asked the Under Secretary for the Colonies if he could state the total value of exports from Great Britain to Canada in the year preceding the granting of preference and the total value of exports to the Dominion in the last completed year?

A Customs preference was first accorded by the Dominion Government to British goods in 1897. The exports to Canada of the produce and manufacture of the United Kingdam in 1896 were of a declared value of £5,352,000. In 1909 their declared value was £15,688,000—an increase of 193 per cent. Meanwhile the total imports of merchandise into Canada from all sources have, of course, very largely increased.

May we take it that that represents, as a result of the preference, an increase of £5,000,000 per annum in wages to the British working classes?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Do those figures include exports from Ireland as Great Britain only is mentioned?

The United Kingdom.

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to pages 17 and 18 of the Colonial Report for Ashanti for 1909, reciting the disputes and fighting that has arisen over the boundaries of the old tribal lands because of the European demand for land and mineral concessions, which the chiefs are at present able to grant; and whether he will instruct the Governor and the High Court to refuse to ratify any further concessions by chiefs to whites pending general inquiry into the land system in the West Coàst Colonies?

The attention of the Secretary of State has been drawn to the passage in the Annual Report on Ashanti to which my hon. Friend refers. He has no power to issue instructions to the Supreme Court controlling the power, vested in it by the existing law, of ratifying concessions, but he has asked the Governor to report whether any change in the law is required.

Does the hon. Gentleman accept the contemptuous description in the question of Europeans as "whites," and allows the implication that their colour is the only thing white about them?

asked what progress has been made in the establishment of a Colonial Law Library in London; and whether any other Dominion Governments, in addition to the Canadian Government and the Government of New South Wales, have intimated their readiness to contribute to the library?

The Governments of New Zealand, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania, in addition to the Governments of Canada and New South Wales, have intimated their readines to supply copies of their Statutes, etc., to the proposed Law Library. The Canadian Law Library has been transfered to the Privy Council Office. Corespondence as to the detailed arrangements is proceeding.

asked whether the new rules drafted by the Privy Council relative to appeals to the Privy Council from the Supreme Courts of the Dominions have now been accepted by the Dominion Governments?

The new rules have so far been accepted in substance by the Governments of the Dominion of New Zealand, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Newfoundland, the Transvaal—prior to the inauguration of the Union of South Africa—and the Province of Alberta.

asked the Chief Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether existing arrangements between Great Britain, Russia, and Persia preclude other foreign Powers from obtaining concessions for railways in the latter country; whether he can give the House any information regarding the progress of the Baghdad Railway; and whether His Majesty's Government has under consideration the necessity for the construction of the Gulf section by or with the participation of Great Britain?

As regards the first part of the hon. Member's question, I am not at present in a position to make any statement respecting confidential communications which have recently passed between the British and Russian Governments and the Persian Government on the subject of concessions for the construction of railways in Persia. As regards the Baghdad Railway, preliminary work of construction is being carried out at various points between Boulgourlu and Missis, and financial provision is believed to have been made for continuing the line as far as El Helif. With regard to the last part of the hon. Member's question, I cannot make any further statement.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if the British interests in the Imperial Chinese Government railway contracts have yet been settled; and, if so, will he take an early opportunity of making a statement on the matter?

I am unaware of what contracts the hon. Member refers to, but if he is alluding to the Hankow-Szechuan and Hankow-Canton Railway Loan, an arrangement was come to in Paris in May last between the four financial groups concerned, representing British, American, French, and German interests in regard to this matter, on the basis of an equal division of the line among the four groups. The question has been submitted to the Chinese Government, and is now under their consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, having regard to the decision of the Local Government Board in the case of Mrs. Jane Rooney, of Aughalative, Kinlough, county Leitrim, an old age pensioner, who had attained the statutory age according to the Census of 1841, and having regard to previous decisions on similar appeals, he will direct the pension officer to return her book and pay the amount stopped on account of pension received?

Mrs. Rooney's pension has been restored as from 29th April, in accordance with the concession which I announced in the House of Commons on 28th April last.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state upon what grounds James M'Garraghy, of Larkfield, Manorhamilton, county Leitrim, has been deprived of his old age pension; and whether such evidence as certificates from people of over eighty years of age, or his own hoary and worn personal appearance, will be taken by the pension officer who visited him?

James M'Garraghy's pension was withdrawn by the Local Government Board as the result of a question raised by the pension officer on the ground that he is recorded as six years old in the Census Returns of 1851, and therefore apparently he is only sixty-five. I have no authority to intervene in the matter.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he would state upon what grounds Thomas M'Loughlin, of Cloonmore, Drumkeerin, county Leitrim, was deprived of the old age pension; whether he is aware that M'Loughlin produced a certificate of his age received from the Reverend Patrick M'Morrow, P.P., V.F., and that the registry clerk produced the baptismal registry to the pension officer; and, having regard to such facts, will an inquiry be ordered with a view of granting M'Loughlin the pension and paying him the amount due since it became due?

Thomas M'Loughlin's claim to a pension was disallowed on appeal by a decision of the Local Government Board. I have no authority to review this decision, or to question the sufficiency of the evidence on which it is based.

Was not the certificate the same as the baptismal registry?

Apparently the Local Government Board did not think so.

asked whether Mrs. Catherine Bourke, of Foilnadrough, Kilcommon, near Thurles, county Tipperary, was granted an old age pension on 2nd February last by the Birdhill subcommittee, and that, on appeal by the pension officer, the Local Government Board decided that the applicant was not entitled to a pension; upon what grounds this decision was arrived at, seeing that the applicant produced evidence to show that she was seventy years of age in November last; and whether the Local Government Board will be requested to again reconsider the matter with a view to restoring the pension to this person?

The Local Government Board disallowed Mrs. Bourke's claim because she was unable to satisfy them that she had attained the statutory age. It is not open to the Board to reconsider their decision.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether Mrs. A. Bryant, of 23, Neathfield Terrace, Plumstead Common, may receive a bonus due to her late husband, who died in Government service?

In the absence of details I cannot say whether Mrs. Bryant is entitled to any Grant from public funds. If she is, her case will doubtless be put forward by the Department in which Mr. Bryant was employed. In this connection I may perhaps refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for South Islington on the 20th ultimo.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in this case?

No, Sir. It is not my business to make inquiries. The Department concerned dealt with the matter.

asked whether the foremen of the military artificers undergoing instruction in the saddlery school of the chief inspector of general stores and the foremen of the Ordnance College, Woolwich, are included in the pension scheme of 1902 for ordnance factories foremen?

The foremen employed under the Chief Inspector of Equipment and Stores are included in the Foremen's Pension Scheme of 1902. There are no foremen at the Ordnance College.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the disparity in the value of medical degrees and diplomas which entitle their possessors to practise medicine in this country; and whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, towards establishing a fair standard of examination qualifying for medical practice?

It is the statutory duty of the General Council of Medical Education to inspect and report on all qualifying examinations, and if it appears to them that the standard of proficiency required at the qualifying examinations held by any of the licensing bodies is insufficient, to make a representation to that effect to the Privy Council, who are empowered, if they think fit, after due inquiry, to order the withdrawal from medical authorities of the right to hold qualifying examinations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the circumstances attending the death of Mrs. Keane in the Brompton Hospital, London, on 26th June last, whereby knowledge of her death was kept from her husband for twenty-eight hours; if he is aware that a post mortem was performed without the husband's knowledge and consent; and whether he will order a public inquiry?

My attention has been drawn to this case, and I have made inquiry of the hospital authorities. They inform me that Mrs. Keane died early on the morning of 26th June, and a telegram was sent to her husband at Mexborough the same morning; but, the day being Sunday, it was not delivered to him till early on Monday. They have already written to him expressing extreme regret that a post mortem examination was held under the mistaken belief that he had given his consent, it being their rule not to make such examinations without the consent of the relatives. I do not think that any further action is called for on my part.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware that workpeople travelling to Ludgate Hill station by the early morning trains are not permitted to return from that station, but have to make their way to Holborn Viaduct station, the reason assigned for such inconvenience being the narrowness of the platforms and the consequent risk of overcrowding; and, as the platforms have now been reconstructed and widened whether the question of allowing workpeople to return from Ludgate Hill station has been considered by the joint committee as promised in May of last year; and, if so, with what result?

The managing committee inform me that the new staircases leading to and from the widened platforms are not yet completed, and will not be finished for some little time, but that, subject to the completion of these works, it is proposed that, from 1st October next, workmen's tickets shall be available for the return journey from Ludgate Hill station.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, and, if so, when, the Abstract of Accounts together with a Report of the Conservancy Board on their proceedings and on the works executed by them, and on the state of Harwich Harbour furnished by the Harwich Harbour Conservancy Board under the Harwich Harbours Act, 1863, Section 6, has been laid before both Houses of Parliament?

The Abstract of Accounts and Report of the Harwich Harbour Conservancy Board for the year ended 31st March last will be laid before Parliament in the course of the present week.

asked what was the average value of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom consigned to the United States during the decades 1889–1898 and 1899–1908, respectively, and the average value of the produce and manufactures of the United States consigned to the United Kingdom during the same decades?

The average declared value of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom exported annually from this country to the United States during the decade 1889–1898 was £24,330,000, and during the decade 1899–1908 was £22,676,000. The average declared value of the produce and manufactures of the United States exported annually from that country to the United Kingdom during the decade 1888–9–1897–8 was £90,384,000, and during the decade 1898–9–1907–8 was £113,471,000.

asked what was the value of the produce and manufacture of the United Kingdom consigned to Canada and Holland, respectively, in the year 1909, and the estimated population of each country at the end of that year?

The declared value of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom consigned from this country during 1909 to the Dominion of Canada was £15,688,000, and to the Netherlands £11,718,000. At the end of the year 1909 the estimated population of Canada was about 7,490,000, and of the Netherlands about 5,910,000.

asked what was the value of the produce and manufacture of the United Kingdom consigned to Belgium and New Zealand, respectively, in the year 1909, and the estimated population of each country at the end of that year?

The declared value of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom consigned from this country during 1909 to the Dominion of New Zealand was £7,351,000 and to Belgium £10,607,000. At the end of 1909 the estimated population of New Zealand, excluding Maoris, was about 987,000 and of Belgium about 7,452,000.

asked why no answers have been sent to any of the written applications, accompanied by testimonials, made many weeks ago, at considerable trouble and expense, by masons in this country for employment in South Africa, in response to advertisements, inviting such applications, issued by the Labour Exchanges in London; and whether such employment is now required?

The applications received from masons in this country for employment in South Africa have been submitted to the employer notifying the vacancies, and are at present under consideration by him. Applicants will be informed of the result by the Labour Exchanges as soon as they are in a position to do so. A sufficient number of applications have now been received, and no more are required.

Is it open to any employer in the Colonies to apply at the Labour Exchanges or in London or elsewhere in the country?

It is open to them certainly, and the application will be considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the reports of the meetings held on the 20th July with reference to the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society, and the statement then made by the chairman, Mr. William Harris, that the President of the Board of Trade had stated that they could not get a public inquiry; if he has also considered the refusal of the chairman to answer Mr. Arthur Lawton's question as to the transactions introduced by each director or their firms to the society and his refusal to accept an amendment calling for a full and independent inquiry; if, in view of the statement made at that meeting of the widespread loss caused by the transactions of this company and of the consequent scandal and impaired confidence thereby caused in the members of the legal profession responsible, he now considers that there is sufficient ground to justify him in moving in the matter, so as to secure full and adequate public inquiry in order to ascertain the facts; and, if he is still advised by the Law Officers of the Crown that his powers do not enable him to order such an inquiry, will he introduce a short Bill giving such extra power as may be necessary for ascertaining the truth of this matter?

I have read the report in the press of the meetings held on the 20th July with reference to the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society. I have carefully considered the question of an inquiry in all its bearings. With regard to the powers of the Board of Trade in the matter, I would refer my hon. Friend to the carefully considered answer which I gave on the 18th July to my hon. Friend the Member for South Hackney, of which I am sending him a copy. I then invited, with a view to action by the Official Receiver, statements of definite facts to be laid before me with the names of the persons who are willing, if necessary, to substantiate them on oath. No such statements have yet reached me, and probably no sufficient time has yet elapsed for their preparation. As to the suggestion that a short Bill should be introduced, I think that before I even consider so heroic a remedy, I must first be satisfied that the machinery provided by Statute cannot be applied in the present case, and that the cerditors and shareholders for some special reason are debarred from helping themselves by an application to the court. I have already endeavoured to point out that they have, apparently, got full power to petition the court for an order that the company may be wound up compulsorily, on which a full inquiry by the Official Receiver would follow as a matter of course. No doubt my hon. Friend is also aware that the court has power, under Section 174 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act at the instance of the liquidator, or at the instance of a creditor or of a shareholder of the company, to summon before it for the purpose of examination any person whom the court deems capable of giving information as to the affairs of the company, and I am informed that though these examinations are usually held in private, the court has, on due course shown, with the consent of the persons examined, from time to time ordered them to be held in open court.

In reference to the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask him whether he has given attention to the definite statement which appeared in "The Economist" that the balance sheet showed a surplus when there was in fact a deficit, and that a dividend was paid when the assets fell far short of the liabilities, and when the society was therefore really in a state of insolvency?

There were various statements in the newspaper in reference to this matter, but before I take action I must have information from those who are prepared to make a statement and, if necessary, substantiate it on oath. If some of the statements in the newspapers are correct, and if someone will bring them to me and is prepared to substantiate them, then, of course, I will give them attention. If not, I am unable to go further.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has also seen a definite statement made in a much more important publication than "The Economist"; but apart from that, whether there would have been the same reluctance to interfere officially if, instead of judges and members of the legal profession, this company had been under the control, say, of Mr. Hooley?

There is absolutely no foundation for such an insinuation against the Board of Trade. The question is not in the least judged by the character of the persons in control; we have to act under Statute and cannot go beyond the powers of the Statute, and under the Statute we must have information which will be substantiated by the persons giving it before we can move. If my hon. Friend has got information which would be useful in considering this matter I have already told him I will be glad to consider it and lay it before the law officers with a view, if possible, of taking action.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever before known, in the history of the Department, that they required sworn statements before instituting an inquiry? If so, he shall have them.

I did not say they must be sworn statements. I said more than once what I want is a definite statement by responsible persons who, if necessary, will substantiate them on oath. I am not asking for statements on oath. What I want is bona fide statements that can be substantiated on oath. I am extremely anxious if such information comes before me that full inquiry shall be made into the matter. I can assure my hon. Friend and the House there is no desire to shield anybody or hush anything up, but quite the contrary.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think the statement that a false balance-sheet was issued to the public, and a dividend was paid when the society was in a state of insolvency is a definite statement, and sufficient foundation for inquiry?

I have not seen the statement. If anyone is prepared to substantiate it I shall be prepared to consider it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture 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?

Fifteen such appointments have been made to the Board's permanent staff since January, 1906, at initial salaries amounting in the aggregate to £7,360. Of these eight had held office previously under the Marine Biological Association, and four were appointed for work under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, and two for work under the Destructive Insects and Pests Acts.

asked whether the rent charged by the county council for small holdings is exacted immediately it falls due, or whether the tenant is allowed some weeks' grace within which to pay, as is usual when he hires from a private landlord?

It is a matter for the discretion of the county council.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Severn Fisheries Provisional Order Bill arouses considerable opposition in Montgomeryshire; and whether, for this reason and because of the complicated nature of the Bill and the many Amendments necessary, he will consider the propriety of dropping it, at any rate for the present Session?

Yes, Sir. But the preparation of the Order now submitted has entailed a great deal of labour, and the Board would be sorry that the Bill should be abandoned until it has been considered by a Parliamentary Committee.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that Montgomeryshire folk entertain strong objection to being forced to eat their salmon with Worcester sauce and will he note that fact in his Department?

That is a question which should be brought before the Committee at the proper time.

asked whether, having regard to the fact that all the riparian counties, with the exception of Worcestershire, have, through their county council representatives, criticised adversely the provisions of the Severn Fisheries Provisional Order Bill, the Government propose to proceed with the further stages of this Bill on the footing that it is a non-contentious measure?

No, Sir, according to my information this Bill cannot be regarded as a non-contentious measure.

Is it not a fact that all the counties except Worcestershire are unanimously opposed to the Bill?

That shows it is contentious.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he would at once issue an Order against the importation of biological products liable to propagate foot-and-mouth disease in this country, so as to prevent the spread of the disease here, in the manner in which recent outbreaks have been proved to have been initiated and extended in the United States?

We are in communication with the other Departments concerned in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can now state the number of animals slaughtered on the Northclose Farm, near Ripon; if these are the whole number which have been in contact with those affected with foot-and-mouth disease; and if there has been any further outbreak?

Twenty-six cattle, ninety-four sheep, and three swine have been slaughtered at Northclose Farm. Three cows and three calves which had been in contact with the animals on the farm have been slaughtered on other premises, and found healthy. There has been no further outbreak.

Can the hon. Baronet state on what scale compensation will be paid for these animals?

Full compensation will be paid on the usual scale.

asked whether, in view of the gravity of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in an important cattle-breeding district at some distance from the coast, the Board will consider the advisability of placing an embargo upon all feeding stuffs and straw and other litter imported from countries in which the dis- ease has been known to exist during the last six months, pending the discovery by the Board of the source of the present outbreak?

In view of the enormous imports of feeding stuffs (88,000,000 cwt.) the Board cannot impose an embargo on them pending the discovery of the source of the disease. Straw and hay for bedding and feeding are now dealt with by the Foreign Hay and Straw Order.

asked whether the eight animals at Northclose Farm, Kirkby Malzeard, originally found to be affected with foot-and-mouth disease had been fed on cattle cake or other food which had been imported from abroad; whether they had been bedded upon straw or other litter purchased from outside the district; whether in either case it has been ascertained from what source such food or litter had been derived; and whether, and to what extent, similar food or litter from the same source had been supplied to other cattle owners?

Local straw and litter only have been used on the infected place. A mixed consignment of feeding cake of various brands was delivered there on the 7th instant. Inquiries as to its origin and the destination of the remainder of the consignment are being made.

Can the hon. Baronet say, in the absence of any further outbreak, when those concerned may expect the Regulations to be relaxed?

They will be released at the earliest possible moment consistent with absolute safety.

asked whether, until sufficient time has elapsed to gauge the gravity and extent of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Yorkshire, the Board will consider the advisability of closing any cattle market in which during the last few weeks any of the affected animals had been exposed, and all cattle markets within a radius of twenty miles from the farm where the outbreak has occurred?

None of the affected animals have been exposed in a market, but, as a matter of precaution, all markets (fourteen in number) within fifteen miles radius of the infected place were closed on Thursday last.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can find some position for the statue of the late Right Hon. Sydney Herbert more suitable to the great public services that he rendered to this country than the courtyard of the War Office; and whether he will have the statue removed from its present position, where it is concealed from the public, to a more appropriate site, so that the memory of a great statesman may be kept green?

I have not at present in mind any more suitable position in which the statue could be placed.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can cause a brass plate to be let into the floor of Westminster Hall to mark the spot where His Majesty the late King lay in state?

I have already arranged for such a plate.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the fact that the roads in St. James's Park are among the widest and least congested in London, and that they are thoroughfares to all the main stations, as well as to the Houses of Parliament, he will consider the possibility of raising the speed limit in that park to fifteen miles an hour instead of ten miles, whilst still maintaining the present strict observance of the regulated speed?

I have to consider the convenience of pedestrians as well as that of those who use motors, and the faster motors travel on the roads in question the less will be the enjoyment of the park by the majority. I will, however, consider if the limit can be raised to twelve miles per hour.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether names have yet been allotted to the cruiser-battleships building for the Commonwealth and the Dominion of New Zealand; when it is proposed to call for tenders for the construction of the destroyers to he utilised for service in New Zealand waters; and to what general type this unit will belong?

The vessels will be named "Australia" and "New Zealand" respectively. The reply to the second part of the question is October next, and to the third part, the same type as the 1910–11 British torpedo-boat destroyers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform me what name it is proposed to give the battleship of the King Edward Class at the present named "New Zealand"?

No, Sir. It would be premature at the present moment to discuss the question?

asked whether prospective dates have yet been decided for the launch of the "Monarch," "Thunderer," "Conqueror," and "Princess Royal"?

Dates for the launch of these ships have not yet been decided.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state in what months it is anticipated the destroyers of this year's programme, for which orders have provisionally been given, will be delivered by the contractors?

Orders have been provisionally placed with deliveries as follows:—

3 boats by 31st August, 1911.

6 boats by 30th September, 1911.

3 boats by 30th November, 1911.

8 boats by 1st January, 1912.

How does that compare with the right hon. Gentleman's statement that nine of these boats would be built in fifteen months?

Three by the 31st of August, 1911, and six by the 30th September, 1911.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that an undertaking was given to petty officers, 2nd class, in the Royal Navy, when that rating was abolished some three years ago, to the effect that seamen holding the rating of petty officer, 2nd class, would be given preference for promotion according to seniority until that rating became non-existent in the service; that this undertaking has not been strictly observed; that cases have occurred of individuals holding the rank of leading seamen, a grade below that of petty officer, 2nd class, being promoted to the rating of petty officer, 1st class, over the heads of men holding the rating of petty officer, 2nd class; and that cases have also occurred of petty officers, 2nd class, who have passed for warrant rank, being excluded from promotion to petty officer, 1st class, in favour of leading seamen; and whether he will see that the undertaking above referred to is more stringently observed?

I am not aware of any such undertaking as that referred to in the first part of the question; on the contrary, in circular letter No. 96 of 1907 introducing the new scheme for naval ratings, it was distinctly specified that advancement to higher rating should continue to be by selection from petty officers and men possessing the necessary qualifications.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the closing of the Royal Naval Engineering College at Devonport has involved notice being given to some sixteen employés now borne on the dockyard books; that these men have been in the service of the college for periods ranging from three to eight years; and whether, in the circumstances, he can see his way to transfer these employés to some other department in His Majesty's dockyard?

It is assumed that the men referred to are labourers and servants who entered the service of the college from outside, and have not been borne on dockyard books. It has already been decided to send their names to the Admiral Superintendent of His Majesty's dockyard at Devonport, with a view to their employment, if suitable, in the dockyard after the college closes, and it may be necessary to retain some of the labourers at the college as caretakers.

Do I understand that their names are not borne on the dockyard books?

I assume the question refers to those who are not on the dockyard books. Those whose names are borne on the dockyard books will remain on.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Conference on the relations between the two Houses of Parliament will conclude its sittings before the House adjourns for its Autumn Recess; whether the Conference will sit when the House is in Recess; and whether any statement as to the results achieved by the Conference can be made before the House adjourns for the Autumn Recess?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to make any statement as to the probable duration of the Conference on the relations between the two Houses of Parliament; and whether any statement as to the result of such Conference will be made before the House rises for the Autumn Recess?

asked the Prime Minister whether he expects to be able to make any statement before the House adjourns at the end of the month as to the progress or result of the Conference now sitting on the relations of the two Houses of Parliament?

I hope to be able to make a statement on the subject referred to in these questions during the course of this week.

had the following question on the Paper: To ask the Prime Minister if he will, in the interest of parties, resist all attempts of unauthorised Members to obtain information regarding the party Conference, pending discussion of the Motion on the subject of which notice stands on the Order Paper, and postpone discussion of that Motion to the last day of the Autumn Sittings?

I congratulate the Prime Minister upon acting on this question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a protest from 14,000,000 Catholics in the United States of America against the Accession Declaration in its present form, as an insult to the Catholics of the world, has been forwarded to the proper quarter in London by the Catholic Federation of the United States of America; whether he can say if it has been yet received; and what reply has been given, or is intended to be given, to the representations of this body of people living under the flag of the most important Power in the world friendly to Great Britain?

I have no information as to the petition mentioned by the hon. Member. No such petition has reached either my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary or myself.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the questions raised by the Accession Declaration were, in some constituencies, not discussed at the recent election, he will defer the further stages of the Bill until the Autumn Session so as to afford an opportunity to Members of conferring with their constituents?

I see no sufficient reason for deferring the further stages of this Bill.

asked the Prime Minister why, in view of the fact that there is no precedent for the granting of the whole of the supplies for the year by the House of Commons before the introduction of the Finance Bill, he has seen fit in this Session to depart from the usual constitutional practice?

The Resolutions on which the Budget is founded were discussed in Committee and passed before the final Votes in Supply were taken in Supply. Last year the whole supplies were granted at a comparatively early stage in the Committee on the Finance Bill. In both cases there were exceptional Parliamentary conditions which necessitated some departure from the usual practice.

Does the Prime Minister not think it, I will not say unconstitutional, but somewhat absurd that the House of Commons should Vote and Appropriate the whole of the Supplies for the year before it decides in the Finance Bill how those services are to be raised?

No, Sir. That depends on circumstances.

asked whether, having regard to the fact that the question of woman suffrage is a clear-cut issue which cannot be confused with other political issues, that a serious, prolonged, and acrimonious conflict seems probable throughout the country between the exponents of opposite views on the matter, and that there is a widespraed desire to learn what are the views of the majority of the electorate before giving legislative expression to those of one section only, the Government will consider the advisability of taking at an early date the opinion of the country through the medium of a referendum?

This is a novel proposal, and all I can say at present is that the Government have not yet considered it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present revival of trade and of the consequent increase of employment, he can see his way to advise His Majesty's Government to postpone the placing of the contracts for the contingent "Dreadnoughts" until the shipbuilding industry has become somewhat depressed with the object of sustaining the labour market during that periol of depression?

As has already been explained in the Debate on Vote 8, the ships of the present year's programme will not be laid down till the months of January and March next. The ships of last year's programme were all laid down some months ago.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the names of all persons who have served on the Imperial Defence Committee since October last, and of those who have served on the sub-committees of that body?

It would take up some time if I were to read the names in the answer, so, with the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate the reply with the Votes. [ See Written Answers this date .]

asked the President of the Board of Education how many students attended courses of instruction in zoology and in mine surveying, respectively, when studying for their associate-ships at the Imperial College of Science and Technology during the session of 1909–10?

also asked what was the sum expended in salaries upon the teaching staff of the Imperial College of Science and Technology for the following subjects, separately, zoology and mine surveying in 1909 and in 1910?

Mine surveying is an integral part of the work of the mining department of the Imperial College. No separate statement of salary expenditure in respect of any particular portion of the mining department, such as is suggested in the question, can properly be made. I am informed that the salary expenditure of that department of the college for the session 1909–10 is some £1,900. The students in the mining department for the session 1909–10 numbered sixty-six, and those in the department of zoology twenty-eight, inclusive in both cases of occasional and research students. The salaries of the staff of the department of zoology for that session amount to some £2,700.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the representations made by the managers of St. Joseph's School, Southowram, Halifax, with reference to the position of the head teacher of the school; and can he state what action, if any, he has taken in the matter?

I have heard the statements of a deputation from the managers, and am waiting for a further statement from the local education authority. I will decide the matter as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the total cost to local authorities in London of the quinquennial revaluation for rating purposes?

The cost of the quinquennial valuation is not shown separately from the ordinary expenses in the Annual Returns furnished to the Local Government Board, but it is estimated that the ordinary annual expenditure has been about £10,000, and that the additional expenditure on each of the last two quinquennial valuations amounted to about £130,000, this expenditure being spread over a period or two to three years.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can give an estimate of the annual cost to local authorities and Poor Law unions in England and Wales in respect of valuations and revaluations for rating purposes and also in respect of legal expenses in connection with appeals against the same?

From the particulars furnished for the last ten years for which the Returns are complete, it is estimated that the average annual expenditure of local authorities in England and Wales, including London, in respect of valuation for local rates is about £170,000. This includes legal expenses in connection with appeals. I am not in a position to state the amount of these expenses separately.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what percentage of the local authorities have an up-to-date valuation, and how far this expenditure of £170,000 a year covers the complete revaluation of the country?

No; but I shall be pleased to do my best to ascertain what the hon. Member wants to know.

asked the Lord Advocate why it is proposed, by the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act (1908) Amendment Bill, to differentiate as regards contracting out in reference to waygoing valuations between Scottish and English agricultural tenancies?

It is not so proposed.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention had been drawn to the fact that certain clerks of the peace in Scotland have issued intimations to justices of the peace that they would be required to reaffirm the Oath of Allegiance before the end of this month; whether he sanctioned this action; and whether, in view of the inconvenience and expense to those justices living in large counties, he proposes to take any further steps in the matter?

My attention has been drawn to the action taken by certain Clerks of the Peace in Scotland referred to in my hon. Friend's question. I have no power either to sanction or to withhold my sanction from that action. Steps have been taken under the Act 3 and 4, W. IV., ch. 41 to obtain an authoritative decision by the Judicial Committee of His Majesty's Privy Council on the question whether or not it is obligatory on (amongst others) justices of the peace to take again the Oath of Allegiance and Judicial Oath on the demise a the Crown. I understand the question is being considered by the Judicial Committee to-day.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who has the power to give instructions to these clerks of the peace in Scotland, if anyone?

I have not the power.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that on the day of the King's funeral Messrs. M'Namara and Company, London mail-cart contractors, paid only those of their men who worked, whereas another London mail-cart contractor paid all his men, whether employed or not; and whether he will bring the action of the latter firm under the notice of Messrs. M'Namara and Company?

I am aware of the facts described by the hon. Member. The action of the firm referred to has already been brought under the notice of Messrs. M'Namara and Company.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can see his way to increase the postal and telegraph staff at Brighton so as to reduce excessive overtime, without having recourse to curtailing the summer leave formerly granted to the employés?

A revision of the Brighton staff is now under consideration, and special attention has been given to the question of minimising the amount of overtime thrown upon the staff by the incidence of season pressure. The leave arrangements of the large majority of the staff will not be adversely affected, although in a small number of cases it is necessary to withdraw the privilege of leave confined to the four summer months which did not exist at other offices.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say if he considers a reduction in the summer leave of the clerks at Brighton a good way of promoting contentment among the staff?

There is no reduction in the amount of leave given, but it is necessary to consider all classes of the staff in the allocation of leave during the better months of the year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to state the amount of licence duty demanded in Scotland on 28th May last, as compared with the amount that would have been exigible under the old scale, or, if the complete figures are not yet available, whether he can give typical instances in any localities?

I regret that I cannot give the information asked for by the hon. Member. I cannot give complete figures for Scotland or any part of the United Kingdom until the annual licence values of hotels and restaurants and of public-houses and beerhouses of an annual value exceeding £500 have been determined in cases where the licence-holders exercise the option of being charged by reference to annual licence value. To give incomplete figures for the whole area or complete figures in selected cases would, I think, be misleading.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to let us have those figures both for England and Scotland before the House reassembles in November?

I will consider that.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, arising out of that, whether he has it in contemplation to make any concession to licence-holders in England and Scotland similar to that he has made by Order in Council to licence-holders in Ireland?

I have already answered that question in reply to the hon. Members for Ayr Burghs. I am proceeding with a revaluation in this country, but the method of valuation is totally different in Ireland. I have got to await the result of that revaluation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to have a revaluation in Ireland in connection with the concession he has made to the licence holders there by Order in Council?

No. In Ireland, as the right hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well, there is a national valuation, and there is not here. It is a totally different thing.

When he speaks of this country, does the right hon. Gentleman include Scotland as well?

I would not dare to do otherwise.

In the event of his discovering that the £2,100,000 which he expected to get out of those licences will be exceeded, will he consider the particular point raised by my right hon. Friend?

That is a hypothetical question which involves very serious consequences, and I shall have to consider it very seriously.

Are we to have an opportunity before the House adjourns for the Recess of discussing the alteration he has made by Order in Council for the valuation settled by this House in the case of the public-houses in Ireland?

Certainly; the right hon. Gentleman can discuss it this very day if he wants.

On the Appropriation Bill?

Certainly, on the Appropriation Bill, and I shall be quite willing to meet him.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can say when Shedules requiring particulars of trading will be issued to all licence holders under £500 of annual rental in connection with the preparation of the register of annual licence values; and whether, having regard to the anomalies in the existing system of charging on annual rental, he can give an assurance that the register will be completed in time for the purposes of the Finance Bill of 1911?

As I informed the hon. Member in my reply of the 4th July, the issue of Schedules in the case of houses under £500 of annual value has so far been confined to licensed premises, which, it is expected, will be entitled as hotels or restaurants, under Section 45 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, to have the benefit of the reduced charge of duty by reference to the "annual licence value" of the premises. It is expected that the Schedules in the case of houses under £500 of annual value will be issued in the autumn. As regards the second part of the question, I am not in a position at the present time to give the assurance suggested by the hon. Member, but it will depend to a large extent upon the attitude of the licensed trade in the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do everything he possibly can to ensure that the register shall be completed in time for the Finance Bill of 1911 owing to the anomalies which he knows perfectly well exists?

As I pointed out, it depends very largely on the attitude of the trade. There will be no difficulty at all in getting it if we have the assistance of the trade.

asked how many acres of land in Lancashire have now been valued for purposes of Undeveloped Land Duty?

Pending the expiration of the time provided in the recent Finance Act for notices of objections, appeals, etc., no such valuations have as yet been completed in Lancashire or elsewhere.

asked whether, in cases where relief paid by the guardians to aged persons is recoverable from the relatives of such persons, that liability on the relatives will still remain when the aged person receives a pension but the guardians have to pay to the Exchequer what they are now disbursing for relief?

The answer to this question will depend upon the terms of the clause determining the conditions upon which the contribution by the guardians to the Exchequer is to be made, and the point can be discussed when the Bill is before the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Inland Revenue authorities have in some cases altered pension officers' districts without consulting or informing the local authorities concerned; whether he will make representations to that body of the inconvenience thus caused to the pension committees; and whether he will suggest to it the desirability of consulting the committees concerned before altering areas of pension officers' work?

The limits of a pension officer's area have to be determined by reference, not only to the pension work of the locality, but to the ordinary Excise work also; and the Board of Customs and Excise cannot undertake to consult pension committees as to any alteration of areas which may be found necessary from time to time. They will, however, take steps to ensure that committees are informed of any alterations which affect them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now say what will approximately be the total amount of contributions paid by employés during the first year of full working of the scheme adumbrated by the Government for unemployment and invalidity insurance?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 14th instant.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman tell the House on the evening of his Budget statement that the scheme was ready?

I have certainly got a scheme, but I think it ought at any rate to be introduced to the House of Commons before it is discussed by way of question and answer.

How can the right hon. Gentleman say the scheme is ready when the particular figures cannot be given?

We can hardly debate by way of question and answer a Bill which has never been introduced.

asked what is the total amount of Supplementary Estimates issued to date since the introduction of the Budget; and what is the estimated surplus for contingencies still left after these Estimates have been voted?

The account of the Supplementary Estimates presented since the Budget statement was £368,982, and the margin allowed in the Budget for contingencies was £309,000.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that margin sufficient under the present system?

It is premature to answer that question. I am dependent on Departmental savings.

asked whether the proprietor of a motor vehicle which is duly licensed as a public carriage for hire, but which of necessity stands in the hotel yard, there being often no other place where such vehicle could stand, is entitled to rebate of the Petrol Duty?

also asked whether the owner of a motor car which, in the terms of Section 3 of the Fifth Schedule of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, is constructed or adapted for use or is used partly for the conveyance of goods is precluded from claiming the rebate of 1½d. a gallon on motor spirit used if, owing to there being no public stand on which it can stand, he is unable to comply with the condition that it should stand for hire, although it is used exclusively for the conveyance of passengers and goods in connection with his trade?

Rebate of Motor Spirit Duty is only allowed in respect of spirit used in a vehicle of the description referred to in Section 3 of Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, if it complies with the condition as to standing or plying for hire contained in the Section. If my hon. Friend and the hon. Member will give me particulars of any special cases they may have in mind, showing that the owner is prevented by causes outside his own control from complying with this condition, I will be glad to consider them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the valuation forms now being issued under Section 26 of The Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, are to be immediately served upon all owners of land, or whether they are, in the first instance, to be served on certain selected owners; and whether, in the latter event, he can state by whom and on what principle the selection will be made?

The forms of return now being issued are confined to cases in which an occasion has arisen for the collection of Increment Value Duty, and in which, therefore, it is necessary to value the land affected in advance of the general valuation. As regards the forms which will be issued next month in respect of the general valuation, no selection is contemplated of the owners on whom they are to be served, and the forms will be issued to all owners with as little delay as possible.