asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the danger to unoffending nations from the spread of plague and other preventible diseases, he could see his way to initiating some international movement towards more general observance of the fundamental laws of health and sanitation; and whether British Consuls in the principal foreign cities will be asked to report on these subjects and on any precautions now being taken against plague?

In 1903 an International Convention was concluded at Paris with the object of applying in a systematic manner the most modern methods of resisting the spread of plague and cholera. His Majesty's Government and most European countries are parties to this Convention, and it is open to any country which has not yet adhered to do so at any time. His Majesty's Consular Officers abroad always report the appearance of any case of plague, cholera, or yellow fever within their Consular district, and the special measures or regulations put into force for the purpose of checking the spread of the disease. During the continuance of any outbreak they are expected to furnish short telegraphic reports at least weekly showing the number of cases and deaths and the name of the locality affected; and in the case of the present epidemic in Manchuria reports are received almost daily.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will take any practical steps now with the object stated in the question?

The object of my answer was to show that practical steps have already been taken, that there is international co-operation, and the Consuls are already doing exactly what the hon. Gentleman asks that they should be instructed to do.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these periodical cables or letters are communicated to the Press in order to alleviate public feeling on the subject?

I will look into that point; I cannot give a promise.

asked what steps are being taken by His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington, in view of the new United States duties upon Canadian fish under the proposed trade reciprocity between Canada and the United States whereby free entry is given to Canadian herrings and mackerel, among other varieties, whereas the duty now imposed upon British and Newfoundland fish is one farthing per pound on herrings, one halfpenny per pound on mackerel, and three-eighths of a penny on other fish cured or preserved?

The whole subject is under the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government, and I am therefore not in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would explain why the Dominions and Colonies were not consulted as to the Declaration of London before it was signed?

The answer is that such a course was not practicable at the time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not take into consideration its enormous importance to the Port of Cardiff in connection with British trade?

As to the question of the importance to British trade, it has, of course, been taken into consideration all through.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention had been called to the statement made by President Taft in his message to Congress in regard to the conclusion of an arrangement between Canada and the United States whereby the freight rates between the two countries would be considerably modified; whether he will lay the particulars of this arrangement upon the Table of the House; how the new freight rates will compare with those hitherto in force; and whether his Majesty's Ambassador at Washington has made any report as to the effect of this reduction upon the competition of British and American manufacturers in the Canadian market?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, a report has been drawn up by the Canadian and United States Delegates appointed to discuss the question of the control of the international freight rates, but this has not yet ben considered by either of the Governments concerned. I am not aware that any definite fresh freight rates have as yet been suggested.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he had notified any of the foreign Powers who were signatory to the Declaration of London of his intention to declare the term l'ennemie in Article 34 of the Declaration to mean the Government of the enemy; and, if so, whether this interpretation of the term has been accepted by any of the Powers concerned?

The answer is in the negative, but a notification will be made as soon as His Majesty's Government announce that they are ready to ratify.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any hope that by previous negotiations with foreign Powers an interpretation of this term satisfactory to all concerned may be arrived at?

So far I am not aware that anyone except in this country has expressed any doubt with regard to it. We shall notify other Powers when we are in a position to announce that we are ready to ratify the Declaration, but until then we cannot say what steps will be taken.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to show that the Government of the United States of America have declined to accept as authoritative the Foreign Office official translation of the Declaration of London, as published in Blue Book 4554, and have had a fresh translation made; and, if so, can he state what is the translation of the word commercant, which appears in Article 34?

Correspondence on the subject of the translation is still going on with the United States Government, and pending its conclusion no statement can be made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was aware that there is no British representative resident in Montenegro at the present time, although the other Powers are represented; that this was the case also in 1908, when Bosnia and Herzegovina were annexed by Austria; that on that occasion a special envoy was sent in a hurry after the event had taken place in order that British interests might be protected; whether his attention had been called to the fact that no consular report has been issued on Montenegro since 1898, although there is now a railway there and trade is being developed; and would he explain what are the reasons for this neglect of a foreign State which owes it present position largely to British assistance in the past?

There was formerly a permanent British Representative at Cettinje, but recently a Chargé d'Affaires has only been sent there intermittently. Now that the principality of Montenegro has been erected into a kingdom, the question of re-establishing the permanent appointment is under consideration.

May I ask whether, in view of the present critical state of affairs in the Balkans, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that Great Britain is represented there immediately?

We cannot appoint a permanent representative immediately, but I think it exceedingly probable that it will be done soon. With regard to getting information with respect to present political matters, of course we do receive such information as is required.

asked whether His Majesty's Government will appoint a Commission to prepare proposals to be laid before the next International Peace Conference at the Hague and to make such other arrangements as may be necessary?

If the Hon. Member will refer to the Resolution passed at the Sixth Plenary Meeting of the Peace Conference of 1907, the text of which he will find in Parliamentary Paper No. 4, Miscellaneous, of 1908, he will see that the time is hardly ripe for a decision on the point raised in his question: which will, however, be carefully considered when the time contemplated by the Resolution approaches.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would make any statement as to the views of His Majesty's Government on the proposed fortification of Flushing; and whether the existing treaties give Great Britain any right of intervention in the matter?

No statement of the views of His Majesty's Government seems called for upon measures taken by a foreign Government to fortify its own frontier, in so far as these measures are purely defensive. If any international Treaty rights or obligations were incidentally to be affected, the question would be one for friendly discussion between the Powers who were parties to the treaty before any of them could pronounce an opinion.

asked what compensation, if any, had been paid to the relatives of the Kaffirs (being British subjects) killed and the men injured in the recent collision between the railway officials and their employés in German South-West Africa; and whether any censure or punishment has been passed upon the persons responsible for calling in the military to shoot the British Kaffirs in German South-West Africa, without first making representation to the civil authority of the German Government?

I have not heard that any compensation has yet been paid to the men injured or to the relatives of the deceased, and His Majesty's Government are not aware that any punishment has been inflicted on the persons responsible for calling in the military at Wilhelmsthal. A communication has recently been received from the Union Government in regard to the incident, and is now under consideration with a view to a communication being made to the German Government.

asked what number of German soldiers, if any, were injured in the recent attack upon the British Kaffirs employed by the German railway company in German South-West Africa?

I am not aware that any German soldiers were injured in the affray.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he was aware that the post of Inspector of Lunatics in Ireland was about to become vacant; and whether he could give an assurance that the position would be filled by the appointment of a person who has had long and residential experience in the treatment of the insane and asylum management?

I am well aware and am daily reminded by applicants that the post of inspector of lunatics is about to become vacant. In filling the office due regard will be had to the experience of candidates in the management of lunatic asylums and in the treatment of the insane.

How many of these reminders came from the Nationalist party?

I do not think any.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into that?

I am referring to the applicants themselves.

asked whether during the last two years any special force of Dublin metropolitan police have been posted outside a Church of Ireland church on Sundays to prevent disturbance; and, if so, whether the disturbance apprehended was from Roman Catholics?

The Chief Commissioner of Police informs me that it has been necessary occasionally to post some police outside one particular church belonging to the Protestant Church of Ireland in the hon. Member's constituency on Sundays, owing to a controversy as to the conduct of the service. This controversy was not of a kind to excite the least interest among Roman Catholics.

Is it a Standing Order of the Metropolitan police that a constable shall be on duty at each of the various churches during service every Sunday?

No; it is the habit of the police everywhere to be stationed out side all large congregations in order to secure them quiet during their service from noisy boys and other persons of that sort?

Is there any ground for the statement publicly made in a review this month by the hon. Member (Mr. Moore) that Protestant churches in Dublin need to be protected against disturbance by Roman Catholics?

No. No policemen whatever are placed outside any churches in Dublin in apprehension of the congregation being disturbed by Roman Catholics.

I have seen them there. Are they placed there for ornament?

No; they are placed there in the ordinary course that policemen are placed wherever congregations of persons are likely to be called together.

Does the right hon. Gentleman state that in other parts of Ireland there are policemen outside Protestant churches during service?

I do not say anything as to that, but in all large towns in England, Scotland, and Ireland it is the duty of the police to pay attention to large congregations of people.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention had been called to the circumstances under which a dance organised by Protestants and Catholics in the Town Hall, Dromore, had to be abandoned; whether it was a fact that because a few Catholics were included in the invitations threats were openly used by the local Orangemen to break up the gathering by violence; and whether, in these circumstances, any steps are being taken by the Executive to protect the social rights of the people of Dromore from such organised violence?

The police authorities inform me that a local publican organised a ball to be held in the Town Hall, Dromore, on 19th January last. Three Unionists joined the organising committee, but withdrew on ascertaining that the ball would be chiefly patronised by people of the opposite views. No open threats of violence were used, but rumours were circulated that Orange drumming parties would attend to oppose the ball being held, and it was therefore abandoned. The police will take any steps which may be necessary to preserve the peace in Dromore.

asked what steps the Estates Commissioners had taken to acquire the untenanted land at Mullaghkrawn, near Banagher, King's County, on the O'Hara Trench estate; and, seeing that attempts were being made by eleven-months' graziers to get possession of this land, would immediate steps be taken to have it bought up and distributed among the deserving people in the district?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the O'Hara Trench estate which was purchased by the Estates Commissioners under Section 6 of the Irish Land Act, 1903, comprises some 423 acres of untenanted land, of which 121 acres were situated on the town land referred to. This untenanted land has since been allotted. The Commissioners subsequently made an offer for the purchase of 224 acres on the same estate to be sold to them as untenanted land, but their offer was not accepted by the vendor.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have received a memorial from the tenants on the estate of Mrs. Fox, Ferbane, King's County, most of whose valuations are under £7, asking them to acquire the untenanted land, now let on the eleven-months system, for enlargement of their present holdings, and thus enable them to bring up their families in some comfort?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the memorial referred to has been received, and a copy was referred to the solicitors who are administering the estate. They state the owners are willing to sell the land which the late owner had in her own hands, but point out the difficulty of dealing with this land unless the tenants on the estate agree to purchase their holdings. The matter is under consideration at present.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he was aware that in several cases, where children and young persons have been committed to industrial schools under the Industrial Schools Act and the Children Act by courts of petty session in Ireland, children have, after a few days, been discharged from the school to which they were so committed, under direction from Dublin Castle, and without appealing against or setting aside in the usual way the order of the petty sessions court; will he now state by what authority the orders of the petty sessions courts were over ridden; and whether it is proposed to continue this practice?

Children ordered by magistrates to be sent to certified industrial schools have been discharged by my order under the provisions of Section 69 of the Children Act, 1908, on my being advised that the order made by the justices was irregular or was not justified by the circumstances of the case. In any case in which it appears that the illegality of the order is the result of a miscarriage the police proceed with the case again so that the children may be legally sent to the school and detained there.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, if he was aware that in the case of many of the Royal Irish Constabulary barracks in Ireland the cells are small stone-paved rooms, unheated by any moans, without windows other than slatted ventilators open at all seasons, provided only with a plain wooden couch without mattress or covering, and that as these cells are occupied by persons who have been arrested and not tried he would see that greater regard should be had for the health of the occupants, particularly during the winter season?

A cell or strong room is provided in every Constabulary barrack in Ireland. The description given of the cells is substantially accurate. They are places of temporary detention only, and as a rule prisoners are usually detained for a few hours. There is no reason to believe that the health of the persons detained suffers under the existing arrangements.

Is it not the case that persons are kept in the cells all night in the winter?

No, I am told that is very seldom, if ever.

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiry to be made?

I will make enquiry into it.

asked when the tenants of the Kilcorn estate, near Roslea, Record No. 3,348, signed agreements to purchase their holdings under the Land Act, 1903; when the same was lodged with the Estates Commissioners; whether the estate has yet been inspected; and, if not, what is the cause of the delay and when is it likely to be inspected?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the agreements by the tenants to purchase their holdings on the estate referred to were dated 1st November, 1905, and were lodged in the Land Commission on the 12th January, 1906. The estate has not yet been inspected because it has not yet been reached in order of priority on the principal register of direct sales. Having regard to its position on the register and the claims of other estates in priority to it the Commissioners cannot at present say when its turn will be reached, but when so reached it will be dealt with as rapidly as possible.

asked if he will state how many persons have been noted to date by the Estates Commissioners as suitable persons to be reinstated in their old holdings or provided with new holdings in lieu thereof; how many have been so provided, and how many are as yet in the list awaiting disposal; whether the names of any persons who were so noted as suitable persons were removed from the list, and, if so, how many; what are the reasons for removing the names; and whether such reasons were communicated to the parties interested?

The hon. Member will find that the information he asks for in the first part of the question is given in Table XXVII., appendix to the last Annual Report of the Estates Commissioners, which gives by counties and provinces particulars of all applications received to 31st March last from persons seeking reinstatement as evicted tenants. As regards the concluding portion of the question it sometimes happens that the Commissioners on further consideration decide not to take any further action in regard to an applicaton provisionally noted for consideration, but they cannot say without a case to case examination whether any, and, if so, how many, cases were so refused. The provision of holdings is a matter which is dealt with by the Estates Commissioners in the exercise of the powers vested in them, and it is not their practice to state the reasons which actuate them in the exercise of their discretion in individual cases, but the hon. Member will find in paragraph 20 of the Commissioners' special report on evicted tenants, presented to Parliament in June, 1907, a detailed statement of the grounds on which after inquiry and report they reject applications.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has any recent information respecting the decrease of poppy growth in China; and in which province is the decrease, if any, most marked?

Sir Alexander Hosie, who is now making a tour of inspection in the provinces of China, reports that so far as his information goes, poppy cultivation has ceased in Shansi, and has been reduced by 30 per cent. in Shansi, and under 25 per cent. in Kansu. In those parts of Szechuan which Sir Alexander Hosie has visited he reports that the suppression of the poppy cultivation appears to have been successfully carried out by the Chinese authorities.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if his attention had been called to the protest of the European doctors at Tientsin against the refusal of the foreign consuls to order a sanitary cordon round the European settlement; and if he would instruct His Majesty's Consuls at Tientsin and elsewhere to support the proposals of the foreign medical officers?

His Majesty's Government have not so far heard of the protest referred to; but His Majesty's Minister at Peking has been asked by telegraph for a report on the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that Mrs. Ellen O'Connell, of Knockbrack, Abbeyfeale, in the county of Limerick, was granted an old age pension by the local committee, but on the appeal of the pension officer the Local Government Board declined to sanction it; that owing to the parish register at Ardagh, where she was born, being destroyed she submitted a certificate of age of her brother, Michael King, who was then 77 years, with a statement that she was his junior by 2½ years, and a certificate of birth of her third-born child, dated 5th August, 1867, with a statement of an old man 81 years of age, who knew her all her life, to the effect that she was over 70 years of age; and whether, from these facts, he will take steps to see that she gets the pension?

The Local Government Board upheld the Pension Officer's appeal as it appeared that Mrs. O'Connell was only seven years old when the Census "was taken in 1851, which would make her now about sixty-seven. The only other evidence before the Board as to her age was her statement that she was next in age to her brother Michael, then in his seventy-sixth year, and that her eldest child, if living, would then be about forty-three years old. This child is apparently the one now alleged to be her third. She did not forward the documents mentioned in the question until the Board's decision on the appeal had been communicated to her.

How did the Local Government Board make out that she was not seventy years of age if her name was not in the Census?

She was in the Census of 1851 as seven years old

asked whether the Chief Secretary is aware that the claim of Mrs. Nora Cronin, of Coolnacaghera, was considered by the Macroom (No. 2) pension committee; that every endeavour was made to find records of her birth in the parish register of Inchigeelagh and in the Census returns of the period, but without result; that she then procured the best available documentary evidence of her age, namely the sworn declaration of a man named Creed, of Ballingeary, himself seventy-three years of age and in receipt of a pension, who stated that he knew Nora Cronin when she was a little girl, and that she was older than he; whether the Macroom pension committee, on the production of this proof, unanimously supported Mrs. Cronin's claim; will he, therefore, state the reason why it was disallowed by the Local Government Board; whether, in view of their own regulations, this was eminently a case in which a pension should have been granted; and will he recommend that her claim should be allowed forthwith?

The Local Government Board inform me that Mrs. Cronin submitted a declaration by John Creedon, of Aharas declaring that he was seventy-one years of age and believed Mrs. Cronin to be two years older. The Board were not satisfied that she had attained the statutory age. They have no power to reconsider their decision. The Board do not know what regulation is referred to in the last part of the question.

asked whether the Chief Secretary's attention has been directed to the claim for a pension, under the Old Age Pensions Act, of Mrs. Anne Finnerty, Camphill, Collooney, county Sligo; whether he is aware that her claim, which was supported by documentary evidence that her oldest child was nine years of age on 13th March, 1871, and by the affidavits of two respectable people, known to be over seventy years of age, who testify that to their knowledge the applicant is over seventy years of age, was passed by the local pension committee, whose members are unanimously of opinion that she is qualified as to age; whether he will state on what grounds the Local Government Board disallowed the claim; and, whether, on a reconsideration of all the circumstances, he will order that the pension be paid to Mrs. Finnerty with arrears?

The Local Government Board have not now the papers relating to the case referred to, but the documentary evidence mentioned does not appear to have been before them when they gave their decision in August last. Mrs. Finnerty's name did not appear in the Census Return of her parents' family in 1841, and her age was recorded as only five years in 1851, so that she is now about sixty-five years old. The Board, having no satisfactory evidence before them to show that she had reached the statutory age, they had no option but to allow the question which the Pension Officer had raised as to her right to a pension. It is not open to them to reconsider this decision. Mrs. Finnerty, however, has submitted a fresh claim, which the Board are at present investigating.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the Castlecomer pension sub-committee, at their meeting held on the 16th December last, provisionally granted pensions of 5s. to, among other claimants, several inmates of the Castlecomer Union workhouse, that these pensioners have had their pensions appealed against since the decision of the committee was given, and that two of these inmates, namely, Margaret Curran and Anne Tracey, have been deprived within the present month of their pension books by the pension officer; and whether he will state on what authority the pension officer acted in thus depriving these pensioners of the benefits of the Old Age Pension Act, having regard to the fact that there was no appeal made against the decision of the local committee?

The Local Government Board inform me that the pension officer was presumably acting in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 (3) of the Old Age Pensions Regulations, 1910, under which if the person to whom a pension has been provisionally awarded as from a specified date does not appear likely to be entitled to a pension on that date the award does not take effect, and the claim has to be dealt with afresh as if it were a new claim. The Board have not received appeals in the two cases mentioned in the question and have no information on the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say why it was that Mrs. Johanna Quirk, of Kilconlea, in the parish of Abbeyfeale, in the county of Limerick, who was in receipt of an old age pension, was deprived of it, having regard to the fact that from the evidence adduced the local committee were satisfied that she was entitled to it; whether it is the fact that the pension officer, Mr. Erskine, stated to the Local Government Board that he was also satisfied she was seventy years of age; and whether, when she cannot through no fault on her part, her age not being in any census, produce documentary evidence, discretionary power ought to be given to the local committee and officer in such a case?

The Local Government Board upheld the appeal of the Pension Officer against the decision of the local pension sub-committee on the ground that there was no proof of Mrs. Quirk having attained the statutory age. The Board are unable to say definitely whether the pension officer reported that he was satisfied she was seventy years old, as they are no longer in possession of the papers, but they have no record of any such report. Mrs. Quirk's parents were traced in the Census of 1841, from which it appeared that they were married in 1837, and had two children when the Census was taken, one aged three years, and the other aged two. Mrs. Quirk's own name, however, did not appear, and it would therefore seem that she was not then born.

asked why Dominick McMenamin, of Ballinacor, Killygordon, county Donegal, was deprived of his pension which was granted to him by the Stranorlar (county Donegal) sub-committee; were any fresh facts forthcoming to justify such action; and, if so, what were these facts?

The pension officer raised a question that McMenamin had not reached the statutory age, and the Local Government Board, having sent an inspector to investigate the case, allowed the question. The documents are not now in the Board's possession.

asked for the number of persons in Irish workhouses who became qualified to receive old age pensions on 1st January last; the number of such persons who have received pensions; and the number, if any, who have relinquished them and returned to the workhouses?

According to the figures supplied to the Local Government Board by the clerks of the several unions, the number of paupers in the workhouses in Ireland at the end of last year who were over seventy years of age was 7,670, and of these 2,024 were awarded old age pensions by the committees. Appeals, however, against these awards have been lodged in some cases, and in others the claimants have returned to the workhouses, but the Board are not in a position to state the exact number.

asked whether the Chief Secretary is able to state the total amount which boards of guardians in Ireland will be required to pay in the current financial year towards the cost of old age pensions granted since the 1st January to persons who were previously disqualified through having received Poor Law relief.

I must ask the hon. Member to await the proposals of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state if a scheme under the Labourers Act has been promoted in the county Monaghan by the Cootehill (No. 2) Rural District Council; and, if so, when was such scheme initiated; how many labourers were proposed to be provided for thereunder; what loan was applied for; what was the date on which it was made; and how many cottages have been erected by the Cootehill (No. 2) Rural District Council to date?

The last scheme of the Cootehill (No. 2) Rural District Council was made on 17th May, 1907, and a local inquiry was held into it in that year. The scheme proposed to provide fifty-one cottages, each with a garden allotment and twenty-three other plots, and the order confirming the scheme authorised the erection of twenty-five cottages, with allotments, and the provision of twelve other plots. The council applied on 6th August, 1909, for a loan of £4,970 to carry out the scheme as confirmed, and the Board sanctioned a loan of £4,800 in October, 1909. None of the authorised cottages had been completed up to 31st March last, but fourteen cottages bad been provided in the district prior to that date under a former scheme.

asked the Chief Secretary if he could state the number of tenants of labourers' cottages in the Macroom rural district who sent in representations for the additional half-acre; when were these representations received by the clerk of the rural council; what action was taken upon them by the district council; and, seeing that the additional million will shortly be available for the sufficient financing of The Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1906, will he recommend that all schemes which have been hung up by district councils may be proceeded with so that the preliminaries necessary to the granting of a loan should be got through with the least possible delay?

It appears from the Minutes of the Macroom Rural District Council that they have received representations and propose to consider at an early date the question of formulating a new scheme, but the Local Government Board have no information as to the number of representations lodged either for cottages or for additional half acres, nor are they aware of the precise dates on which they were received by the council. I am bringing in the Labourers Bill to-day, and it is open to the district councils to consider whether they should proceed with any schemes which they may have hung up.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a grant was made for the erection of a pier at Ballydonegan, Castletown Bere, about seven years ago; that a portion of the grant was expended on the proposed work, but that nothing has been done towards its completion for the past five years; and whether he will give his attention to this matter with a view to having this pier constructed?

The Congested Districts Board approved of the construction of a landing place at Ballydonegan, subject to the local mining company making a contribution; but owing to the mining company changing hands, the promised contribution was not forthcoming. The Board, however, began the work at their own cost in October, 1901, but found it necessary in the following year to suspend their operations owing to the difficulty in procuring the necessary labour. Representations have been received from local people urging the Board to carry out the work, and last year the Board's engineer was directed to visit the place again to prepare revised plans and estimates. The Board have recently had the case under their consideration, and it has been arranged for some members of the Board to visit the place with their engineer.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state the extent to which the Department of Agriculture has put into actual operation schemes for re-afforestation; in what counties are they at present doing any work under this head, and what is the area embraced in each instance; what powers are possessed by county councils or other public bodies for levying a rate in aid of afforestation; and has the Department sought, or does it propose to seek, the co-operation of these bodies in any efforts on a large scale for the replanting of Ireland?

A sum of £6,000 has been voted by Parliament in each of the years 1909–10 and 1910–11 for forestry work to be undertaken by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, and planting and other operations are in active progress at five centres where lands have been acquired by the Department under the terms of the Irish Land Acts. The total area being dealt with amounts to nearly 4,000 acres and is distributed as follows:—County Galway, 1,277 acres; county Tipperary, 1,197 acres; county Wexford, 646 acres; county Cavan, 405 acres; county Londonderry, 254 acres. In addition to these areas, there are 800 acres of forest lands in county Wicklow and county Wexford utilised in connection with the Department's forestry school at Avondale, county Wicklow. Forestry is one of the purposes to which county councils may apply the proceeds of rates, not exceeding in all 2d. in the £, which they can levy under the Agriculture and Technical Instruction (Ireland) Act, 1899, and the Technical Instruction Acts, 1889 and 1891. In addition, the Irish Land Act, 1909, prescribes that the instalments of the purchase annuity in respect of any parcel of land purchased by a county council or by a rural district council shall be raised as a county at large or as a district charge, as the case may be. The Department are co-operating with county councils with regard to forest areas suitable for being dealt with by these bodies. Forestry schemes approved by the Department are in operation in two counties, and the adoption of schemes in other counties is under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the amount already expended by the Department of Agriculture in connection with the work of afforestation undertaken by it, how many men are permanently employed in this connection, and what is the average weekly wage paid to them; is any of this labour of an expert kind, and, if so, where has it been recruited and how is it remunerated; and what steps, if any, are being taken to impart education in forestry at the agricultural stations under the control of the Department?

The expenditure of the Department in regard to forestry in 1909–10 amounted to £4,133. In January last sixty-eight persons were employed by the Department at forestry work exclusive of the staff at the Department's forestry school. The figure mentioned included unskilled labourers. The number of such labourers employed varies according to the season. The wages of unskilled labourers are regulated by the rates for such labour current in the districts where they are employed. The average weekly wages of persons engaged in skilled capacities was 29s. Some of the work is of an expert kind, and positions requiring expert skill are filled, as far as possible, by persons who have taken out satisfactorily the full course of training provided by the Department in connection with their forestry school at Avondale. The persons employed in expert capacities are paid at rates ranging from 20s. to 46s. per week. A school exclusively for the training of working foresters has been in operation for some years at Avondale, county Wicklow. A higher course in forestry is provided at the Royal College of Science, Dublin. It is not proposed to include instruction in forestry in the course provided at the Department's agricultural stations.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the amounts charged during the years 1909 and 1910 to the counties of Down, Antrim, and Armagh, in respect of extra police imported into these districts to preserve order during the months of July and August respectively; whether these amounts are charged to the grants payable to the respective county councils or are paid by the councils themselves; and whether, in view of recent threatenings in these counties, it is proposed to station any permanent force of extra police there for the protection of life and property?

The accounts of extra police expenses are not rendered monthly, but half-yearly. The amounts charged in the half-years to 30th September, 1909 and 1910 respectively, are as follows: Half-year to 30th September, 1909, Antrim, £13; Armagh, £687; Down, £85. Half-year to 30th September, 1910, Antrim, £4; Armagh, £157; Down, £85. With the exception of the claim for £85 against the county of Down, the various sums charged have been paid by the county councils concerned. A meeting of the County Down Council has not been held since the claim referred to was furnished. The Constabulary authorities have no reason to anticipate any necessity for a permanent increase in the number of police serving in the counties mentioned.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if there is any means of discriminating between the expense of the police in connection with the Unionist celebration in July and the expense of the police in the disorderly Nationalist demonstration in August?

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the delay in dealing with the Reeves estate in West Clare, Ireland; and whether he can state definitely what obstacle has arisen, or, if there be none, whether this matter will be expedited?

The Congested Districts Board have submitted to the land judge a proposal to purchase the estate in question, which is still pending before him. No avoidable delay has occurred in dealing with the estate.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can say whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any steps to include in the sale of the Knight of Glin's estate at Glin, in the county of Limerick, the town holdings; and whether, as those tenants are paying a ground rent for their holdings, the Commissioners will not complete the sale of this estate without including them in it?

I have nothing to add to the reply given on my behalf on 7th April last to the question on this subject addressed to me by the hon. Member?

asked the Chief Secretary whether Mr. Peter Devlin, of Money-more has been appointed a magistrate for the county of Londonderry; whether Mr. Devlin was at the time of his appointment, and still is, the owner and licensee of two public-houses, one in Moneymore and one in Magherafelt; whether there is any rule or practice against the appointment of licensed publicans to the commission of the peace; and, if so, why it was departed from in this case?

Mr. Peter Devlin, of Moneymore, was when appointed and is a farmer and owner of house property and also the proprietor of a hotel at Money-more. The licensee of the hotel is his sister, and she also carries on a licensed business at Magherafelt. The general practice of the Lord Chancellor is not to appoint to the commisison of the peace persons holding publicans' licences.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say whether the Estates Commissioners received communications from the tenants on the estate of Captain Eyre Jevers, situate at Dromdeveene and Glenduff, in the county of Limerick, requesting them to declare the estate a congested one within the meaning of the Irish Land Act, 1909; whether he is aware that there are thirty-four tenants on this estate and that the total valuation of it is only £120; and whether, under these circumstances, the Commissioners will send down an inspector to inquire into and inspect it with the object of seeing the poor condition of the tenants and putting the compulsory provisions of the Act of 1909 into operation there?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the memorial referred to has been received, but on inquiry it appears that Capain Jevers holds these lands under a lease for forty-one years, and is not, therefore, within the class of persons who can sell under the Land Purchase Acts. The tenants have been informed that they should place themselves in communication with the head landlord on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary if he could say whether the Estates Commissioners received a copy of a resolution passed by the town tenants of Askeaton, in the county of Limerick, asking to have the remainder of the town holdings there included in the sale of the Hewson estate, and, further, that as the town tenants enjoyed the right to a share of the 200 acres of untenanted land on that estate adjacent to the town for a number of years, requesting that they get a portion of this land now as accommodation plots, to enable them to grow food stuffs to support themselves and their families; and if he can say what action the Estates Commissioners propose to take in the matter?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that a copy of the resolution referred to has been received and will be considered by the Commissioners, who propose to approach the vendor with a view to the purchase of the untenanted lands.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to include the Agricultural Rates Act in the Schedule of the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill?

It would be premature at this stage of the Session to give a definite pledge on a matter like this, but it is the present intention of the Government to include the Act in question in the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill.

May I take it that the right hon. Gentleman does not now regard this Act as involving an unjust subvention to the landed interest?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister, whether, in view of the fact that the Government proposes to take all the time of private Members up to Easter and the few opportunities private Members now have of bringing before Parliament important matters affecting their constituents, he will consider the advisability of proposing alterations in the Standing Orders of the House and extending the time for Ministers answering orally questions put to them?

No, Sir, I cannot see that any useful purpose would be served by the adoption of such a course as the hon. Member suggests.

With regard to the latter part of the question, is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the questions addressed to the War Office have come last every day of the week except one, and as a result the affairs of that Department are withdrawn from criticism?

I will look into it.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that during the whole of the Session questions were not completed in the three-quarters of an hour at the disposal of Members, and whether steps cannot be taken to remedy this by extending question time up to four o'clock, so long as private Members' time is taken from them by the Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been brought to his notice that there is a growing feeling of opposition to certain provisions in the two successive Midwives Bills introduced by the Government last Session, notably the proposed importation, for the first time, of the machinery of the Poor Law, and the proposed annual renewal of the midwives' registration; whether, with a view to securing the much-needed amendment of the Midwives Act, he will consider the desirability of omitting the provisions to which so much objection is taken; and whether it is intended to introduce any measure on the subject during the present Session?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I understand that the President of the Council has a Bill ready for introduction, from which it is proposed to omit what is known as the annual renewal of midwives' registration. The provisions of the Bill dealing with the payment of medical men called in at the suggestion of midwives were included in the Bill in order to give to the doctors some security for their fees, and I should expect that the omission of the provisions would cause disappointment to the medical profession.

Is it to be understood that the provisions on the latter point are the same as in the last Bill?

I am not in a position to state that definitely. I have received two or three deputations on this very point.

asked the Prime Minister whether representations have been made to the Government that the Local Government Board are not a suitable court of appeal from the decision of local authorities under the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1909; and, if so, whether he will cause a Bill to be introduced to amend the Act by substituting a judicial tribunal for the Local Government Board as the appeal court?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Representations to the above effect have been received by the Local Government Board from fifteen local authorities in all out of over 1,800 in England and Wales, and also from Messrs. Rubinstein, Nash, and Company, Solicitors. Since the Act came into operation there have been fifty-two appeals to the Board, and in all eleven inquiries have been necessary. It is significant that none of the local authorities making the representations have had any experience of the Board's inquiries into appeals under the Act. I may mention that of the appeals to the Board, twenty-six were withdrawn, or for some other reason did not proceed. In seven cases the appeal was allowed. In eight other cases the appeal was dismissed. The question of making the Local Government Board the Court of Appeal in these cases was very fully discussed on many occasions when the Bill for the Act of 1909 was before Parliament, and there does not seem to be any good reason for altering the Act as suggested. The latest figures available—those to 31st March, 1910—show a material increase in the activity of local authorities in regard to closing orders, and I have every reason to think that this very salutary increase of activity will be shown to have been maintained when the figures to March, 1911, are available.

Is it the invariable custom of the Department to charge costs against an unoffending landowner, even in cases in which the order against him has been quashed after inquiry by the Local Government Board?

That depends upon many circumstances, the reasonableness or otherwise of the costs incurred.

Is not it the fact that in every case that has occurred so far where the order was quashed the owner has had to pay the costs?

Not in every case. In the particular case which I presume my hon. Friend has in his mind there were exceptional reasons to justify the wise decision of the Local Government Board.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give two days for the discussion of the whole subject of the defence policy of the country before the Motion that the Speaker leave the Chair on either the Army or Navy Estimates is taken?

I am afraid we cannot afford two days, but I think the request for a joint discussion is reasonable, and that a day should be given for the purpose.

If the right hon. Gentleman is unable to give the two days will he consent to a suspension of the 11 o'clock rule on the one day which he will give?

In what form does the right hon. Gentleman propose to give this opportunity to the House? Will it be on the Vote which includes the Defence Committee, the Prime Minister's salary, or what other occasion?

I would rather like to consider the matter further. The important substantial point is the discussion.

asked the Prime Minister if he intends to establish payment for Members of Parliament in this Session; and, if so, at what date?

I cannot at present make a definite statement on this subject.

It would be very convenient to know what our salary is going to be?

The Noble Lord must wait.

Will such a measure be retrospective so far as this Session is concerned?

I hope so.

asked the Prime Minister who will officially open the Imperial Conference; and whether any changes are contemplated in the opening ceremony?

The procedure at the Conference is still under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of inviting the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Nationalist party to be present at the initial ceremony of the Imperial Conference?

I would like notice.

asked whether His Majesty's Government has formulated a list of subjects to be submitted for the consideration of the Imperial Conference to be held in London in May of this year; and, if so, whether such list of subjects has been forwarded to the respective governments of the dominions overseas, and has His Majesty's Government received from the governments of the said dominions or any of them a list of subjects to be submitted by them for consideration at the said Conference; if so, from which governments and what are the subjects proposed?

Certain subjects have been suggested by His Majesty's Government and communicated to the Dominion Governments. These subjects and the subjects suggested by these governments will be seen from the papers as to the agenda of the Conference which will be laid this week.

asked whether a few of the tenants on the Bantry estate of the Earl of Kenmare have not purchased their holdings owing to difference as to prices and for other reasons; and whether the Estates Commissioners will, before advancing the purchase money to the landlord, adjust the difference between him and the tenants?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that when the estates referred to is being dealt with in order of priority the cases of any tenants who have not signed agreements for the purchase of their holdings will be inquired into and considered by the Commissioners.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he would put down a Supplementary Estimate that will make it possible for the House to discuss the present position of land purchase in Ireland?

No, Sir. I cannot undertake to put down a Supplementary Estimate which is not in fact required.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not hold out some hope of giving us some opportunity for the discussion of this very urgent question during the very considerable portion of time that the Government propose to appropriate?

So far as I am concerned there is nothing I would like more than a discussion upon this subject. If my hon. Friend can make any impression on the Prime Minister I shall be glad.

I will just try my hand. I put it to the Prime Minister whether it is not reasonable and just that there should be some opportunity for discussing a matter of such imperative importance at some reasonable time to be determined?

I think that that is a very reasonable request.

Will the right hon. Gentleman grant it?

Yes.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he is aware that the tenants of Mrs. Biddulph Colclough, Tintern, signed a purchase agreement some years ago; and if he can say when the Estates Commissioners hope to complete the sale by granting a vesting order?

Having regard to the position of this estate on the principal register of direct sales and the claims of estates in priority to it, the Estates Commissioners cannot at present say when its turn will be reached, but when so reached it will be dealt with as rapidly as possible.

asked what steps, if any, have been taken by the Estates Commissioners to have John M'Manus, son of an evicted tenant, of the Brackensdon estate, Florencecourt, county Fermanagh, restored to the farm from which his father was evicted or provided with a farm of equivalent value?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his similar question on 13th instant, to which I have nothing to add.

asked whether provision has been made in this year's Estimates for the payment of national teachers' salaries monthly; and when monthly payments will come into operation?

Provision has not been made in the Estimates for 1911–2 for the monthly payment of salaries of national school teachers. The proposed change from quarterly to monthly payments would involve an immediate charge of over £285,000 to meet the acceleration of the dates of payment while the increase in the cost of administration would be over £5,000 per annum.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he is aware that the Boxwell evicted tenants are anxious to commence farm operations on their farms before the spring is too advanced; and if he can state approximately at what time the Estates Commissioners propose to give them possession.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the appeal referred to in the answer to the hon. Member's question for 24th November last was dismissed on the 1st December last, and the Estates Commissioners are at present arranging for the disposal of the lands.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the clause in the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, which compelled occupiers of premises of £4 valuation and under, who were previously exempted from all local taxation, to pay the poor rate; whether he is aware of the effect of this clause upon the poorest class of the working and cottier population and to the addition caused by it to the burdens of the general ratepayers, inasmuch as it has been found in practice an impossibility to collect these rates, with the result that there has been an accumulation of arrears each year which public bodies must provide and estimate for; whether he will consider the desirability, in the public interest, of providing that owners of holdings and houses who were formerly assessed for local rates should have their liability in this respect restored; and is it the intention of the Government to introduce or support legislation with this object?

The hon. Member refers to Section 52 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898. Some difficulty has been experienced, especially in urban districts, in collecting the Poor Bate from small occupiers, but it is not correct to state that it has been found an impossibility to do so. The collection of the Poor Kate throughout Ireland has shown a steady improvement since the passing of the Act. I understand that the Local Government Act of 1898 was founded upon the principle that the occupier should be rated, and the Agricultural Grant was given upon this understanding. In the circumstances I am not prepared to recommend any Amendment of the Act in the direction indicated by the hon. Member.

asked how many labourers' cottages have been built in Ireland under the Labourers Acts; and what was the average cost thereof?

The Local Government Board inform me that up to the 31st March, 1910, 29,186 cottages had been provided under the Labourers Acts, and the average cost including garden allotment was about £167.

asked how many cottages with half an acre or more of land have been provided in Ireland under the Labourers Act; and what is the average weekly rental of such cottages with land?

The Local Government Board inform me that up to the 31st March, 1910, the latest date to which their returns are made up, the number of cottages provided with plots not half a statute acre or less was 14,411, the great majority of these plots contained half an acre. The number of cottages provided with plots exceeding half, but not exceeding three-quarters of an acre, was 1,077, and the number with plots exceeding three-quarters of an acre was 13,698. The Board are not in a position to state with certainty the average weekly rent of a cottage with half an acre or more land attached thereto, but the average weekly rent of all the cottages and plots provided under the Acts is about one shilling.

asked what steps have been taken by the Estates Commissioners to provide a holding for Mrs. Mary A. Daly, of Goleen, county Cork, whose husband was evicted from his farm?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the holding formerly occupied by Mrs. Daly's husband is in the occupation of another tenant, who is unwilling to surrender, and with whom the Commissioners have no power to interfere. Her name has been noted for consideration in the allotment of such untenanted land as the Commissioners may be able to acquire.

asked when the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland expect to be in a position to obtain the usual grant towards the cost of erecting a new school at Hilden, county Antrim, from the Board of Works?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me they are unable to state when they may be in a position to make a grant towards the erection of the school referred to. The preliminary investigations in connection with the case have been completed, but the funds placed at the Commissioners' disposal for the erection of vested school houses having been exhausted it will not be possible for them to sanction a grant in this case until additional money is forthcoming.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the circumsances under which the appointment was made of the High Sheriff of the county of Cavan for the current year?

The present High Sheriff of the county of Cavan was appointed in the usual way. The Judges going the Summer Assizes in Ireland in each year return a list of gentlemen eligible to serve the office of High Sheriff for the several counties in Ireland. The name of Frederick Paul Smith, Esq., D.L., was returned by the Judges first on the list of gentlemen eligible to serve the office for the county of Cavan, and Mr. Smith having expressed his willingness to undertake the duties of the office, he was accordingly appointed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that this name was returned in any list in the year 1910?

Yes; the suggestion I make is that it was returned at the head of the list of names, on the occasion when it became necessary to make the appointment, and his appointment is perfectly legal.

Is it not a question for the High Sheriff for the year, who has the sole power of returning the three names, and I ask the right hon. Gentleman distinctly to say if this gentleman's name was on the list of high sheriffs in 1910?

I am told that the judges, going the summer assizes, in each year return a list, and this name was at the top.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether Mr. Smith's name was on the list returned in 1910, because the answer given carefully omits that vital fact?

I dispute that it is a vital fact, or that it has been carefully omitted. However, I will inquire.

asked if the Chief Secretary is now in a position to state whether the Government will make good to the county authorities in Ireland the deficiency in the grants for the maintenance of pauper lunatics and other Poor Law services?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement in this matter.

asked, what are the circumstances under which Mr. Edward Westropp, J.P., was fired at and wounded on 1st February; whether cattle drives have recently taken place on Mr. Westropp's property; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with this outrage?

About 9.30 o'clock p.m. on the 31st ultimo, while Mr. Edward Westropp, J.P., was cycling home from Askeaton two gun shots were fired at him from behind a wall seriously wounding him. His life is not in danger. Mr. Westropp is a large grazier, and two cattle drives have taken place on his property, one on 6th January last. No arrests have been made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, whether any recent negotiations have passed between this country and France, with regard to the arms traffic at Muscat; and, if so, whether such negotiations have had a successful issue?

Negotiations have taken place, but no settlement has yet been arrived at.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the matter will be pressed further at an early date?

I do not think I can add anything to my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state at what date Sir Francis Hopwood ceased to be the Permanent Under-Secretary to the Colonies, and on what date he was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Development Board; and if at any period he was drawing a salary simultaneously in respect of each of these posts?

Sir F. Hop-wood ceased to be Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies on 1st January this year. His appointment as Vice-Chairman of the Development Commission dates, for purpose of salary, from the same day. He has, of course, at no time drawn the salary for both offices.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, in view of the great services which Sir Francis Hopwood has rendered at the Colonial Office, and the extremely important character of the duties which the Permanent Under-Secretary at the Colonial Office has to discharge, whether it would be worth while to secure the services of Sir Francis Hopwood at that office for the same salary which has been offered to him?

asked whether there was any plan under consideration by the Home Government and the Government of Canada for emigrating to the latter any part of the employable surplus population of this country; and whether this question will form one of the subjects for discussion at the forthcoming Conference?

The answer to the first question is in the negative. The general question of emigration will be discussed at the Conference on a resolution of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Will the right hon. Gentleman discuss with the representatives of Australia the advisability of colonising our own country by taxing land values?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether letters from the Prison Commissioners to convicts released upon licence are posted in envelopes bearing upon the outside thereof the words "Convict Supervision Office"; and, if so, whether, in view of the hardship inflicted thereby upon ex-convicts who are endeavouring to lead honest lives, he will give instructions that the practice shall be discontinued?

I am informed that communications sent to convicts on licence from the Convict Supervision Office are already sent in plain envelopes. There is no need for issuing fresh instructions on the subject.

asked whether the Home Secretary is aware that the Cumberland and Westmoreland Standing Joint Committee has made its condition of granting a weekly day of rest to the members of the constabulary in the two counties that they shall spend at least two hours of such day in a place of public worship; and whether this regulation has received the sanction of the Home Office?

The regulations on the subject of leave in county police forces do not require Home Office sanction, and do not come before me in any way. I have, however, made inquiry, and find that no such regulation as the question suggests has been made. I understand, however, that officers on duty on Sunday are now allowed two hours' special absence if they desire to attend a church or chapel.

asked whether upwards of 250 boys, between the ages of sixteen and eighteen years, passed through Strangeways Prison, Manchester, during the year 1910; and, if so, how many boys between those ages were convicted and dealt with otherwise than by fine or imprisonment?

The number of cases of boys between sixteen and eighteen received in Manchester Prison was 247. I am endeavouring to obtain the information asked for in the second part of the question, but this involves inquiries at no less than forty-five different courts, in some of which the records of age are imperfect, and I fear it will take some time to obtain complete information. When I have obtained it, it will probably be best to give it in the form of a Return.

asked whether it is the custom for motor manufacturers and agents to send out for trial runs in the streets of London chassis which are not equipped with horns or other means of giving warning; whether such a chassis was recently responsible for the death of a pedestrian; and whether he will give instructions to the police to take proceedings against the owners and drivers of such defectively equipped chassis?

I am aware that at a recent inquest on a lady who was killed by being run over by a motor chassis the driver is reported to have made the statement referred to by the hon. Member. So far as my present information goes, no such custom as alleged exists, but I am making inquiry. The law is quite clear in requiring all motor-cars to carry horns or other means of giving warning of their approach; and if any breach of this regulation comes to the notice of the police proceedings would be taken against those responsible.

Perhaps he would inquire if the law applies to unfinished cars?

Yes.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can modify Prisons Standing Order 727 with a view of allowing prison officers to hold one general meeting each year, if desired, seeing that such freedom would contribute to good feeling amongst the staff without injury to good discipline, and (2) whether he will amend Prison Rule 115 (1) and Standing Order 725 to the extent of giving a more full opportunity to subordinate prison officials to represent their grievances to the Prison Commissioners and the Secretary of State?

I have no reason to doubt that prison officers have at present ample opportunities for bringing to my notice, or to that of the Prison Commissioners, any matters which they think require attention. The Standing Orders were revised only a year or two ago in order to make clear what are the rights of the prison officer in this matter, and I do not consider that either the Rules or the Standing Orders need further amendment in this respect.

asked the Home Secretary whether he proposes to introduce legislation based on the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Use of Electricity in Mines; and, if so, when?

It will not be necessary to introduce legislation: the rules proposed by the Committee can be established as special rules under the procedure provided by the Mines Regulation Acts; and I will consider whether steps for this purpose can be taken at once.

asked whether the estimated cost of carrying out a full test of safety lamps under Government supervision would exceed a cost of £500; and whether any application has yet been made, and, if so, on what date, to the Treasury for a grant for this specific purpose, what was the amount asked for, and was the money granted or not; and (2) whether, seeing that Sir H. Cunynghame, on 26th July, 1906, stated before the Royal Commission on Mines that the Home Office were prepared to test safety lamps in the same way as explosives are tested, he will say what experiments, if any, have been carried out at Woolwich since this date to ascertain the safety type of lamp; and whether, seeing that the jury found in the case of the Pretoria explosion that this disaster was due to a defective safety lamp, he will say what steps he proposes taking to ensure miners having a safe type of lamp?

The Royal Commission on Mines recommended that the law should be amended so as to permit the use only of safety lamps of such types as had passed a Government test, and I am proposing to give effect to this recommendation by a provision in the new Mines Bill, which is now in course of preparation. In order, however, that no time might be lost in bringing the provision into force when it had become law, it was decided, with the approval of the Treasury, to proceed at once with the construction of the necessary station and apparatus and with the determination of the nature of the test to be applied. The Woolwich station and apparatus, to which the hon. Friend refers, were designed for the testing of explosives, and would not have been suitable for the testing of lamps. A provisional sum was accordingly taken in the Estimates for the present year, and a Departmental Committee was appointed by me last June to consider the nature of the test. The general arrangements as regards the station have now been settled, and it is hoped that the station will be ready by the summer. The total cost will probably amount to not quite £1,000, and the necessary further provision is being made in the Estimates for the new financial year. When the station is ready, the experiments for settling finally the details of the test will be proceeded with at once.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of having representatives of the miners present when those tests are taken?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is now in a position to indicate the chief qualifications which the Home Office will impose upon the proposed new assistant mines inspectors?

I am not yet in a position to make a final announcement.

asked whether any decision has yet been come to as to the number of assistant mines inspectors which it is proposed to appoint and the grade which they are to occupy in relation to the chief inspectors?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made on the subject of the new class of sub-inspectors in reply to a question on 23rd November last.