asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a firm of Scottish solicitors who paid estate duty on an inventory of an estate, and who, after receiving the inventory back duly stamped, accidentally destroyed it or lost it, were compelled by the Inland Revenue to again pay the duty on a duplicate of the inventory, although the Inland Revenue did not dispute that the duty had been already paid; whether there is any authority for such an exaction; and whether, in view of the fact that the general application of such a principle might be attended with serious consequences to the legal profession, he will promise legislation, if such be necessary, whereby the Inland Revenue officials will be enabled to stamp a duplicate inventory without requiring a second payment of duty?

My attention has been drawn to the case referred to, but the first part of my hon. friend's question hardly states the facts correctly. The case is not one in which, duty in respect of a particular estate has within the knowledge of the Inland Revenue Department been paid and yet has been required to be paid again. The true aspect of the matter is that a document has been stamped with 30s. and then has been lost by the parties. The Inland Revenue have no knowledge that the stamped document which has been lost related to the particular estate in respect of which a stamped inventory is required. With regard to the second and third parts of the Question, there is no provision of the Law for allowance of stamps which are not presented for cancellation; and I do not consider that a change of the Law on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend would be desirable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether owners of dogs were, in some cases, relieved from payment for dog licences; and, if so, whether he could see his way to extend the same privilege to watchmen who at present pay the cost of licences for dogs which are necessary for their personal protection out of their earnings?

Exemption from dog licence duty is provided by statute in the case of a dog kept and used solely by a blind person for his or her guidance, and in the case of dogs kept and used solely for the purpose of tending sheep or cattle on a farm, or in the exercise of the calling or occupation of a shepherd. I do not see my way to take any action with a view to the extension of these exemptions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he proposed to obtain the particulars necessary to the valuation of the land in Ireland under The Finance (1910–10) Act, 1910, without calling upon the Estates Commissioners or Land Commission for information; and whether he would see that the work providing any information that may be required from these offices shall not cause any of the existing staff to be withdrawn from their present duties?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar question put by him on the 28th ultimo.

asked whether, in the event of information or instructions in reference to valuations under Section 26 of The Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, other than what are contained in Land Form 4 and the circular accompanying it, being required by land owners, agents, surveyors, and solicitors, application for such information or instructions should be addressed to the surveyors of taxes or to the Inland Revenue Office at Somerset House?

I should advise persons desiring additional information to enable them to fill up the forms of return to communicate with the valuer for the district in which the land is situated. His name and address can be obtained from the Land Valuation Officer to whom the completed return is to be sent.

asked whether the valuation forms now about to be issued to owners of land can be issued in duplicate, so that each owner may be able to retain a copy?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to a question put by the hon. Member for South Wiltshire.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the new Finance Act prevents a retailer sending out more than two gallons of spirits if the parcel so sent out is made up of spirits of different denominations, e.g., whisky, rum, and brandy; if so, will he say whether the accompaniment of an Excise certificate in the above case permits of the two gallons quantity being exceeded; and would he make this clear by a regulation of his Department?

A licence granted under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, to a retailer of spirits authorises him to sell at any one time to one person spirits of any denomination in any quantity not exceeding two gallons. Under the Spirits Act, 1880, the delivery of the spirits must be accompanied by an Excise certificate. There is no provision or regulation under which a retailer can send out spirits at any one time to one person in excess of this quantity.

asked whether the sixpence in the pound that clubs have to pay upon the purchases of intoxicating liquors has to be paid on the amount paid for the liquor plus the duty, or only upon the value of it minus the duty?

In ordinary circumstances intoxicating liquors are purchased at a price which includes the duty paid thereon, and where, as occasionally happens, they are purchased at a price as between vendor and purchaser which is declared to be subject to the payment of duty by the purchaser, they cannot be delivered until the duty has been paid. Accordingly the duty in all cases forms part of the price of liquors delivered to a club, and is included in the statement of the purchases delivered by the club for the purpose of the charge of duty at 6d. in the pound.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he would take steps to enable those of the senior abstractors who were engaged on work of a very difficult kind created in connection with the rejection of the Finance Bill in December last, and for which services the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury have expressed their warm appreciation in a general order, to obtain the special increment of £10?

The work of the senior abstractors in the Statistical Office of the Customs and Excise Department was not of a difficult kind. The general order in question which was issued by the Board of Customs and Excise, was not addressed to any particular section of the Department, but to the officers and clerks as a whole, and no particular section was or can be singled out for preferential treatment.

asked whether, where an income from investments is about £6,000 a year and for last year the recipient made a business loss of £1,500, he is chargeable for Super-tax?

A business loss can only be admitted in calculating the total income from all sources for purposes of the Super-tax to the extent that it has been claimed and allowed in reduction of the Income Tax Liability for the previous year, which forms the basis of charge to the super-tax.

asked the number of licences issued to brewers for sale in each of the financial years 1901–1902 to 1809–1910, both inclusive; and the like information in regard to licences to spirit distillers?

The figures required are as follows:—Licences issued to brewers brewing beer for sale— 1901–2 … … … … 5,898 1902–3 … … … … 5,692 1903–4 … … … … 5,495 1904–5 … … … … 5,311 1905–6 … … … … 5,142 1906–7 … … … … 4,985 1907–8 … … … … 4,808 1908–9 … … … … 4,667 1909–10 … … … … 4,512

Licences issued to distillers of spirits— 1901–2 … … … … 207 1902–3 … … … … 204 1903–4 … … … … 211 1904–5 … … … … 204 1905–6 … … … … 198 1906–7 … … … … 206 1907–8 … … … … 200 1908–9 … … … … 200 1909–10 … … … … 196

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, what amount of gratuity would be paid under the Superannuation Act, 1909, to the legal representatives of a deceased civil servant of more than five years' service, who died seven months after having been promoted to the Second Division from the rank of assistant clerk, and whose salary at the time of decease was £147; and under what sections of the afore-mentioned Act the amount of such gratuity would be authorised?

It is not possible to calculate the amount which would be paid in any particular case without full details of the service, etc., of the officer concerned. The sections of the Superannuation Act, 1909, which govern the matter are Sections (2), (1) and (4).

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he was aware that a family called Bradfield are now in possession of a farm near Kinsale from which a former tenant called Driscoll was evicted twenty-three years ago, and that Driscoll was now claiming to be restored to the farm, and has applied to the Estates Commissioners under the Evicted Tenants Act for reinstatement; whether, seeing that Driscoll, the claimant, has boasted that he is an American citizen, inquiry will be made into this; and if British money would be advanced to an American citizen to expropriate British subjects?

The Estates Commissioners have received an application from Patrick Driscoll for reinstatement in a holding on the Herrick Estate, formerly occupied by his mother and now in the occupation of Mrs. Bradfield. The Commissioners understand that Driscoll, whose application is under consideration, went to America after the eviction and returned to Ireland last year; but they are not aware that he became an American citizen.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state, in continuation of the table given in a Written Answer on 22nd June, 1909, with reference to The Irish Land Act, 1903, in respect of the period from 1st June, 1909, to 31st December, 1909, the number of estates for the sale of which proceedings have been instituted by owners direct to tenants, and for the purchase of which advances either have or have not been made, the number of purchased agreements lodged, the amount of advances made and applied for, and the amount lodged or to be lodged in cash by the purchasing tenants; and whether he will give the corresponding figures for the period since 31st Deecmber, 1909, in respect of the Irish Land Act, 1909?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that during the period from 1st June to 31st December, 1909, proceedings for the direct sale of eighty estates were instituted before them, the number of purchase agreements lodged in that period being 1,970 applying for an advance of £459,609, the tenants to pay £36,008 in cash. These figures do not include purchase agreements at 3¼ per cent. annuity lodged after the 15th September, 1909, and subsequently returned, having regard to the provisions of Section 13 of the Irish Land Act, 1909. During the same period advances amounting to £2,106,703 were made in respect of 5,950 holdings, the amount paid in cash by the purchasing tenants being £44,651. Since the 1st January last proceedings in direct sales under the Irish Land Act, 1909, have been instituted in respect of 35 estates, the number of agreements lodged at 3½ per cent. annuities under the Act being 2,436, applying for advances amounting to £623,514, the amount of cash to be paid by the tenant purchasers being £3,003. During the same period advances amounting to £1,666,604 have been made in respect of 5,371 holdings in pending sales under the Irish Land Act, 1903, the cash payments made by the purchasing tenants being £11,175. £19,409 in Three per Cent. Stock has also been advanced under the Act of 1909 in respect of seventy-five holdings, a cash payment of £5 being made by one of the purchasing tenants.

asked how many defaulters under the Act of 1903 were in county Limerick on 1st July; how much rent they owed; and whether, having regard to the fact that the ratepayers of the county are liable for such defalcations, will the names of those who have refused to pay and the amount they owe be published, so that county councils may know who they are paying for?

Table 172 in the Appendix to the Annual Report of the Land Commission which has just been presented to Parliament contains the particulars asked for in the question in respect of annuity payers, under the Act of 1903, who were in default in respect of two or more instalments on 1st July, 1910. It would not be practicable to give a list of those in arrear on 1st July in respect of the instalment due 1st June last. Payments from persons thus temporarily in arrear are being received from day to day, and many have paid since 1st July.

asked in how many cases in the county of Kerry proceedings have been taken against tenant purchasers under the Land Acts of 1903 and 1909 for non-payment of interest or annuities; in how many cases have writs been issued; how many of these have been executed; what is the total sum in default; and how many tenant purchasers are involved?

The Land Commission inform me that 179 cases in respect of annuities due to 1st December, 1909, were sent to the Commissioners' solicitors in county Kerry for civil bill proceedings and three cases for proceedings in the superior courts. In 111 of these cases proceedings were instituted, and at this date there are seven payers in arrear, owing £62 6s. 8d. In the same county the number of cases in arrear for interest in lieu of rent due up to let November, 1909, and referred to solicitors for proceedings was 487. In 238 or these cases proceedings were instituted, and at this date there are eighty-three payers in arrear, owing £769 1s. 9d.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention had been called to the evidence of District Inspector Walsh at the Listowel petty sessions to the effect that the Lischaw district was in a most frightful condition, arid that there were no less than about forty threatening letters in the past week; and whether any steps were being taken to bring the district into a more peaceful condition?

My attention has been called to the statement referred to in the Question. Thirty threatening notices were found posted in the district in connection with a dispute concerning a local quarry. The district in question is receiving all possible attention from the police.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will give details of any action taken by the Commissioners of Public Works and the county councils in Ireland, respectively, under the 14th Clause of the Land Act of 1903, for the preservation of ancient monuments of historical, traditional, or artistic interest?

In addition to those mentioned in my replies to the questions of the hon. Member for North Wexford on 27th May, 1907, and 19th February, 1908, the Estates Commissioners have communicated to the Board of Works particulars of the following ancient monuments: Piggott's Castle, Queen's County; Timoleague Castle, Cork; Tara Hill, Meath; Cloghscregg Castle, Kilkenny; Church and Stone Cross, Roscommon; Athlumney Castle, Meath; Ballyallinan Castle, Limerick; Ballyallinan Church, Limerick; Castle Matrix, Limerick; Lisnacullia Castle, Limerick; Rathkenny Castle, Meath; Danganbrack Castle, Clare; Fleming's Folly, Cavan; Togher Castle, Cork; Cregnakeeroge Fort, Clare; Basin Stone, Clare; Two Standing Stones, Clare; Cairn, Clare; Danish Fort, Cavan; Killusty Castle, Tipperary; Kinnafad Castle, Kildare; Callas Fort, Cork; Cullahill Castle, Queen's County; Inchbofin Abbey, Westmeath; Two Cairns, Dublin; Two Celtic Crosses, Dublin; Bases of Two Celtic Crosses, Dublin; Rath, Tipperary; Standing Stone, Tipperary; St. Connell's Cross, Donegal; Ballynoran Castle, Tipperary; Ballyhindon Castle, Cork; Shanid Castle, Limerick; Boyne Obelisk, Louth; Amogan Castle, Limerick; Arboc Abbey and Stone Celtic Cross, Tyrone; Old Cross, County Westmeath.

The Board of Works have so far been able to accept the vesting of the following as being of sufficient historical artistic or traditional interest, namely:—Augustinian Friary, Kilkenny; Ballyboggan Abbey, County Meath; Drumbo Round Tower, Down; Killmallock Abbey, Limerick; Arboc Abbey and Stone Celtic Cross, Tyrone; Tara Hill, County Meath; Athlumney Castle, Meath; Crynakeeroge Fort, Clare; Basin Stone, Clare; Two Standing Stones, Clare; Cairn, Clare; Inchbofin Abbey, Westmeath; Two Cairns, Dublin; Two Celtic Crosses, Dublin; Bases of Two Celtic Grosses, Dublin. The respective County Councils have consented to the following being vested in them:—Carbery Church, Kildare; Ballycowan Castle, King's County; Srah Castle, King's County; Heathstown Castle and Cranoge, Westmeath; Mahee Castle, Down; Mahee Round Tower, Down; Mabee Church, Down; Mulrankin Castle, Wexford; Castle, Westmeath; Carrig Castle, Tipperary; Gortnaclea Castle, Queen's County; Cornaveigh Castle, Cork; Sea Horse Monument, Waterford; Giants Grave, Tyrone; Ballyeatteen Rath, Cork; Downmacpatrick Castle, Cork; Buolick Church, Tipperary; Cross, Westmeath; Dromineer Castle, Tipperary; Cloghscregg Castle, Kilkenny; Church and Cross, Roscommon; Danganbrack Castle, Clare; Fleming's Folly, Cavan; Danish Fort, Cavan; Killusty Castle, Tipperary; Kinnefad Castle, Kildare; Cullahill Castle, Queen's County; Rath, Tipperary; Standing Stone, Tipperary.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he could state approximately when the sale of the estate of Mr. William Bolton, Record No. E.G. 3127, county Wexford, will be completed?

The Estates Commissioners hope that the sale of this estate will be completed during the financial year commencing 1st April next.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners intended to purchase the untenanted lands on the estate of Miss Pitts at Barriakyle, Patrickswell, county Limerick, containing forty acres statute; and would they communicate with Miss Pitts, whose address is Newcastle West, county Limerick, with a view of obtaining this land for the benefit of the landless and villagers of Patrickswell?

The Estates Commissioners cannot identify this estate as pending for sale before them. If the owner institutes proceedings for sale the Commissioners will consider the desirability of acquiring the land referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary how many estates have been purchased, and what amount of money has been advanced, under the various Land Purchase Acts in the following rural districts in county Limerick: Kilmallock, Croom, Limerick (No. 1), Tipperary (No. 2), and Mickelstown (No. 2); and will he say how many estates have yet to be sold in those aforesaid districts?

The statistics of the Estates Commissioners are not compiled by rural districts, and it is not therefore possible to give the information asked for in the question.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any steps to acquire the lands on the Smith estate, at Ballynanty, Bruff, county Limerick, containing 280 acres I.P.M.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the owner was approached regarding the sale of these lands, but he informed the Commissioners that he did not wish to sell them.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners received an application for portion of the untenanted lands at Carrigeen, Croon, county Limerick, from Michael Dwyer, of Carrigeen; whether Dwyer satisfied the inspector, Mr. Byrne, that he had twenty-seven sheep and about £50 to work the land if he got a patch of it; on what grounds was his claim rejected although he was living on the land; are the Commissioners aware that Mr. Byrne told Dwyer it was presumption on the latter's part to look for land at all; and, in view of the fact that this man has a wife and two children and plenty of means to work a farm, will the Commissioners look into his case when any land in this locality will fall into their hands?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the papers in connection with this matter are at present with their inspector in the country, and they are not therefore in a position to furnish a reply to the hon. Member's question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention had been called to the renewed trawling within prohibited areas off the Kerry coast, near Ballinskelligs, notably on 22nd July; and could he state what steps he proposes to take under the recent Act to put an end to these illegal operations?

In May last a Report of the nature referred to was received by the Department of Agriculture, but particulars on which proceedings could be instituted were not procurable. No further Report has since been received. The Department are doing all in their power to enforce the law as to trawling in the locality referred to. If any person will furnish the local coastguard with such particulars of any case of illegal steam trawling observed by him as will bring it within the operation of the Trawling in Prohibited Areas Prevention Act, 1909, the matter will receive the consideration of the Department.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the purchase annuity payable by Patrick Murphy, Kilquane, Headford, only amounts to £3 11s. 6d.; whether seeing that another claimant, whose purchase annuity amounts to £7, was granted an old age pension, he can state on what grounds the Local Government Board, in refusing Patrick Murphy's claim to an old age pension arrived at the conclusion that his income was in excess of £31 10s.; and whether his claim will now be reconsidered?

The Local Government Board inform me that the purchase annuity payable by Patrick Murphy is as stated. The Board however did not base their estimate of the claimant's means upon the amount of the annuity, but upon the nature and quality of his holding of over twenty acres of land and the value of the stock and crops thereon. It is not open to the Board to reconsider their decisions.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Daniel P. Murphy, Kilquane, Headford, satisfied the local pension committee that he had attained the statutory age and forwarded an affidavit to that effect to the Local Government Board; and can he state on what grounds this man has not been granted an old age pension?

The pension officer appealed against the decision of the Pensions Committee on the ground that Daniel Murphy had not attained the statutory age, and the Local Government Board allowed the appeal.

asked whether the Local Government Board made any allowance for maintenance and the labour of the son when calculating the income of Michael T. Scannell, Shronebeg, Rathmore, when deciding that he was not entitled to a pension; and can he state on what other grounds, if any, this claim was refused?

The Local Government Board disallowed Michael Scannell's claim on the ground that his means exceeded the statutory limit. The Board's estimate of means in such cases is invariably based on the estimated profit remaining after due allowance has been made for all reasonable and necessary outgoings.

asked whether the Local Government Board has yet decided the appeal lodged by Johanna Leary, Knocknacopple, Rathmore, against the action of the pension officer in disallowing her claim for an old age pension merely on the ground that the claimant's baptismal certificate was not stamped; whether similar certificates have been accepted by the same officer; and when will the decision be given?

The Local Government Board decided on 22nd July that Mrs. Leary was entitled to a pension of 5s. a week, and they have notified the pension officer and sub-committee accordingly.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the action of the Local Government Board in disallowing the claim of Patrick Donoghue, Shroneboy, Glenflesk, although the pension officer reported that he was entitled to a pension of 4s. per week; and whether his claim will be granted if a new claim is made by the applicant?

The Local Government Board are not hound by a pension officer's estimate of means, but form their own estimate from the evidence before them. It is open to the claimant in this case to make a fresh claim if he considers that he is in a position to show that his means do not exceed the statutory limit.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Mary Looney, Curraglass, Kilgarvan, owns a miserable patch of land and was allowed a pension of 4s. per week by the pension officer; and can he state on what calculation the Local Government Board reckoned that her income exceeded £31 10s., in face of the opinion of the pension officer, and deprived her of her pension?

The pension officer recommended a pension of 4s. per week in this case, but the Local Government Board formed their own estimate from the evidence before them, and, as they considered that Mrs. Looney's means exceeded the statutory limit, they disallowed her claim. Claimant had eight head of cattle, free turf, besides crops of potatoes, oats, and hay.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state on what grounds Kate FitzGerald, Shinnagh, Rathmore, has been deprived of the old age pension of which she had been in receipt; if he can give the report of the pension officer as to the age of the claimant; and whether he was satisfied with the action of the Local Government Board in the matter?

The Local Government Board disallowed Mrs. FitzGerald's pension because she was unable to satisfy them that she had attained the statutory age. The pension officer reported that her name did not appear in the Census Return of 1841, and that she was recorded in the Census of 1851 as being then only nine years old. The only evidence put forward by Mrs. FitzGerald were certificates of her marriage in 1860 and of the baptism of her eldest child in 1861. The Statute provides that the decisions of the Local Government Board, on appeals in old age pension cases, shall be final and conclusive, and I cannot therefore express any opinion with regard to such decisions.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Cornelius Looney, Gortroumakiery, Muckross, was in receipt of an old age pension, having satisfied the committee and pension officer as to his having attained the statutory age; and can he state on what grounds the pension was discontinued?

In this case the pension officer raised a question as to Looney's age, and appealed against the decision of the sub-committee to continue the pension. The Local Government Board disallowed the pension, as Looney was unable to produce satisfactory evidence that he had attained the statutory age.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state upon what grounds the Local Government Board disallowed the old age pension granted by the Lahardane, county Mayo, pension sub-committee to John M'Gowan, of Knockbawn, Glen-island, Castlebar; and if the Board, in calculating the claimant's income, include the profits from a holding of land which he assigned to his son, James M'Gowan, so far back as 11th June, 1900?

The Local Government Board disallowed John M'Gowan's claim on the ground that his means exceeded the statutory limit. In assessing a claimant's means the Board are bound under the Old Age Pensions Act to take into consideration not only the yearly value of any advantage derived from pro- perty belonging to him, but also the value of any benefit or privilege which he may enjoy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received resolutions from numerous public bodies throughout Ireland protesting against any contribution coming from the rates towards the payment of old age pensions; and whether, in view of the confusion which will doubtless arise in estimating what amount is to come from the rates, can he see his way to drop the proposal and have the pensions paid out of the same fund as those that have been paid heretofore?

I have received some such resolutions from Ireland. I may, perhaps, refer the hon. Member to the reply to a similar question which I gave to the hon. Member for Blackburn on the 21st ult.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that old age pensions usually take effect from the day that the applicant reaches his or her seventieth birthday, provided that the applications have been approved and accepted, he will explain why Mrs. Genn, of 11, Leigh Road, West-cliff-on-Sea, Essex, who made her application on 4th March last, in view of the fact that she would arrive at the age of seventy on 24th May following, has been informed that the pension will not commence until the first week in August.

I am informed that Mrs. Genn's claim is dated 17th March, and not the 4th, as stated. She produced no evidence of age in support of her claim, but on application being made by the pension officer to the Registrar-General, a certificate showing that she was born on 27th May, 1840, was received on the 17th ultimo The officer's Report was then completed and sent to the committee, who, it is understood, will decide the claim at their next meeting, on the 5th instant. Under the law an old age pension cannot begin to be paid until the Friday next following the date of the decision granting it.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury on what grounds Jeremiah M`Graith, Ballintubber, Kilfinane, county Limerick, has been deprived of his pension; whether he is aware that, according to the Census of 1841, this poor man was more than a year old, and therefore entitled under the Act; and, having regard to the fact that this man is in a poor state, will steps be taken, by whoever is responsible, to have this old man re-admitted to the pension ranks, and thus prevent and put an end to an existing hardship?

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asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Margaret Devane, whose application in October, 1908, to the Michelstown old age pension committee for a pension was refused because she was unable to procure her baptismal certificate, and who, being in extreme poverty, was in consequence compelled to seek relief in the workhouse, but who has now succeeded in procuring her baptismal certificate, which shows that she was born in April, 1838; and whether, as it is now proved that Mrs. Devane was qualified when she made her original application, a pension will be awarded to her?

No record of a claim to an old age pension by Mrs. Margaret Devane can be traced in the Michelstown area in October, 1908. The only claim recorded is that made by her in February, 1910, and this claim has been disallowed by the Local Government Board, Ireland, on the ground that she had been in receipt of poor relief. I have no power to interfere with that decision.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury on what grounds John Keogh, of Gardenhill, Castleconnell, county Limerick, was deprived of his pension; is he aware that documentary evidence of this man's age was produced; were the Census Returns looked up before this poor man was struck off the list; and, if not, why has this hardship been inflicted upon him?

John Keogh's pension was withdrawn by a decision of the Local Government Board dated 3rd September last, his age being recorded as seven years in the Census Returns of 1831. A second claim preferred in December last was dis- allowed by the Castleconnell Sub-Committee on the ground that he had not reached the Statutory age.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) why James Rynne, of Barleur, county Leitrim (Appeal No. 982), was deprived of his old age pension which had been granted to him by the Manorhamilton sub-committee on the strength of evidence and certificates of age produced; and whether, as this man's name could not be found in either Census of 1841 or 1851, and as he is a poor, helpless, old man. the Local Government Board would reconsider his claim; (2) whether he is aware that Mary O'Neill was granted an old age pension by the Kinlough sub-committee, county Leitrim, in December, 1908, and on appeal by the pension officer the Local Government Board decided that she was not of the statutory age, as her name was recorded in the Census of 1851 as being then only eight years old; and, having regard to the fact that her brother John was returned on the same Census as being exactly the same age, and that it has been proved that she is six years older than John, the Local Government Board will reconsider her claim; (3) whether he is aware that Mrs. Susan Feely, of Ganvareigh, Buckode, county Leitrim, was granted an old age pension by the Kin-lough sub-committee on the strength of evidence and certificates of age produced on 21st January, 1909, and that on appeal by the pension officer the Local Government Board deprived her of her pension as her name could not be found in the Census of 1841 or 1851; and whether Mrs. Feely's claim will be reconsidered and such documentary evidence as she can produce be taken in support of her claim, or will she be debarred according to the Act because her name does not appear on the Census?

The original claims in all these cases have been finally disposed of by the decisions of the Local Government Board upon the appeals, and I understand that that Department has no power under the Act to reconsider decisions once arrived at. There is, however, no reason why new claims should not be prepared if satisfactory evidence of age can now be produced.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury why it was that Michael Mooney, of Coolagrain, Drumkeerin, county Leitrim, was deprived of his old age pension, notwithstanding the fact that he produced documentary evidence of his being over seventy years of age; whether a mistake has arisen, as he was addressed by the pension officer as Michael Rooney; and whether an inquiry will be made with a view of restoring Mooney his pension?

I understand that Michael Mooney is recorded as six years old in the Census of 1851, and I am not aware that any documentary evidence has been adduced to controvert the correctness of this record. I am assured that no mistake such as has been suggested has affected the question of his eligibility for a pension.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any steps for the restoration of Patrick Campbell, an evicted tenant on the estate of the Marquess of Ely, townland of Knockraven, in county Fermanagh, seeing that it was a part of the treaty for sale of the estate that all evicted tenants should be reinstated or provided with new holdings?

I have nothing at present to add to my reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Leitrim on 25th July.

asked whether, in view of the extended operations of the Congested Districts Board in Irish-speaking districts, preference will be given, all other qualifications being equal, to applicants who have a competent knowledge of the Irish language for duties under the Board, in the discharge of which the officials will be brought into daily contact with an Irish-speaking population?

The Congested Districts Board would be glad that their officials who deal with an Irish-speaking population should possess a competent knowledge of the Irish language; and, other qualifications being equal, they would be disposed to give a preference to candidates having a good colloquial knowledge of that language.

asked whether applications have been made to the Congested Districts Board to acquire estates in the parish of Achill, county Mayo; what are the average area and Poor Law valuation of agricultural holdings in the parish; and whether, having regard to the exceptionally congested condition of the island and other parts of this parish, the Board and Estates Commissioners will deal as speedily as possible with any such applications received?

The Congested Districts Board have received some applications of the nature mentioned in the question, and in all cases have asked the owners whether they are willing to negotiate for the sale of their estates. The average area of agricultural holdings in the parish of Achill is about eleven acres, and the average valuation £1 16s. The Board will deal as speedily as practicable with any estates which may be offered for sale to them.

asked what has been the result of the recent correspondence and negotiations between the Congested Districts Board and the Marquis of Sligo as to the proposed purchase of his lordship's estate in Mayo county?

The Congested Districts Board have not yet received a reply to their letter to the Marquis of Sligo inquiring whether he is willing to open negotiations for the sale of his estate?

asked whether the post of fishery inspector under the Congested Districts Board has yet been filled; and if an Irishman has been appointed?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that the appointment of fishery superintendent has not yet been made.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Estates Commissioners or the Congested Districts Board contemplate dividing Chaldramoran grazing farm, adjacent to Elphin; if so, is a large portion of this farm to be allotted to a man named M'Dermott, late of Gurteen, county Sligo, who lost his farm there by giving a mortgage to a local shopkeeper; are the Commissioners or is the Board aware that there are six tenants living on the estate of the former landlord of the said grazing farm at Ballyroddy having small holdings urgently needing enlargement from the grazing farm; and whether, with a view to avoiding disappointment to those tenants in their expectations, and in the interests of the peace of the district, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that they propose to purchase from the Congested Districts Board forty-eight acres of the farm referred to, with a view to providing a holding for the evicted tenant named in the question. The Board state that there are no tenants on the estate which has been purchased by them, and that there are no landholders adjoining the portion proposed to be given to the evicted tenant.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that an inquiry was held on 27th May last regarding steam trawling in Bantry Bay, when the various witnesses who gave evidence were unanimous in declaring that the fishing industry was being ruined owing to the destruction of young immature fish; and whether any steps are being taken to protect this industry in view of the number of people dependent thereon for their livelihood?

New by-laws with respect to trawling in Bantry Bay have been made by the Department of Agriculture, as the result of the inquiry referred to The necessary statutory steps are now being taken in connection with these by-laws which will in due course be submitted for the approval of the Lord Lieutenant in Council, to whom an appeal lies again their provisions. They will have no force unless and until approved of.

asked what is the amount contributed to the funds of the Intermediate Board, Ireland, for the year 1910 out of the whisky money; and what additional amount is proposed to be given this year to the Board for the payment of the normal school grant and other expenses?

The amount paid to the Board of Intermediate Education under Section 3 of the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Act, 1890, for the financial year ended 31st March, 1910, is £16,998 14s. 6d. As regards the concluding portion of the question I am not at present in a position to add anything to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Mid-Armagh on 11th July.

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 councils; and what amount has been payable since the latter date by the same councils, namely, Kilmallock, Limerick (No. 1), Tipperary (No. 2), Croom, Mitchelstown (No. 2)?

The following table gives the information asked for:— Rural District council. Amount payable in year ended 31st March, 1908. Amount payable since 31st March, 1908. £ s. d. £ s. d. Kilmallock 5,051 10 2 3,662 5 0 Limerick (No. 1) 3,581 9 0 2,681 13 8 Tipperary (No. 2) 1,095 1 6 801 19 6 Croom 1,840 8 6 1,292 9 0 Mitchelstown(No.2) 602 8 0 468 2 4

asked whether the Congested Districts Board has acquired, or is about to acquire, the lands of Ballybunion, county Kerry, at present owned by the Scottish Provident Institution, for division amongst the small-holders resident in and near Bullybunion?

The Congested Districts Board have not opened negotiations for the purchase of the lands referred to, which, they understand, are the residue of an estate sold through the Land Commission.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a public inquiry was held at Listowel in connection with the building of artisans' dwellings; whether the Local Government Board have approved of the scheme by the Listowel Urban Council; and whether he can say why such a long delay has occurred in connection with the advancement of the money to carry out the scheme of artisans' dwellings, which are very badly wanted in the town?

The Local Government Board in October last sanctioned an application being made for a loan in this case. I understand that the matter is at present under consideration by the Treasury.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the position of a tenant named Michael McCarthy, of Rosleague, Queenstown, who had judgment marked against him for the year's rent due 25th March, 1910; that when this man asked for some time to meet his liabilities the answer of the agent was to serve a writ on him; that the growing crops were seized by the sheriff, as also the stock and implements, and advertised for sale, but the sale was subsequently withdrawn; that bankruptcy and other legal processes are now threatened, although the tenant has offered to leave the settlement of the matter either to private arbitration or the Land Courts; and, seeing that land purchase has been admittedly rendered more difficult and onerous for the tenants under the Land Purchase Act of 1909, and that this tenant is willing for any reasonable settlement by way of purchase or payment of a fair rent, will he recommend the intervention of the Estates Commissioners to effect an arrangement?

The Estates Commissioners have no information as to this case, and have no power to interfere in any legal proceedings instituted against McCarthy for the recovery of rent due by him.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what are the duties of a Local Government inspector and inspector of workhouses holding an inquiry under the Poor Law Acts in references to charges against officers of a workhouse; in addition to taking evidence does such an inspector make any report or recommendation to the Local Government Board; is it with his sanction that a gentleman who has already, without hearing evidence before any sworn inquiry, reported that the only way of securing peace and harmony and proper discipline in a workhouse would be to dismiss an official, should subsequently hold an inquiry into the charges made against such official; did Mr. Fitzpatrick, an inspector under the Local Government Board, recommend to them the dismissal of Mr. Thomas Murphy, a wardsman at the Midleton union, without having taken evidence on oath or holding any sworn inquiry; did the Local Government Board so advise the Midleton Board of Guardians by letter of the 18th February, 1910; and did Mr. Fitzpatrick subsequently, against the protest of Mr. Gardner Wallis, solicitor for Mr. Thomas Murphy, proceed to hold a sworn inquiry into the matters on which he had already prejudged the wardmaster, Mr. Thomas Murphy?

The Local Government Board inform me that the chief duty of an inspector at an inquiry is to procure information on which the Board may safely act in arriving at a decision in the case. He furnishes the Board with the sworn evidence, and also with a confidential report giving a summary of the evidence, making such comments as occur to him on the demeanour and credibility of the several witnesses, and supplying the Board as far as possible with all the material for the formation of a right judgment which his personal conduct of the inquiry may enable him to furnish. The Board base their decision on the sworn evidence, and not upon any opinions which the inspector may express. In the present case the inspector of the district had reported prior to the inquiry that he was of opinion that proper discipline could not be maintained in the workhouse so long as wardsman Murphy retained office, and the Board suggested that they should call on him for his resignation. The guardians were, however, practically evenly divided on the point, and asked the Board to institute an inquiry. The Board pointed out that the matter in dispute was one which the guardians themselves should investigate, but, on being pressed by the guardians for a local inquiry by an inspector, they directed the inspector of the district to hold one. No application to have the inquiry held by another inspector was made to the Board before it was opened at the end of June, and it was only on the first day of the inquiry that the objection mentioned in the question was raised. The evidence in the case is very long, and the Board have not yet come to any decision on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state if, the Congested Districts Board will purchase the Tredennick estate, situate in the Rooskey Electoral Division, Strokestown Union, county Roscommon, with a view to their selling the same to the tenants, and particularly as the landlord has expressed his willingness to sell; and, as the district has been scheduled as congested since 1891, owing to the poverty of the district, and the estate has been in Chancery over twenty years, if immediate steps will be taken to purchase the estate?

The Congested Districts Board are in communication with the owner of the estate referred to with a view to opening negotiations for its purchase.

asked if the guarantee bonds supplied by the Local Government Board, Ireland, for county council rate collectors, provide not only a fidelity indemnity, but an indemnity against arrears of rates; if so, do the bonds in use in England for similar purposes contain an indemnity against arrears; is he aware that insurance companies doing guarantee business regard the second indemnity as entitling them to a premium which collectors consider excessive, whilst some companies refuse to accept the additional risk; and what is the reason for the difference in practice in England and Ireland?

The form of bond prescribed by the Local Government Board requires collectors to lodge the full amount of the rates comprised in their warrants including arrears. When this has been done they are refunded any amounts ascertained to have been irrecoverable. The Board have no information regarding the bonds used in England. Guarantee companies no doubt take into consideration all the elements of risk, and charge premiums accordingly; but the keen competition which exists for this class of business results in rates being charged which cannot be deemed excessive. Many companies of first-class standing undertake the additional risk, though some companies may not desire to do so. The prescribed form of bond is designed to safeguard the interests of the ratepayers, and experience has proved it to be most effective in that respect.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the tenants on the estate of Mr. Daniel O'Connell, at Thoon, near Cahirciveen, have opened negotiations for the purchase of their holdings; and can he state what action, if any, has been taken by the Congested Districts Board in the matter?

The Congested Districts Board have received a memorial from the tenants on this estate including some in the townland referred to. The Board have written to the owner inquiring whether he is willing to sell his estate, but have not yet received a reply.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have acquired the Hillas Estate, county Sligo; and, if so, whether they have made provision to enable Peter Finan, Dunowa, Templeboy, county Sligo, to acquire the farm on this estate occupied by him with the turbary rights which they agreed to give him?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that this estate vas not sold to them, but was purchased by the tenants direct from the landlord under the Irish Land Act, 1903. The holdings have been vested in the tenants, including Peter Finan, to whom an advance of £140 was made for the purchase of his holding. When the estate was being dealt with, the Commissioners suggested that certain untenanted land should be sold to the tenants. The owner was willing to do so, but the tenants refused to sign the necessary agreements, as they contained certain reservations as to turbary, and in the circumstances the untenanted land was not included in the sale.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can say what steps have been taken to give effect to the request contained in the memorial of the town tenants of Ballycolla, on the Caldbeck Estate, Queen's County, forwarded to the Estates Commissioners, asking that the village should be included in the sale, in view of the effect upon the interests of those tenants by their exclusion from the sale?

The memorial referred to was only received on 15th July, and is awaiting consideration by the Estates Commissioners.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will say whether the estate of Annesley, Record No. F.C. 3376, has yet been inspected; is it proposed by the owner to retain a portion of bog known as the Derry Bog; has this matter been considered by the Commissioners; and will they see that all the property of this owner, bog and otherwise, is dealt with under the pending sale?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that this estate has been inspected, and they understand that the vendor has included all the property in the sale.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the sale of the Flannan estate, county Meath, has yet been completed, and what steps have been taken to distribute the lands?

The Estates Commissioners are unable to identify this estate as pending for sale before them.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have received an offer from Miss Bomford to sell her estate in Meath to them; if so, how far have the negotiations progressed; have the Commissioners got applications for parcels of the property; and what steps are being taken to secure that properly qualified persons only shall get parts of the land?

The Estates Commissioners are unable to identify this estate as pending for sale before them. Applications for allotments on the estate have been received and have been noted for consideration in the event of proceedings for sale of the property being instituted before the Commissioners.

asked whether the tenants on the estate of Mrs. Fanny Pyne, Castle-town, Roche, county Cork, have signed agreements to purchase their holdings; if these were lodged with the Estates Commissioners in October, 1908; and if he can state what steps, if any, do the Estates Commissioners propose to take in the matter of acquiring the remainder of the estate, consisting of some 600 acres, for the purpose of providing for evicted tenants an enlargement of uneconomic holdings?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that agreements for the purchase by the tenants of their holdings on this estate were lodged in October, 1908. When the estate is being inspected in order of priority the matter referred to in the question will be inquired into.

asked whether his attention has been called to the fact that a number of tenants on the Aglish estate, county Kilkenny, were evicted during the past week; whether he is aware that, before authorising the use of the forces of the Crown to evict these tenants, negotiations were pending between the landlord, who was willing to sell, and the tenants, who were willing to buy, and the question in dispute was merely one of price; and whether, in order to avert further evictions, the Estates Commissioners propose to take any action in the matter?

The Estates Commissioners are unable to identify this estate as pending for sale before them, and they have no power to interfere with any legal proceedings which the owner may have instituted against his tenants. If, however, the Commissioners are approached by the parties concerned, they will consider the desirability of taking action under Section 8 of the Lord Lieutenant's Regulations of 13th February, 1906.

asked the total number of labourers' cottages built in Ireland under all Labourers' Acts; the total number in course of construction; and the total number not yet in course of construction but to be provided under schemes sanctioned by the Local Government Board?

The Local Government Board inform me that on 31st March last 29,186 cottages had been built, 6,249 were in course of construction, and in the case of 9,631, which were authorised, building had not yet begun.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if any record was kept by the Royal Irish Constabulary of the arms and ammunition voluntarily surrendered to the police under the provisions of the Peace Preservation Acts, 1881 to 1886; whether any of the arms and ammunition so surrendered have been restored to the owners; and if he will state the reason why information as to the number of firearms still in the custody of the police cannot be immediately ascertained?

The Inspector-General informs me that records were kept in the various sub-divisions of arms surrendered from time to time. Some of the arms surrendered were purchased under the provisions of Section 1 of the Peace Preservation Act, 1881, and others were restored upon legal requirements being fulfilled. The number of arms in the custody of the police varied, and the records were not kept up to date. It would take some time now to revise them in order to ascertain the present number on hand.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when the decision of the Government that firearms voluntarily surrendered under the Peace Preservation Acts would be restored only to owners who could produce an Excise licence was arrived at; will he explain why it has been considered necessary to impose this condition in the case of firearms which are alleged to be useless; and whether a supplementary circular has been issued to the police in the matter?

The intention is, and has been, that firearms will be returned only to persons holding licences under the Gun Licence Act, whether the arms are useless or otherwise. This has been the invariable practice. No supplementary circular has been issued in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the declaration in the circular issued on 1st July, 1910, by the Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary that the Irish Government had approved of the restoration of arms under the Peace Preservation Acts was warranted by the facts; will he state the nature of the proposal made to the Irish Government by the Inspector-General, and the decision thereon communicated to that officer on behalf of the Government; and will he lay upon the Table a copy of the correspondence that has passed on the subject?

The proposal made to the Irish Government by the Inspector-General implied simply that effect should be given to the provisions of the Peace Preservation Act relating to surrendered arms, and the Irish Government did not sanction anything beyond the requirements of the Act. Communications between the Inspector-General and the Irish Government are confidential, and it would be contrary to precedent to lay them on the Table.

asked whether the Local Government Board for Ireland will hold an inquiry into the action of the Warrenpoint Urban Council in forcing boatmen at Omeath, which is outside their area as a local authority, to take out licences under Section 94 of the Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1907; or what steps the Local Government Board proposes to take for the protection of the rights of the boatmen of Omeath?

As I have already stated, the Local Government Board have no authority over the urban council in this matter. The question of the legality of the charge made upon the Omeath boatmen may be raised by proceedings for the recovery of the penalty imposed under Subsection 6 of the Section referred to.

asked whether any steps have been taken by the Estates Commissioners to acquire the lands of Miss Bennett on the Malone estate at Cadamstown, King's County; did Miss Bennett offer this land to the Commissioners; and, in view of the necessity which exists, will steps be taken to have this land taken up and thus prevent any wealthy individual from coming between the people and their claims?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the lands held by the Misses Benwell under a fee farm grant on the L'Estrange Malone estate. The Estates Commissioners inform me that in this case the advance has been made, and the holding vested in the purchasers.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state who the persons are amongst whom the lands of Parks and Mountpleasant, late Clanmorris estate, near Ballyglass, county Mayo, have been distributed by the Congested Districts Board or Estates Commissioners; how many of such persons were previously occupiers of uneconomic holdings; and whether some of them were already owners or occupiers of large grazing farms?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that none of the lands of Parks and Mountpleasant on the Clanmorris estate purchased by them were untenanted. The names of the persons to whom advances were made for the purchase of holdings included in these lands will be found in the Return of Advances made under the Irish Land Act, 1903, for the month of August, 1907, which has been presented to Parliament (Cd. 4163). The Congested Districts Board have not purchased any of the townlands referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he would ascertain from the Estates Commissioners the result of the proceedings for the acquisition, under the Evicted Tenants Act, from the Duke of Devonshire of the holding formerly belonging to John Mulcahy, near Conna, county Cork; and whether Mulcahy may hope to be shortly reinstated?

The Estates Commissioners have instituted proceedings under the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907, for the acquisition of Mulcahy's former holding on the estate of the Duke of Devonshire. The owner has lodged a petition which is still sub judice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the names, number, and situations of all the Government and private shipbuilding yards in the United Kingdom which are capable of constructing battleships of the improved "Dreadnought" type or armoured cruisers of the improved "Invincible" type; how many slips suitable for such work are there in each yard; which of such slips are occupied at the present time, and when will they be vacated; and what are the present engineering and shipbuilding resources of these respective yards so far as modern battleships and armoured cruisers are concerned over a period of two years?

I would refer the Noble and gallant Lord to the reply given to the late Member for Brighton in reply to a similar question on the 17th March, 1909. I do not think it would be right for me to state the Admiralty opinion of the capacity of individual private yards, as such an expression of opinion would necessarily institute a comparison between the capabilities of the respective private shipbuilding firms of the country.

asked how many shipbuilding slips, including both the royal dockyards and contractors' slips, would be occupied as at present arranged by warships of the "Dreadnought" and "Invincible" classes building or laid down for the Royal Navy; and how many contractors' slips in the United Kingdom are occupied by similar vessels building for other purposes than the Royal Navy which it is known will not be launched before the 1st April, 1911?

As regards the first part of the question, there are four slips occupied by warships of the "Dreadnought" and "Invincible" type building under contract for the Admiralty out of money provided in the Navy Estimates, and two building out of money provided by the Colonies. The reply to the second part of the question is none.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether, with a view to facilitate the payment of naval pensions, he would consider the desirability, and in conjunction with the Postmaster-General arrange, for the signature of pensioners' life certificates by Post Office officials, to whom the pensioners are usually better known, than by the persons at present authorised to sign such certificates?

A large number of Post Office officials are qualified to attest life certificates of pensioners. Under the Post Office regulations, however, no individual is allowed to do so if he is also the paying officer. I am not prepared at present to recommend any change, but the matter will be carefully considered in consultation with the Postmaster-General.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he was aware that the Thames Ironworks Shipbuilding and Engineering Company, Limited, are paying from a ½d. to l½d. per hour less than the standard rate of wages to joiners employed in connection with the construction of the "Dreadnought" they are building, and that, although the firm has been requested to comply with the fair wages clause they refuse to do so; and whether under these circumstances he will take steps to enforce the observance of this clause?

No report on the subject referred to by the hon. Member has been received officially, but enquiries will be made of the firm in question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he was aware that H.M.S. "Triumph" and H.M.S. "Swiftsure" have been away for over twelve months; and, in these circumstances, will the Admiralty consider the possibility of giving leave to the men on these ships before returning to their stations?

Yes, Sir, I am aware that they have been absent over twelve months, but no exception can be made in their case.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether after the completion of the recent manœuvres several torpedo boats, on account of having run short of oil fuel through being delayed by fog, were obliged to return to Milford Haven for a further supply; whether, on arrival, they found no oil at Pembroke Dock available; whether, in consequence, they were delayed several days at Milford Haven while a further supply was sent from Devonport; and, if so, whether, in view of the importance of Pembroke Dock as a naval base, orders will henceforth be given for the construction of oil tanks there in a position accessible to ships at all states of the tide or the permanent stationing of oil lighters at that port?

The torpedo boats in question were obliged to return to Milford on account of fog, and not through shortage of oil fuel. Otherwise, the facts are as stated. Steps are being taken to improve the oil fuel facilities at certain ports, and the provision of permanent storage, either on shore or afloat, at Milford will receive due consideration in these arrangements.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he was aware that, by a recent Admiralty order concerning the disrating of petty officers, the alleged defaulter is not given an adequate opportunity of defending himself; whether he could see his way to so amend the order that the defence written or signed by the alleged defaulter should accompany the warrant, and that the warrant should not be considered executed until approved by the Commander-in-Chief; and whether, in view of the fact that the circular letter does not make it clear that all warrants for disrating should be forwarded for approval, and that without this being done the concession granted is not of much value, he would consider the advisability of making a further statement on the subject

The statement that the alleged offender is not given an adequate opportunity of defending himself is incorrect. Moreover the record of the proceedings, which is now kept under the Order referred to in cases of summary disrating, includes a record of the prisoner's defence. The record of the proceedings is signed both by the commanding officer and the executive officer who attends the enquiry, and the signature of the prisoner is not necessary. The proposal that a warrant for the disrating of a petty officer should not be considered executed until approved by the Commander-in-Chief is not considered practicable. All the warrants for summary punishments are forwarded to the Admiralty, where they are closely scrutinised.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether an application for the loan of two 7-pounder guns for the Cardiff Naval Brigade had been refused by his Department on the grounds that no guns are available for supply; whether guns had been lent to Volunteer Naval Brigades in other localities, including those of inland towns; under what conditions guns and rifles are supplied; and, in view of the maritime importance of the chief town in Wales and the fact that 115 cadets and 60 artificers had already been enrolled in the Cardiff Naval Brigade, and the desirability of affording encouragement to the movement, would he reconsider the Cardiff application?

The reply to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the third part, if the status of the organization is considered satisfactory, suitable guns are lent, when available, according to priority of application. Rifles are not lent to Lads' Brigades by the Admiralty. As to the fourth part, no suitable guns are available, the stock being entirely exhausted. A number of applications from other towns are in office, which it has been found impossible to meet.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he was aware that the naval officers decorated by the King of Italy for services rendered on the occasion of the recent earthquake in Southern Italy were unable to obtain official sanction to wear the decoration, and could only do so by special permission of His late Majesty, whereas officers of the Royal Naval Reserve who received a similar decoration were permitted to wear the same under Royal licence; whether he would consider the possibility of so amending the regulations respecting the wearing of foreign orders as to allow officers on the active list who are awarded decorations in extraordinary circumstances to come within the scope of the Royal licence; and whether he could see his way to allow the names of officers who had received decorations for services in Southern Italy to be noted in the Naval List in the list of officers holding foreign decorations?

The King's Regulations do not admit of permission to the naval officers referred to. The officers of the Royal Naval Reserve referred to were acting as officers of merchant vessels, and were held in consequence to be not at the time in the service of the King. It is not within my province to make alterations in the regulations, which are issued subject to the King's commands through the Foreign Office. Only those officers who have received permission under the regulations are recorded in the Navy List.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has given his sanction to the new scheme for the constitution of the Education Committee of the Smethwick County Borough under which the direct representative of the non-provided schools has been withdrawn?

of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Runciman): Objections to the scheme, which has not yet received the approval of the Board, are at present under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he could now state whether building operations began upon the enlargement of Towyn council school before the expiration of the period for objection to the notice; and if he will, in deference to the number of objectors, hold a local inquiry into the case?

The statutory period of notice expired on 21st July and revised plans of the proposed improvements were sent up to the Board of Education by the Local Education Authority on the 23rd of that month. From this my right hon. Friend assumes that building operations had not commenced at that date. With regard to the second part of the question, the Board of Education are in full possession of all the material facts and have already given their decision that the proposed enlargement is necessary within the meaning of Sections 8 and 9 of the Education Act, 1902.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he could now see his way to supply the information asked for in the form desired, seeing that he gave statistics in a similar form, but for a different date, in his replies to Question No. 53 of 17th December, 1908, and Question No. 7 of 31st March, 1909

The replies to the two Questions, which I understand to be referred to, were produced at the cost of labour out of all proportion to the value of the information they contain. I am afraid I cannot undertake to again place upon the staff of the Board of Education, who are fully occupied, the labour of producing statistical information upon matters which have no bearing, so far as I can see, on any pressing question of the day.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that those of the Metropolitan Police stationed at Chatham, who were not sent to London to assist at the late King's funeral, have not received the bonus of two days' pay granted them by the Order of 21st May last; and whether, seeing that they come within the terms of the Order, he will direct that the bonus granted be paid to them?

The police referred to do not come within the terms of the Order. Chatham is not within the limits of the Metropolitan Police District, and the men in question did no extra duty in[...]ection with the funeral.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has yet issued a corrected Return of the number of persons who have been made Peers since 1832, in substitution for the Return issued in February; and, if not, whether he will state when it will be ready, and if it will be brought up to date and completed by a list of the Peers created on which the numerical statements are based?

The issue of the corrected Return has been delayed by pressure of work, but I hope the Return will be ready soon. The information to be given is prescribed by the terms of the Address, and the modifications suggested cannot therefore be made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that Dr. Young, of Merton Road, Bootle, Liverpool, who is the certifying surgeon for the district under the Factory Act and Workmen's Compensation Act, was applied to by a workman named M'Manus, who is suffering from lead poisoning, for a certificate of disablement, and that, although M'Manus paid him a fee, he did not examine him, but instructed him to go to a Dr. Knox, of Stoneycroft, Liverpool, and that Dr. Knox certified that he was not suffering from lead poisoning, and signed the certificate as deputy certifying surgeon; whether, seeing that Dr. Knox had three weeks previously examined M'Manus on behalf of the insurance company that his employer is insured with, he will make inquiries into this case with the object of giving this man a chance of being examined by a surgeon who is not prejudiced; and whether he will take steps to prevent surgeons who are acting for insurance companies from acting as certifying or deputy certifying surgeons in cases where the company they are acting for are interested?

The facts are not quite correctly stated in the question. Dr. Young, the certifying surgeon for the district, is abroad, and during his absence his duties are being discharged by Dr. Knox, his duly appointed deputy. The Dr. Young to whom M'Manus went is not the certifying surgeon. He quite properly referred M'Manus to Dr. Knox, and he received no fee from M'Manus. It is the case that Dr. Knox had previously examined M'Manus at the request of the Federated Employers' Association, but he informs me that he has no connection with the association, and that this was the first case on which he had ever reported to them. On M'Manus applying to him for a certificate he wished to refer him to another doctor, but the Compensation Act requires the certificate to be given by the certifying surgeon for the district, and Dr. Knox could not therefore refuse to act. I have no power to authorise the workman to apply to any other surgeon, but I may point out that he has the right of appeal, without charge, to the medical referee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number and locality of the inebriate reformatories at present in operation in Great Britain; the average number of inmates; and the cost per case of permanently successful treatment?

The following figures relate to England only. I have no information regarding the reformatories in Scotland. There are two State inebriate reformatories and nine certified inebriate reformatories. The average weekly charge for inmates, in the State reformatories, for staff and maintenance, in the year ended 31st March, 1910, was 21s; the daily average number of inmates was ninety-two. In the certified reformatories the average weekly charge for inmates during the year 1909 was 15s. 10d.; the daily average number of inmates was 892. I think my hon. Friend will see that it would be impossible at any given time to say how many persons discharged from reformatories had been "permanently benefited."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the opinion of local governments is now being invited on the suggestion that collectors should lease premises for a term of years for the sale of intoxicating liquors; and whether, in view of the further implication of the Government in the management of the liquor traffic which such a change would involve, the Secretary of State will withhold his sanction of the proposal until full inquiry has been made and opportunity has been given for the expression of non-official opinion upon the subject?

The Secretary of State has no official information on the subject to which the question refers. The matter is one which is within the discretion of the Government of India. He sees no reason to doubt that full inquiry will be made and non-official opinion considered before a decision is arrived at, and a copy of the hon. Member's question will be sent to India. It may be remarked that the expression of non-official opinion in India has been greatly facilitated by the recent changes in the constitution of the Imperial and Provincial Legislative Councils.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Agricultural Rates Act was passed in 1896 and the Tithe Rent-Charge Rates Act in 1899; that both Acts were renewed by The Rates Act (1896) Continuance Act, 1901, and again until 1910 by The Rates Act (1896) Continuance Act, 1905; that last year the Schedule to the Expiring Laws Continuance Act, which contained the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, expressly repealed the two above-mentioned Continuance Acts of 1901 and 1905 without renewing the Tithe Rent-Charge Rates Act, 1899; and whether, under these circumstances, the last-mentioned Act is still treated as being an operative Statute?

Section 4 of the Tithe Rent-Charge Rates Act. 1899, provides that the Act "shall apply to every rate which is made during the continuance of the said Agricultural Rates Act, 1896." Consequently the continuance of the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, automatically continues the Tithe Rent-Charge Rates Act, 1899.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say why the Registrar of Public Companies sanctioned the registration of the title the Law Car and General Insurance Corporation when a company of good standing was already on the register named the Car and General Insurance Corporation; and if he will consider the desirability of taking steps to prevent the registration of new companies having names similar to those of existing companies?

Under the provisions of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies can only refuse to register a company under a particular name if that name so nearly resembles the name by which a company in existence is already registered as to be calculated to deceive. In the case of the Law Car and General Insurance Corporation, I presume that the Registrar considered that the addition of the word "Law" at the beginning of the title was sufficient to distinguish the company from the Car and General Insurance Corporation, and I may add that this distinction has been found sufficient in other cases. Every care is taken to prevent the registration of new companies with names so closely resembling those of existing companies as to cause confusion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Law Car and General Insurance Corporation have replied to his communication respecting their failure to deposit the sum of £20,000 under the Assurance Companies Act of 1909, and, if not, what steps he proposes to take, seeing this company issued a prospectus on 25th February, 1910, stating that they required this money for the purposes of lodging this deposit to enable them to transact assurance business; and whether he is aware that the company received a large sum of money for this purpose from the public?

It appears from the file of the company at Somerset House that a considerable sum of money has been received by the Law Car and General Insurance Corporation, Limited, as a result of the issue of the prospectus referred to by my hon. Friend. I have received a reply to my communication from the company, and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the letter.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been drawn to a resolution passed by certain school boards in Scotland pointing out the desirability that school boards should receive notice of proposed changes in the Code three months before the Code is laid upon the Table of the Houses of Parliament; that three months should elapse between the time it is laid upon the Table and the time when it becomes law; that reasonable facilities should be given for its discussion; and whether he proposes to give effect to the alterations therein suggested?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question addressed to me on 4th July by the hon. Member for Dumbartonshire.

asked what was the total number of persons, not at the time of appointment in permanent Government employment, who had been appointed since January, 1906, to permanent positions in Scotland under the Crown with salaries exceeding £100 a year, and who did not previously to their appointment pass an examination by the Civil Service Commissioners; and what was the total annual value of their salaries?

I am not in a position to give the hon. Member the information for which he asks, except as regards legal appointments and appointments for which the Secretary for Scotland is responsible. If the hon. Member desires information so limited I am quite willing to give it.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture for Ireland, whether, in view of the frauds committed against the Irish butter industry as well as to promote the sale of pure Irish butter, he will take steps to establish in London what may be known as the Irish House, where all Irish creameries can send their butter direct, and where the retailers and others in London anxious for pure Irish butter can have no difficulty in finding the same, and by the getting up of such a store the profits from the time the butter leaves the dairy until it is consumed at the table would go to the producer, instead of at present going into the pockets of commission agents and others?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a decision has yet been arrived at as to the name of the secretary to the Committee of Inquiry into the grievances complained of by the ordnance workers of the country; and, if so, will he give his name to the House?

The Board propose to appoint Mr. H. Gilbert, who has for some time past been employed in the Labour Department of the Board of Trade, to act as secretary to the committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the question of appointing a representative from Ireland on the Committee of Inquiry has yet been decided; and, if so, will be state to the House the name of the person appointed.

My Noble Friend, the President of the Board has given very full consideration to the suggestion of my hon. Friend, but he regrets that he is unable to adopt it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he proposes to extend the period for the repayment of loans for the building of schools to fifty years to loans already sanctioned by the Local Government Board, provided that school buildings erected by the aid of such loans are in such a condition as would justify the extended period?

Where a loan has been sanctioned, but not yet raised, I shall be quite prepared to entertain an application for an extension of the period. Where the loan has been raised, questions of some difficulty may not infrequently arise, but I shall be quite prepared to consider applications in respect of loans recently sanctioned, and to see how far it may be possible to accede to them.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the case of the deaths of children boarded out under the provisions of the Within Union Order of 31st December, 1909, under the supervision of a committee consisting of members of a board of guardians, in which case no agreement between the guardians and the committee is required, the funeral expenses of such children fall on the foster parents or should be discharged by the guardians?