asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that notices have been served demanding returns for purposes of the Mineral Rights Duty in respect of quarries from which bluestone is obtained for road material; and whether, in view of the fact that bluestone is an indurated sandstone, he will issue instructions that this mineral is exempted under Section 20, Sub-section 5, of the Act?

If the hon. Member will give me the name and address of the quarries referred to, I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the rebate on petrol allowed to members of the medical profession could not be claimed till the Finance Act was passed, and that the Petrol Duty had been paid for a period of more than six months prior to the passing of the Act, he will extend the period for which rebate may be claimed?

The Commissioners of Customs and Excise will be prepared for the present to consider claims for repayment of Petrol Duty in the cases to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in his next Finance Bill he can insert such provisions as will place the Land Tax on the same basis as Income Tax in respect of repayment in cases of exemption?

I regret that I cannot see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in all parts of the country clubs are required in returning their purchases of alcoholic drinks to particularise each and every purchase; and, if so, whether he can see his way to permit them to return only the totals of such purchases either for the year or even quarterly?

The notice sent to secretaries of clubs is in a form requiring the purchases of intoxicating liquors to be particularised. If, however, the accounts of a club are certified as correct by auditors, of whom one at least is a person who publicly carries on the business of an accountant, it will be open to the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to accept a statement by the auditors in a form to be approved by the Commissioners certifying the totals of the purchases for the year. At the same time, it must be understood that the Commissioners retain their rights to require full particulars if they think it desirable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, according to the Return relating to Post Office Savings Banks, the securities held on the 31st December last by the Commissioners for the reduction of the National Debt to meet the liabilities of the Government to depositors included £60,078,813 of Two and a Half per Cent. Consols and only £5,308,188 of Two and Three-quarters per Cent. Guaranteed Land Stock; whether, as interest at the rate of 2½ per cent. is paid on deposits in the Savings Banks, the investment in Consols yields any contribution as a set-off against office and management expenses; and whether he can see his way to recommend a gradually increasing investment of deposits both in the Two and Three-quarter per Cent. Guaranteed Land Stock and in the new Three per Cent. Land Stock?

The figures given in the question as regards the holdings of Consols and 2¾ per Cent. Guaranteed Land Stock (issued under the Purchase of Land (Ireland) Act, 1891) are correct. The hon. Member does not, however, refer to the £12,176,679 Guaranteed 2¾ per Cent. Stock (issued under the Irish Land Act, 1903), which is also held on account of Post Office Savings Bank, and if he will compare the return with the similar return for the preceding year, he will see that, while the holdings of the two first-mentioned stocks have been practically stationary, the holding of Guaranteed 2¾ per Cent. Stock has increased by nearly £6,000,000 in the twelve months. The policy which he advocates is thus already in very active operation. I may, however, point out that Consols are by no means so unsatisfactory an investment for these Funds as the question suggests, since at current prices they yield nearly 3 per cent. upon the money invested—or nearly half of 1 per cent. more than the rate of interest paid to depositors.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will provide funds such as will relieve parish councils in the poor and highly-rated districts of the Highlands of the burden of contributing out of the rates the money required for pensions to persons over seventy years of age who are in receipt of Poor Law relief?

I am afraid that I cannot undertake to provide funds as suggested by my hon. Friend; but I may remind him that it is not intended that the contribution of local authorities to the cost of removing the pauper disqualification should exceed the amount of relief which will accrue to them through the paupers ceasing to be a charge upon the rates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in regard to the Police (Weekly Rest Day) Bill, whether he can see his way to making provision for payment out of the Exchequer of a proportion of the extra cost which the Bill, if passed, would entail on police authorities, the proportion to be at least the same as that which is now paid out of the National Exchequer towards the total cost of the pay and clothing of the police?

The police account of the county fund is under the existing law entitled to receive from the Exchequer Contribution Account one-half of the cost of the pay and clothing of the police, and I do not at present see any reason for varying this provision.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposals of the Government for invalidity insurance include any provision for obtaining necessary medical attendance during invalidity; whether any recognised body representative of the medical profession has been consulted as to the proposals of the Government; and whether he would be prepared, before formulating the Government's proposals for invalidity insurance, to receive a deputation or representations from such a body upon the subject?

I have already stated that I do not think it is desirable at the present stage to lay further details of the proposed scheme before the House; but I can assure the hon. Baronet that ample opportunity will be given to all persons interested to make representations to the Government before their proposals are definitely formulated.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many ship inspectors are there in Ireland under the Department of Agriculture; how many of these are policemen; what are the occupations of the others; how many prosecutions have been instituted during the last seven years by such inspectors; and in how many cases, and how often, have such inspectors been out of Ireland in connection with their work?

The Department of Agriculture inform me that there are fifty-seven ship inspectors in their employment, of whom five are members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, four of the Dublin Metropolitan Police, forty-three are police pensioners, and five civilians. The Department have no official knowledge of the other occupations of their ship inspectors. These officers do not institute prosecutions, but report to the Department any matters coming under notice in connection with their duties. The ordinary work of ship inspectors does not necessitate their leaving Ireland, but some of the staff have occasionally been required to attend as witnesses in prosecutions undertaken in England under the Diseases of Animals Acts.

asked whether some years ago the Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary issued instructions that all sergeants and men employed as port or ship inspectors were to revert to their ordinary police work, and that no sergeant or man should in future hold such appointments; and, if so, whether these instructions have been withdrawn or altered?

The Inspector-General informs me that instructions of the nature referred to in the question were not issued to the force, but about ten years ago it was found that the services of twenty-three men employed on various duties under the Department of Agriculture could no longer be spared, and arrangements were made for their return to ordinary police duty. There are now only five members of the Royal Irish Constabulary employed as ship inspectors, and their employment as such has been sanctioned for special reasons. They will be directed to revert to ordinary duty according as suitable opportunities occur.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he could state upon what grounds the Local Government Board, on appeal, disallowed the pension granted by the Castlebar sub-committee (No. 1) to Catherine Feeney, wife of Richard Feeney, of Cartoonbour, Ballintubber, county Mayo; is he aware that the sub-committee was satisfied by evidence that, in accordance with the custom of that part of the country, Richard Feeney, without formal written assignment, gave his holding of land to his son, John Feeney, on the marriage of the latter seven years ago, and that the indenture executed on 9th February, 1909, merely recited and ratified the former verbal assignment; did the Local Government Board calculate as against the claim of Catherine Feeney the income from the holding which her husband had so long since ceased to enjoy; and could he explain how the Local Government Board arrived at the conclusion that a West Mayo holding rented at £14 and valued at £14 5s. yielded a net profit income of £63 a year?

The Local Government Board disallowed Mrs. Feeney's claim because they were not satisfied that her yearly income did not exceed the statutory limit. The indenture referred to is dated subsequent to the decision of the Board. If Mrs. Feeney considers that she can now furnish evidence that her means do not disqualify her for a pension, it is open to her to make a fresh claim.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can give the name of the young lady who was recently appointed to the vacancy for assistant teacher in the Scar- taglen National School, county Kerry; what were her qualifications for the position; was she a trained teacher, or has she any sufficient diploma for teaching in a three-teacher school; and, if not, is it the intention of the Commissioners of National Education to give their sanction to the appointment of this person?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the manager of Scartaglen National School recently notified them that he had appointed as an assistant teacher Miss Annie Flynn, who, it is stated, had been trained in an English training college and had taught as a certificated teacher in an English school. The Commissioners are making inquiries as to Miss Flynn's qualifications with a view to considering the question of sanctioning her appointment under Rule 76 ( b ).

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have received an application from Michael English, Carhue, Dundrum, county Tipperary, for a holding on the Scully estate, near Dundrum; and whether the Estates Commissioners have decided to give him a holding on the above estate?

The Estates Commissioners have received a letter from Michael English inquiring as to the purchase and division of the Scully estate, county Tipperary. The Commissioners instituted proceedings for the compulsory acquisition of these lands under the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907. The owner lodged objections under Section 2 of the Act, and the Commissioners have decided to discontinue the proceedings.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that William Dwyer was evicted from a farm of 100 acres on the Montalt estate at Dundrum in the year 1885, and that his widow, Mrs. Bridget Dwyer's, claim for reinstatement at the time of the division of Dundrum estate was passed over; and whether the Estates Commissioners will consider her claim with a view to provide her with a holding immediately?

The Estates Commissioners have received an application from Bridget Dwyer for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by her late husband, and now in the possession of her son. The application was not lodged before 1st May, 1907, and cannot, therefore, be dealt with under the Evicted Tenants Act.

asked what was the amount payable in respect of advances under the Labourers Acts made prior to 31st March, 1907, for the year ending 31st March, 1908, by the following rural district councils: Clonmel (No. 1), Cashel, Carrick-on-Suir (No. 1), and Slievardagh; and to what amount the annual payment in respect of such advances has been reduced in the case of each rural council by the operation of the Public Works Loans Act, 1907?

asked what was the amount payable in respect of advances under the Labourers Acts made prior to 31st March, 1907, for the year ending 31st March, 1908, by the following rural district councils:— Dungarvan, Lismore, and Youghal (No. 2); and to what amount has the annual payment in respect of such advances been reduced in the case of each rural council by the operation of the Public Works Loans Act, 1907?

The following Statement shows the amount payable in respect of advances under the Labourers Acts made prior to 31st March, 1907, for the year ending 31st March, 1908, and the amount of the annual payment as reduced by the operation of the Public Works Loans Act, 1907, in the cases of the Rural Districts Councils referred to in the questions:—

Rural District Council. Amount payable in the year ended 31st March, 1908. Annual payment as reduced under Public Works Loans, 1907. £ s. d. £. s. d. Clonmel (No. 1) 465 18 10 307 19 10 Cashel 1,778 4 6 1,478 19 6 Carrick-on-Suir (No.1) 264 2 2 191 13 4 Slievardagh 632 18 10 501 16 6 Dungarvan 979 1 4 846 17 8 Lismore 1,120 0 6 747 2 10 Youghal (No. 2) 809 9 6 687 11 6

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the existing water supply at Downings Pier, county Donegal, is wholly insufficient for the requirements of the boats engaged in the herring fishery; and whether, in view of the importance of this fishery, which owes so much to the efforts of the Congested Districts Board, the Board will take steps immediately with a view to the provision of an adequate water supply?

I understand that whilst the water supply at Downings Pier is not wholly inadequate for the requirements of the local boats, it is insufficient when large fleets of Scotch and other boats put in at that place. The cost of providing a good supply would be considerable, and the Congested Districts Board do not at present contemplate taking any action in the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the displacement tonnage for effective fighting ships of the navies of Great Britain, Germany, and the United States of America respectively for the years 1880, 1890, 1900, 1906, 1907, 1908, and 1909?

Great Britain. Germany. United States. 1880 … 644,388 … 145,500 … Not known 1890 … 1,119,095 … 165,064 … 120,125 1900 … 1,889,614 … 293,461 … 209,300 1906* … 1,891,397 … 441,656 … 476,276 1907 … 1,885,966 … 447,820 … 547,222 1908 … 1,934,368 … 538,714 … 629,747 1909 … 2,046,126 … 544,073 … 706,107 * From 1906 onwards, second and third class battleships, coast defence ships and sloops, gunboats, and subsidiary vessels have been omitted as not being effective fighting ships.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any rule exists restraining vessels other than His Majesty's ships from mooring at Admiralty buoys; whether he is aware that for several days between 29th May and 7th June last a German vessel from Danzig was moored at Admiralty buoys at Chatham Reach, in close proximity and full view of a shed within which three British submarines were being built; and whether he will take steps to ensure that such an occurrence shall not be repeated?

No vessel is allowed to make fast at the buoys without permission. The vessel in question had a cargo for the dockyard, and received permission to moor from the Admiral Superintendent. There was no risk of confidential work being seen from her position.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if there is a serious shortage of numbers in the sick berth staff of the Royal Navy; whether the mobilisation of the Fleet for the manœuvres has thrown a heavy stress upon the organisation, owing to the nursing staffs in naval hospitals being seriously undermanned; how many men are enrolled in the Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve; whether any of these Reserve men have ever been to sea; and whether he can see his way to forming a Reserve of men who have served in the Royal Navy as sick berth stewards and left on completion of their first period or on taking their pensions?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The numbers voted are being worked to without difficulty. With regard to the second part, I am not aware of any particular stress beyond what must ordinarily occur when ships are completed for manœuvres. The reply to the third part is 731 by latest returns. As to the fourth part of the question, the Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve is composed of men of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. Two hundred and seventy-four men have been through a "man-of-war" course of seven days on board a ship, 155 through a seven-days' course at a naval hospital. It is not considered necessary to incur the expense involved in the proposal made in the last part of the question.

asked whether names have yet been allotted to the destroyers of this year's programme?

No, Sir, not yet.

asked what was the total capital cost of construction and armament equipment of the "Indomitable," "Inflexible," "Invincible," "St. Vincent," "Collingwood," "Vanguard," "Indefatigable," "Neptune," "Colossus," "Hercules," "Orion," "Lion," "Princess Royal," "Conqueror," "Monarch," and "Thunderer"; which of them are now in full commission; what is the annual cost of maintenance and ammunition of each of these battleships, and what is the annual cost of maintenance and pay of officers and men of each of these battleships that is in full commission?

Of the ships named, the first six have been completed, and the following figures give the information required in regard to them:— A. B. C. D. £ £ £ £ "Indomitable" 1,662,940 90,000 58,200 70,700 "Inflexible" 1,630,740 90,000 58,200 70,200 "Invincible" 1,676,250 90,000 58,200 70,950 "St. Vincent" 1,581,753* 142,400 58,100 68,450 "Collingwood" 1,539,355* 142,400 58,100 67,950 "Vanguard" 1,462,270 142,400 58,100 67,950 A. Total cost of construction; B. Total cost of armament; C. Annual cost of maintenance and ammunition; D. Annual cost of maintenance and pay of officers and men. * Liable to revision on completion of the accounts.

As regards the remaining ships, only estimated figures could be given, and it is not considered desirable in the public interest to give such an estimate at present.

asked whether Class B of the candidates for admission to Osborne, the members of which secure admission by nomination, bears any and, if so, what fixed proportion to Classes A and C, the members of which secure, or fail to secure, admission by examination?

There are no such classes as those referred to by the hon. Gentleman, and there are no nominations now entitling candidates to admission to Osborne.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he was aware that Patrick Grant, Drombane, Thurles, county Tipperary, was appointed contractor for repairs to the military barracks, Limerick, in April, 1907; that Grant completed his contract within the specified time and to the satisfaction of the chief engineer, and was paid the full amount of his contract; and will he explain why Grant received a letter in April, 1908, informing him that his name was removed from the list of contractors?

In consequence of the unsatisfactory manner in which Mr. Grant executed the contract placed with him in 1907 it was decided that he should not be entrusted with further orders and his name was therefore removed from the list of contractors.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can give the dates and hours of arrival of the American mails at the General Post Office, London, that were carried by the Cunard Company's ships "Mauretania," "Lusitania," and "Campania," respectively, from New York, viâ Fishguard, from October, 1909, to June, 1910?

The following statement shows the times of arrival at the General Post Office, London, of mails conveyed from New York by the Cunard packets "Mauretania," "Lusitania," and "Campania" from October, 1909, to June, 1910, inclusive. With the exceptions indicated, the mails in question were disembarked at Fishguard:—

Packet. Date of departure from New York. Hour and Date of Arrival at G.P.O., London. "Lusitania".. 29 Sept., 1909 4 Oct. 9.0 p.m. "Mauretania" 6 Oct. 1909 11 Oct. 7.21 p.m. "Campania".. 13 Oct. 1909 19 Oct. 11.14 p.m. "Lusitania".. 27 Oct. 1909 1 Nov. 9.36 p.m. "Mauretania" 3 Nov. 1909 8 Nov. 7.15 p.m. "Campania,".. 10 Nov. 17 1909 17 Nov. 9.45 a.m. "Lusitania".. 17 Nov. 1909 23 Nov. 3.31 a.m. "Mauretania" 1 Dec. 1909 6 Dec. 10.59 p.m. "Lusitania ".. 8 Dec. 1909 14 Dec. 1.19 a.m. "Campania".. 15 Dec. 1909 23 Dec. 10.41 a.m. "Mauretania" 22 Dec. 1909 27 Dec. 11.12 p.m. "Lusitania".. 29 Dec. 1909 4 Jan. 3.59 a.m. "Lusitania".. 19 Jan., 1910 *25 Jan. 7.35 p.m. "Campania".. 26 Jan., 1910 2 Feb. 6.4 a.m. "Mauretania" 9 Feb. 1910 15 Feb. 0.4 a.m. "Campania".. 16 Feb. 1910 23 Feb. 8.18 a.m. "Mauretania" 2 Mar. 1910 8 Mar. 3.15 a.m. "Lusitania".. 9 Mar. 1910 15 Mar. 3.46 a.m. "Campania".. 16 Mar. 1910 23 Mar. 5.20 a.m. "Mauretania" 23 Mar. 1910 28 Mar. 10.1 p.m. "Lusitania".. 30 Mar. 1910 *5 Apr. 4.29 p.m. "Campania".. 6 Apr. 1910 13 Apr. 9.16 p.m. "Mauretania" 13 Apr. 1910 18 Apr. 11.28 p.m. "Lusitania".. 20 Apr. 1910 26 Apr. 0.30 a.m. "Campania".. 27 Apr. 1910 4 May 5.35 a.m. "Mauretania" 11 May 1910 16 May 10.33 p.m. "Lusitania".. 18 May 1910 23 May 11.23 p.m. "Campania".. 25 May 1910 1 June 2.27 a.m. "Mauretania" 1 June 1910 7 June 0.6 a.m. "Lusitania".. 8 June 1910 13 June 11.30 p.m. "Campania".. 15 June 1910 22 June 3.55 a.m. "Mauretania" 22 June 1910 27 June 9.32 p.m. "Lusitania".. 29 June 1910 4 July 11.38 p.m. * On these occasions no call was made at Fishguard and the Mails reached London via Liverpool.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is no proper retiring-room accommodation for the female typists employed at the Secretary's Registry, General Post Office; will he have such accommodation supplied; and whether he will give instructions that the female typists may be permitted to purchase food at the refreshment bar?

Proper cloakroom accommodation is provided for the thirty-three female typists concerned, and arrangements had already been made under which it will be open to these typists, on and from Monday next, to partake of refreshments in the female clerks' dining room in the adjacent Post Office building.

asked the Postmaster General if the building of the new South-Eastern District Office will be commenced this year; and, if so, is it intended to wait until the winter months before operations are begun?

also asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the sorting staff at the South-Eastern District Office are accommodated in retiring rooms where it is necessary to use artificial light all the year round, that there is little or no ventilation, and that the windows of one of the rooms open directly on to the urinals and water-closets; and, if so, what action does he intend to take in this matter?

I will answer these two questions together. I understand that the work of demolishing the old buildings will be commenced by the Office of Works next month, and I hope it will be possible to begin building operations early in November. Dining accommodation is provided on the first floor in well-lighted and ventilated rooms, and the staff need only occupy the retiring rooms in the basement during the brief space of time necessary for changing coats, etc. Artificial light is necessary there, but I am assured that there is no need to improve the ventilation. The urinals and w.c.'s are at some distance. The retiring rooms will be demolished in due course, and new rooms will be provided on the second floor of the rebuilt office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received representations from the Borough Council of Wandsworth as to the need of a suitable post office for the parish of Wandsworth instead of the present insufficient provision in shops; whether he will direct local inquiry to be made in communication with that council; whether he is aware that no postal or telegraph work is carried on in Wandsworth later than 8 p.m., except at one shop, and at that shop, part of a stationers, only until 9 p.m., and at no place at all on Sundays, while in the neighbouring parishes of Battersea and others, business is carried on until 10 p.m. and in some cases until 11 p.m. and also on Sundays; and whether he is aware that the population of the borough of Wandsworth in the last few years has increased from 60,000 to over 250,000?

I have received representations from the Borough Council of Wandsworth regarding the provision of a Crown post office in the parish of Wandsworth. Full inquiry has already been made into all the circumstances. The facilities at present afforded in the Borough of Wandsworth are considered to be sufficient for the requirements of the public. Within the three-quarter-mile radius of Wandsworth Town Hall there are nine sub-post offices, at five of which telegraph work is undertaken, and at seven of which there are telephone facilities. The Wandsworth High Street sub-post office is open for public business until 9 p.m. There is no office in the neighbouring localities of Putney, Wimbledon, and Battersea open after that hour. Sunday facilities are already afforded at Putney branch post office, Battersea sub-district post office, and, as regards the despatch of telegrams, at Clapham Junction Railway Station office. All of them are situated at a distance of about one mile and a quarter from Wandsworth Town Hall, and are easily accessible by public conveyance. From returns of work taken recently it does not appear that there is any necessity for additional Sunday facilities in the locality, and I am averse from any extension of Post Office business which will involve an increase in Sunday labour unless a very strong case can be presented.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total value of the exports of manufactured cocoa and chocolate from this country for the year 1909–10; and whether he has any means of ascertaining the total amount of manufactured cocoa and chocolate supplied to the home market?

If the hon. Member will refer to page 849 of the Official Report he will see that I replied to this question on Monday, 18th July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he can give the gross tonnage of the German mercantile marine, excluding vessels under fifty tons gross tonnage, in the years 1880, 1885, 1890, 1895, 1900, 1905, 1907, and 1908; (2) whether he can give the gross and net tonnage of the British mercantile marine, excluding vessels under fifty tons gross, respectively, in the years 1870, 1875, 1880, 1885, 1890, 1895, 1900, 1905, 1908, and 1909, distinguishing sailing and steam vessels; and (3) whether he can give the gross and net tonnage of the mercantile marine of the United States of America, excluding vessels under fifty tons gross, respectively, in the years 1870, 1875, 1880, 1885, 1890, 1895, 1900, 1905, 1908, and 1909, distinguishing sailing and steam vessels?

The following statement gives the information desired by my hon. Friend, so far as the particulars are available:—

asked the Home Secretary how many persons in England and Wales were in 1909 committed to prison in default of payment of a fine; in how many cases the person committed was received into prison on the same day as that on which the fine was imposed; and in how many cases the fine was 40s. or less; and whether he proposes to deal with the matter shortly?

The number of persons who were received into prisons in England and Wales in 1909, in default of payment of fine, was 92,703. No information is available on the other points mentioned. The whole subject is now receiving my careful consideration.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the celluloid hair-curlers made in imitation of tortoise-shell, and frequently recommended by shop assistants as non-inflammable, are highly inflammable and may cause risk to users; and whether he has powers by regulation or otherwise to require that their inflammable nature should be stated on the boxes in which they are sold?

I am aware that articles made of celluloid are highly inflammable, and I think that this is now pretty generally known, and the accidents which come to the knowledge of my Department are few. I am advised that I have no power to make regulations in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will consider the desirability of ordering the thorough disinfection of all ships, boats, and trucks which have been used for the purpose of conveying hides or bones to this country before being subsequently used for the conveyance of feeding stuffs or other merchandise, in view of the number of cases of anthrax which have been attributed to this source of infection?

The matter to which the hon. Member refers is one which is engaging the Board's attention. A notice on the subject was issued to shipowners in 1908, of which many thousands of copies have since been distributed. The Board are considering the advisability of making further representations on the subject to those concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, having regard to the exceptional circumstances connected with the school at Little-port, in the Isle of Ely, and the frequent changes of headmasters which have recently occurred, he would consent to allow the head inspector of the district to visit the school and make a special report to him as to the advisability of retaining the present headmaster?

I am aware of the circumstances of this case, and I do not consider that it calls for exceptional treatment. The requirements of the Code, which it is suggested should be waived, are purely impersonal, and as the question does not turn upon the qualifications of the particular teacher I do not think that anything would be gained by having a special report from the Divisional Inspector.

asked the Lord Advocate if he will give the details of the thirty-eight trawlers reported to the Customs authorities since the passing of the Illegal Trawling Act for trawling in the Moray Firth and the Firth of Clyde beyond the three-mile limit, showing the names of the vessels, their nationality, and the dates when reported?

I shall be happy to show the list in question to my hon. Friend, but I do not think it would be advisable to publish it.