asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he arrives at his estimate of a million and a half of saving to local authorities by the removal of the pauper disqualification for old age pensioners; and will he specify the saving for each constituent part of the United Kingdom, i.e., for England and Wales, for Scotland, and for Ireland?

The number of persons who received pensions on 6th January, 1911, having been in receipt of Poor Law relief immediately prior to that date, was as follows:—

	Indoor Paupers.	Outdoor Paupers.
England and Wales	5,029	116,308
Scotland	476	9,142
Ireland	2,024	15,898
Totals	7,529	141,348
Total (indoor and Outdoor)	148,877

From special returns taken in England and Wales during 1910, the average cost to the rates per head of outdoor paupers of seventy years old and over was found to be 3s. 7d. per week. A special return taken in Scotland of the cost to rates of the outdoor paupers now in receipt of pensions give the charge as rather over 3s. 2d. per head per week. In Ireland a figure of 2s. 6d. per head per week is taken as the estimated cost of the outdoor paupers.For indoor paupers, the saving to the rates in respect of those now receiving pensions is estimated at 5s. a week in Great Britain and 4s. 6d. in Ireland. On the basis of these figures, the saving to the rates in respect of the above pensioners may be put as follows:—

England and Wales	…	£1,150,000
Scotland	…	83,000
Ireland	…	114,000
Total	…	£1,347,000

No account is taken in the above figures of paupers who began to receive old age pensions at a date later than 6th January, 1911, nor of persons now in receipt of pensions who were not in receipt of Poor Law relief during December, 1910, but were previously disqualified from receiving pensions through having been in receipt of Poor Law relief at some period after 1st January, 1908. If due allowance be made for the further saving so caused, a total of £1,500,000 may be given as the aggregate saving to rates under this head. No allowance is made in this total for "potential paupers."

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the aggregate rateable value of property upon which local taxation was levied in England and Wales in the financial years 1877–8, 1887–8, 1897–8, and 1907–8, respectively; and what proportion thereof in each case represents the rateable value of agricultural land as distinct from other species of real property?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Prior to the year 1896, when the Agricultural Rates Act came into operation, the rateable value of all agricultural land was not shown separately in the valuation lists or Poor Rates, and consequently it cannot be stated for the years 1877–8 and 1887–8. The required particulars for the years 1897–8 and 1907–8 are set out in the following table:—

Year.		Rateable value at the commencement of the year, of the rateable property in England and Wales together with the annual value assigned to non-rateable Government property in respect of which contributions in lieu of rates were received by rating authorities.	Rateable value of agricultural land as defined by the Agricultural Rates Act. 1896.
1.		2.	3.
1897–8	…	168,664,993	24,342,620
1907–8	…	209,891,680	23,662,160

asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been directed to the fact that Mr. John Brown, of Rushton, Northamptonshire, made application on 14th October, 1910, for the old age pension to which he became entitled on 9th January, 1911, and that his case was not considered by the pension committee for several months, so that he did not receive his pension until 10th February, thus losing several weeks' pension; if he will cause inquiries to be made into the case; and if he will see that Mr. Brown does not lose by the delay referred to?

I have before me an appeal in this case. The claim to a pension is dated 30th December, 1910, and the report of the pension officer recommending a pension is dated 6th January. The deci- sion of the pension committee appears, however, not to have been given until 3rd February, and I have addressed a communication to them on the subject. As regards the last part of the question, I may say that the Local Government Board are not empowered to authorise the payment of a pension from a date earlier than that on which the committee gave their decision.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will direct attention to the case of Thomas M'Mahon, of O'Curry's Lane, Albert Road, Kilkee, West Clare, who was in receipt of an old pension from 1st January, 1909, to 5th October, 1909, and whose claim is strongly supported by the following gentlemen: Charles Keane, farmer, of Baltard, aged 82 years; Matthew Talty, of Baltard, aged 76 years; Martin M'Mahan, of Baltard, aged 76 years; W. C. O'Doherty, J.P., chairman of the Town Commissioners of Kilkee; the Very Rev. Canon Fitzgerald, of Kilkee; and endorsed also by the Rev. W. P. Smyth, of Kilkee, and Dr. Hickey, J.P., of Kilkee; and whether, in these circumstances he will consider the advisability of the pension being restored to Thomas M'Mahon?

M'Mahon's pension was revoked by the Local Government Board in November (not October), 1909; and I have no power to restore it. It is, however, open to him to prefer a fresh claim, supported by any evidence of age which he is now in a position to produce.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, seeing that the Ballylanders pension committee county Limerick has passed the claim of Ellen Fleming on two occasions within the past year, and that evidence was given by two most respectable parties that this woman was more than seventy, he will say on what grounds the pension officer refuses to act on the recommendations of the local committee, seeing that he cannot find her age in any of the Census records nor on the parish register; and, in view of the fact that many people consider that the pension officer is prejudiced against this woman, will an inquiry be held into the whole matter?

The Local Government Board are not aware that the claim in question has been allowed on two occasions within the past year by the Ballylanders Pension Sub-committee. The Subcommittee appear to have originally allowed Ellen Fleming a pension, but on a question raised by the pension officer on the ground that she was under the statutory age they decided in November, 1909, that she was not entitled to any pension. Her appeal to the Board against this decision was late and could not therefore be entertained. The Board have discharged their functions regarding the case on the only occasion on which it has come before them, and they are not empowered to hold any further inquiry as suggested. If the claimant considers that she has reached the statutory age, it is open to her to make a fresh claim.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can say why the Local Government Board refuse to give Kate Lane, of Newcastle West, and now of Ardagh, in the county of Limerick, a pension of 5s. a week; is he aware that her marriage certificate records that she was forty years of age when she married in the year 1870, and that James Moore, of Churchtown, Newcastle West, who is seventy-six years of age, stated that he believes her to be more than seventy years; and whether, as she cannot get the certificate of her birth, there being no record of it, the Local Government Board will reconsider their decision in the matter?

The Local Government Board upheld the pension officer's appeal on the ground that there was no evidence that Kate Lane had attained the statutory age. The marriage certificate forwarded to the Board states that she was married on the 7th November, 1871, but does not record her age; and in another communication furnished on her behalf it is alleged that she was married at the age of 32. It is not open to the Board to reconsider their decision.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the Monegay sub-committee granted Patrick Hartnett, of Inchebawn, Templeglantine, in the county of Limerick, a pension, believing him to be seventy years of age, there being no proof of his age, but on the appeal of the pension officer in March, 1910, the Local Government Board deprived him of it; can he say on what ground the Local Government Board refused it; and what age did they consider him to be?

The Local Government Board upheld the pension officer's appeal against the sub-committee's award of a pension to Hartnett on the ground that there was no evidence of his having attained the statutory age. They are unable to express any opinion as to his actual age.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mrs. Kate Collins, of Newcastle West, applicant for an old-age pension, stated to the local pension committee that she was born in Garryduff, Monegay, Newcastle West, county Limerick, in the year 1838; and whether, as there is no direct proof of her age but her statement and that she lived in Abbeyfeale in the year 1851, which later statement appears to be contrary to what appears in the 1851 Census, which sets out that a person of the name lived in Shangarry in that year while she says she left it two years previously, the Local Government Board will direct their pension officer to again inquire into the case, as from her appear ance she would be taken to be over seventy years of age?

The papers in this case are not now in the possession of the Local Government Board, and they have no information as to where the claimant resided in 1851, or as to the townland in which the Kate Collins found in the Census Return of 1851 was recorded as living. The pension officer reported that the claimant's name did not appear in the Return of her parents' family in 1841, and that her age was recorded as three years in 1851. Presumably the family was traced in the town-land in which she stated they were residing in these years, as searches are made on the basis of the information given by claimants. Apart, however, from the question as to whether the proper family was found in the Census Returns, there was no evidence that Kate Collins had reached the statutory age, and for this reason the Board upheld the pension officer's appeal. They are not empowered to reconsider their decision or to give any instructions to the pension officer who if not under their control.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that a pension was granted by the Kanturk pensions committee, county Cork, to Margaret Finn, of Kanturk, whose age cannot be traced in the Census of the years 1841 or 1851, but who produced evidence of a satisfactory nature from an old age pensioner and other aged people who knew her since childhood; and will he explain why this pension has not been paid to her?

An appeal has been lodged by the pension officer against the decision of the Kanturk pension sub-committee awarding a pension to Margaret Finn, and the Local Government Board are at present investigating the case.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that disappointment has been occasioned to National School teachers in Ireland by the announcement that no provision is made in the Estimates of the coming year for the payment of their salaries monthly; is he aware that the practice of paying salaries monthly is in vogue in Great Britain; and will he explain how the proposed change from quarterly to monthly payments would involve an additional charge of £285,000?

I am aware that disappointment exists amongst national school teachers in Ireland. In England and Scotland teachers are paid by the local authorities, and I believe that, as a rule, they are paid monthly. The change from quarterly to monthly payments would involve the provision of an additional two months' salary in the first year, amounting to £177,825. Payment of eleven-twelfths of the Augmentation Grant, which, under the present system, is not paid until after the close of the year, would also have to be provided for, amounting to £107,550, thus making up the total sum of £285,375.

asked how many acres of land are stocked with cattle the property of the Congested Districts Board and of the Estates Commissioners; and in what counties and districts are the lands situated?

Two thousand two hundred and thirty-five acres of land are stocked solely with cattle belonging to the Congested Districts Board. In addition, the Board have 12,864 acres stocked with cattle partly belonging to them and partly to small landholders, but, as the cattle graze in common the area stocked with each cannot be separately given. The lands are situated in the counties of Clare, Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. The Estates Commissioners have not stocked any land with cattle.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board for Ireland and the Estates Commissioners are carrying on a business in buying and selling cattle; if so, when was the business begun; what was the profit or loss up to 1st February last; and whether any and, if so, how many police have been employed in protecting either the cattle or the persons attending or herding them?

The Congested Districts Board have bought and sold cattle to put on untenanted land in their own occupation (pending re-sale) whenever the occupiers of neighbouring small holdings have not sufficient cattle to stock such untenanted land. The Board made their first purchase of cattle for this purpose in December, 1899. The net profit derived by the Board out of grass lands in their hands up to November, 1910 (when the grazing season ended) was £7,466. Police have not been employed upon protection duty in connection with the Board's lands, except in the case of certain farms in county Kerry, in which two police have been employed protecting the caretaker since November, 1900. The Estates Commissioners do not buy or sell cattle.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the number of criminal cases, and the counties where the indictments were originally laid, in which the Law Officers of the Crown applied for and got the venues changed at the last spring and summer assizes in Ireland on the ground that fair trials could not be had in those counties?

There were three cases in which the venue was changed, one in County Galway, one in County Longford, and one in County Westmeath. There were two other indictments in County Longford adjourned at Assizes, but the venue has not been changed.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the Estates Commissioners had entered into arrangements for the purchase of five evicted farms in the possession of Miss O'Grady, Crosshaven, county Cork; that the tenants evicted from these farms signed agreements for purchase under the Land Act of 1903; and that subsequently, after the passing of the Land Act. 1909, all those agreements were cancelled by the Estates Commissioners and the evicted tenants called upon to sign new terms of purchase raising their annuities from 3¼ to 3½; whether the evicted tenants have signed these agreements; and, if so, why have they not been restored to their former holdings?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the estate of Miss Selina O'Grady, county Cork, part of which the Estates Commissioners propose to acquire under the compulsory provisions of the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907. The owner has lodged a petition under Section 2 of this Act which has not yet been determined. These lands comprise the former holdings of three evicted tenants, and no agreements or undertakings appear to have ever been lodged in respect of them.

asked what steps have been taken to discover the whereabouts of the M'Cann children, who are alleged to have been abducted; and whether, if the children are recovered, it is proposed to restore them to their mother?

Inquiries have been made by the police, but they have not yet resulted in the discovery of the whereabouts of the children, although their movements have to some extent been traced. The Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor informs me, as the result of careful inquiries which he has made, that the children are not in any institution in his diocese. When the whereabouts of the children has been ascertained the question as to who may be entitled to their custody can easily be decided.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the tenantry on he estate of Mr. John Mulhall, and others, situate in the townlands of Carricknagat and Knocnageeha, near Collooney, county Sligo, forwarded a petition to the Congested Districts Board on the 10th March, 1910, wherein they pointed out that in that district there were 140 landholders under £7 valuation, whilst the estate in question contained untenanted land to the extent of 1,200 acres; and, if so, can he say what steps are being, or will be, taken by the Board to take this estate over, and thus relieve congestion in that poor district?

The Congested Districts Board received the memorial referred to on 10th March, 1910, but the particulars given in the question were not mentioned. The Board communicated with the agent, asking whether the owner would negotiate for the sale of the estate through the Board, but have received no reply.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the townland of Cloonelly, in the parish of Ballysumagan, situate near Ballintogher, Collooney, county Sligo, has been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board by the trustee of the property, Mr. A. Gilmor, J.P., Ballymote, county Sligo; whether he is aware that this estate contains a large ranch suitable for the enlargement of small holdings in the district; and, if so, whether, in case of purchase, the claim of Richard Feehily, long acting as herd, but now homeless, for a farm will be considered?

The townland referred to has not been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board. When the Board purchase an estate it is their practice to give careful consideration to the case of any herd belonging to the estate in connection with the distribution of untenanted land.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will consider the case of Mr. William Gilchrist, who signed an agreement to purchase his holding of Ballycummin, county Roscommon, he being the only tenant on the estate, in January, 1907, and is paying 4½ per cent. interest on the purchase money while waiting for the advance, this payment representing £14 13s. a year in excess of the purchase instalment; and if he can state when the advance in this case will be made by the Land Commission?

The estate on which the holding referred to is situated is on the principal register of direct sales, and 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 the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have received memorials from the tenants of Skreen and Dromard, county Sligo, in reference to the seventeen estates in that district; whether the Board have decided to purchase these estates; and what progress towards purchase has been made in the various cases?

The Congested Districts Board received memorials from land-holders of Skreen and Dromard, county Sligo, in reference to nine estates, not seventeen estates, as stated in the question. Of the nine estates referred to only one has been offered to the Board. In the remaining eight cases, the Board sent circulars to the vendors, or their agents, inviting them to offer the estates for sale, but in no case have they up to the present offered to do so. No further steps have been taken by the Board.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board are now prepared to purchase the Ormsby Estate, near Ballina, county Sligo?

The Congested Districts Board have no information with regard to the Ormsby estate in county Sligo. They received a memorial from the tenants on the Ormsby estate in Ballina Union, county Mayo, and communicated with the agent, asking him whether the owner would be prepared to negotiate for the sale of the property, but no reply has been received.

asked whether the police have yet apprehended the murderer or murderers of Patrick Sheehan, who was shot dead near Ballindereen, county Galway?

Four persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of Patrick Sheehan, and are on remand.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Wallis estate, Drishane, Millstreet, county Cork, came in any way under the jurisdiction of the Estates Commissioners; were proposals for the purchase of this estate before them at any time; have negotiations taken place or an agreement been entered into for the purchase of that portion of the Drishane demesne known as the Park, and containing 100 acres of land or thereabouts, by Mr. Cornelius O'Callaghan, county councillor; and are the Estates Commissioners aware of the circumstances under which Mr. O'Callaghan became the tenant of this extensive tract of land?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the residue of the H. A. B. Wallis Estate, the bulk of which was sold under the Land Purchase Acts prior to that of 1903. This residue consists of the demesne lands and the mansion house which were not under' the jurisdiction of the Estates Commissioners, but were the subject of proceedings in the court of the land judge. The Commissioners furnished the land judge with an estimate of the price which they would be prepared to advance for the lands and house. The land judge sold the lands to a purchaser for a sum in excess of the Commissioners' estimate. The Commissioners have no information as to the concluding paragraph of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will consider the advisability of extending the Allotments Bill to Ireland?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my predecessor to a question on the same subject asked by him on 16th July, 1906. I have nothing to add to that reply.

asked whether the Commissioners of National Education could see their way to reopen the Askill national school, county Leitrim, as the pupils, from thirty to forty in number, who formerly attended the school, have no other school within a reasonable distance which they can attend?

The teacher at Askill national school left on 30th June, 1910, and in view of the low average attendance of pupils it became necessary under the Rules of the Commissioners of National Education to consider the question of a rearrangement of the schools in the locality. It was found that none of the twenty-nine pupils on the rolls of the school would have more than two miles to walk to another school under similar management, and that, therefore, Askill school was not needed. The Commissioners accordingly withdrew their grants from the school from the 31st December, 1910, and they cannot see their way to reconsider their decision.

asked the Chief Secretary how long ago is it since the Congested Districts Board obtained possession of the untenanted lands on the estate of Mr. P. Toole at Stevenstown, Westport; how have the lands since been used; and will he say how soon the small holders on the' estate, most of whom are at present huddled together on small holdings of three statute acres, may hope to have their holdings enlarged?

The Congested Districts Board have not yet got possession of any of the lands of Streamstown held by Mr. P. Toole. The delay in obtaining possession has arisen owing to the difficulties experienced by the vendor in making title. The Board cannot take possession until good title to the lands has been made.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what decision the Estates Commissioners have come to with respect to the claim of George P. Lynch, son and personal representative of Patrick Lynch, an evicted tenant in the Parish of Kilconly, Tuam, county Galway, on the estate of Mr. Thomas Lewin, Castlegrove, who two years ago applied for reinstatement and has never since received a reply?

The Estates Commissioners have received an application from George P. Lynch for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by his father on the estate referred to. As his application was received after the date mentioned in the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907, it cannot be dealt with under that Act.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have received and considered the claim of James Crawley, evicted tenant on the W. B. Lane estate, at Shanachrane, Inchigeela; whether they consider the fact that his brother is the present occupier of the holding a sufficient reason for barring out the claim of James Crawley; if he is in every other respect a bonâ fide evicted tenant; and can they hold out any hope for a recommendation of it?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 3rd March last to a similar question asked by him.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst the labourers of Crumlin district, county Antrim, in consequence of the high reats charged for the labourers' cottages erected under the Labourers' Act; whether he is aware that employment in the district is scarce and irregular, making the payment of these high rents a great hardship; and whether he will send an inspector from the Local Government Board to make inquiry into this matter with a view to the reduction of the present rents?

I am aware that dissatisfaction exists in the Crumlin district, county Antrim, as stated in the question. The inspector of the Local Government Board reported that the wages of the agricultural labourers in the district averaged about thirteen shillings a week. The rents vary from one and sixpence to two shillings a week, the latter rent being charged in certain cases where cottages are situated within a mile of certain towns, and the necessary land has been acquired at a high cost. The regulations of the rural district council fixing the rents were adopted in July last, and duly confirmed by the Board in August, after full and careful consideration, and there would not appear to be any advantage in now holding the suggested inquiry.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the case of leading-signalman Thomas Black, of H.M.S. "Scorpion," punished by warrant at Parkeston on the 9th instant; whether the punishment then inflicted was after due trial as laid down in the Regulations; whether; Black's request to be allowed to lay his case before the Commodore was refused, and, if so, properly refused; and whether he proposes to cause any inquiry to be held as to the circumstances of Black's offence, trial, and punishment?

There is at present no information at the Admiralty on this matter, but full inquiry will be held regarding it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among the employés of the Weedon Army Ordnance Department as to the wages which they receive, on the ground that, while living under town conditions, they are paid at the rate of a country wage; and whether he intends to take any steps in the matter?

The question is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of officers deficient in the Special Reserve, giving their respective ranks; and what is the number of non-commissioned officers and men deficient in the Special Reserve?

The figures for 1st February are:—

SPECIAL RESERVE (OFFICERS, N.C.O.'S AND MES) DEFICIENCY.*

Arm of the Service.

Lieutenant-Colonels.

Majors.

Captains.

Lieutenants.

2nd-Lieutenants.

N.C.O.'s and Men.

Establishment.

Strength.

Deficient.

Establishment.

Strength.

Deficient.

Establishment.

Strength.

Deficient.

Establishment.

Strength.

Deficient.

Establishment.

Strength.

Deficient.

Establishment.

Strength.

Deficient.

Cavalry (unattached)

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

3

…

…

4

…

…

13

…

…

…

…

Cavalry Irish Horse

…

2

2

…

10

8

2

8

11

…

10

8

2

16

11

5

886

881

5

Royal Field Artillery

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

58

…

…

34

…

…

51

…

†12,000

6,323

5,577

Royal Garrison Artillery

…

2

2

…

3

3

…

15

16

…

15

11

4

8

8

…

1,440

823

617

Royal Garrison Artillery (unattached.)

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

2

…

…

2

…

…

10

…

…

…

…

Royal Engineers

…

2

2

…

2

5

…

7

9

…

14

16

…

12

10

2

1,200

1,327

…

Royal Engineers (unattached)

…

…

…

…

…

4

…

…

17

…

…

8

…

…

65

…

…

…

…

Infantry

…

101

109

…

128

139

…

536

594

…

1,107

308

799

808

340

468

58,588

51,360

7,228

Army Service Corps

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

1

…

…

13

…

1,000

149

851

Army Medical Corpse‡

…

…

…

…

…

4

…

…

15

…

…

60

…

…

…

…

1,000

847

153

Army Veterinary Corps

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

2

…

…

…

…

65

1

64

Total showing net deficiency

…

107

115

…

143

163

…

566

725

…

1,146

454

592

844

521

323

§76,179

61,711

14,468

* These figures do not include Category B (Special Reservists supernumerary to the Territorial Force), now In process of formation, which on 1st. January, 1911, had an Establishment of 7,490 and an enrolled strength of 970 Non-Commissioned Officers and Men. Deficiency 6,520. † Provisional Establishment which will eventually be reduced to 6,000. ‡ In addition there is a strength of 10 officers of Category B. § The total Establishment will eventually be reduced by 6,090 in accordance with footnote †

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, whether a letter dated 10th December, 1910, has been received at the War Office from J. Burke, a retired pensioned warrant officer of the Royal Engineers, complaining that, instead of a pension, he was given a gratuity on his retirement after more than nineteen years' service; whether he has considered the facts of this case, and, if so, with what result; and if he will state whether there has been any discrimination against this man?

The letter mentioned was duly answered on 23rd January, and he was informed that he had no claim for an increase to his Army pension for his civilian service as a pensioner clerk. He was treated with great consideration in that, he was specially retained beyond the age of sixty to the age of sixty-five, thereby enabling him to earn a gratuity under Civil Service rules.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the number of officers deficient in the Cavalry and Infantry, respectively, of the Territorial Army, giving their ranks; and what is the number of non-commissioned officers and men deficient?

The figures for 1st January, the latest date for which figures are available, are as follows:—

OFFICERS.
	Majors.	Captains	Sub alteras.	Quartermasters.	Ttls.
Yeomanry	24	17	100	8	149
Infantry	19	67	589	13	679
N.C.O.'s AND MES.
Yeomanry					1,311
Infantry					30,607

asked the Secretary of State for War whether experiments with a new pattern rifle which will permit of the use of the pull-power high velocity cartridge with low trajectory have reached such a stage as will permit him to state approximately when the re-arming of the troops with the new weapon will foe carried out?

No trials have yet been carried out with a new pattern magazine rifle. An experimental rifle is, however, being made, and will shortly be ready for trial. It is, therefore, impossible to say whether, and, if so, when the troops are likely to be re-armed with a new rifle.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider a scheme for the issue of a long-service medal to soldiers part of whose service has been in the Regular Army and part in the territorials?

I presume my hon. Friend is alluding to the cases of ex-soldiers of the Regular forces who join the Territorial force and is proposing that they should reckon service in the Regular forces towards the grant of the efficiency medal. At present this is forbidden by the regulations, but I will consider whether I can recommend that any concession in this direction can be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many of the 264 commissions from the ranks during the past five years were honorary as distinguished from full commissions; and what is the meaning of the word "honorary" in a military sense?

All these commissions were commissions in the full acceptance of the term. Two hundred were granted for quarter-masters and riding-masters, who were given honorary rank under the Royal Warrant for Pay, etc., as their form of commission confers no rank per se. Honorary rank may be taken to mean rank which is not executive, but which confers the advantages of precedence, etc., referred to in paragraph 229 of the King's Regulations.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in 1913, the number of men in the Regular Army will, in accordance with the policy of reduction put in force in 1906, consist of 87,626 fewer men than if the Regular Army with the Regular Reserve and the Militia had remained at the strength existing in 1905?

These figures appear to be derived from a mere comparison of estimated numbers without any consideration of their relative value for the purposes for which the Army is obtained. I am neither prepared to admit their accuracy nor to discuss them within the limits of an answer to a question.

asked the Home Secretary whether the regulations concerning applications from persons for appointment to the duties, etc., of working-men inspectors of mines are ready, or soon to be issued?

I am now in communication with the Civil Service Commissioners as to the subjects of examination, and I expect to be able to issue the particulars shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the American and French Governments have under consideration the subject of preventing gambling in options and futures; and whether he will consider the advisability of holding an international conference with a view to obtain international co-operation upon anti-options and legislation?

Country.			Year, &c.		Articles wholly or mainly manufactured.*
					Imports (for Home Consumption).	Exports (Domestic Produce.
					£	£
United Kingdom	…	…	1903	…	116,328,000†	234,093,000
			1910§	…	129,502,000†	343,023,000
			Increase of 1910 over 1903:
			Total	…	13,174,000†	108,930,000
			Per cent.	…	11·3 per cent.	46·5 per cent.
United States	…	…	1903†	…	94,480,000	97,479,000
			1910‡§	…	136,061,000	160,064,000
			Increase of 1910 over 1903:
			Total	…	41,581,000	62,585,000
			Percent.	…	44·0 per cent.	64·2 per cent.
Germany	…	…	1903	…	59,391,000	161,326,000
			1910§	…	88,762,000	244,280,000
			Increase of 1910 over 1903:
			Total	…	29,371,000	82,954,000
			Per cent.	…	49·5 per cent.	51·4 per cent.
France	…	…	1903	…	32,756,000	96,540,000
			1910§	…	53,876,000	137,030,000
			Increase of 1910 over 1903:
			Total	…	21,120,000	40,490,000
			Per cent.	…	64·5 per cent.	41·9 per cent.

NOTE.—The systems of valuation adopted by the several countries differ materially, thus: For the United Kingdom, the values represent declared values at United Kingdom ports. For the United States, the import values are those at the port whence shipped to the United States, while the export values are those at the United States port of shipment. For Germany, the values given for imports and exports in 1903 and for imports in 1910 are almost entirely official values, whilst for exports in 1910, the values of "manufactures" are mostly declared values. The values of French imports and exports are almost entirely official values.

As at present advised, I am not prepared to take steps to promote an international conference on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the percentage increase in value of the exports and imports of articles wholly or mainly manufactured between the years 1903 and 1910, inclusive, for the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and France?

The following is a statement showing the value of the imports (for home consumption) and the exports (domestic produce) of "articles wholly or mainly manufactured" in the years 1903 and 1910, for the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and France, as stated in the Trade Returns of those countries, together with the gross and percentage increase in value of such imports and exports between those years in each case:—

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he was aware that in regard to a number of industries, e.g, the cotton trade and the woollen trade, the Census of Production Reports already issued do not state the total value of the aggregate production of the trades, each taken as a whole, and that the Census Office, when applied to, state their inability to estimate the value of such aggregate productions; and if he would take note of this fact in view of the conduct of any further census of production?

I am aware of the matters to which my hon. Friend refers, and they will not be lost sight of.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, with reference to the estimated consumption of wheat and wheat-flour, in equivalent of grain, in the United Kingdom during the year 1910, namely, 34,400,000 imperial quarters, how much was home-grown; how much was imported from other parts of the Empire; and how much was imported from Foreign countries, respectively; and what would be the estimated cost of a bounty of 2s. a quarter on home-grown wheat and wheat-flour, both consumed in the United Kingdom and exported, and of 1s. a quarter on British-grown imported wheat and wheat-flour, consumed in the United Kingdom only, on the basis of the actual consumption for 1910 an don the basis of the homegrown supply doubled as a result of the bounty and three-fourths of the balance

Articles.	Present Rates on Products of Canada.		Proposed Bates on Products of Canada.
	Dols.	Cents.	Dols	Cents.
	Per thousand.		Per thousand.
Laths	0	20	0	10
Sawed boards, planks, deals and other lumber:	Per 1,00 ft. board		Per 1,000 ft. board
Planed or finished on one side:	measure.		measure.
Of whitewood, sycamore and basswood	1	00	0	50
Other	1	75
Planed or finished on one side and tongued and grooved, or planed or finished on two sides:
Of whitewood, sycamore and basswood	1	25	0	75
Other	2	00
Planed or finished on three sides, or planed and finished on two sides and tongued and grooved:
Of whitewood, sycamore and basswood	1	62½	1	12½
Other	2	37½
Planed and finished on four sides:
Of whitewood, sycamore and basswood	2	00	1	50
Other	2	75

NOTE.—In estimating board measure, no deduction is made on account of planing, tongueing and grooving.

Of the total estimated consumption in 1910, 6,700,000 quarters represents the home production of the year (less domestic exports), 12,200,000 quarters the net imports of wheat and flour consigned from British possessions, and 15,500,000 quarters the net imports consigned from Foreign countries. These figures will enable the hon. Member to make the calculation he desires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the average annual value imported into the United Kingdom from Canada of laths, sawed boards, planks, deals, and other lumber, planed, tongued, grooved, or variously finished?

The descriptions of timber are on importation into the United Kingdom included under the general heading, "Wood and timber, sawn or split, planed or dressed." The average value of the imports from Canada under this heading during the last three years has been £3,058,000.

asked what is the average annual value imported into the United Kingdom from Canada of laths, sawed boards, planks, deals, and other lumber, planed, tongued, grooved, or variously finished?

The following statement gives the information desired by the Noble Lord:—

asked the President of the Board of Education if his attention had been called to the suffering inflicted on school children through the stoppage of school meals during holiday times; if so, will he bring in a short Bill to make the law quite clear as to the power of education authorities to feed children at such times; and, in order to prevent any further suffering until such Bill can become law, will he ask the President of the Local Government Board to issue a circular to education authorities in England and "Wales informing them that in the event of their wishing to feed children during holiday times and the auditor surcharging them for so doing he will remit such surcharge in the same manner as he proposes to legalise illegal expenditure on coronation festivities by local authorities?

I understand that my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board, has been advised that meals cannot legally be provided for school children during the holidays by local education authorities under Section 3 of the Education (Provision of Meals) Act, 1906. I do not think that I can usefully add anything to the answer given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend on February 22nd.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what is the estimated amount of money the local authorities of England and Wales are expected to spend on Coronation festivities in an illegal manner, and which expenditure he proposes to make legal and regularise by the exercise of the powers vested in him by Act of Parliament?

The hon. Member must be aware that no estimate of the kind suggested can be given. As I have already intimated, the sanction which I propose to give to contributions by local authorities in respect of the cost of Coronation festivities will be limited to reasonable expenditure.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many children of school age have not yet been transferred from workhouses to scattered homes?

The "number of pauper children over three years of age and under sixteen who, on 1st July last, were maintained in institutions was 59,496, and, excluding those in infirm wards or receiving wards, the number of these children maintained in workhouses was 9,223, being 16 per cent. of the total number. The large majority, therefore were in other establishments, which include scattered homes and the various classes of separate schools and cottage homes.

asked the Postmaster-General if he intends to give a monetary allowance to the cleaners as compensation for loss of uniform, as it is now proposed to give them overalls in the place of uniforms?

This matter is at present under consideration. I will acquaint the hon. Member with the result in due course.

asked the Postmaster-General how many superintendents are employed respectively in the Manchester and Liverpool sorting offices and in the London district offices?

Five superintendents are employed in the letter and parcel sorting offices at Manchester, and the same number at Liverpool. Superintendents in the London Postal Service occupy a higher position than superintendents in the provinces, and none of them are employed in the London district offices.

asked the Postmaster-General if he would state the number of appointments made from the sorter class to the position of established sub-postmasters and postmasters during the past ten years; whether there is any limit of salary above which sorters and officers of similar rank are not promoted to such positions; and whether he would consider the advisability of reserving a certain proportion of such appointments as an outlet for the promotion of sorters?

During the past ten years seven London sorters have been appointed established sub-postmasters or postmasters. A much larger number have been appointed from the cor- responding class of sorting clerks and telegraphists in the provinces, where the training is such as to fit the men better for supervision of both postal and telegraph work. There is no limit of salary above which officers of these ranks are not promoted to such positions. It would not be fair to other classes to reserve a certain proportion of appointments as postmaster or sub-postmaster as an outlet for promotion of any particular class.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, whether he has received from the Council of the city of Nottingham a resolution affirming that the inadequacy of control of the adult feeble-minded is a contributory factor of great importance in relation to crime, immorality, and to the problem of unemployment, and that this inadequacy of control seriously reduces the mean average of the health, the intelligence, the morality, and the physique of the race, and begging the Government to place in the hands of some authority, subject to such safeguards as may be considered advisable, the permanent control of these unfortunates; and whether it is his intention to propose legislation to the above effect?

The President of the Local Government Board has asked me to reply, and has sent me a copy of the Resolution. The subject is, in my opinion, one of the greatest social importance, and I hope to propose legislation this Session.

asked the Parliamentary-Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he can state how much of the £40,000 voted from the Development Grant for horse-breeding is to be utilised in Scotland?

The money has not as yet been allocated except as regards the King's Premium, of which six out of fifty are offered in Scotland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will recommend to the Board that a grant should be made for the purpose of encouraging experiments in the growth of sugar-beet in this country?

The Board are making arrangements for this purpose.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if the Board has received an application for a grant in aid of the funds of the Vacant Land Cultivation Society; if such application has been refused; if the Irish Board of Agriculture has granted a sum of £50 to the society for its work in Dublin; and, if so, whether the English Board will reconsider the matter and give a grant in aid of the work carried on in and around London?

The answer to the first and second parts is in the affirmative. The answer to the third part is that the Board have no information. The Board have no funds out of which it would be competent for them to give a grant to the society.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, having regard to the increasing number of Members living on the south side of the Thames, he can arrange for the gate leading from Westminster Bridge (Clock Tower entrance) to be opened at eight instead of ten o'clock each morning upon days when the House is sitting?

The First Commissioner of Works will be happy to make the arrangement desired by the hon. Member.

asked the Lord Advocate, in view of the fact that arm-to-arm vaccination has long since been abolished in England with satisfactory results, will the Secretary for Scotland take such steps as may be necessary to secure its abolition in Scotland?

The practice of arm-to-arm vaccination is almost, if not quite, obsolete in Scotland, but it could not be directly abolished without further legislation. The Local Government Board invariably recommend the use of glycerinated calf lymph and supply it free of charge to parish vaccinators. I may add that during the last two years no applications for humanised lymph were received by the Department.