken?

I trust the Report will be in the hands of Members at an early date. Every effort will be made to meet the wish expressed in the latter portion of the question.

asked when the Report of the Congested Districts (Scotland) Board will be issued?

To-day, I understand.

asked the Lord Advocate how many of His Majesty's ships are detailed for the purposes of protecting Scotch fishermen against foreign trawlers coming within the statutory limit of the coast?

One of His Majesty's ships is at present available for the purpose mentioned, in addition to the five cruisers belonging to the Fishery Board of Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the question of introducing legislation to amend the Companies Acts in the direction of limiting, in the case of new companies, the amount of share capital which may be left uncalled, so that within twelve months of any issue of shares not less than one-half of the nominal value of the shares shall be called up, and the liability of the shareholders limited to an amount equal to the amount paid up on their share holding?

If and when further legislation is introduced to amend the Companies Act, I shall be glad to give the hon. Member's suggestions my careful consideration.

Is it the intention of the Board of Trade to introduce further legislation shortly?

I cannot say at the present moment.

If legislation to carry this out is promoted by a private Member will it receive the sympathetic consideration of the Board of Trade?

The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well I cannot answer that question.

asked if the Labour Exchange work in connection with boys and girls is to be transferred to the education authorities, together with a Government Grant towards the cost?

There is no proposal to transfer to education authorities the work of the Labour Exchanges in connection with boys and girls, which will be carried out in accordance with the Special Rules recently issued by the Board of Trade, in consultation with the Board of Education. My hon. Friend will notice that Rule 6 contemplates the possibility of local education authorities obtaining and exercising statutory powers for the purpose of giving advice, information, and assistance to boys and girls with respect to the choice of employment. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education has already stated that he is now considering, in consultation with me, the lines of legislation for the purpose of giving local education authorities in England and Wales powers for this purpose. It is contemplated that any such powers would be exercised in co-operation with, and not in substitution for, the work of the Labour Exchanges.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the circumstances responsible for the Committee recently appointed to consider alterations in the method of testing the eyesight of persons entering the merchant service are also applicable to the railway service; and whether, having regard to the public service rendered by railway servants, he can extend the terms of reference of such Committee, so as to include the various and impracticable tests now enforced by railway companies, with a view of a uniform and practical test being adopted?

The sight tests in the mercantile marine are carried out by the Board of Trade, whereas in the railway service the responsibility rests with the companies. The circumstances are consequently not the same, and I do not think I could usefully extend the terms of reference to the Committee in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend. Any recommendations which may be made by the Committee will, no doubt, receive full consideration from the railway companies.

Will a separate Committee be appointed to deal with this question, seeing that some of the recommendations of the Royal Medical Society applied to railway servants as well as to the mercantile marine?

I suggest to the hon. Member, at all events, to wait until the Committee has reported, and thrown light on the matter; then I will consider his suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the mutiny of the Chinese crew employed on board the steamer "Highland Monarch," at Philadelphia, on 17th June, resulting in the death of four of the Chinamen; whether he has received any report of the case; and, if not, whether he will order an inquiry to be held at an early date into the cause of the mutiny and loss of life on a British ship?

I have hitherto received no report of the alleged mutiny on board the "Highland Monarch," at Philadelphia, but I am making inquiries, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as they are complete?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention had been called to the need that exists from the point of view of employers and workers for the establishment of a Labour Exchange branch in Sligo; and whether he can promise that an exchange to serve the province of Connaught will be opened in Sligo in the course of this year?

I regret that I can add nothing at present to the answers I have already given to the hon. Member on previous occasions in reply to similar questions.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will reconsider his decision to refuse recognition of the Towyn Church schools from 30th June next, in view of the fact that the first intimation given by the Board of Education to this effect was given on 16th June last,, and in view of the fact that the Church of England parents in the district are desirous of petitioning the Board to continue recognition of the only school in the Towyn district where their children can receive religious instruction in accordance with the faith of their parents; and whether the Board of Education still requires trustees of a voluntary school to give eighteen months' notice before they can close their school?

With regard to the first part of the question, I do not think the date fixed for the school to be removed from the Annual Grant List will cause hardship to anyone concerned. The majority of the children concerned will merely return to the school in which they were being educated quite contentedly I believe, until about two months ago; the only qualified teacher in the school left without notice on 17th April; and all expenditure properly incurred by the managers will, of course, be met from the usual sources. I considered all the circumstances of the case before I came to my decision, which I cannot now review. With regard to the second part of the question, the Board still require security in the case of new voluntary schools that they shall not be closed without eighteen months' notice having been given to the local education authority and to the Board, but the requirement would not, of course, be pressed where no inconvenience would result from the earlier closure of such a school.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman refuses to give an opportunity to parents to petition the Board of Education to continue religious education in this school?

My right hon. Friend has considered the whole circumstances, with the result I have stated.

Will the hon. Member answer my question—Do the Board of Education refuse—[Interruptions.]

I think the Noble Lord had better put the question on the Paper.

Then I will ask the Prime Minister if he will put down the Education Estimate for as early date.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether he proposes to sanction a scheme put forward by the Merionethshire education authority for enlarging the Towyn council school, at considerable expense to the ratepayers; and whether such enlargement is rendered necessary by the refusal of the Board of Education to continue recognition of the Towyn Church school, now attended by more than fifty children?

The Board recently approved plans for the improvement of the school premises, subject to certain modifications. The improvements include the provision of additional class-rooms, which are needed for purposes of organisation. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The plans were under consideration before any question of closing the Towyn Church school arose, and quite irrespective of the Board's decision in that case. As the hon. Member has again referred to the number at present in attendance at the school, I must remind him that the Board are called upon to consider the average, not the maximum, attendance. The average attendance for the past two years has not been above twenty.

asked whether any religious instruction is given during compulsory school hours in the Towyn Council school; whether the religious syllabus, if any, of the Merionethshire education authority provides for imparting any instruction which is not in accordance with the faith of Church of England parents; and whether any Church of England parents have ever availed themselves of the conscience clause so as to withdraw their children during the period allocated to religious instruction by the time-table of the Towyn Council school?

I understand that religious instruction is given in all the council schools of the Merionethshire County Council according to a fixed syllabus. I am afraid I am not competent to answer the second part of the question, but I understand that a prominent local Churchman took a leading part in drawing up the syllabus. As regards the third part of the question, I have not heard of any withdrawal.

Does the hon. Member think that parents are not the best judges of what religious education is suitable for their children?

Is there any inspection of the religious instruction in the council school?

I do not know whether there is any inspection.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can now state when the telegraph office at Langham, near Colchester, will be open for business?

As I informed the hon. Member on 14th April, there has been difficulty in obtaining wayleaves which I have not yet been able to overcome. The question is not being lost sight of, but I much regret that I am not yet in a position to fix a date for the opening of the office.

Can he say with whom the difficulty has arisen?

I should be very much obliged if the hon. Member would use his influence with the landowner who first asked for an extension of the telegraph line, and now refuses to give facilities for its construction.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the valuers appointed under the recent Finance Act—namely, seventy-two permanently and 117 temporarily—were selected after examination by the Civil Service Commissioners?

None, Sir.

Are these appointments temporary or permanent?

Some are temporary, and some are permanent.

asked why, since the Super-tax is chargeable under Section 66 on the statutory income of the taxpayer and not on the actual income, the Commissioners are requiring a return of the rents receivable in contradistinction and in addition to the annual value of lands, tenements, and hereditaments.

As the hon. Member will see on reference to Direction ( b ) on page 2 of the form of Return attached to the Regulations, the information to be inserted is the rent or the annual value.

Why are the individual rents of cottages and allotments required under the form?

They are only required one or the other; not both.

asked if the law costs which will on the transfer of land be occasioned by the extra work occasioned by the preparation of the documents and plans for the assessment of the increment value will fall on the vendor even in the case where no Increment Duty is found to be payable?

The incidence of any expenses incurred in connection with the presentation of an instrument for the purposes of Increment Value Duty, as required by the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, is a matter for the parties to the transaction.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, when preparing the new Budget, he will consider the advisability of introducing a Clause exempting from the incidence of the new Increment Duties all conveyances of land where the consideration is of less value than £500, on the same grounds and subject to the same conditions as those on which such conveyances are exempt from the increased Stamp Duties, seeing that in this class of small conveyances the expense and delay necessary in obtaining the official certificate required before the completion of the sale will be out of all reasonable proportion to the amount of revenue which will actually be receivable by the Exchequer?

If the intention of my hon. Friend's proposal is, in cases of properties of small value, to obviate expense and delay in connection with the presentation of the conveyances for the purpose of being impressed with the stamp referred to in Section 4 (3) ( b ) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, my right hon. Friend does not think that there is any sufficient reason for the suggested exemption. The obtaining of the stamp in question does not entail any appreciable degree of either expense or delay. As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for the Chelmsford Division on the 20th instant, documents deposited with the Inland Revenue for stamping are not retained in the great majority of cases for more than twenty-four hours.

asked the Prime Minister when the Scottish Estimates will be taken; and whether two days can be given for their consideration?

I find that the various Reports dealing with Scottish affairs have not as yet been published, but there will be no undue delay in fixing a day for the discussion of the Scottish Estimates.

What time will be given?

We will see what progress we make.

asked the Prime Minister whether he expects the conference between the two Front Benches on the relations between the two Houses of Parliament to report before the House rises for the summer; and whether, in the event of the conference arriving at any settlement, an Autumn Session will be held to give the House an opportunity of discussing the terms?

I think it would be premature for me at this stage to express any opinion as to the date at which we are likely to finish our discussions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an answer to the second part of the question?

No. That is hypothetical.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to find out the opinion of the rank and file of the party?

No.

asked whether it is intended to issue periodically official announcements from 10, Downing Street regarding the Conference that is discussing the constitutional position, and which is composed of himself, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Chief Secretary for Ireland, the senior Member for the City of London, the Member for East Worcestershire, Lord Crewe, Lord Lansdowne, and Lord Cawdor; and whether he can now say when the next official announcement will be made?

After each meeting has been held an official intimation is forthwith sent to the Press.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether an Excise Duty is collected on cigars and cigarettes manufactured in India equivalent to the import duties on those articles?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of Thomas Hennessy, of Doonbeg, West Clare, who was formerly a tenant on the estate of Colonel R. Massey Studdert, but was evicted in March, 1904, for non-payment of rent; whether he is aware that four years ago Mr. Ryan, an inspector for the Estates Commissioners, visited the farm with the intention of effecting a settlement between Mr. Hennessy and the landlord, and also offered Mr. Hennessy a free Grant of £120 and a loan of £80 for building purposes; whether the negotiations fell through simply because Mr. Hennessy, who had lost cattle to a considerable value, was unable to find the purchasing price assessed; and whether steps can be now taken to reinstate Mr. Hennessy and give him reasonable assistance in stocking and building?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from Hennessy for reinstatement, and after inspection of his former holding intimated the price which they were prepared to advance for its purchase. Neither the landlord nor the evicted tenant was satisfied with the price, and the Commissioners could not therefore take any further action. The case cannot be dealt with under the Evicted Tenants Act, as the eviction took place since the passing of the Irish Land Act, 1903.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state why the Local Government Board have declined to grant a pension to Martin Gaffney, Altagowlan, Boyle, county Roscommon, on the grounds that he is not a British subject within the meaning of the Act, seeing that he has always maintained his wife and family during his absence from the country, and that for the last twelve years he has not been outside Ireland?

The claimant was held to have been disqualified by absence from the United Kingdon for eight years out of the period of twenty years mentioned in Section 2 of the Old Age Pensions Act.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in regard to the estate of Dr. Foley Brew, or of next-of-kin, Mrs. M. B. Lynch, of Cohey, Kilfenora, county Clare, a price had been fixed by the Estates Commissioners previously to the passing of the Irish Land Act, 1909; whether he is aware that there is a desire not only on the part of the prospective tenants, but also on the part of the owner, that the estate, which is untenanted, should be divided with as little delay as possible; and whether steps can be taken to expedite the matter?

The Estates Commissioners had not fixed a price for this estate prior to the passing of the Act of 1909. The Congested Districts Board have decided to continue the proceedings for the purchase of the property, which lies in a congested districts county, and will have it inspected at a very early date.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the proceedings at the Drumcondra Petty Sessions on Friday, 27th May last, when the North Dublin Rural District Council prosecuted the manager of the Model Farm, Glasnevin, for having on 3rd May allowed a manure pit to be situated at such a distance from the cowsheds and dairy that it was rendered offensive and unhealthy, contrary to the provisions of the Dairy, Cowsheds, and Milk Shops (Ireland) Order, 1908; whether he is aware that the solicitor who appeared for the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction pleaded on behalf of the Department that the Department, being under the Crown, could not be prosecuted; and whether it is with the sanction of the President, Vice-President, or members of the Department that advantage is taken of the fact that the defendants were a Public Department under the Crown to contravene Orders made for the safety of the public in such cases?

I have nothing to add to my reply to the question on the same subject asked by the hon. and gallant Member for South Dublin on the 16th instant.

May I ask whether those present in court at the time took down the words as used in this question, and why did the right hon. Gentleman state to my hon. Friend beside me that no such ridiculous plea was put forward?

No plea was put forward of that ridiculous character by the orders and instructions of the Board.

Why did he state to my hon. Friend that it was not put forward by his instructions, but simply by the solicitor in charge of the case?

I did not know it was put forward by the solicitor then. I do not know it now.

Does the right hon. Gentleman ever go to Ireland and inquire into these matters?

Quite often.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state on what grounds the Congested Districts Board seek to prevent tenants of holdings near the seashore in county Sligo from taking gravel from the shore for building and other purposes; whether he has authorised the proceedings taken by the Board against J. Meechan, of Liggan, Cloughbouley, county Sligo; and whether he can state that such proceedings will be stayed in view of the necessity which he and other tenants have of getting gravel for building and such purposes?

I understand that the shingle beach at the place referred to is the only protection for a considerable area of low-lying land on the Gethin estate, which must sooner or later be eaten away by the sea if people are allowed to remove the gravel. The Congested Districts Board have prosecuted Meechan for persisting in removing gravel. They have no intention of abandoning the prosecution.

Was not the tenant given permission to take the gravel?

No; I have no knowledge.

asked how many convictions for drunkenness there have been in the Dublin Metropolitan Police district for the periods between 1st May, 1908, and 30th April, 1909, and between 1st May, 1909, and 30th April, 1910, respectively?

There were 3,643 convictions for drunkenness in the Dublin Metropolitan Police district in the earlier and 3,157 in the later period.

asked the Chief Secretary if he has ascertained whether, prior to the two outrages upon Patrick Daly, who was in the first place shot at a month ago, and was subsequently found by a police patrol on the roadside near Kilmorrane riddled with pellets of No. 4 shot, a resolution was passed by the United Irish League calling upon Daly's mother to surrender her farm on the New-hall estates; and whether he will take steps to prevent the publication of such resolutions as being an incitement to a breach of the peace.

I have made inquiries, as I promised to do, and am informed by the police that so far as they can ascertain no such resolution was passed.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state how many of His Majesty's ships are engaged in the task of endeavouring to keep foreign trawlers at the distance from the Irish coast prescribed by statute?

Two of His Majesty's ships are detailed by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for the protection of Irish fisheries. The "Helga," belonging to the Department of Agriculture is also employed for this purpose, and the Congested Districts Board's steamer "Granuaile" gives some help.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to officers of the Regular Army who are on half-pay as Members of the House of Commons, whether he will state what will be their exact positions as regards seniority if they rejoin their regiments on full pay; and, if it is the case that they would lose seniority or return at the bottom of their rank, will he consider the advisability of altering these regulations, which constitute a hardship on officers who consented to stand for constituencies believing that they would be seconded for five years in accordance with regulations then in force and lose nothing in the way of seniority or promotion?

In accordance with paragraph 217 (2) of the King's Regulations 1908 an officer on reabsorption from half pay, on which he is placed as a Member of the House of Commons under the Warrant Issued by Army Order 252 of November, 1906, would be placed at the bottom of the list of his rank. The question is being reconsidered by the Army Council in the light of representations that have been made, but I can give no undertaking that the terms of the Warrant of 1906 will be altered.

Will not the maintenance of the warrant deter officers from trying to enter the House of Commons and therefore deprive us of the benefit of their experience?

I agree, and I think that is a misfortune. No one wishes less than myself to see officers absent who can give us valuable help. But on the other hand, I have to consider that if an officer is away five or six years from his regiment, it is scarcely right that he should go back suddenly to high command.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the placing of a time limit so that if an officer is away more than a certain time he should then go back to the bottom of his rank?

How can you lay down what the definite time is to be? Is anyone to come to the House of Commons for six or twelve months and then resign his seat?

Is an officer who is a Member of the House of Commons more out of touch with his regiment than those employed in other capacities, such as military attachés?

Those officers are seconded for Army purposes. That is a very different case.

Is it the object of the right hon. Gentleman or the Army Council to do what they can to prevent officers from entering the House of Commons?

No, my object is to keep them as closely in touch with their regiments as circumstances permit.

Why are officers who are allowed to go to Colonial Governments, and seconded, allowed to break a good many regulations, while Members of the House of Commons are not?

We cut that down to a minimum. I can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that there is no disposition to increase the number who go there, but some have to go.

Several other Members took and subscribed the Oath.

NEW MEMBER sworn,—Stephen Wilson Furness, esquire, for the Borough of the Hartlepools.

I am asking leave to introduce a Bill which I think, in the strictest sense of the word, will be accepted as uncontroversial. A few days ago we had in this House a debate on accidents in coal mines, and the Home Secretary then promised that he would shortly introduce a measure which would make compulsory and universal the provision of rescue apparatus and training of rescue brigades. That promise was welcomed both by mine owners and by representatives of the miners in the House, and that promise we are now proceeding to redeem. Upon the general question I have only two remarks to make. The first is that in this legislation we are merely following the example of many of the great coal-mining countries, and especially Austria, France, Belgium, and most of the coal-mining States of Germany, which have already embodied it in their industrial law. The second is that in proposing Government action in this matter we make no criticism of, and we desire no interference with, the work which has been already done, and admirably done, both by individuals and by associations of the colliery owners of this country. In South Wales, in Lancashire, in Yorkshire, and in other districts much has been accomplished by the enterprise and patriotic efforts of mine owners in providing that which we now desire to make universal. The Howe-Bridge Station, in Lancashire, is probably one of the best-equipped rescue stations in the world. There, all the year round, bodies of men from various mines are engaged in being trained in an atmosphere made as near as possible artificially resembling the atmosphere of a coal mine after fire or an explosion. The Home Office has sent a model of that station to the International Exhibition at Brussels, where, I believe, it has attracted considerable interest and admiration, and we have no greater desire than to level up the general conditions to such conditions as this.

But I think legislation is necessary for two reasons. The first is that there are still large districts in which no rescue stations are provided easily accessible to the mines. The second is that in districts which are already provided with rescue stations only a proportion of the mine owners undertake the work and subscribe to the necessary funds, and it is obviously unfair that a limited body of men should undertake this duty. As is known by everyone, should a fire or an explosion occur in one of the non-subscribing mines, they would be morally compelled to lend their apparatus and to provide their rescue brigade. Therefore we propose in the general Order to level up all the mines to the level already attained by many of them. In the Bill, which is a simple one, we propose to proceed in a similar fashion to that in which we proceed in the regulation of explosives under the Coal Mines Act and in much of our industrial and factory legislation. We propose that the Secretary of State may by Order require such provision as is necessary to be made for all mines or any class of mines in regard to all or any of the following matters: The supply and maintenance of appliances for rescue work, the formation and training of rescue brigades, the supply and maintenance of ambulance appliances, and the training of men in ambulance work, as recommended by the Royal Commission which recently sat on Safety in Mines. The Order we hope to make will be made in consultation with a Committee which we propose to set, up, consisting of our own officials, with, as we hope, the representatives of both the masters and the men. It will be published in draft in the ordinary fashion, and objection may be taken for forty days after publication. It will then be confirmed, with or without alteration. It will lie for forty days on the Table of the House, and, if not challenged, it will then take the force of law. We hope to work in that Committee not only by the peaceful persuasion of our own mining inspectors, but also by any help that can be given to us by the present Association of Mine Owners, which in all parts of the country is engaged in the development of rescue work. We require every variety of information regarding rescue appliances. We recognise that much that has been done in this field of scientific development is tentative and experimental, and we greatly hope that the result of this universal provision will be to further scientific knowledge and to make it more useful in those most lamentable occurrences.

There was much discussion in the Debate to which I have referred as to whether or not the men in the recent most mournful accident at Whitehaven could have been saved if apparatus for artificial breathing had been obtainable easily instead of only some twenty-seven hours after the explosion took place. We desire by this Bill as speedily as may be to ensure that this apparatus shall be either present at the mine or at some central station within half an hour's distance by rapid motor from the mine, and that in the case of every mine in the United Kingdom a certain number of men from the mine familiar with its own working shall be trained at the rescue station. It is impossible to say with the material at our disposal whether that provision would or would not have enabled life to be saved at Whitehaven. Many of the facts about that fire or explosion are at present conjectural, but after consultation with the mining inspectors of the Home Office I have no hesitation in saying that if we consider the last half-dozen serious explosions or fires in recent years there is no doubt at all that not only could property have been protected, but human life could have been saved if the provisions of this Bill had been in operation. In these circumstances, as representing the Department entrusted with the safety of miners, we think we have no alternative but to submit this legislation to the House, and we hope it may command its unanimous support.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Masterman and Mr. Churchill. Presented accordingly, and read the first time. (To be read a second time upon Wednesday.)