asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay upon the Table the correspondence which passed between the Suez Canal Company, the British Consul-General, and the Egyptian Government in reference to the proposed Suez Canal Agreement, and the text of the reasons drawn up by the Committee of the General Assembly for refusing to agree to the proposal?

I have no knowledge of any correspondence that has passed either between the Suez Canal Company on the one hand and His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General on the other, or between Sir Eldon Gorst and the Egyptian Government; nor am I in possession of copies of the correspondence which has passed between the Suez Canal Company and the Egyptian Government. I will get further copies of the Report and of the reply of the Egyptian Government, and place one or two in the Library; but they are long documents, and I do not think that the considerable expense of translating and reprinting them would be justified.

asked whether Sir Eldon Gorst is to leave Egypt in the course of a few days for his summer vacation; and, if so, who will be in charge of the Consulate during his absence?

Sir Eldon Gorst left Egypt on the 2nd instant, and the First Secretary has assumed charge of His Majesty's Agency and Consulate-General at Cairo. This is the arrangement which for many years has always been made in this month.

asked whether Sir Eldon Gorst is to be removed from the position of Consul-General in Egypt; and, if so, whether Lord Kitchener is to be appointed to that position?

There is no question of removing Sir Eldon Gorst from the post which he now occupies in Egypt.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether, in addition to Maulvie Mazharul Huq, other police officers whose conduct in the Mid-napore conspiracy case was the subject of animadversion by the Chief Justice of Bengal had recently been promoted?

The officer mentioned in the question has not been promoted. He is merely officiating temporarily in a higher post. The Secretary of State has no reason to suppose that any of the officers referred to have been promoted.

As the statement has been cabled to the Press that these men have been promoted, will the hon. Gentleman cause inquiries to be made?

Certainly.

asked the Undersecretary for India whether he would grant the Return asked for on the Order Paper this day in the name of the Member for Merthyr Tydfil?

The Act has been in operation for so short a time that the Secretary of State does not think it desirable as yet to instruct the Government of India to prepare a Return. I would refer my hon. Friend to the promise that I made to the hon. Member for Leicester on 28th June, that reports, when forthcoming, will be laid before the House.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he could state the circumstances under which the "Sind Gazette," an old established Anglo-Indian paper published at Karachi, was required to deposit 1,000 rupees as security under the provisions of the new Press Act; and whether the proprietors or editor had ever been charged or prosecuted for the publication of any seditious matter or any matter calculated to disturb the peace or inflame the native mind against the Government?

As regards the first part of the question, the "Sind Gazette" became liable to furnish security under the Act of 1910, because it had omitted to register under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary for India if it is the intention of the Secretary of State to advise His Majesty to confirm the temporary appointment of the Hon. Mr. Robertson as the member of the Council of the Governor-General in charge of the Department of Commerce and Industry; and, if not, will he say if it is the intention of the Secretary of State to advise His Majesty to appoint a member of the Indian Civil Service or a prominent member of the business community in India?

The Secretary of State does not propose to make any statement as to the advice that he may think fit to tender to His Majesty.

asked the Under-Secretary for India if the member of the Council of the Governor-General in charge of the Department of Commerce and Industry had invariably been a member of the Indian Civil Service; if not, would he state from what Service such member or members have been drawn; and whether personal knowledge of the conditions and circumstances of Indian commerce and industry is an indispensable qualification of anyone holding the appointment?

It happens that the three gentlemen who have hitherto held this post have been members of the Indian Civil Service, although those who were responsible for its creation contemplated that this would be the exception rather than the rule, and did not regard personal knowledge of the conditions and circumstances of Indian commerce and industry as an indispensable qualification.

Was it the intention of those who were responsible for the creation of this post that either a member of the Indian Civil Service or a prominent member of the business community should be appointed?

It is impossible to say what was the intention.

asked if Ananta Luxman Kanare, who shot Mr. Jackson, at Nasik, on the 21st December, 1909, was tried under the special procedure provided by the Indian Criminal Law Amendment Act, No. XIV., of 1908?

Yes.

asked whether any demonstrations expressive of popular sorrow at the death of His late Majesty were held in any portion of Eastern Bengal, particularly in the proscribed districts of Mymensingh, Faridpur, and Barisal; and, if so, whether permits to hold such were obtained under the provisions of the Seditious Meetings Act?

Yes, such meetings were held. The Act is directed against meetings likely to promote sedition, and therefore had nothing at all to do with meetings of this character.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the musketry figure of merit and number of marksmen in the 4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment for the years 1908, 1909, and 1910, respectively, and the date of manufacture of the ammunition used in the last course?

The 4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment is stationed in India, and the figures for the two later years are not yet available, those for 1910 not being due until after 31st March, 1911. The musketry figure of merit and the total number of marksmeń in the battalion for the year 1908 were 198 and 246 respectively. The information as regards the date of manufacture of the ammunition cannot be given without reference to India.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some considerable complaint has been made with regard to the quality of the ammunition supplied?

I am not responsible for the ammunition. It is the Commander-in-Chief in India.

To whom should I apply in this House?

The hon. Gentleman should address his question to the Undersecretary of State for India.

asked how many pairs of leather boots and shoes the Government had in stock on 30th June for the use of the Army, and the number of officers and men of all ranks and grades of the Army Service at his disposal in the event of such being required?

The number of leather boots and shoes in stock on 30th June last amounts to 866,940 pairs. Roughly the establishments to be provided for number about 400,000, but these are already equipped, apart from the above numbers, as there are two pairs in the possession of each serving soldier, two pairs in the kit of each Special Reservist, and two pairs in the kit of each Regular Reservist stored ready for mobilisation.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman could give particulars of the increase in the garrison of Egypt during the last five years; and will he state what is the amount of the charge thrown on Egypt by this increase?

The principal additions to the British Forces in Egypt have been one regiment of Cavalry, one battery of Royal Horse Artillery, and one battalion of Foot Guards. These additions were made in 1906. Egypt pays the extra cost of maintaining the British troops in the country as compared with the cost of maintaining them at home. The amount so paid is now £150,000 per annum as compared with £100,000 paid prior to 1st April, 1906.

Is there any intention of increasing the garrison this year?

No; we have always an eye on the garrison in Egypt, and we consider that at the present moment it is sufficient.

asked the number of duly qualified cadets that have presented themselves for final examination at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, during the year 1909; and how many cadetships were thrown open for competition during the same year to such duly qualified candidates?

The number of cadet-ships offered for competition during 1909 was 226 for the June-July examination and 161 for the November-December examination. The number of qualified candidates who applied to attend these examinations were 184 and 154 respectively. No competitive examinations were therefore held.

asked what number of vacancies in the commissioned ranks of all grades existed in the Guards, Cavalry, Artillery, and Line Regiments, respectively, as on 30th April, 1909 and 1910, or on any two corresponding dates of this year and last which it may be easier to select for purposes of comparison?

The number of vacancies for first appointments on 30th April, 1909, and 30th April, 1910, respectively were as follows:— 1909. 1910. Cavalry 36 41 Royal Artillery 68 37 Foot Guards 10 13 Infantry 134 91 There were no vacancies in the higher grades which are filled by promotion in the ordinary course.

asked whether it is proposed to continue the system of appointing second lieutenants on probation to Guards and Cavalry regiments; and, if so, whether the same system will be applied in the case of appointments to Infantry regiments of the line; and whether he can state how many of these probationers have hitherto failed to qualify themselves for permanent appointment to their respective units?

The system referred to is temporary only, and it will be discontinued if a sufficient number of qualified candidates present themselves in the usual way. It is not intended to apply the system to Infantry of the Line. The number of probationers who have hitherto failed to qualify themselves by examination for permanent commissions are as follows:—Cavalry of the Line, 3; Foot Guards, 6.

asked whether sergeants and staff-sergeants of the Royal Garrison Artillery are being forced to leave the Service earlier than at the age up to which the Royal Warrant entitled them to leave?

The privileges of continuing in the Service beyond twenty-one years has been temporarily suspended in the case of sergeants and staff-sergeants of the Royal Garrison Artillery, owing to the large number of supernumerary noncommissioned officers caused by reductions in establishment. The warrant gives no title to sergeants and staff-sergeants to be retained up to a specified age.

Why should not a privilege granted to the Horse and Field Artillery be equally given to the Garrison Artillery?

It depends upon what the establishment is. If the establishment is short, to grant the privilege would inflict injustice on other people whose promotion comes in the ordinary course.

asked how many vacancies for quartermasters exist in the Territorial Artillery at the present time?

There are no quartermasters provided in the establishments of the Territorial Artillery (except the Honourable Artillery Company), as they are not considered to be necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he had any official information showing that the construction of the railway in Southern Nigeria is proceeding economically and satisfactorily, especially in view of a recent report of the auditor that it is no exaggeration to say that thousands of pounds' worth of material have been lost to the Government; whether these deficiencies have occurred under the governorship of Sir Walter Egerton; and whether there is a more recent auditor's report of such a character as to restore the public confidence?

The construction of the Southern Nigeria Railway extension may be said to be practically complete as far as Jebba, and it is anticipated that the last completed section of this extension ( i.e., the section from Illorin to Jebba) will be completed within the estimate. Construction north of Jebba towards Zungeru has not yet proceeded far enough for reliable comparison between actual and estimated expenditure, but it is anticipated that there will be a considerable excess owing partly to labour difficulties and partly to the country proving more difficult than was anticipated. I should be glad if my hon. Friend could give me a precise reference to the report of the auditor referred to, I shall then be in a better position to deal with the last part of this question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any information, from whatever source, of any lack of public confidence in Sir Walter Egerton?

I do not know that this arises on the question, but, since the hon. Gentleman has asked, I may say at once that we have no reason to doubt that there is the fullest confidence in Sir Walter Egerton.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the nature of the operation not authorised by the certificate which was performed by a licensee holding Certificate B, as recorded by the inspector in the Return showing the number of experiments on living animals during the year 1909; what is the name of the licensee in question; whether there is any reason why such licensee, should not be prosecuted under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876; and whether he will give his assent to such prosecution as by that Act required?

The operation consisted of cöphorectomy of two rabbits, of course under anæsthetics. It was brought to the notice of the Home Office by the licensee sending a paper published by him in which the experiments were described. Even had it been a case for prosecution it was then too late, the statutory period of six months within which any proceedings must be taken having expired. I do not wish to minimise the serious nature of the offence, but I may mention that the licensee in question held certificates in previous years authorising this very experiment, and, as he explained, failed to notice that his certificates, at the time when he performed the operation, were so worded as not to include it. He is a distinguished man of science, to whom the refusal of a licence is a very severe penalty, and I think the House will agree that, in these circumstances, I am not called upon to disclose his name.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under certificate B the animal, although put under an ænesthetic, is allowed to come out of it, and have its life prolonged, that the effect of the experiment may be watched after the ænesthetic has ceased to operate; and is there any other Department, mines or factories, where, if the inspector detects an offender against the law, he keeps the name of the offender concealed, or does the conspiracy of silence apply to this alone?

My hon. Friend has answered his own question; but, so far as concerns his expression "conspiracy of silence," I cannot admit any conspiracy of silence, and I think I am fully justified in this case in not disclosing the name.

asked how far the workings of the Wellington Pit, White-haven, extend under the sea beyond the low-water mark?

The distance is rather less than three and a half miles.

asked on what dates during the last three years the inspector of mines visited the Wellington Colliery, Whitehaven; and whether on the occasions of his visit he examined the intake and return airway, especially the latter, and found these clear and available for the free passage of the men?

I have made inquiry, but have not yet received the information asked.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what powers are conferred by the Board on local authorities for making by-laws regulating slaughter-houses, with a view to the prevention of unnecessary suffering on the part of animals killed for human food?

By Section 169 of the Public Health Act, 1875, which incorporates the provisions of the Towns Improvement Clauses Act, 1847, as to slaughter-houses, a town council or urban district council may make by-laws for the regulation of slaughter-houses, including the prevention of cruelty therein. Similar powers may be conferred on rural district councils by Order of the Board. In London, the London County Council have powers to make by-laws for regulating the conduct of the business of a slaughterer of cattle under Section 19 (4) of the Public Health (London) Act, 1891.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he could state whether any inquiry has been held into the circumstances attending the loss of the steamship "Waratah," which was lost nearly twelve months ago; and whether he can state if Messrs. Lund and Sons are meeting their obligations towards the relatives of the crew?

A formal investigation into the circumstances attending the disappearance of the steamship "Waratah" was ordered by the Board of Trade on 7th February last, but owing to the necessity of obtaining evidence from Australia and South Africa, it has not been possible yet to hold the inquiry. I am informed by Messrs. W. Lund and Sons that the claims of all dependants entitled to compensation up to date have been settled.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will advise the superintendents at the various Labour Exchanges that the halls attached to the exchanges may be used, so far as accommodation will allow, by registered workpeople in order that they may not have to wait about outside exposed to the weather as at present; and if he will advise that newspapers and periodicals may be supplied to the exchanges for the use of registered workpeople?

As I have already stated, it is within the discretion of a manager of a Labour Exchange to allow men to wait for employment within the exchange, as far as space permits, and it is the intention of the Board that, generally speaking, such space as is available should be used for this purpose. At the same time, it would be undesirable to allow men to wait at the exchange for whom no possibility of employment was likely to arise. I am afraid I could not recommend the considerable expenditure which would be incurred by adopting the suggestion contained in the last part of the hon. Member's question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at some of the Exchanges there is not accommodation for a hedgehog, much less a number of working men?

Many of the Exchanges occupy temporary places, and we are expediting as far as possible the provision of permanent premises. We are endeavouring to give all the accommodation possible.

asked whether on 23rd June last the Camberwell (London) Labour Exchange advertised for a foundry trimmer, and that a Mr. C. Anson applied, and was given a letter to take to the Clapham Junction Exchange, where he was given another letter to take to Messrs. Brett, Hennebegar, and Company, of Elm Works, Earlsfield, where he was informed that the situation had been filled some hours previously, and that the applicant had to walk all the way, it taking him from 8.30 a.m. until 3 p.m.; if he is aware that on the same date this Exchange advertised for a horse-keeper, and a Mr. E. Oddy was sent at 8.30 a.m. to Deptford Exchange, after waiting there an hour and a half asked the clerk if he could be attended to, and was then informed that there was no such job vacant, and that the bill remained in the window of the Camberwell Exchange until 4 p.m. that day, and other workpeople were sent on a similar fruitless errand; that on 28th June the Camberwell Exchange advertised for a cook, and a Mr. W. Husting applied, and was told by the clerk to call on the following morning at 9 a.m. which he did, and was then given a letter to take to Temple Chambers Labour Exchange, and was sent from there on to Harrow Road Exchange, and from thence to North Kensington Exchange, where he was given a letter to a Mr. Harville, of 4, St. Helen's Gardens, who told the applicant, after he had been kept waiting from 11.10 to 2.30, that a cook had been engaged on the previous Monday; and whether he can see his way to institute at the Exchanges methods of working whereby applicants for employment will not be in future sent on fruitless errands whereby time is wasted and in some cases money in fares?

Inquiries have been made into the facts of each of the three cases to which the hon. Member has called attention, and I am prepared to furnish him with the particulars elicited which do not quite agree with the statement. The failure of the employers to notify the cancellation of vacancies is one of the difficulties with which Labour Exchange managers have to contend, and occasionally leads to the despatch of applicants to situations which are found to be filled. I am satisfied, however, that such incidents are of rare occurrence, and every effort is made to reduce them to a minimum. In particular, it is the duty of managers, before sending an applicant to a distance, to obtain, if possible, direct confirmation of the vacancy still being open, and where such information cannot be obtained, to give full warning to the applicant. The matter is being carefully watched.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is prepared to make arrangements with the various local authorities that have tramways under their control for free travelling facilities to be allowed to workpeople seeking employment on production of a certificate from the superintendent of a Labour Exchange?

I will consider the suggestion, but I see considerable difficulty in the way of adopting it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for the last twenty years the Colonial authorities in New South Wales have issued passes to men out of work?

When the Act was passed the point was raised, and the Board of Trade was omitted from giving the passes. This question is in reference to the local authorities, and that they should be asked to do so. I will look into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, under Section 109 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the Board of Trade has power to appoint inspectors to investigate the affairs of any company whatever, whether in voluntary liquidation or not, and to report thereon in such manner as the Board direct on the application of members holding one-tenth of the shares issued, if supported by appropriate evidence, and on necessary guarantees being given as to the costs of the inquiry; whether, in the case of the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society, Limited, he would be prepared to exercise these powers of the Board if the conditions precedent were complied with; and whether, as under the terms of the section the investigation may be in such manner as the Board direct, he would, in that case, direct that a public investigation should be made?

As at present advised, I do not think the Board of Trade have the power suggested. As regards the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South Hackney on 29th June, of which I am sending him a copy.

Would the right hon. Gentleman take the opinion of the Law Officers as to whether or not the Board of Trade has this power?

I do not think so, as at present advised. I am still examining the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean as at present advised by the Law Officers or by laymen?

By the advisers at the Board of Trade.

asked the Postmaster-General, with reference to the conveyance of mails between Paris and London, if he can now state what progress has been made in the communications he was making with the French Government as to the possibility of utilising to a greater extent the shorter routes between the two capitals, namely, viâ Newhaven and Dieppe, and viâ Folkestone and Boulogne, in place of the longest, viâ Dover and Calais; if he will state the position as regards the suggested ameliorations of the train service generally between London and Paris, both in the interests of the mail service and that of the travelling public; and if there is any hope of the evil use of the monopoly which the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Companies have exercised for so long to the disadvantage of the public being either checked or coming to an end?

Negotiations in the matter of the mail service between London and Paris are still proceeding, and I regret that I am not at present in a position to make a statement on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this matter has been on for something like four years? He has himself admitted the urgency of the reform?

At this moment there are negotiations going on with the railway companies and with the French Government with regard to this mail service, and I cannot now say more.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the number of foreign trawlers that have been reported to the Customs authorities by the Scottish and Irish Fishery Boards respectively for fishing within the prohibited areas since the coming into force of the Act of last year for the prevention of the same, specifying the number reported in the Moray Firth; whether in any case their fish has been seized by the Customs authorities on entry of the trawlers into British ports; and what is the total value of the catch so seized?

Five trawlers in all have been reported by the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), and forty-four in all by the Scottish Fishery Board. None of those reported by the former and thirty-eight of those reported by the latter were observed in the Moray Firth. Three seizures have been made by the Customs—two, of the same boat, under notification from the Irish Department, and the third, on report of fishing in Moray Firth, by the Scottish Board. The gross proceeds of the sale of the three catches was £210. It should be added that two of the cases reported by the Department of Agriculture occurred only yesterday, and that in many cases the vessels, knowing they had been observed, did not attempt to land their fish in this country.

Does the Government still seriously pretend, in face of these facts, that the Act that was passed last year is of any use whatever?

My own point of view is the point of view of the Customs.

Surely the right hon. Gentleman has an opinion of his own?

Were the vessels in question British or foreign?

I do not know. It has been reported to me from the point of view of the Customs.

I shall address a question to the Lord Advocate on the subject.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can now state when the workmen in His Majesty's dockyards will receive the replies to their last year's petitions; whether he can state when the petitions for the present year will have to be presented; whether he can give the approximate date of the annual visit of the representatives of the Admiralty to the respective dockyards; and whether he will give adequate notice of the date of such visit to the representatives of the various workmen in accordance with previous promise?

We are now in correspondence with the Treasury, and hope to give replies within the next few days. The new petitions may be presented as soon as replies have been received to those of last year. With regard to the third part of the question, dates have not yet been fixed. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked whether, since the system of two-year commissions was instituted for fully commissioned ships, any representations have been made to the Admiralty by commanding officers or others that this period is too short and that a reversion to the old three-year commissions would be advisable?

It is not advisable to make public reports received from commanding officers on matters of organisation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the present condition of the ships?

Yes, Sir, quite.

asked whether, in consequence of the constant changes in the ratings carried by the ships of the Third Division of the Home Fleet, it has been found necessary to increase the clerical staffs of those ships; what is the average-time spent in these ships by men of the seamen and stoker ratings who are drafted to them; and whether the Board are satisfied that this is a sufficient length of time to ensure the war efficiency of the ships?

The accountant staffs of the Third Division battleships and cruisers have been increased up to the numbers allowed in their full sea-going complements, in view of the large number of supernumerary ratings borne in the ships for disposal or training. The average time spent by nucleus crews in their ships is twelve months. Ratings supernumerary to the nucleus crew complements, and borne for disposal or training, are frequently changed, and no average time can be given. The reply to-the third part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Attorney-General whether the Crown right to the sea beyond the three-mile limit extends to the minerals under the sea; and whether the rights of the Crown to mineral royalties have been protected in the case of mines working minerals beyond the three-mile limit?

The rights of the Crown to the minerals under the sea are co-extensive with its rights to the bed of the sea. I am informed that the rights of the Crown were fully protected in the only case of minerals under the sea beyond the three-mile limit which has hitherto been dealt with.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that French straw has been imported into this country for generations "without any complaint or suspicion whatever; that French straw such as is imported into this country does not come within touch of cattle, but is thrashed, baled, and sent direct to the seaboard for shipment; whether his Board has yet come to any decision with regard to the removal of the embargo on the importation of French straw; and whether there is any prospect of an early removal of the embargo?

Yes, Sir, and the Board are in communication with the French Government and are awaiting certain information from them. When such information is received the Board will consider if it is possible to modify the present regulations.

asked when the proposals of the Government with regard to invalidity and unemployment insurance will be laid before the House?

I am unable to make any statement on this subject at present.

May I ask the right lion. Gentleman if these proposals are not ready?

They are quite ready.

If they are ready, may I ask why they are not produced?

All in good time.

asked the President of the Board of Education what progress, if any, has been made with regard to giving effect to the resolutions passed at a conference of educational bodies in November last on the subject of the registration of teachers?

At the conference in November the resolutions passed were subject to reservations in the case of several of the bodies represented there. These reservations were embodied in various memoranda which were submitted to the Board and have been under consideration. Since then the Association of Teachers in Technical Institutions, who were members of the conference, have held their annual conference, and on 18th June passed the following resolution:— That this association is of opinion that, owing to the complexity of technical education and the diverse qualifications of those engaged in it, the representation accorded to technical teachers on the proposed Registration Council by the scheme submitted to the Board of Education is totally inadequate. Meanwhile, I have under consideration means by which the registration fees paid to the late council may be returned to those who claim them, and make good their claim on lines which I hope soon to settle.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take advantage of the opportunity which will be afforded by the forthcoming issue of new coinage to follow the course now adopted by nearly all other nations and introduce nickel coins of the value of a penny and twopence, either concurrently with or in substitution for the present bronze ones?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not think the experience of other countries in connection with nickel coinage affords adequate grounds for its introduction in the United Kingdom, either in substitution for or concurrently with our present bronze coinage.

asked whether in the case of persons entitled to relief on account of earned income who failed to send in their returns before 30th September last, those who earn less than £1,000 a year have to pay at the rate of 1s. 2d., while those who earn more than £1,000 have been permitted to pay at a less rate?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if, considering that the owners of licensed premises have had no chance of appealing against the assessment of 1909–10, he will allow them to appeal against the 1909–10 assessment at the same time as they appeal against the 1910–11 assessment?

I am informed that the law does not admit of such appeals.

asked how many transfers and leases were lodged for stamping, and for the assessment of the Increment Duty during the month of June, or during any other period that is available?

During May and June just over 10,000 instruments were presented in England and Ireland under the provisions of Section 4 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. A different system prevails in Scotland, and the figures for that country are not yet available.

asked what portion of the sum of £151,803, appearing in the Supplementary Estimate, under the head of salaries, wages, and allowances, in addition to salaries in the Land Valuation Office, is allocated to the permanent staff of that office; and what is the number of such permanent officers on which the Estimate is based?

The Supplementary Estimate referred to by the hon. Member provides for some 100 permanent officials at a total cost of £37,725.

asked what is the number of temporary officers in the Land Valuation Office for whom provision is made in the Supplementary Estimate; and what is the period during which the services of such officers are estimated to be required?

It is estimated that, including clerks and other subordinates, over 600 of the appointments will be on the temporary staff, and their services will be required until the initial valuation has been completed.

How long is that period estimated to be?

I cannot say.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether those officers will be put on the establishment later on without examination?

No; my answer to that is that they are temporary.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the rejection by the Local Government Board of a claim to an old age pension by Mrs. Mary O'Sullivan, Peter Street, Knightstown, Valentia; whether he is aware that she is the daughter of her father's first wife, and that the Census Returns show that the eldest child by her father's second wife is seventy-one years of age; and whether, in view of the fact that Mrs. Sullivan is two years older than one who is conclusively proved to be seventy-one years of age, he will state on what grounds Mrs. Sullivan's claim has been rejected?

Mrs. O'Sullivan claims to have been about four years old at the time of her father's second marriage in 1840. The date of this marriage is confirmed by the Census Returns which also show the eldest child of that marriage was nine years old in 1851, and would be now 68. Mrs. O'Sullivan has produced no evidence in support of her statement that she is the daughter of her father's first wife, and the Local Government Board have disallowed her claim as there is nothing to show that she has attained the statutory age.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state when the report of the inquiry into the housing scheme for the town of Ennis will be made; and whether he will represent to the Local Government Board the urgency of this question in the interests of the working people of Ennis?

The inquiry in question was only held on 23rd June. During the preceding fortnight the same inspector held five other inquiries into housing schemes, each of which would seem to demand attention as urgently as the Ennis scheme. This last scheme will be dealt with by the Local Government Board in its due order as soon as practicable.

In view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that many of those schemes were as urgent as the Ennis scheme, may I ask whether his attention has been called to the evidence at the Ennis inquiry by representatives of all classes and clergymen of all denominations as to the deplorable condition of the houses in the town of Ennis, and as to the strong necessity there is from every point of view of providing better dwellings for the working people?

Yes, I have seen that evidence; but I am sorry to say that evidence of the same character was given at the other inquiries. The matter is one of great importance.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not think it would be a good thing to expedite the granting of these loans as being one of the very best means of combating the dreaded disease of tuberculosis, of which we hear so much in Ireland?

Yes, Sir. The expedition of the loans is always in itself most desirable.

We think the process very slow in Limerick.

asked what was the total amount levied in respect of extra police charges in Ireland for the six months ended 31st March, 1910, exclusive of payments made by the Corporations of Belfast and Londonderry?

The amount payable in respect of extra police by local authorities, other than the Corporations of Belfast and Londonderry, for the period mentioned is £7,240.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention had been called to the action of two justices of the peace at Shandangan petty sessions, county Cork, who insisted on adjudicating in an assault case arising out of a dispute over an evicted farm in which they, as members of the United Irish League, supported the claims of the plaintiff Murphy against those of the defendant Kingston who at present occupies the farm; whether, under such circumstances, he will give instructions for the fines against Kingston and the co-defendants to be remitted; and will he call the attention of the Lord Chancellor to the conduct of the two magistrates?

I understand that the solicitor for the defendant Kingston intends to make application to the King's Bench Division to have the proceedings in this case quashed, on the ground that the bench was improperly constituted. In these circumstances no action on my part would appear to be necessary or desirable. No application has been made to the Lord Lieutenant for the remission of the fines.

asked what steps, if any, will be taken by the Congested Districts Board to clear the beach at Coosheenkenny, Valentia?

The Congested Districts Board have authorised a small expenditure for clearing the beach, but they expect the local fishermen to keep it clear for the future.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the application made by the Ulster Bank to appoint a receiver and manager on the lands of Cransallagh, Garrycastle, King's County, on which the bank held a mortgage, and to the affidavit of the manager of the Tullamore branch of the bank, from which it appeared that the owner, Stone, had been boycotted since taking possession; that the buildings and outhouses were burned in May, 1909, for which £336 was awarded as compensation, and that since the burning the holding had been abandoned and the lands derelict; and whether, having regard to the comments of the Master of the Rolls that it was disgraceful that the law should be disregarded and set at naught, he proposes to take any steps towards restoring respect for the law in the district?

My attention has been called to this case. The facts as to the burning of the buildings and outhouses are as stated. I am informed by the police authorities that Stone has not been boycotted personally, but he cannot let his meadowing or grazing, and not being in a position to stock his farm he has been obliged to have it practically derelict. The local police have done everything in their power to protect Stone and his property, and will continue to do the same for the receiver who has recently been appointed.

Is not Stone a member of a well-known family in Ireland who have been camp followers in the land war?

asked whether any, and, if so; how many, credit societies or loan banks on co-operative principles have been established in Ireland; whether any super vision is exercised over them by the Irish Government; whether their working is shown to be satisfactory; whether any, and, if so, what, financial assistance has been given them by the Irish Government; and whether any money so advanced to them has been or is irrecoverable; and, if so, to what extent?

I am not in a position to say what number of these societies have been established in Ireland. They are not under the supervision of any Department of the Irish Government, but an inspector of the Department of Agriculture was allowed last year to examine the books of 103 societies to which the Department had made loans. The only financial assistance afforded by the Irish Government to these societies is by way of loans granted' by the Department, amounting in all to £17,800. Of this amount £600 was considered by the Department's inspectors to be bad or doubtful, but it is not possible to say how much may ultimately prove to be irrecoverable.

May I ask whether, in the opinion of the right hon. Gentleman, these agricultural credit societies, which have been so eminently successful on the Continent, are not likely to succeed in Ireland or in other parts of the United Kingdom?

I would rather not express an opinion. The subject is one well worthy of Debate in this House, and I hope it shall soon receive attention.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the wages paid by the Board of Works to their labourers is not in accordance with the Fair Wages Resolution of this House; whether he is aware that the wages paid in London to men employed on similar work is at the rate of 27s. per week, while those employed in Dublin only receive from 14s. to 16s. per week; and whether he will investigate the matter with a view to a readjustment of the wages paid to the labourers employed under the Board of Works in Ireland?

I have nothing to add to the answers which I have previously given on this subject, which dealt fully with the matter.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, when this question was gone into, sufficient consideration was given to the difference of the cost of living in Dublin compared with London, and whether he considers that 14s. to 16s. per week is a sufficient wage for these men?

I went very fully into this subject, and received a very full Report on the matter at the end of last Session. I am told that the wages paid are the standard wages paid for this kind of labour in that district.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that a labourer, required to be a learner in gardening and doing rough work of that character in Phœnix Park, should not be paid more? Phœnix Park is in the City of Dublin, where the wages paid by the corporation is 25s. per week, and by Messrs. Guinness 24s. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that a fair wage is paid to the workmen in the City of Dublin?

From inquiries I have made I find there are different standards of wages. In the Phœnix Park district, where these men live, I am told that the standard rate of wages is paid.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the guardians of the North Dublin Union have been surcharged by the auditor of the Local Government Board for granting outdoor relief to Mrs. Devlin, the youngest of whose children is only four months old; whether he is aware that the circumstances under which this relief was granted were that the husband was imprisoned for a month, leaving the family absolutely destitute; that the guardians dealt with the case as one of sudden emergency and continued the relief during the short period of imprisonment; and whether, seeing that if they had taken what the auditor said was the legal course the cost to the ratepayers would have been greater, he proposes to allow the surcharge to stand?

The Local Government Board have not had occasion to investigate this case as no appeal was made to them, but they understand that portion of the amount surcharged has already been paid. As regards the concluding portion of the question I would point out that the Board have no jurisdiction respecting surcharges save when appeals are made to them.

If an appeal is made in this case will the right hon. Gentleman see that the surcharge is removed? May I also ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the family relieved, six in number, only received 4s. 6d. per week to keep them; and whether he is aware that the mother of the family had a baby four months old?

Well, Sir, I cannot answer the last part of the question.

If I supply the right hon. Gentleman with information dealing with this case will he inquire into it and see that justice is done to the relieving officer?

If the hon. Gentleman will supply me with the facts of the case of course I will look into it. With regard to the appeal, if an appeal is made justice will be done.

asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been called to the meeting of the Swinford branch of the United Irish League at which the people were urged to boycott a Mr. O'Hara, who was described as a despicable landgrabber; whether Mr. T. Morrin, who presided at this meeting, has since been made a justice of the peace; whether his conduct has been brought to the notice of the Lord Chancellor; and whether any action will be taken in the matter?

I understand the question to refer to a resolution alleged to have been adopted at a meeting of the Swinford branch of the United Irish League held on 6th June, 1909. The Lord Chancellor has already made inquiries into the matter, it having been represented to him that such a resolution was passed; and he is informed that no such resolution was adopted, and that any report to that effect is without foundation. Mr. T. Morrin was appointed a magistrate in January last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that copies of the alleged resolution have appeared in the public Press?

I have seen a lot in the public Press.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on 3rd January, 1910, a party of women drove cattle on to a farm, the property of Mr. O'Hara, at Cloonaghboy, near Swinford, and that on their prosecution the case was dismissed; whether he is aware that out of the four magistrates who tried the case two were members of the United Irish League, and that the resident magistrate dissented from the decision of his colleagues; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I understand that summonses for trespass were issued against three women by Mr. O'Hara, which came on for hearing on 18th March, 1910. A legal question arose as to whether Mr. O'Hara, being a grazing tenant under an eleven months letting, could maintain proceedings for trespass, and the hearing was accordingly adjourned at the instance of Mr. Henn, R.M., the presiding magistrate. The adjourned hearing took place on 6th June, 1910, before Colonel Johnston, R.M., and Messrs. Henry, Keane and M'Dermott, when the charges were dismissed, the magistrates, with the exception of Colonel Johnston, being apparently of opinion that Mr. O'Hara was not the owner of the land within the meaning of the Act. The Bench acceded to an application to state a case for the High Court on the question of law. I Have no information as to whether any of the magistrates are members of the United Irish League.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board proposes at an early date to do anything for the inhabitants of Rathlin Island; and whether he is in a position to state what form the assistance will take?

Rathlin Island is not situate in a congested district, and the Board therefore have no power to do anything for the inhabitants.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the non residential grazing farm held by the late R. A. Duke, Esq., J.P., of Ballymote, and situated in Killaraght, county Sligo, Boyle union, has yet been sold to the Congested Districts Board; and, if not, can he state the cause of the delay?

This farm was offered to the Congested Districts Board in 1907, but they were not then in a position to buy. There has been some difficulty in reopening negotiations since the passing of the Irish Land Act, 1909, owing to the death of Mr. Duke, but the Board are now about to communicate with the present owner.

asked the Chief Secretary whether Mrs. Ryan, of Craughwell, county Galway, in connection with the protection of whose workmen Constable Goldrick was shot dead on 22nd January, 1909, continues to be boycotted at the present date; and whether he will enumerate the overt acts of outrage directed against her land and her property since she entered into occupation of her holding?

Mrs. Ryan is still boycotted. Save for the occurrence which led to the murder of Constable Goldrick, she has not been the object of any definite offences since 1907. In that year stones were thrown and shots were fired through the windows of her house and of the cottages of her workmen, a cock of hay belonging to her was burnt, and the walls of her farm were knocked down, while in 1906 the hair was cut off the tails of five of her cattle.

asked the Chief Secretary whether Mrs. Hall, of Clooney, county Clare, a widowed lady eighty years of age, is still boycotted; whether there has been any improvement in her j condition since attention was drawn to her case by the hon. Member for Cambridge University on 25th March, 1909; whether the lady and her property continue to receive special police protection, and what is the number of constables engaged in this duty; and whether any person has been brought to justice for the malicious burning of her hay and barn?

I am informed by the constabulary authorities that Mrs. Hall is still boycotted, and that there is very little improvement in her case. She is still protected by a sergeant and three constables. The persons who burnt her hay and barn last year were never discovered.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in order to remove doubts which have arisen, he will issue instructions to all who have to administer oaths in courts of justice that witnesses who object to take the oath in the new form sanctioned by the Oaths Act, 1909, shall have the oath administered to them either in the old form by kissing the Book or, if they prefer it, in the Scotch form by holding up the right hand, authorised by Section 5 of the Oaths Act, 1888?

A circular has been issued to petty sessions clerks and coroners calling attention to the Oaths Act, 1909, and pointing out that in the case of any person objecting to be sworn in the manner prescribed in that Act, the oath may be administered in any form which is now lawful. No instructions on the subject were issued to officers of the supreme court or of the county courts, who perform their duties in such matters under the directions of the presiding judge.

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman that it is perfectly lawful for a witness to be sworn under the old form of oath?

I should not like to answer that question off hand. I have always thought so.

asked the Chief Secretary whether Sergeant Thomas Jenkins, Royal Irish Constabulary, station Greenore, holds the position of port inspector at Greenore under the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction; if so, whether this is in accordance with the rules of the force; and whether he receives police pay while absent in England on work connected with the office of port inspector?

Sergeant Jenkins, who is stationed at Greenore, acts as ship inspector there under the Department. Other members of the force perform similar duties elsewhere, and there is nothing in the constabulary regulations to prevent their doing so. Since he took up this duty the sergeant has only once been in England, when he went over for a few days as a witness in a prosecution under the Diseases of Animals Acts. He received constabulary pay during his absence.

I would like to ask the Chief Secretary if he holds that policemen in Ireland should be free to travel into other countries on work wholly unconnected with their police duties, and at the same time be paid as policemen for work which they have neglected to do?

I can only say that as at present advised I see no harm in the matter.

Does the Chief Secretary to the Irish Government propose to continue to allow policemen to hold other positions while they are being paid to devote their whole time to the work?

It all depends what the positions are. If it is found that these duties can be easily performed by persons of police training and habit, I do not see why they should be interfered with, and unless such office is incompatible with their duties as policemen.

Is it not the fact that the regulations lay down that policemen should devote their whole time to the duties of their office as policemen, and is not this a paid position under the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction?

No, Sir, there is nothing whatever in this position inconsistent with the position of a constabulary officer under the rules.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no county council in Ireland is subjected to a charge for extra police so long as the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are in England?

Yes, I will see.

I beg to move, in Subsection (1), to leave out the word "eighteen" ["Whilst under the age of eighteen years"] and to insert instead thereof "twenty-one."

The Amendment which I propose will relieve the Sovereign from taking up the duties of his position until he is twenty-one years of age. The question, of course, can be argued at great length as to when a boy is old enough to assume responsibility. Practically, eighteen years is too young. At eighteen years of age a boy cannot come to this House, and if he is born to be a legislator his judgment is not considered to me matured until he is twenty-one years of age. Lawyers have a great contempt for anyone under twenty-one years of age. He is called an "infant." If you lend an "infant" money you are very likely to land yourself in gaol.

There is another point in view: that is, that the King, when he comes of age, will have the handling of several hundreds of thousands of pounds a year. This sum is not so much as it looks on paper, perhaps, because a great deal of the Civil List has to be paid to certain useful and ornamental people about the Court, so that the King does not get it all. I have known boys who would get into mischief if a great amount of money is placed at their disposal. At eighteen years of age the ordinary individual begins his university life. If the Sovereign has to have a university training at all, that is the age at which he will begin, it. Eighteen years of age is too soon for a boy to begin reading dry documents and to sign his name all the morning, and to lay foundation-stones all the afternoon. I am not a Court physician, but I maintain that those of Royal blood do not mature any earlier than ordinary human beings. I can conceive that there is only one argument against my Amendment. That is the constitutional argument— that it has always been so. The Sovereign under every Regency Bill has to come of age at eighteen. Well, Sir, I hope the Prime Minister is not afraid of the Constitution. None of us think much of the Constitution to-day. It may be precedent, but I think the Crown will never, again commit follies in the name of precedent. I beg to move.

I assume, Mr. Emmott, when you allowed my hon. Friend to make the speech he has made that you did not regard this Amendment as out of order. The title of the Bill is: "To provide for the administration of the Government in case the Crown should descend to any issue of His Majesty while such issue shall be under the age of eighteen years, and for the care and guardianship of such issue." Primâ facie, the Amendment is going beyond the scope of the title.