asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in view of the responsibility of Great Britain, as one of the signatories to the Treaty of Berlin, for the welfare of the European provinces of Turkey, he would call the attention of the Bulgarian Government to the disorders brought about in those provinces by the incursion of armed bands operating from Bulgaria?

I have no reason to suppose that the other Powers who are parties to the Treaty of Berlin would be prepared to join in repre- sentations either at Sophia or Constantinople, and under present circumstances I should not consider that representations would be opportune or useful. I have already deprecated official excesses, and expressed the hope that the Turkish Government in Macedonia will be just as well as firm, and I would deprecate as strongly the action or incursion of armed bands, which must necessarily make the task of good government difficult or impossible. The two evils act and react upon each other, and it is equally desirable that one and the other should be stopped by those who have authority or influence.

asked whether, in view of the impression prevailing in Turkey that His Majesty's Government is not friendly to the young Turkish régime, he will take steps to convey to the Turkish Government the cordial desire of His Majesty's Government to aid in the establishment of a prosperous Ottoman State?

There is no foundation for the impression, which is alleged to prevail in Turkey, that His Majesty's Government are not friendly to the new régime. It is true that excesses occurred in Macedonia during disarmament, and that these have been commented on in Parliament here. They have also been the subject of still stronger comment in the Turkish Parliament, and the Turkish Government have made inquiry with a view to impartial redress. His Majesty's Government earnestly trust that this will prevent any recurrence of excesses, for the peaceful condition of Macedonia, which can only be secured by government that is just as well as firm, is essential to the establishment of a prosperous Ottoman State, which His Majesty's Government most cordially desire.

asked the Secretary of State whether he will arrange that His Majesty's vice-Consuls in Macedonia and Armenia shall during this year make extensive travels among the villages of their districts, in order to report fully upon any disorders that may occur?

There are consular representatives at all the important centres in both Macedonia and Armenia, and they will make what travels are necessary to get full information in their respective districts.

asked whether, in view of the grants made by other great Powers to their schools at Constantinople, and the appeal made by His Majesty's Ambassador at that place for further funds, he will recommend an increase of the present grant to the British high school from £300 to a sum equal to that given by the German Government?

The amount of the grant is that asked for in 1907. I will communicate with His Majesty's Ambassador as to the present requirements of the school.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that our school in Constantinople is worse provided for than any of the schools of the other Great Powers, and may I ask whether, in view of the fact that the Sultan has already granted a site for a British school, it is not quite time that the British Government did something further for the educational needs of our community there?

These are the reasons why I have said I would communicate with His Majesty's Ambassador.

asked the Secretary of State whether he has yet received the reports of the two commissions appointed by him last year to consider the question of cotton-growing in Egypt?

The Egyptian Government appointed last year a Commission which was divided into two branches, for the purpose of studying the different aspects of this question. The Commission issued last September a Joint Report, which has been published by the Egyptian Government. Copies of this document have been received at this Office, one of which has been sent to the Board of Trade, and another to the Federation of Master Cotton Spinners' and Manufacturers Associations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay this document on the Table of the House?

I will consider that.

Are these reports confined to cotton growing in Egypt, and is it not a fact that they do not deal with the far more important question of cotton growing in the Soudan?

The question of cotton growing in the Soudan has been under the anxious consideration of the Foreign Office and of the Egyptian Government during the last six months. I quite admit the importance of the question.

Are these the final reports, or does the right hon. Gentleman expect further reports upon the question?

I do not know that there are any other reports to be expected from the same Commission, but that fact has not prevented the Egyptian Government from continuing to give considerable attention during the past six months, as I know from personal knowledge, to the question of cotton growing in the Sondan as well as in Egypt.

asked the Secretary of State whether he is aware that the Société Marocaine des travaux publics, a French syndicate founded in Paris, has awarded 50 per cent. of its share capital to France. 30 per cent. to Germany, 10 per cent. to Spain, and only 5 per cent. to Great Britain, the remaining 5 per cent. being distributed among the other Powers signatory to the Act of Algeciras; and whether, in view of the commercial interests of this country in Morocco and the injurious effect of this discrimination against Great Britain, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

His Majesty's Government have no control over the division of the capital of foreign syndicates composed of private individuals. Under the Act of Algeciras contracts for public works in Morocco are subject to the principle of public awards on tenders without respect of nationality, and British firms are entitled to tender on equal terms with the syndicate in question.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman suggests that the British Syndicate could at this stage obtain equally favourable concession from the Moorish Government?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give notice. I have given such information as I have got.

asked the Secretary of State whether he is able to corroborate from information in his Department the statement contained on page 663 of the fifth edition of Hall's International Law that shipments of rice were entirely stopped by fear of capture during the war between France and China in 1885; and how long did the period of hostilities last?

I have no information which conflicts with Mr. Hall's statement. I have information that the announcement that the French Admiral had been instructed to seize all cargoes of rice after 26th February, 1885, exercised a deterrent effect, for various foreign shipowning firms had contracted to carry large quantities of rice (about 70,000 tons), from Shanghai to Tientsin, and, in view of the French declaration, they decided not to incur avoidable risk. In the case of at least one ship reported to the Foreign Office the shipment of rice was stopped. An armistice was concluded on 4th April, and peace was signed on 9th June, 1885.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any evidence besides the statement of Sir Harry Parks to the effect that some of these ships were stopped by fear of being captured?

I do not know where the Foreign Office got the evidence I have given to the House. Naturally we should only take notice of such cases as were reported there. If the hon. Member asks me where we receive the information from I will enquire.

asked whether the Government had recently received any memorial from the Coptic population in Egypt dealing with various grievances, chiefly owing to religious disabilities in educational matters; whether the Government of Egypt are about to deal with these grievances; and whether he will shortly lay Papers on the subject?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I made to the question of the hon. Member for Hammersmith on the 24th instant. I must await Sir Eldon Gorst's report before making any statement on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the provision made in Section 5 (2) of The Indian Councils Act, 1909, for the appointment of a Member of Council, other than the Governor General, to preside in the Legislative Council had been carried into effect; and, if not, whether it was proposed to do so?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the provision in question applies only to the discussion of the annual financial statement and the discussion of resolutions on matters of general public interest. Within these limits it has been carried into effect.

asked whether any, and, if so, what representations have been made to the Government of India in the matter of shortening trials of those accused of political offences in India?

One of the objects of the passing of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908, was to provide more expeditious machinery for the trial of political offences in India. The Secretary of State has no reason to suppose that trials under the new procedure are unduly prolonged.

asked whether the hon. Member's attention had been called to the announcement of the local government of Dacca that it is to subsidise a vernacular weekly newspaper; and whether, in view of the fact that such intention is spreading among local and presidential governments in India, the Secretary of State intends to take any, and, if so, what steps in this matter?

The Secretary of State has no information on the subject, but has inquired. He can make no statement until he is in possession of all the facts.

asked whether he could state the grounds on which fourteen students and teachers of the Sonarang national school in Vikrampore were arrested on 21st January last?

The charge on which the persons mentioned are being tried is that of assaulting a postal peon, seizing his bag, and taking the contents, which included registered money orders and Rs. 55 in cash.

asked whether his attention has been called to a statement made in the Bombay High Court, during the trial of Vinayak Savarkar, that Lala Lajpat Rai attended meetings at India House with Savarkar to preach independence by revolutionary methods; whether he is aware of the fact that Lala Lajpat Rai has publicly repudiated and denied this allegation; whether the evidence complained of was given by a police witness; and whether instructions will be given to the authorities to ascertain why this witness made his statement and to punish him if he is found to have committed perjury?

I am unable to find in the reports of the trial that any such statement was made.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been drawn to the fact that the War Office is in the habit of issuing orders for boots and shoes to be delivered at times when the boot and shoe trade is ordinarily busy; and whether he will place his orders so that they intervene between the seasonal pressure experienced by this industry?

The habit of the War Office in issuing orders for boots and shoes is the reverse of that suggested by the hon. Member. The practice has been to spread the deliveries over practically the whole year, and in proof of this I may state that if the hon. Member will refer to an answer given on February 22nd to the hon. Member for North Northamptonshire he will find that in only seven months since April, 1904, have deliveries not been asked for. The War Department also have often been willing on application to allow contractors to vary the rate of delivery so as to secure continuity of work for the contractors and work people engaged in boot manufacture. The hon. Member's suggestion that the orders should intervene between the periods of seasonal pressure experienced by the industry rather than be spread over the whole year will be most seriously considered; but I fear that so many of those employed depend wholly upon Army boot-making that it would not be to their advantage to cencentrate the work upon any particular part of the year. The suggestion if acted on would also, I fear, make it impossible to carry cut the work of boot inspection economically.

asked whether, in view of the shortage of the Special Reserve and Territorial Forces, amounting to more than 2,700 officers and 65,000 men, and the fact that 24,000 men of the Regular Army are under twenty years of age, he will consider the advisability of arranging for a retaining fee, uniform, arms, and an annual supply of ammunition for the Veteran Reserve?

I hope to be able to make a statement on the subject of the organisation of the Veteran Reserve on the introduction of Army Estimates.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no money for this or any other non-effective purpose is taken away from the only effective force we have which is the Regular Army?

There is no intention of taking away any money. The Regular Army has more money than it had last year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the Army Estimates will be taken?

There is a question down upon that point later.

asked whether the erection of married quarters in connection with Maryhill Barracks can be taken in hand at once in order to relieve to some extent the unemployment prevailing in the building trade in that district?

Work has already been commenced on the married quarters at Maryhill Barracks.

asked how many general officers are at present attached to the Mediterranean and Egyptian commands, the total amount of the salaries attaching to their appointments, and the number of British troops of all arms at present serving in the Mediterranean?

There are seven general officers in these commands, including the Inspector-General of the Overseas Forces, and two are Governors of Colonies. Also two of them are artillery officers who are in command of that arm only, and one is an infantry brigadier. These draw in all £13,463 from army funds. The establishment of the troops amount to 17,559.

Does that include the English troops at Khartoum?

I should like notice of that.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the case of Albert Victor Connelly, a deserter from the Royal Fusiliers, who was found to have been enlisted at the age of fifteen, and who was brought up before Mr. Fordham and discharged, and ordered to be sent to the children's court at Westminster; and whether he will take steps to prevent children from being enlisted into the British Army in the future?

Will the hon. Member be so good as to refer to my reply to a similar question put by the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth on the 22nd instant.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been drawn to the case of the son of James Barnett, of Dundee, who enlisted in the Royal Scots Guards at Edinburgh on 8th February last; whether he is aware that at the time he was under eighteen years of age, and therefore, he being a minor, it is necessary to have the consent of his parents before enlisting; and, having regard to the indifferent health of his father and the circumstances of the case, will he inquire into it and release the boy in question? The hon. Member explained that his question referred to the Royal Scots, and not the Scots Guards.

That explanation affects the answer prepared for the original form of the question. No recruit of the name of Barnett can be traced as having enlisted into the Scots Guards. Perhaps the hon. Member will furnish me with further details, giving the name under which he enlisted and his regimental number, I may point out that the enlist- ment of a minor is legal even without the consent of his parents, but that, on the application of the parents for his release, containing proof that he misstated his age on enlistment, he can be discharged, at the discretion of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, under Paragraph 390 (6) of the King's Regulations.

asked whether the number of officers and men in the Territorial Force who have not qualified in musketry is now less than that returned for 1910—namely, 100,000?

Yes, Sir. The comparative figures of qualification in the standard test of trained men and recruits are as follow:—

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can reconsider his decision that adjutants of the Territorial Force appointed before 12th July last are ineligible for the increase of pay of 2s. 6d. a day now granted to those whose appointments date from or after that date?

No, Sir. I gave the hon. and gallant Member my reasons for the decision in reply to a question put by him on the 16th instant.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider, from the point of view of fair play, it is right that officers should be asked to perform similar duties at a different rate of pay?

Yes, Sir. It is quite clear. The reason for the increase of pay is that we wanted to attract the best class of officer for the position of adjutant. We have given a new inducement, and it would obviously be stultifying that policy if we extended it to the officers under the old conditions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the officers appointed before July 12th resent the implication that they are not of the first-class?

That is really not so; otherwise it would be impossible ever to give an increase of pay in order to attract a higher class.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that when the Territorial Force was younger than it is now the duties of the adjutants were probably heavier than they are at present?

No, I do not think so. The standard of training has risen and the duties of the adjutants are even more searching than they were.

That is not my question. I asked whether the duties these officers had to perform before July 12th last were not probably heavier than they are at the present moment.

I do not think so. We are raising the whole standard of training and I think the duties to be performed are heavier.

asked whether any further action had been taken respecting the adoption of an automatic rifle in the Army; and whether an automatic rifle had been adopted fey any foreign Power?

None of the automatic rifles so far examined have proved satisfactory. Trials of various patterns are still proceeding. Nothing is known of the adoption of an automatic rifle by any foreign Power, except Mexico, which is reported to have done so.

asked whether the experiments in the new bullet have been satisfactory; and, if so, when will the new ammunition be issued?

The experiments with the new bullet have been satisfactory. Manufacture is now proceeding, but no issues will be made until a sufficient stock has accumulated.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when that is likely to be?

Shortly. The manufacturer is proceeding rapidly.

asked whether the bayonet has been adopted as a weapon by the German cavalry?

No official announcement has been made on this subject, but it is understood that the adoption of a bayonet for the German cavalry has been definitely decided upon. It has already been issued to some regiments.

asked whether he can give any indication as to the probable date upon which the Army Estimates will be introduced?

Perhaps the hon. Member will repeat his question to the Prime Minister on Thursday next, when he makes his usual statement as to the business for the following week.

asked whether any complaints have been made to the War Department as to the manner in which the painting contract has been carried out at the military barracks at Limerick; has the local society of painters drawn attention to the fact that painting under this contract was done by unskilled labourers at a low rate of pay; and, if so, will an inquiry be held into the matter without delay?

As regards the first part of the question, the contract is reported to have been satisfactorily executed. As regards the second part I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question he put on 22nd November last.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if this is the same contractor whose conduct with regard to a previous contract is to be the subject of an inquiry?

I cannot say without notice. Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question. At any rate this contract is satisfactory up to the present.

Satisfactory to whom?

To the War Office.

Is it satisfactory to the workmen? That is your Free Trade.

asked whether, after the expeditionary force of six divisions had left these shores, there would be at the present time 422,556 trained troops in being remaining in these islands, and, if so, how many of them would be fully trained, how many partially trained, and how many untrained; what, in numbers, would be the shortage of officers in the different units; and whether the full complement of guns, horses, and transport, with all the full equipment required for these 422,556 men actually exist at the present time complete for immediate and simultaneous mobilisation if required?

The figures are nearly as stated, and are composed as follows:—

asked the Secretary of State for War if he could say whether the War Office has given the contract at the Curragh for the three days' supply of frozen meat to the Swift Meat Company; was he aware that this company is an American trust company; that their turnover last year was £52,000,000; and that their annual profit was £1,500,000; was he aware that the United States Government are at present engaged fighting the Beef Trust as an unfair and illegal combination; and, seeing that experts hold that the nutritive qualities of frozen meat are inferior to that of fresh meat, and under all the circumstances of the case, whether the War Office can see its way to have the terms of the contract specification revised?

The current contract for the supply of frozen beef and mutton to the Curragh camp is held by the Swift Meat Company. The course of the indict- ment brought against this and other companies by the United States Government is being watched, and will be one of the points for consideration in the adjudication on tenders for the next contract. It is not considered necessary to disturb the present contract which expires on the 31st May.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that this Beef Trust is now endeavouring to introduce its methods and practices into the Commonwealth of Australia, and that the Government of the Commonwealth are taking steps to resist its operations? I, furthermore, desire to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks it a proper thing on the part of a Free Trade Government to encourage the operations of a trust company whose profits are founded on protective tariffs?

I do not think protective tariffs have much to do with this. It is the business of a Free Trade Government to get the best article at the most moderate figure.

Are we to understand from that reply that in future frozen meat will not be supplied three days a week, and that he will increase the days on which fresh meat is supplied? And will the right hon. Gentleman reply to that part of the question which asks whether in the opinion of the War Office fresh meat is not more nutritive than frozen meat?

I do not think there was anything in my reply from which the hon. Member could infer any new arrangement as to frozen meat, nor anything from which he could infer that frozen meat is less nutritive than fresh meat.

May I ask whether this contract was thrown open to British firms, and, if so, what was the difference in price?

According to our practice, we throw open contracts to everybody; and, if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question, I will see if I can get him the difference in price. We give no contract outside this country except for very good reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the complaint in 1907 of some of the Colonial Premiers of the mass of documentary matter unloaded I upon them for the first time on the very morning that it was to be discussed at the Conference, steps would be taken by I the Government to supply the necessary papers for this year's Conference at a date which will allow of their proper perusal?

On a point of Order, is it in order on a Parliamentary paper to refer to the Prime Ministers of the Dominions as "Colonial Premiers"?

There is nothing disorderly in that. It is a matter of taste.

In view of the date at which subjects for discussion at the Conference are received from the Dominion Governments in this country, the early circulation of papers is not easy, but an endeavour is being made to circulate as much matter for the Conference as possible in time for it to reach the Dominions before Ministers leave for this country.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, with reference to the grants just made to highway authorities by the Road Board, if he will state precisely what stipulations were made by the Board in pursuance of the policy dictated to them by Parliament of having regard to the condition of the labour market?

The advances which have been made and are being made to Highway Authorities by the Road Board are in the shape of contributions towards the cost of works of road improvement immediately required, and the Board, in considering Section 18 of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, have not thought it desirable to withhold any grants on the ground that the works towards which they have been made would cause an excessive demand for labour at the present time.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he had received any further representations as to the proposed new Poor Law Order; and whether he could yet undertake that the Order would not be issued until this House had had an opportunity of discussing it?

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he is now able to state that, before issuing the new Order suggested by his Departmental Committee on Outdoor Relief, or any amendment of the same, he will give the House of Commons an opportunity to express an opinion on such Order?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the replies he has received from boards of guardians and other interested bodies relative to the proposed new Poor Law Order are not in the main unfavourable to its issue; and whether he will give a definite assurance that the Order will not be put into force until this House has had an opportunity of debating the matter?

I have received about eighty further resolutions on this subject from branches of the Independent Labour Party, Trades and Labour Councils, and similar bodies, and between thirty and forty representations from Boards of Guardians. A large proportion of the latter suggest postponement of the issue of the Order until the views of the Poor Law Unions Association have been obtained, and others criticise particular points in the draft Order. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer to my reply to hon. Members on the 13th instant.

Are we to understand that this Order will be issued without giving this House an opportunity of discussing it?

No, the hon. Member is not entitled to assume that. It is premature either to ask or put that question until the Poor Law Unions Association, which have a right to be heard, have their special conference on this subject on 23rd March next?

Are the Poor Law Unions Association of more importance than this House? We have asked the right hon. Gentleman at least six times to give us a straight answer to a straight question, and we are entitled to have an answer. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order."] There is no order about it.

The hon. Member is not entitled to make observations at this period. He may make them later, but he is only entitled now to put a question.

May I put a question to you very respectfully. I myself have asked three times, and other Members have asked equally as many times this one question whether the House will be given an opportunity of discussing this circular or not? We cannot get a straight answer to that question. I do not want to know about the Poor Law Unions Association.

The hon. Member is very lucky to have only put the question three times.

I am not equally lucky, Sir, in getting an answer.

asked how many cases of small-pox have been reported in the county of London since 1st January, 1911; and how many of these cases had been vaccinated?

From the 1st of January to the evening of yesterday forty-one cases were notified and removed to the Metropolitan Asylums Board's Hospitals. Of the thirty-six cases in the hospitals of the Asylums Board on Sunday evening last, twenty-nine were vaccinated and seven were unvaccinated. In twenty-four of the cases the vaccination was performed more than fifteen years ago, and in two others at least ten years ago. The three other vaccinated cases were those of children, and the attack is said to be mild.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, whether his attention has been called to the outbreak of small-pox in the East End of London; and whether he is satisfied that all proper steps are being taken to deal with it by the Metropolitan Asylums Board and the other local authorities?

My attention has, of of course, been drawn to this outbreak and my officers have been inquiring into it The reports I have received show that all the authorities concerned are, through their officers, taking active measures to deal with the outbreak. Should the disease assume wider dimensions no doubt these measures may require to be supplemented.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the income of reformatory schools and industrial schools, respectively, was in 1909 derived from public sources; and what proportion was derived from private subscriptions?

In England and Wales Reformatories receive 90 per cent. of their income from public sources, private subscriptions amount to 2 per cent., the balance being made up of such items as industrial profit, interest on investments, etc. As regards English Industrial Schools the proportion from public sources is 84 per cent. and private subscriptions 8 per cent. In the cases of schools under voluntary management, it must be remembered that the buildings have been provided by the managers.

asked the Home Secretary whether the committee of management of reformatory schools, other than those which may be established by education authorities, need contain any representatives of the local authorities of the districts in which they are situated?

The committees of management of reformatory schools need not necessarily include representatives of local authorities of the district in which they are situated; but local authorities which make use of a school sometimes arrange for representation on the committee; and managers of these schools are often members of county or borough councils. The local authorities which can contribute to or can themselves establish reformatory schools are county and county borough councils, and not local education authorities.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it part of the reference to the committee appointed to inquire into this matter to investigate the desirability of local authorities having separate representation?

No doubt the Committee will consider that, but I would point out that a great deal of voluntary service is given to these schools and that those who volunteer their services often bear a considerable proportion of the expense out of their own pocket.

Is it not the case that the influence of the State is brought to bear through the inspection to which these schools are subjected?

That is so, of course, but I am not satisfied that the inspection is sufficient.

Make it more so.

That is one of the matters the Committee will inquire into.

Could the right hon. Gentleman not include in the reference to the Committee the question of transferring jurisdiction over these schools from the Home Office to the Board of Education?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether steps are being taken by the police authorities of his Department to discover and bring to justice the person or persons who are alleged to have enticed away the ticket-of-leave convict, David Davies, from the farm where he was employed, and on which, by a condition of his release, he was under orders to remain?

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has yet found David Davies; and whether he will make public the name of the person whom he referred to last week as suspected of decoying David Davies for political purposes, as residents in Ruthin are anxious to be cleared of this suspicion?

I have no further information to give the House on this subject at the present time.

May we now understand that this enticing away for political purposes only existed in the very vivid imagination of the right hon. Gentleman?

Is it not the fact that the detective inspector sent down to discover this man's whereabouts reported that there is no foundation for the suggestion of his having been decoyed away for political purposes?

I have no further information to give the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question?

I have no further information to give the House on this subject.

May I ask whether, having regard to the fact that a burglary has recently taken place at Chichester Place, Brighton, photographs of David Davies will be circulated?

Put some bloodhounds on his track.

asked the Home Secretary whether the series of experiments being made by the Departmental Committee on Humidity and Ventilation in Cotton-weaving Sheds has yet been completed; and when the final Report of the Committee may be expected?

The Committee have completed their inquiry, and their final report has just reached me. I hope that it may be in the hands of Members shortly.

asked the Home Secretary if he would make inquiries through the chief labour adviser how many trade unions have held ballots on the Osborne Judgment; what were the results of the voting in each case; and what were the terms of the question placed before the members of the various societies?

I am informed by Mr. Shackleton, the Senior Labour Adviser to the Home Office, that very few trade unions have taken a ballot of their members since the Osborne Judgment was given, but all of those affiliated to the Labour party received the sanction of their members before joining. The majorities in favour of Parliamentary representation varied from two to one to ten to one. The exact terms of the question placed before the members would take some time to collect, but generally the questions were simply—(1) Are you in favour of direct representation in Parliament? (2) Are you in favour of a special levy of (amount stated) for this purpose? The textile trades of Lancashire put the questions in the following form (1) Are you in favour of direct representation in Parliament? (2) Are you in favour of paying a levy of one penny per member per quarter from the funds of your amalgamation to provide a fund for the maintenance of two Members in Parliament and to defray the necessary expenses of their election? There voted for the first, 84,154; against, 19,856; for the second, 82,547; against, 20,353.

What proportion of the members of the societies voted on this question?

I cannot say without notice.

Then I give notice of that question.

Shall we have a formal report?

I am not yet fully informed as to the direction in which the inquiry will be made or what the scope of the report will be.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the statute requiring the re-election of any Member of this House on accepting an office of profit under the Crown, provision will be made in the scheme of the payment of Members making the re-election of all who accept such payment unnecessary?

As I have already said, it would be premature to make any statement on this question until the scheme is introduced.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Bryce, the British Ambassador in America, gave great assistance in bringing about the proposed reciprocity agreement between the united States and Canada, and in view of the fact that this agreement will in some cases reduce, and in other cases entirely do away with. British preference, and also do away with the most-favoured-nation clause, he will instruct British Ambassadors in other foreign countries not to assist in similar negotiations?

I do not propose to instruct British Ambassadors to withhold assistance from representatives of British Dominions when they ask for it. The assistance which has been given in recent years by more than one British Ambassador to Canadian Ministers has been both useful and acceptable. And in the case of the reciprocity proceedings at Washington the action of Mr. Bryce was, I believe, beneficial both to Canada and the United Kingdom, for in the communications which he had with Canadian Ministers he kept both Canadian and British interests in view.

Are we to understand that the assistance of Mr. Bryce was specially asked for by the Canadian Government?

No, Sir. I do not remember that it was specially asked for by the Canadian Government because during recent years the Canadian Government have expressed themselves on frequent occasions so grateful to Mr. Bryce for his assistance that it has come to be regarded as a matter of course that when Canadian Ministers go to Washington they will receive his assistance without any special request.

Would it not be poor policy to prevent Mr. Bryce assisting Canada in view of the fact that Canada gives a preference to this country and has nothing in exchange.

Has not this preference been very much reduced in some cases and done away with in others; has not the most-favoured-nation clause been done away with?

I cannot say until the Canadian legislation is complete.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that Members of the two Front Benches, in proportion to their numbers, take up on the average about ten times as much of the time of the House as do the Members not on the front benches, and in view of the fact that the two Front Benches usually decide between themselves the amount of time to be spent in most Debates he could see his way to suspending the eleven o'clock rule on really important Debates, so as to give the back bench Members a chance of putting their views before the House and the country?

I am afraid I cannot accept the hon. Member's figures. I am told that an examination of the OFFICIAL REPORT shows that on the two days which were given last week to the introduction of the Parliament Bill there were six speeches from the two Front Benches, occupying about sixty - two columns, and twenty-eight speeches from private Members occupying about 156 columns. I see no sufficient reason for suspending the Eleven o'clock Rule.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Bill which is in preparation for the establishment of agricultural co-operative credit banks in rural districts will extend to Scotland?

No decision has yet been arrived at on this point, but it will, of course, receive consideration.

Has the Secretary for Scotland taken any steps to get equivalent treatment for Scotland?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Does not the hon. Baronet know if he has been approached by the Secretary for Scotland on the matter?

Will the report be taken into consideration by the hon. Baronet?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked whether the Board of Agriculture has taken any steps to lay before the Development Commissioners any proposals for the establishment of agricultural banks; and what other methods have been taken by the Department to promote such banks?

The answer to the first part is in the negative. The question of the best method of providing further facilities for agricultural credit is being carefully considered, and the President of the Board hopes to be in a position before very long to announce his proposals on the subject.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that other trades besides agriculture would like to have cheap money and easier credit, and that they do not appreciate special treatment being given to agriculture at their expense?

If that be so, the hon. Member should address a question to the President of the Board of Trade.

In view of the fact that this matter was much advertised in the Press before the Election, will the Board of Agriculture not make some advances in this matter?

I have already said some efforts have been made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention had been called to the serious depredations by pigeons upon rape, turnip and swede tops, clover, and other farm crops throughout Wiltshire and in parts of the adjoining counties; whether he is aware that such depredations have resulted in the loss of the bulk of natural food for the young lambs over a very large tract of sheep land where the sheep are of exceptionally high commercial value; whether he is aware that the recent organised local attempts at their destruction have not materially reduced the enormous number of these migrant birds, but have only driven them into other areas not previously attacked; and whether the Board will take steps, either by organising the simultaneous destruction of these birds over the whole country or by placing a premium upon their destruction by gamekeepers and others, to put an effectual stop to the damage which they are now causing?

The answer to the first and second parts is in the affirmative. The Beard have no information as to the numbers destroyed. The Board have no funds at their disposal which would enable them to carry out the suggestion contained in the last part of the hon. Member's question but they propose to direct attention to the evil and do what they can to stimulate local and individual effort in regard to it.

May I ask the hon. Baronet what is intended by the expression "to do what they can to stimulate local and individual effort"?

The hon. Gentleman must draw his own conclusions.

Is not this just one of those matters which every other Department of Agriculture in Europe would take the trouble to organise?

That does not arise out of the question.

Has he heard of an effective method of destroying these birds by steeping corn in whisky and leaving them to pick it up?

asked whether the Board of Agriculture is applying or supporting an application to the Development Commissioners for a grant to the county councils of £20,000 out of the Development Fund for the purpose of promoting the development of agricultural co-operation; whether an application for a grant for the same purpose has been made to the Commissioners by the Agricultural Organisation Society; and whether, in view of the past services of and experience gained by the latter body and the extreme difficulty, owing to the constitution of many of the county councils, of promoting agricultural co-operation through their instrumentality, the Board will advocate the above society, rather than the county councils, being made the medium for the administration or allocation of any grant that may be made out of the fund for the above purpose?

The answer to the first part is that the Board is applying for a grant, and to the second part the answer is in the affirmative. With regard to the third part, the answer is in the negative.

asked whether the Board of Agriculture have been asked by a joint committee of the Kent and Surrey County Councils to hold an inquiry into the management of the South-Eastern Agricultural College, Wye; have the Board declined to hold the inquiry; and, if so, why?

The answer to the first and second part is in the affirmative. The Board, after careful consideration in consultation with the Board of Education, came to the conclusion that no useful purpose would be served by an inquiry.

Has there not already been an informal inquiry which is unsatisfactory, and if the Board of Agriculture contributes to this college is it not necessary to have a satisfactory inquiry?

I regret to say I cannot give any further answer to the question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board have been asked by a joint committee of the Kent and Surrey County Councils to hold an inquiry into the management of the South-Eastern Agricultural College, Wye; have the Board declined to hold the inquiry; and, if so, why?

I have nothing to add to the answer which was given just now to the same question by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the report of a joint committee of two county councils is not worthy of some consideration?

It has had full consideration and the decision arrived at is the joint decision of the Board of Agriculture and the Board of Education.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give any information as to the size and capacity of the warship dock accommodation and the size of the harbour fortifications in German New Guinea?

I have no information as to any warship dock accommodation or fortifications in German New Guinea.

asked if the Board of Admiralty sits regularly or only occasionally; if it is still a consulting and deliberative body to which all important questions of naval policy and administration are submitted; and if the Board of Admiralty records agreement or disagreement with the questions submitted to the Board?

At the discretion of the First Lord, the Board of Admiralty meets from time to time to consult and deliberate on important questions of naval policy and administration, and the decisions of the Board are recorded in the minutes of proceedings.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of my question: Whether it sits regularly or only occasionally?

I said from time to time.

Am I to understand that they are only called together by special request of the First Lord?

No; they are called together at the discretion of the First Lord, but at the request of any Member of the Board.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the number of men employed at Rosyth, he will use his influence and secure them improved hospital accommodation, which is reported to be inadequate?

The care of the men employed on the dockyard works at Rosyth is entirely in the hands of the contractors, and I am not aware that the contractors' arrangements are inadequate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries on this point, and use his influence to put it light if it is wrong?

No; I have no information that anything is wrong.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries?

I cannot undertake to make inquiries as to the work which the contractors are doing so long as it appears to the Admiralty to be quite satisfactory.

asked whether it is the usual custom for officers in command of ships in the Navy to hold an inspection of mess decks and personnel on Sunday morning?

I understand that this custom is universal in the Navy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many docks there are on the East Coast now ready into which a super-" Dreadnought," if drawing two feet or more of water beyond her usual draught, caused by damage in action, could obtain access to be repaired?

There are no such docks now ready on the East Coast.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many docks Germany has opposite our East Coast?

The hon. Gentleman must give notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, it he can inform the House when answers may be expected to the various petitions sent up to the Admiralty from the Royal dockyards?

The petitions are receiving full consideration, and replies will be sent to the dockyards as early as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state when the petitions were sent in?

Not without notice. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice I will do so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received any report as to the results of the experiments now being made, with the assistance of the Government, by the British Cotton Growing Association?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to answer this question. It has not been necessary to call for any formal report, as we are in constant communication with the Association, and are thus fully aware of the measures taken by the Association to carry out their obligations. The experience and knowledge accumulated by the Association in the course of their operations is placed freely at the disposal both of His Majesty's Government and of the Governments of the Colonies and Protectorates interested in cotton growing.

Does my right hon. Friend know that the Association complains that the present Grant is totally inadequate?