asked whether the vivisection of animals is carried on in the laboratory belonging to or connected with the Royal Memorial College at Khartoum which was erected to the memory of the late General Gordon; if so, why the sanction of his name has been given to a practice he condemned; and will it now be discontinued or General Gordon's name removed from the college?

I have no information about the practice of vivisection at the Royal Memorial College at Khartoum.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire as to the facts?

I am not quite sure what the position of the Royal Memorial College is, but I will make inquiry into that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any communication from the French Government upon the subject of the escape and recapture of the Indian prisoner Savarkar at Marseilles by the French police; and, if so; can he state the nature of such communications?

His Majesty's Government have been approached by the French Government on the subject, but I cannot make any statement till there has been time to consider the facts and the points involved.

Will the prisoner be kept on board ship until a decision is come to?

I must ask for notice of that.

asked whether arrangements for the sale of the Mount Dillion Estate, county Roscommon, to the Congested Districts Board had been completed or were likely soon to be completed; and whether the distribution of the untenanted land among the small-holders would be carried out?

The Congested Districts Board have not yet purchased the Mount Dillion Estate. The information asked for in the concluding portion of the question cannot therefore be given.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the whole county of Kerry was now scheduled as a congested district, the Congested Districts Board would favourably consider the application for assistance in constructing a footbridge at Moulnahorna, in the electoral division of Dromore, near Kenmare; and whether he was aware that this application was refused on a previous occasion on the ground that the district was not officially scheduled as congested?

The Congested Districts Board are making inquiries in connection with this application, which, I understand, was refused on a previous occasion on the grounds stated in the question.

asked whether steps Could be taken to secure the publication before 1st August by the Department of Agriculture of the Report on Irish Exports and Imports for 1909, in view of the fact that the information therein contained would be of the greatest value to the commercial men from all parts of Ireland who would be assembled in Belfast for the furtherance of home and foreign trade during the first week in August, now termed Irish week?

The Report in question is expected to be ready for presentation early next month, and every effort will be made by the Department to prevent any delay in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he would direct the attention of the Estates Commissioners to the fact that the Land. Judges of the High Court had ordered the sale of the lands of Lavagh, Lusmagh, in the barony of Garrycastle, King's County, formerly owned by Mr. Joseph Dolan; and whether the Commissioners would buy the land for the enlargement of the existing holdings on the property?

The Estates Commissioners have issued a request to the Land Judge under Section 7 of the Irish Land Act, 1903, with reference to 125 acres of the townland referred to. When the necessary documents have been lodged, the Commissioners will consider the question of making an offer for the lands.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he would state, up to 30th June, 1910, the total number of cases of cattle-driving reported to the police, the number of distinct cases in which proceedings were instituted, and the number of persons proceeded against, distinguishing between the different results of proceedings before magistrates and before juries, respectively?

The total number of cattle drives up to 30th June last was 1,389. Proceedings were instituted in respect of 230 of these drives. There were 180 distinct prosecutions directed against 2,128 persons. Summary proceedings were taken in 165 cases, 1,958 persons being brought before magistrates. Of these, 328 were discharged and 1,595 were ordered to find bail, of whom 276 were imprisoned in default of giving bail, and the cases against 35 persons were adjourned. Eleven cases were tried before juries against 148 persons, of whom 17 were convicted and 30 acquitted; the jury disagreed as regard 69, and nolle prosequi was entered in the case of 32. In the four remaining cases 22 persons are awaiting trial at assizes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether any drives of human beings have taken place on this estate during the last fifty years?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he had received any complaints as to county court administration and procedure in Ireland; and whether he was prepared to take any steps in the matter?

No complaints on this subject have recently reached me. Suggested reforms in county court procedure have from time to time been brought under the notice of successive Irish Governments, but so far it has not been found practicable to give legislative effect to them.

asked the Chief Secretary if he would state the date of the circular containing instructions to the Royal Irish Constabulary with reference to the restoration of arms surrendered under the Peace Preservation Act; the date upon which the Irish Government approved of these instructions; and the date upon which the matter was brought to his notice?

The date of the circular referred to is 1st July, 1910. It was issued by the Inspector-General. The matter was brought to my notice for the first time by its publication in the newspapers.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how it was that he did not hear of this circular until 11th July, ten days after it was issued with the approval of the Irish Government?

If the hon. Member turns to the Act of Parliament under which these notices were given he will see that it was an administrative matter, and I suppose it was not thought to be of sufficient importance for my attention to be called to it.

asked if the Royal Irish Constabulary had received supplementary instructions that firearms surrendered under the Peace Preservation Act were only to be restored to owners who could prove their claim and produce an Excise licence authorising them to bear arms; and whether ammunition and weapons other than firearms were to be restored without any restriction whatever?

As stated by my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General, in reply to the hon. Member's question on the 13th instant, firearms voluntarily surrendered will be restored only to owners who can prove their claims and produce an Excise licence. The quantity of weapons other than firearms is very small, and the ammunition is practically valueless.

asked what were the charges against Richard J. Walsh, Kilmurry, and others in regard to which a nolle prosequi was entered at the Kerry Summer Assizes; and whether the withdrawal of these prosecutions indicated an intention to abandon any further attempt to vindicate the law in the matter of the Kilmurry eviction proceedings in June last?

I understand that at the Kerry Spring Assizes, 1910, the defendants in this case were indicted for (1) resisting the sheriff, (2) assaulting the police, and (3) unlawful assembly. The jury acquitted the defendants on the first of these indictments, and the trial on the other two was postponed to the summer assizes, when a nolle prosequi was entered, and the defendants were discharged. No other proceedings are contemplated in the matter.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that it was fair to the police, some of whom were seriously injured, that these men should have been allowed to escape punishment?

That is a question affecting the discretion of the Attorney-General in the exercise of his right to enter a nolle prosequi. Considerations on both sides were present to his mind in coming to a conclusion, from which conclusion I do not differ.

Why were six of the fifteen men who were arrested for resisting eviction allowed to go away to America?

Was not the disturbance on this occasion much less serious than the disturbance which took place the night before last in the town of Armagh, among the hon. Member's own constituents?

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

Why six persons were allowed to go away? I am bound to say that in my opinion these six persons had much better be out of the country than in it.

Was the action of the magistrates who refused informations brought to the notice of the Lord Chancellor?

I cannot answer that question. I will inquire, if the hon. Member wishes.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any disturbances took place in Athlone oh Wednesday, 13th instant; and, if so, would he inform the House what took place?

The police authorities inform me that no disturbance took place in Athlone on the 13th instant. On the evening of Sunday, the 10th instant, a number of street preachers, who had taken up a position near the Town Bridge, became the abject of a hostile demonstration by a large crowd which collected near them. The police, in the interests of the public peace, requested the preachers to desist, and they did so. The police then escorted them to their residence. No assault was committed, and the action of the police averted what might have become a serious disturbance.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what was the creed of these lay preachers?

No, Sir; nor of anybody else.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been called to the resolution of the Croghan Co-operative Agricultural and Dairy Society, Limited, Boyle, county Roscommon, condemning the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Irish butter industry in so far as the Report proposed to place the control of the industry in the hands of the Department of Agriculture; and whether he would take steps to reassure the Irish creamery industry that no official interference would be attempted by means of legislation or otherwise?

The Department of Agriculture have received resolutions to the effect mentioned in the question, as well as others in the opposite sense. Any action the Department may take in this matter will be solely in the interests of the Irish butter industry.

asked whether any valuers have yet been appointed by the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, what were their names?

The Congested Districts Board have appointed six temporary valuers, namely, Messrs. Matthew Flanagan, William Roberts, Charles Webb, Robert M. Marsh, Thomas S. Moyles, and James P. Dowling.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving some of these positions to applicants from the North of Ireland, having regard to the fact that the gentlemen appointed were all Nationalists?

I can only say that the question of the appointment of these persons was referred by the Congested Districts Board to a very small representa- tive sub-committee, who undertook the most disagreeable task of sorting out these gentlemen from a very large number, and they came to a conclusion in the exercise of their discretion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House who the committee were?

No, Sir; they were a committee of the Congested Districts Board.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he would instruct the new Commission appointed for the purpose of investigating the origin of Mediterranean fever to reconsider the question from a sanitary and statistical standpoint, in relation to the military, naval, and civil populations, respectively, especial regard being paid to the sudden decline of the disease in the Army six months prior to the prohibition of goats' milk, the gradual decline in the Navy since the dredging operations of the Grand Harbour were commenced and the stoppage of sewage deposit therein, the uniformly lower rate of attack among the civil population compared with the military and naval populations, and the greatly decreased incidence among the civil population in those portions of the island of Malta where extensive sanitary improvements had been recently effected; would he see his way to appoint upon that Commission at least one medical gentleman from this country holding broad sanitary views who might assist the Commission in determining factors other than those of a bacteriological nature; and would he be prepared to add the name of Dr. P. P. Agius, B.A., M.D., Ph.D., of Malta, in view of his scientific attainments, to those of the members of the Commission?

It is not proposed that the new Commission shall concern itself with any other question than the manner in which goats become infected, which is the only matter in connection with the causation of Malta fever which remains obscure. The elected members of the Council of Government are only prepared to concur in the appointment of the committee on the condition that this question is made the special object of their inquiry. The Secretary of State has agreed to the proposal of the elected members that they should be allowed to nominate an independent local practitioner to be a member of the Commission. It is not yet known whom they will choose.

Do I understand that the inquiry will consist of experiments on animals for the purpose of curing a disease from which they do not suffer?

That rather prejudges the question. Of course, the inquiry will not be confined to experiments on animals. The question is how far and how they become affected, and that is a very proper subject of inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite satisfied that the insanitary conditions which prevailed at Malta had not a great deal to do with this fever?

It is rather difficult to discuss this highly technical matter by means of question and answer. Of course, every sanitary improvement tends to reduce disease. Speaking for myself, having inquired into the matter as much as I can, I think there is no doubt whatever; that goats' milk was the principal cause is proved without a shadow of doubt.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what appears to be a perfectly adequate case has been made out against their being any connection whatever between goats' milk and Malta fever? Will he not institute an independent inquiry into the matter?

This is a matter of opinion; but I think myself—and I can speak only for myself—that the reply I gave about ten days ago, showing the enormous reduction in Malta fever since measures were taken on the assumption that it was caused by goats' milk, is a conclusive proof.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that after goats' milk was entirely stopped in the Naval Hospital the entries for fever were reduced from thirty to one per month, and eventually to none?

I could not charge my memory with the precise facts, but what the Noble Lord says represents more or less the facts. The figures with regard to the Army were even more startling.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reduction had begun long before?

I cannot bear in mind the exact dates, but I am afraid that that is not so.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in estimating the amount still to be expended after 31st March next at Rosyth during the remaining period of time before completion as £1,687,000, he has taken into consideration the sum of £2,717,000 which is given on page 135 of the Navy Estimates as representing the further amount required for completing the work, in addition to £145,000 for new magazines?

The sum of £1,687,000, given as the estimated amount still to be expended at Rosyth during the period extending from the end of 1910–11 to the time of completion is that to be paid on the main contract, Section 1 of which, as the Noble Lord is aware, is due for completion on 30th September, 1913, and Section 2 on 30th June, 1916, with a bonus in respect of Section 2 for earlier completion. The £2,717,000 shown on page 135 of the Navy Estimates for 1910–11 includes, of course, payment on account of the contract already entered into, the, difference between the two sums representing ultimate work in connection with various features of the complete scheme, such as the erection of buildings and contingent work generally.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it is a fact that if the dock is to be finished as stated by the Government £600,000 a year will have to be expended till it is completed?

No, I cannot say that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether John S. Barnard was medically examined before being allowed to enlist in the Royal Marine Light Infantry on or about 26th September, 1896; if so, whether he was passed as sound; when first was he found to be suffering from melancholia; do the medical reports on that or any subsequent occasion indicate the cause of the attack or any circumstances which would account for it; and will he furnish a copy of all the medical reports under the control of the Admiralty relating to this man?

In reply to a former question of the hon. Gentleman, the First Lord of the Admiralty stated that there is nothing in the official records to indicate that this man has ever suffered from sunstroke, and the medical reports show that his invaliding for melancholia was not in any way attributable to service causes. In reply to the present question, I have to say that Barnard was enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry in September, 1896. He was first found to be suffering from melancholia in September, 1899. The medical reports gave no indication whatever on that occasion, or on any subsequent occasion, as to the cause of the attack, and no circumstances are recorded which would account for it. I am afraid I cannot accede to the request put forward in the last part of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to the "Emerald" having been towed to Cawsand Bay by the Ocean Steamship Company's steamer "Ducalion," after having broken away from the tugs whose business it was to bring the "Emerald" from Ireland to Plymouth; whether the tugs were undermanned; did the crews strike work on the voyage, and were they replaced by stokers from the "Emerald"; whether any of the tug crews did fifty hours' consecutive duty before reliefs were provided; and what is the cost of the assistance rendered to the "Emerald" by the "Ducalion"?

A report on this matter has been received this morning, and will in due course be considered by the Admiralty. In the meantime, I think it is only right to say that I have myself read the report, and cannot find that the allegations put forward in the question are according to fact.

Does the answer of the hon. Gentleman refer to the whole of the suggestions in the question or to any specific one?

Well, I am not anxious to discuss the matter, because we have a report which will have to be considered. I think it only fair—and I myself have gone through the report in detail—to say, as I have just said, that the general allegations put forward are not according to fact.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will explain to the House how it happens that last year, after the manœuvres were finished, the ships belonging to the Mediterranean Fleet returned to their respective ports to give leave to the men, and that this year an Order has been issued directing all ships belonging to the Mediterranean Fleet taking part in the manœuvres to return forthwith to their station at the conclusion of the manœuvres; and how the circumstances of the one year differ from those of the other?

The Admiralty do not consider it expedient on this occasion that the Mediterranean ships should visit their home ports before returning to their station. But nearly all the ships now on the Mediterranean Station which have come home for manœuvres have given leave in England within the last three or four months.

Is it not a fact that there is a regulation of the Admiralty which allows leave to be given to the men of the ships. of the Home. Fleet—that the ships must be relieved of their men after the manœuvres are over?

I could not say that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Sidney A. Maunder, late hired plumber, Devonport Dockyard, who has been awarded 13s. 10d. a week on the basis of totally destroyed earning capacity; whether, when accepting the scheme under which this sum is the maximum compensation to which the man is entitled, in lieu of the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, the facts were properly explained to him by a solicitor or some person having the necessary legal knowledge; whether he is aware that the man was earning 34s. 6d. per week as late as November last, that he has a wife and two children dependent on him, and that he himself is suffering from the effects of acute lead poisoning; and whether he will consider the possibility of adding such an amount to his weekly payment of 13s. 10d. as, in the circumstances of the case, seem necessary for the subsistence of the family?

Generally the facts are as stated by the hon. Member. The acceptance of the scheme contracting out of the Workmen's Compensation Act was optional, and its provisions were promulgated beforehand, so as to enable the workmen to determine for themselves whether they should accept or decline. The provisions of the scheme were not explained individually to the men, but every man had full opportunity to consider them. Although the amount awarded in this case is less than the maximum which could be paid under the Act itself, the provisions of the scheme must be dealt with as a whole, and, as prescribed by the Act, the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies has certified that the scheme is not less favourable to the workmen and their dependants than the Act. It is regretted that there is no power to add to the amount already awarded.

If I understand correctly the answer of the hon. Gentleman, the provisions of the scheme do not give the workmen the same advantages as the Act, therefore the scheme, according to the Act, is out of order?

No. In the matter of Hurt Pay, for instance, the provisions of the scheme are more favourable generally to the workmen than the provisions of the Act.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the difficulty experienced in filling up the shortage of 26,000 in the Territorial Forces, he will consider the advisability of amending the Admiralty Order providing that only 2 per cent. of workmen engaged in the Royal dockyards should be enrolled in the Territorial Forces; whether he is aware that the Order, as it now stands, is a hardship on men belonging to the Territorial Force and wishing to obtain employment in the Royal dockyards; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, he will reconsider the Order with a view of allowing a greater percentage of dockyard employés to join the Territorial Forces?

The Order referred to by the hon. Member was issued after very full consideration of all the circumstances, and the Admiralty are not prepared to revoke it. As regards the second part of the question, instructions are being promulgated to the effect that men belonging to the Territorial Force, who are candidates for admission to the dockyards, may be allowed to enter and complete the periods of their existing engagements with that force, notwithstanding the fact that the 2 per cent. may thus be temporarily exceeded.

But when this Order was promulgated it was known that there was a deficiency of 26,000 men.

I cannot admit the accuracy of the figures.

Was it known?

I cannot say.

Will the hon. Gentleman say, in the case of the 2 per cent. of men who are allowed to be in the Territorial Force, which would have to go short on the outbreak of war—the Royal dockyards or the Territorial Force?

If these men are withdrawn, as I presume they would be, of course the Royal dockyards would be to that extent depleted. I may add that there are various other men in the dockyards—Naval pensioners, Army reservists, and men in the Royal Fleet Reserve—all of whom would be liable to mobilisation in a time of emergency.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been, called to an account of certain operations of oophorectomy performed by Mr. S. G. Shattock upon two rabbits on 12th October and 5th November, 1908, respectively, and published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine, Vol. III., No. 2, issued in December last, after which operations the animals were allowed to recover from the effects of the anæsthetic administered, and were kept alive for observation, as part of the experiments, until 10th April and 11th October, 1909, respectively; and whether Mr. Shattock held a certificate authorising these experiments at the time when he performed them?

As my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, Mr. Shattock is the licensee referred to in the Home Secretary's reply of 5th July. The facts are as stated in the question, and the renewal of the licence was refused in consequence. My right hon. Friend regrets that, after what he said in his previous reply, the hon. Member should have thought it necessary to bring forward the name of the licensee.

I wish to ask, arising out of that reply, whether, in view of the fact that the second of these two experiments was continued till 11th October last, the answer given to me on 5th July that the fact that the case bad not been brought to the knowledge of the Home Office till the statutory period of six months had expired, was not, to that extent, incorrect: that is the reason I put the question?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that a lieutenant at the Salvation Army barracks, at Great Peter Street, recently baked a cat alive by means of placing it in a steam oven; whether he is aware that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, having satisfied itself of the facts, is precluded from taking any proceedings in view of the provision of the Cruelty to Animals Act requiring proceedings to be taken within one month of the date of the offence; and whether he will consider the necessity for bringing about an alteration in the law?

The attention of my right hon. Friend had not been drawn to this case until the hon. Member wrote to him about it on Monday last. He has made inquiries, and is informed that, when it was found necessary to kill the cat it was placed in a fumigating oven to which steam was applied at a very high pressure. It was submitted that the intention was to kill it as quickly and in as humane a, way as possible. If there had been a prosecution it is very doubtful if a conviction would have been obtained in lack of evidence that there was intentional cruelty. As stated in the question, proceedings under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1847, must be taken within one month of the offence, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals state that this period is generally sufficient.

Has the hon. Gentleman seen the official communication from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to the effect that but for the statutory disqualification they would certainly have prosecuted the officer of the Salvation Army for brutal cruelty?

Did the hon. Gentleman get the information from the secretary, because we in the society are particularly dissatisfied in this matter?

Yes. I have seen a letter and I have received information to the effect that on the whole the society regard a month as sufficient. They cannot give us any case in recent times in which the period of a month was not sufficient. That is the information I have received.

From the Secretary?

I think so, but I will make inquiry. As to the general practice I am not in a position to make a statement that the information I have received is correct, or whether the information of the hon. Member is correct. There is no doubt about the prosecution; I obtained that as a result of the police inquiry.

Will the hon. Gentleman ascertain from whom he did obtain the information?

The information from the police is as to actual facts. The statement as to the opinion of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that a month is sufficient was, I think, an official letter from the Secretary, but I will certainly inquire further and give the information.

asked whether, after the attention of the police authorities had been called to the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Mrs. Crippen, and particularly between the 8th and 11th July, any observation was kept upon the movements of Hawley Harvey Crippen?

The hon. Gentleman will perhaps accept in reply to this question the answer which was given yesterday to the hon. Member for West Ham (South).

Does the hon. Gentleman seriously hold that it is not in the interests of public justice that he should answer a simple question whether or not between the 8th and 11th July the man Crippen was kept under police observation, and assuming the true answer is in the negative, as I do, does he not think the police would be better occupied in watching the movements of suspected murderers rather than looking out for juvenile smokers of cigarettes?

My right hon. Friend is quite convinced that it would be against public interest at the present that this particular matter should be discussed, more especially as it can be discussed at a time when it would not be against the interests of justice.

Is that also on the advice of the police?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that the Imperial Service medal may be granted to members of the Civil Service who retire after not less than twenty-five years of meritorious service, he will favourably consider the claim of Mr. C. O. Emby, 92, Griffin Road, Plumstead, who has over forty years' meritorious service in the Royal Arsenal to his credit?

The Home Secretary is inquiring about the case.

asked whether in view of the number of bankruptcies which have occurred amongst colliery owners throughout the country during the last twelve years affecting the compensation of colliery workmen under the Workmen's Compensation Act, he will, at his earliest opportunity, introduce a Bill making it compulsory upon all colliery owners to insure their workmen against all accidents, fatal and non-fatal; and whether, in the meantime, he will cause a Return to be made and laid upon the Table of the House showing the number of bankruptcies which have occurred during the period afore-stated, and the amount of compensation affected thereby?

An inquiry into the question of compulsory insurance will be necessary before legislation can be undertaken. Such an inquiry was promised by Lord Gladstone, and will be instituted as soon as sufficient experience is available as to the working of the present Act. My right hon. Friend has no information to show that the question is one of greater importance to the colliery industry than to others, but he will see what figures can be obtained and communicate further with the hon. Member.

May I ask whether, in the event of this inquiry being undertaken, it will be an inquiry into the promise made four years ago that an insurance Department would be set up for workmen's compensation?

That is a large order.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any Consular Report from Panama has been issued since 1907; and, if not, when the next Report can be expected?

A Report on the trade of Panama was issued in October, 1908, containing information on trade matters up to August of that year. A further Report is expected to be received next month.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the report issued by the Trades Council of Birmingham regarding the unsatisfactory conditions under which the baking trade is carried on in that town; and, considering the efforts that have been made to have the conditions improved in the interest not only of the employés, but of the good employers and the community generally, will he take action to have those conditions improved?

My attention has been drawn to the report referred to by my hon. Friend, and I will confer with the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the President of the Local Government Board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the duties charged in Brazil on paints, pianos, watches, clocks, rubber manufactures, typewriters, cement, and school and office furniture are higher if imported from the United Kingdom than from the United States; and, if so, whether any representa- tions will be made to the Brazilian. Government to accord most-favoured-nation treatment to British goods; and (2) whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the United States Vice-Consul-General at Rio de Janeiro, in a recent report to his Government, that the recent grant of a 20 per cent. preferential tariff on United States cement would have the effect of diverting the supply of cement from European to American sources; and whether; seeing that a large export of cement from the United Kingdom to Brazil exists, any steps will be taken to obtain from Brazil the same concessions as have been accorded to the United States?

A preference amounting to 20 per cent. of the import duties has been accorded in Brazil to certain United States products and manufactures since April, 1904. The list of articles accorded preferential treatment has been extended from time to time and now embraces all those mentioned in the questions as well as wheat, flour, condensed milk, varnishes, weights and measures, refrigerators, windmills and corsets. My attention has been called to the report of the United States Vice-Consul, to which reference is made. There is no commercial treaty between Brazil and the United Kingdom, but representations have been addressed to the Brazilian Government, both by this Government and its predecessor, with a view to securing most-favoured-nation treatment for British goods. Other European Governments—those of France, Germany and Belgium—have also made representations to the Brazilian Government, which, like those of this country, have remained without effect.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what the reply of the Brazilian Government was to this question.

I should not like to quote it from memory. If the hon. Member will give me notice I shall answer him.

Am I to understand from the answer that any country can kill one of our important industries by giving an important preference to a rival, and that we can make no effective protest?

I do not know about an effective protest, but we are exactly in the same position as the other important Governments of Germany, France, and Belgium.

How can the right hon. Gentleman say we are in the same position in view of the fact that we give to Brazil facilities enormously greater than are given by other European countries?

The fact is as stated by the hon. Gentleman. This is a case of preference given to the United States of America to the detriment of all European countries.

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest that if it were possible for us to offer to retaliate we could not obtain from Brazil terms as favourable as the United States?

Seeing that France, Germany, and Belgium all have powers of retaliating, I think the suggestion made by the hon. Member is somewhat contrary to the facts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can see his way to make knowledge of the Welsh language an indispensable qualification for the post of manager of the Labour Exchange to be opened at Wrexham?

In selecting managers for the Welsh Exchanges, preference has been given to candidates having a knowledge of the Welsh language, and the same course, will be followed in the case of Wrexham.

asked whether, in view of the Report of the Royal Commissioners on Tuberculosis in 1898 that so long as private slaughterhouses are permitted to exist so long must inspection of meat be carried on under conditions incompatible with efficiency, besides other disadvantages and risks to health, he will introduce legislation to carry out their recommendation that power should be given to every local authority expending money in providing a public slaughterhouse to close all or any of the registered private slaughterhouses in the district?

The question is under my consideration, but I may point out that a clause giving local authorities the powers suggested was contained in the Bill for the Public Health Amendment Act, 1907, but was struck out in Committee.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what is the total number of persons, not at the time of appointment in permanent Government employment, who have been appointed since January, 1906, to positions in his Department with salaries exceeding £100 a year, and who did not previously to their appointment pass an examination by the Civil Service Commissioners; and what is the total amount of their salaries?

The number of appointments made without examination is fifty-nine, and the commencing salaries amount in the aggregate to £22,780.

asked the Lord Advocate, in view of the fact that there is nothing in the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, which prevents the Secretary for Scotland from varying by administrative Order the provisions of Section 3 of the Locomotives Amendment (Scotland) Act, 1878, in such districts in Scotland where variation is sought for, and in view of the fact that the road authorities, agriculturists, and traction-engine owners in Banffshire are unanimously in favour of the use of studs on the driving wheels of traction engines, whether he will reconsider his refusal to vary the provision so far as it affects the county?

As already indicated to my hon. Friend, I do not accept the view that Section 3 of the Act of 1878 can be varied for a special district, and I therefore regret I cannot reconsider my previous answers.

May I ask whether it is impossible to vary the Order for a particular county, such as the county of Roxburgh, when the farmers all desire it?

I think it is not possible to vary it for a particular county. If an alteration is made in the Order it must be made applicable to all counties in Scotland.

Is not this a purely local question affected by purely local conditions?

That may be so, but it is regulated by statutory conditions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the Dundee post-office was raised from a third to a second-class office under the Hobhouse recommendations, he will say why the auxiliary postmen who had no uniform at the time, but were regularly employed on the morning delivery, had their wages reduced from 9s. to 8s. 6d. per week?

I am inquiring into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in making Grants to medical schools this year, he will pay special attention to that branch of medical research which is directed to combating tuberculosis; and whether, in view of the far-reaching importance of the original research which has been carried out at St. Mary's Hospital bacteriological department, he will remove the financial embarrassment which threatens to impede the development of that work?

The Board's Grants to such institutions as medical schools are made in respect of organised courses of instruction and not in respect of particular subjects or departments.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government still adhere to the principles enunciated in the Memorandum on Sea Power presented by the Admiralty to the Colonial Conference in October, 1902, and amended in April, 1903, namely, that the primary object of the British Navy is not to defend anything but to attack the fleets of the enemy?

In the opinion of the Government there is no inconsistency between the principles set forth in the Memorandum referred to and the statements made by myself and other Members of the Government as to the standard of naval strength.

asked the Prime Minister what use he proposes to make of Lord Kitchener's military knowledge and experience; and whether he is at present performing any military duties?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in consideration of the personal qualifications of Lord Kitchener, he will reconsider his decision not to invite him to become a Member of the Committee of Imperial Defence?

Lord Kitchener is at present performing no military duties, nor have I any reason to think that he desires to undertake fresh military duties at the present time. It is contrary to usage, and, in my opinion, highly undesirable, to express any opinion as to the qualifications and claims of particular officers for particular posts in the service of the State.

May I ask the Prime Minister if he does not think it would be in the public interest for Lord Kitchener to perform military duties?

Are we to understand that Lord Kitchener would be an eligible Member of the Committee if he were in Malta, but not eligible when he is at home in England?

No.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the extension of higher education in neighbouring countries of recent years, and also in view of the vastness of the industrial results which have had their origin in scientific research, he will consider what means can be taken to give a stimulus to scientific research in this country; and whether, in particular, he will raise the office of the President of the Board of Education to the level of importance of that of any other great Department of State?

The Government always have in view the objects advocated by the hon. Member. I do not see how they would be promoted by the suggestion made in the second part of his question.

asked whether his attention has been called to a speech delivered by the Secretary to the Admiralty at Lydney on the 16th instant, in which he is reported to have declared that, subject to a reduction in the maximum duration of Parliament, the will of the people as expressed at the polls must within the life of a single Parliament prevail, and that Radical leaders could not possibly abandon or even abate this claim; and whether such speech was made with the sanction and approval of His Majesty's Government and expresses the settled policy of the Government?

My attention has not been called otherwise than by the hon. Member's question to the speech of my hon. Friend, and I am not aware in what context the statements attributed to him were made. In existing circumstances I do not think that I ought to say more in regard to the last part of the hon. Member's question than refer him to what I said in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy Burghs on 20th June.

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct his subordinates not to make any more indiscreet speeches pending the sittings of the Conference?

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government propose to take to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Selection of Justices of the Peace; whether legislative action is necessary to give effect to any of such recommendations; and whether, in particular, those recommendations which urge that, on the appointment of justices of the peace, the Lord Chancellor should reject and repudiate all political influences, require any legislative sanction?

I cannot say more at present than that the Report is receiving careful consideration, but no legislative action will be required to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission.

asked if it is his intention to take any action on the Report of the Royal Commission on the Selection of Justices of the Peace; and if he will give an opportunity to the House to discuss the findings of the Commission?

My hon. Friend will find that I answered a similar question on Tuesday last, the 19th.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered that the Naval Prize Bill is limited to the con- solidation and amendment of Naval Prize Law, and neither deals with nor refers to the Declaration of London, 1909, and that no opportunity will therefore arise on the Second Reading of that Bill for debating the Declaration in question; and will he undertake that, before any steps are taken to ratify the Declaration of London, the question of its ratification shall be submitted to Parliament for express Parliamentary sanction?

I have consulted the Prime Minister upon the subject, and if the Declaration of London cannot be raised upon the Naval Prize Bill another opportunity will be afforded to Members for discussing it. The Declaration does not require the sanction of Parliament, but, as already stated, the House will have an opportunity of considering it before ratification.

On whose or what authority does the hon. Member state that a Declaration changing the law does not require the assent of Parliament?

The Office I represent has taken the best legal advice on the subject.

On whose legal advice? Is it on the advice of the Law Officers of the Crown?

Does the Declaration of London not require to be ratified by this Parliament?

Certainly.

Will any opportunity be given to discuss the advisability of this Declaration?

That is what I have already answered.

If His Majesty's Government can ratify the Declaration by sole prerogative, why is it proposed to take the House into the confidence of the Government at all?

We thought there was a desire on the part of hon. Members to discuss it.

Will the Government not ratify it unless this House approves of it?

I cannot undertake to answer that.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the case of a farm labourer who recently sued unsuccessfully for nine months' wages in the Driffield County Court, he having been summarily dismissed for demanding time for his meals; and will he introduce legislation which will repeal the existing law which enables a farmer to dismiss a hired servant on a paltry pretext and to appropriate all wages earned and due?

The facts are not quite accurately summarised in the question. From the report of the case furnished to me by my hon. Friend it appears that the cause of the labourer's dismissal was his refusal to obey a lawful order given by his employer. It seems a hardship that the result of this single act of disobedience should involve the loss by the labourer of all remuneration for his preceding services, but it must be remembered that the labourer under a general hiring is certain of a year's employment, and that he cannot be dismissed during the twelve months except for misconduct. I will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to mitigate the rigour of the common law in such cases.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to make any alterations whatever in the circuit system before the Autumn Session?

asked whether an opportunity will be given before the House rises in August to discuss the question of the proposed alterations in the circuit system?

No, Sir; I understand that no alterations will be made before the Autumn Session.

asked whether, in view of the fact that a number of foreign countries are now keeping statistical records of Irish trade, he will suggest as a topic for discussion at the Colonial Conference the advisability of the various Dominions and Colonies keeping separate records of their trade with Ireland, with a view to supplying much-needed information as to the countries of ultimate destination of Irish exports?

The matter raised by my hon. Friend is mainly of a technical character, and I am doubtful if it can be usefully discussed at the Imperial Conference. My hon. Friend will remember that it has already been referred to the Governments of the Dominion of Canada and Commonwealth of Australia, who did not see their way to making the arrangement which he desires.

As the right hon. Gentleman has a fairly open mind in this matter, will he consult the Department of Agriculture in Ireland on this matter, which is charged with the preparation of these statistics, and ascertain their views on the subject?

By all means. The matter is rather difficult, but the arrangement of statistics in unanimity throughout the Empire is very desirable, and if anything can be done in this direction we shall be glad to do it.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the amount of legislation accomplished this Session, largely by appropriating private Members' time, whether he will spare what now remains of that time and allow two hours of next Friday for discussion of the Labourers' Home Enfranchisement Bill, which has the support of all classes concerned in Ireland, the only country in which it is intended to operate?

No, Sir. I fear that the hon. Member's suggestion is impracticable.

asked the Solicitor-General if his attention has been called to the report of certain proceedings in the county court at Leominster, on the 18th instant, from which it appears that a plaintiff named Dockett, who had been a registration agent, and who in his evidence described himself as a political agent for the last five and a half years of the Liberal candidate, sued certain electors of the Leominster Division for the repayment of loans made to them by himself; and whether, in view of the judgment by the learned county court judge dismissing the case, in which he held that the object of these loans was partly, if not entirely, to influence the votes of the defendants at the last General Election, and that the con- sideration for such loans was illegal, and, therefore, irrecoverable, and that it was doubtful if these loans were ever intended to be enforced had the election resulted otherwise, he proposes to have the documents in the case and a full report of the proceedings laid before the Public Prosecutor with a view to further action?

As I understand an appeal is pending in this case in pu[...]suance of leave given by the judge I would ask the hon. and learned Member to postpone his question until after the appeal has been decided.

Will the Solicitor-General give directions for the documents to be impounded?

That is not the question put to me. I was asked whether the case would be laid before the Public Prosecutor. It will be for the judge to say whether the documents should be impounded.

Pending the decision on appeal, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to secure that the documents do not disappear?

In view of the fact that an appeal is pending, the documents must be preserved.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman draw the attention of the Gladstone League to the matter?