asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the difference existing between the Customs and Excise conditions of service, steps will be taken to secure to Excise officers a working day of eight hours between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at all warehouses under the control of the Board, and to restrict the hours of attendance on general stations to a daily maximum of eight hours or a weekly maximum of forty-eight hours?

I am unable to make any statement on this subject pending the Report of the Committee on the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise services.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many officers of Customs have been transferred to the Excise branch of the customs and Excise Department for duty, and how many Excise officers have been transferred to the Customs branch for duty, since the issue of the Excise Transfer Order in Council; how many of the officers have now been returned to their respective departments; whether the return of the officers to their respective departments indicated difficulty in fusing the duties and grades; and whether he will consider the desirability of retaining for the present the two services on an independent footing under the Board of Customs and Excise, as was the case with the Excise and taxes services under the Board of Inland Revenue prior to the transfer of the Excise to the Customs?

Sixty-three Excise officials were lent to the Customs at different times during 1909, and all have since been returned to the Excise side. One hundred and four Customs officials were lent to the Excise during 1910, and fifty-nine have since been returned to the Customs side. The return of these officials to their respective branches was determined by the exigencies of the work at the time, and cannot be taken as indicating difficulty in fusing the duties and grades. Pending the Report of the Committee on Customs and Excise amalgamation, I am unable to make any statement in regard to the concluding part of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what was the number of first-class examining officers, second-class examining officers, and assistants provided for in the Estimates of the Customs and Excise services for 1910–11; what is the actual number in each grade at present; and whether complaints of understating have been made to the Board owing to the reduction in the establishment?

The figures are as follows:—

—	Estimate Nos. 1910–11.	Actual No. in each grade at present time.
Examining Officers, 1st Class	274	260
Examining Officers, 2nd Class	833	823
Assistants (Customs)	451	362

Complaints have been made and are under the Board's consideration. Pending the Report of the Amalgamation Committee, it is desirable to keep down existing numbers in view of possible reductions when the Customs and Excise staffs are completely fused.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many assistant clerks are engaged on entering the particulars of free goods into the primary registers from documents received at the Customs statistical office; how many checkers are engaged on checking these entries into the primary registers; how many hours each day do the checkers give to this work; and what proportion of the entries is checked?

The number of assistant clerks engaged in entering the particulars of free goods into the primary registers is approximately seventy-four, and ten checkers are engaged in checking these entries. The services of these checkers are available for other work, and at times of pressure they are utilised for entering as well as checking. The number of hours given daily to checking, or the proportion of entries checked, cannot be stated, as they vary with the volume of the work.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the average annual salary of the five second division clerks performing the duties of assistant clerks in the Customs Statistical Office; whether the initial salary of a second division clerk is £70 per annum, and that of an assistant clerk £45 per annum; and whether, in view of the fact that two examinations for assistant clerks have been held since these second division clerks were appointed to the Statistical Office, he will state why assistant clerks have not been placed temporarily on these duties pending the settlement of certain questions affecting the business of the office, having regard to the saving involved?

The present average annual salary of the five temporary Second Division clerks referred to is £70 per annum. The initial salaries of a Second Division clerk and an assistant clerk are £70 and £45 respectively, as stated. The employment of these Second Division clerks for temporary service, under Clause 40 of the Order in Council of 10th January, 1910, was the most convenient course in the circumstances. There is no machinery for the employment of assistant clerks for temporary service in such a case as this.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Irish Agricultural Board has under consideration a reafforesting scheme for the waste lands in Besing and Flountane, county Cork; whether these lands have been inspected by Mr. Forbes, forestry expert, and declared by him to be the most suitable in Ireland for planting pine trees; and what practical steps, if any, are being taken to put the scheme into operation?

Preliminary inspections have been made of the lands referred to and many other areas of land in Ireland by the officers of the Department of Agriculture in Ireland since the Report of the Departmental Committee on Irish Forestry. The Department can make no statement as to the suitability or otherwise of any of these areas for forestry purposes, and they are not yet in a position to decide on purchasing any of them.

asked the Chief Secretary whether Patrick Lynch, Carrigaland, Mallow, has been refused an old age pension; whether it has been ascertained that he is over seventy years of age; whether the local pension committee passed his claim four times; whether there are any grounds for holding that his transfer of his holding to his son has not been bonâ fide; if so, what are those grounds; and, if not, why is this man, who' is seventy-six years of age, denied his pension?

Patrick Lynch is over the statutory age, and appears to have made three claims. The first was allowed by the Mallow Rural Pension Sub-Committee, but on appeal by the pension officer was disallowed by the Local Government Board, who considered that the claimant's means, derived from a farm of seventy-one acres, well-stocked and cropped, exceeded the statutory limit. The second claim was disallowed by the Pension Sub-Committee, whose decision was confirmed by the Board when Lynch appealed to them. On the third claim the Sub-Committee awarded a pension of 5s. a week, which was disallowed by the Board on the appeal of the pension officer. After the disallowance of Lynch's first claim he assigned his farm to his eldest son; and, as there was no other special reason why he should have done so at that particular time, the Board considered that the assignment had been made with a view to obtaining a pension.

asked if it is the practice of the Local Government Board, in deciding appeals under the Old Age Pensions Act, to receive and use evidence reports which the claimant or pensioner has no opportunity of rebutting?

The only reports upon which the Local Government Board act are those furnished by their own inspectors after visiting the homes of the applicants and affording them an opportunity of personally stating their cases.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the claim of Maurice Tobin, Ballinanima, Kilfinane, county Limerick, for a pension was passed on two occasions by the local committee, and whether, on appeal to the Local Government Board, the pension officer upset their decision; is he aware that Tobin's age could not be found in any of the Census Returns or on any register; whether the men who comprise the local pension committee, and who are fully satisfied that this man is beyond the age limit, are to be over-ruled by one who knows nothing whatever of this man's age; and will steps be taken to see that this man is no longer deprived of his pension?

Maurice Tobin was twice granted a pension of 5s. a week by the Kilfinane Pension Sub-Committee, and on each occasion, on appeal by the pension officer, the Local Government Board disallowed the claim as no evidence of age was submitted. The onus of proof rests with the claimant, who must satisfy the pension authorities that he has attained the statutory age.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will explain why James Heney, of Market Street, Enniskillen, who it is certified, was born on 25th February, 1838, has been refused an old age pension?

The Local Government Board upheld the appeal of the pension officer against the decision of the Fermanagh County Pension Committee to award James Heney a pension, on the ground that his means exceeded the statutory limit of £31 10s. per annum. Before arriving at their decision the Board had a careful inquiry made into the case by one of their inspectors.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state on what grounds William Tinney, of Carrick, Castlefin, county Donegal, was deprived of his pension; and is he aware that Tinney's age is given as two years in the Census of 1841?

The Local Government Board upheld the appeal of the pension officer on the ground that William Tinney was under the statutory age. The William Tinney whose age was recorded as two years in the Census of 1841 is shown by the Census Return of 1851 to have died in 1847. The claimant was only one year old in 1851.

asked the Chief Secretary whether James Crown, of Stranorlar, county Donegal, has been deprived of his pension; and, if so, on what grounds?

In April, 1910, the Local Government Board upheld the appeal of the pension officer against a decision of the Stranorlar pension sub-committee awarding James Crown a pension of 5s. a week on the ground that there was no satisfactory evidence of the claimant having attained the statutory age. The Board are at present investigating a second claim which Crown has made.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Estates Commissioners are at present investigating the terms of purchase agreed to by the landlord and tenants on the Heard estate; and, if so, what action they intend taking in connection with the case of Mr. Corkery, who was evicted from his holding on that estate?

The Estates Commissioners have received an application from Mrs. Ellen Corkery for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by her on the estate of Richard Heard, and now in the possession of another tenant, and have noted her name for consideration in the allotment of any suitable untenanted land which may be acquired by them. The Commissioners cannot identify any estate of Richard Heard as pending before them for sale under the Land Purchase Acts.

asked the Chief Secretary whether an application has been received by the Estates Commissioners for reinstatement from James Woods, of Argrey, Ballindrait, county Donegal; and whether it is proposed to provide him with a farm?

The reply to the first paragraph of the question is in the affirmative. Woods' name has been noted for consideration in the allotment of any suitable untenanted land which may be acquired by the Estates Commissioners.

asked whether a number of licensed publicans were over a year ago appointed to the commission of the peace in county Mayo; whether each such publican was required, as a condition of his appointment, to undertake to cease to be a licensed publican; whether, in fact, only one of such persons has ceased to be licensed and he has only transferred his licence to his son, and resides on and manages the licensed premises still; and is it proposed to take any effective steps to compel these publican justices to comply in substance with the conditions of their appointment; and, if so, within what limit of time from their becoming justices?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question asked by him on 3rd February. With regard to the last two paragraphs of the question, the Lord Chancellor informs me that in the exercise of his discretion, and having regard to the necessities of the several districts, he does not now propose to requre the remainder of the justices to transfer their licences.

asked the Chief Secretary if, having regard to the offer of the Belfast Corporation, he will consider the advisability of legislation placing the resident magistrates in Belfast on similar conditions to those enjoyed by the Dublin police magistrates?

I agree that legislation giving effect to the offer of the Corporation to supplement the salaries of the Belfast resident magistrates would be desirable. I see no opportunity, however, of introducing a Bill for the purpose at present. I would suggest to the hon. Member that he might consider whether the object could not be carried out by inserting clauses in the Belfast Local Bill now before Parliament.

asked the Chief Secretary (1) why, if England gets from the Exchequer nearly a million per annum for secondary education, and Scotland a quarter of a million, Ireland, which has few educational endowments, gets not one penny from the same source; and when does he propose to take steps to secure to Ireland equal treatment in this matter; and (2) whether his attention has been called to representative meetings held recently in Dublin, Cork, and other important centres in Ireland, calling on the Government to contribute towards secondary education in Ireland in proportion to the amounts yearly voted for England and Scotland; whether he is aware that, while large sums are voted annually from the Treasury for secondary education in England, Scotland, and Wales, not one penny is voted for this purpose in Ireland; and what action does he propose to take in the matter?

My attention has been called to the meetings referred to. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury has pointed out in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Mid Armagh on the 13th February, any comparison between England, Scotland, and Ireland in connection with the question of Secondary Education is apt to be misleading, owing to the differences of I the systems adopted in each case. The whole question of provision for Intermediate Education in Ireland will, no doubt, have to be considered before long, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the desire on the part of the public in Ireland to provide facilities for the clever children attending the primary schools to obtain scholarships which would carry them onto the university, and seeing that secondary schools in England to qualify for the higher grant from the Education Board must provide at least 25 per cent. free places for children attending primary schools he will take steps to provide some such facilities for children attending Irish primary schools?

The question of providing facilities for secondary education for pupils of primary schools in Ireland is one deserving most careful consideration, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, according to the report of Messrs. Dale and Stephens, the average salary paid to assistants in Irish secondary schools is £84 per annum for men and £48 for women; whether he will state the average salary paid to secondary teachers in England, Scotland, and Wales; and whether he intends taking any steps to secure that salaries in keeping with the importance of the work they discharge be paid to those teachers?

The hon. Member's reference to Messrs. Dale and Stephens' Report is approximately correct, but as the salaries of secondary teachers in Ireland are not defrayed from public funds I have no power to deal with them. I am not in a position to say what the average salary of secondary teachers in England, Scotland, and Wales may be.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the system of agricultural credit banks for the assistance of the farming and cottier population prevails to any extent in Ireland; in so far as these banks exist are they due solely to voluntary effort and co-operative endeavour, or has the Department of Agriculture taken any part in their promotion, and, if so, to what extent; is he aware that the system of agricultural credit banks has been widely encouraged and generously supported by Continental states; and will he state the powers and intentions of the Irish Department of Agriculture in regard to their extension and popularisation in Ireland?

I understand that there are over 260 co-operative agricultural credit societies in Ireland. The Department of Agriculture in Ireland do not directly promote the formation of such societies, but render them financial assistance by way of loan in suitable cases. I am aware that systems of agricultural credit are in extensive operation in certain Continental states, and the question as to the best method of further developing agricultural credit in Ireland is under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when the Hamilton estate, situated in Carrowdough, Stradhill, county Sligo, and the estates of Mr. Crichson, the Gethin's estate, and Captain Cooper's estate, all situated near Knocknarea, county Sligo, are likely to be purchased by the Estates Commissioners in order to relieve the congestion which is prevalent in this district?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the estate of James Hamilton, county Sligo, is pending before the Commissioners for sale to them under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and will be dealt with in order of priority. The estates of A. J. Crichton, Captain George Gething, and Captain Bryan R. Cooper, county Sligo, are the subject of direct sale proceedings under the Land Purchase Acts. There is untenanted land included in the latter two estates and the question of its acquisition by the Commissioners will be considered when the estates are being dealt with in their order of priority.

asked the Chief Secretary whether a memorial has been received by the Estates Commissioners from Richard Kearney, a sub-tenant on the estate of Mrs. Odium, Cappencur, Tullamore, King's county, praying that he may be included in the sale and afforded an opportunity of purchasing his holding; and, in view of the fact that the estate only comprises one farm, the tenant of which is Mr. John M'Bride, Kilcooney, Cloneygowan, Portarlington, and that Kearney is the sole sub-tenant on the property, will he see that his right to purchase under the Act of 1903 is made a condition of the sale?

The Estates Commissioners have received the memorial referred to, and when the estate is being dealt with in order of priority they will consider whether they will declare Kearney to be the tenant of his holding for the purpose of sale under Section (15) of the Irish Land Act, 1903.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state what is the amount of money remaining in the custody of the Commissioners of Charitable Bequests in Ireland out of the moneys bequeathed to the town of Newmarket, county Cork, by the Aldworth family; and who are the trustees having charge of the administration of this fund?

The amount to the credit of this Charity in the hands of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests in Ireland, who are the trustees having administration of the fund, is £419 1s. 1d. Consols.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a colony of congested holdings is to be found in the town-land of Gilroe, barony of Killartan, Gort; and that twelve small holdings hold between them not more than £20 worth of land; whether the Estates Commissioners are at present dealing with a large estate in the same locality; and, if so, whether he will direct the attention of the Commissioners to the position of these people, with a view of alloting them some land?

The lands of Gilroe would not appear to be pending for sale before the Estates Commissioners under the Land Purchase Acts. If the Commissioners acquire untenanted land in the neighbourhood they will have due regard to the wants and circumstances of the tenants in the vicinity.

asked the Chief Secretary what steps, if any, have been taken by the Congested Districts Board to acquire that portion of the Ventry estate situate at Glounawadra, near Kingswilliamstown, county Cork?

The Congested Districts Board have agreed with Lord Ventry as to the purchase price of the lands referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state when the agreements for purchase were lodged in the estate of Mrs. Bertha Dillon, Rathgordon, Herbertstown, county Limerick, and how soon the vesting orders may be issued?

The estate referred to has been purchased by the Estates Commissioners, and the purchase undertakings of the purchasing tenants were obtained in June, 1909. The Commissioners hope to vest the lands in the tenants at an early date.

asked what is the cause of the delay in the completion of the sale of the White estates at Drombane and Mountsion, Dromkeen, county Limerick; and, having regard to the fact that the purchase agreements have been entered into since 1906, will steps be taken to have the sale completed as soon as possible?

The agreements for the purchase by the tenants of their holdings on the estate referred to were not lodged with the Estates Commissioners until May, 1907, and the estate has not yet been reached in order of priority to be dealt with.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the paragraph in the annual report for 1910–11 of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce with regard to the consequences resulting to jurors from their unnecessary detention at the courts; and whether he proposes to take any action in this matter?

My attention has been called to the matter referred to, which is not one for the Executive Government, but for the Judges of the High Court. I understand that the question has been considered by the Judges on several occasions, and that while they feel every sympathy with the jurors in the discharge of the onerous duties imposed upon them by law, and have endeavoured as far as possible to so adjust the business as to relieve individual jurors, they consider that the interests of the poorer litigants in the Civil Bill Courts have a special claim to precedence, and they regret they are unable to depart from the practice of hearing Civil Bill Appeals in the Record Court immediately after the opening of the Commission.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a sufficient water supply is much needed in connection with the fishing industry at Downings, county Donegal; and if he can say why the works in connection with the scheme have been stopped?

The Milford Rural District Council have applied to the Local Government Board for sanction to a loan of £375 to carry out the proposed works, and their inspector found on visiting the place that the works had already been commenced. The Board, before being in a position to sanction the loan, found it necessary to address the council regarding the quality of the water to be utilised for the proposed supply, and they await a reply on the subject. There is no information as to the alleged stoppages of the works.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can arrange to have the national teachers paid monthly?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the similar question of the hon. Member for South Dublin on 3rd instant.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the number of Irish national school teachers who were promoted to Grade I. (2) and Grade I. (1), respectively, for each of the years 1908, 1909, and 1910; how many teachers in each of the above grades, and for each of the above years, did not receive any increment to their salary on promotion from Grade II. to Grade I. (2), or from Grade I. (2) to Grade I. (1), although entitled to such increment according to Rule 105 (a) of the Commissioners; and whether the Government will take any steps to remedy the conditions of which Irish national school teachers complain?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the number of national school teachers promoted to the first section, first grade, from 1st April, 1909, and how many, promoted to second section, first grade from the same date have not yet received any increase of salary; how many promoted in these section grades from 1st April 1910, have not yet received any increase of salary; what is the reason for withholding the increases; and what action the Commissioners of Education propose to take in this matter?

The following table gives the required information:—

Year.	Number of Teachers Promoted.		Number of Teachers who did not receive Increments of Salary.
	To Grade I (2).	To Grade I (1).	Grade I (2).	Grade I (1).
1908	44	26	Nil.	Nil.
1909	99	51	0	8
1910	49	18	31	12

The postponement of increments of salary in the above cases was caused by the limitation of the numbers of teachers in Grades I. (2) and I. (1). As regards the final paragraph of the questions, I would refer the hon. Members to my reply to the similar question of the hon. Member for South Kerry on 12th July last.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will grant a Return giving dates on which, between 1901 and 1908, the chief inspectors of national schools held their annual conferences in each of the twenty-two or so inspection circuits in Ireland; and the name of the chief inspector present at each conference?

The Return asked for would take a considerable time to prepare, and the Commissioners of National Education are of opinion that the public value of the Return would not be at all commensurate with the time and labour involved.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that there are three inspectors of schools in each circuit in Ireland; whether one of these is always a senior inspector with certain jurisdiction over the other two; whether the subordinate inspectors run a risk of having their increments stopped, or being otherwise punished, in case their reports on any schools are more favourable than those of the senior inspector; and, if so, whether he will see that some regulation is made by which subordinate inspectors can conscientiously discharge their duties?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that there are three inspectors in each inspection circuit, one of whom is a senior inspector with certain supervising powers. The other inspectors run no risk of having their increments stopped or being otherwise punished for a conscientious discharge of their duties.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is expected that twenty-one German "Dreadnoughts" can be completed before the normal period when the ships of the current British programme will be in commission—namely, February, 1914?

I have no official information as to the dates of completion of any ships beyond the spring of 1913, when Germany will have seventeen delivered from the shipyards. Assuming that the ships of the 1911–12 programme are delivered from the shipyards three years after the date of authorisation, as is to be the case with those of the 1910–11 programme, Germany will have twenty-one "Dreadnoughts "delivered from the shipyards in the spring of 1914.

asked the First Lord with reference to his statement on 26th July, 1909, column 966, OFFICIAL REPORT, that five German ships were laid down in October, 1908, and January, 1909, what were the vessels referred to; and if he wall give for each separately the date of laying down and the date of completion for trials?

The ships referred to were:—" Ostfriesland," "Helgoland," "Thuringen," Moltke," and "Olden-berg." The exact official dates on which they were laid down have not been given. They will be delivered from the shipyards—"Helgoland," "Thuringen," "Moltke," in June, 1911; "Ostfriesland," in August, 1911; "Oldenberg," in the spring of 1912.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will give the laying-down date for the German vessels "Ostfreisland," "Helgoland," "Thuringen," "Moltke," Cruiser H, "Oldenburg," "Ersatz Heirhdal," and "Ersatz Hildebrand"?

I have no official information as to the dates on which these vessels were laid down.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that some of the workshops at the Chatham Dockyard, including those used by the joiners and smiths, have not been whitewashed or had the walls cleaned for over seven years, and that some of them are in a filthy condition; and whether he will take steps to put them in a sanitary condition?

The workshops are whitewashed at regular intervals, and there are only three of them now due for cleaning and whitewashing; these will be taken in hand as soon as circumstances permit. The joiners' and smiths' workshops at Chatham were whitewashed on the following dates:—

Joiners' shop No. 1	…	March, 1910.
" " No. 2	…	At present in hand.
Smiths' shop No. 1	…	1905.
" " No. 2	…	March, 1906.
" " No. 3

None of the workshops are in a filthy state, and so far as the joiners' and smiths' shops are concerned, the medical officer of the dockyard considers that they are in a sanitary condition. The Factory Acts relating to whitewashing are strictly complied with.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether women are employed in sack-making in Government factories under the control of the War Office; if so, whether such women are paid by time or by piece-work; and what is the prevailing rate of wages for such women?

Some work of this kind is given out at the Ordnance factories, Woolwich Arsenal, to women who are relatives of deceased workmen. They are paid at piecework prices which, if they were fully employed, would enable them to earn 28s. to 30s. for a 48-hour week, but the work is intermittent.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the pay, emoluments, and allowances of the officers holding the appointments of Inspector-General of Oversea Forces, Governor of Malta, and Governor of Gibraltar, respectively?

Each of these officers draws from public funds £5,000 a year in pay and allowances, with quarters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state if the total number of British troops at present serving in the Mediterranean and Egyptian commands includes such British troops as are stationed in the Soudan?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of hands at present employed at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, and Powder Mills, Waltham, respectively?

The number of employés are as follow:—

Royal Small Arms Factory	1,848
Royal Gunpowder Factory	700

The above figures are exclusive of the Building Works Department, but include those employed in the Central Office Accounts Branch on the work of these two factories. The numbers employed in the Building Works Department amount to twenty-four at Enfield and fifty-two at Waltham.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to re-establish the post of riding-master in regiments of cavalry of the line?

The reply is in the negative.

asked the Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Sapper T. Kelly, 55 Company, Royal Engineers, Regimental No. 284, at present stationed at Roberts Heights, Pretoria, South Africa; whether he is aware of the fact that this soldier's mother is in very delicate health and is fast failing, and that it is her earnest desire to have her son transferred to a Home station, as he would then be of more assistance to her; and whether, taking all those circumstances into account, an order will be made to have Kelly transferred to a Home station?

No representation in respect of this case has been received. When, however, it reaches the War Office it will receive careful consideration. I may point out that transfers to the Home establishment are only made, as a rule, on completion of a tour of service abroad and when passage is provided by public opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state why William Kane, Private No. 2709 D Company, late 5th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has not received his training bounty of £3 yearly for the last two years; and whether, seeing that this man is still entitled to be called out, he will see that the usual bounty be paid?

This man having elected to remain as a Militiaman on the formation of the Special Reserve, ceased to be entitled to non-training bounty after 1st February, 1909. He remains liable to service until his engagement terminates, but he is entitled to take a free discharge at any time if he so desires.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the active propaganda of Mormon principles at present prosecuted in Liverpool and district; and whether, in view of the character of the fundamental principles, His Majesty's Government will employ means to abate the nuisnnce?

I am making inquiry into this matter.

asked the Secretary for the Home Department, whether he has received an appeal for assistance on behalf of a family who, though entirely unconnected with the band of Lettish burglars, lost their whole possessions in the fire in Sidney Street, Stepney, in January last; and whether he can, in such a case, provide compensation out of the Metropolitan Police Fund or other sources?

The question of making some compassionate grant to persons who suffered losses not covered by insurance by reason of the fire will shortly be considered by a Board representing the Corporation of the City of London and the Metropolitan Police.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the agents recruiting coolies for the Crown Colonies are paid a commission per head upon the coolies they persuade to sign indentures; and whether, in view of the-abuses to which such practices must lead, His Majesty's Government will prohibit it?

The question is engaging the attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he is aware that the Mysore Government have accorded facilities to representatives of different religious denominations for giving religious instruction in Government schools and colleges in the State of Mysore; whether the introduction of the system in Mysore has been attended with successful results; and whether the Government of India will consider whether it is desirable to introduce a similar system in British India?

The Secretary of State understands that the Mysore Government has accorded some facilities for religious instruction in State schools and colleges, but he is not aware of their precise nature nor of the degree of success attained. The attention of the Government of India will be drawn to the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the forthcoming Durbar is estimated to cost a million pounds sterling; whether any part of this sum will be borne by the British Exchequer; and whether it can be provided that no extra taxation shall be borne by the poorer classes of His Majesty's subjects in India in consequence-of the expense of the Durbar?

Provision has been made in the Estimates of the Government of India for 1911–12 for an outlay of approximately £1,000,000 in connection with the visit of His Majesty the King to India. Against this there will be a considerable set-off, the amount of which cannot now be accurately estimated, in the shape of increased railway, post office, and telegraphic revenue, and certain recoveries. About one-third of the gross expenditure is debited to the military budget, the amount of which, however, is not increased above the figure of 1910–11. No extra taxation is to be imposed. The Secretary of State is not able at present to say what part, if any, of the expenditure in India will be borne by the British Exchequer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, what will be the import duties on manufactured tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, and other manufactured tobacco entering India under the decision of the Government of India to reduce the present duties, and from what date will this decision come into operation?

The import duties will be:—Unmanufactured tobacco, I rupee the pound.Cigars, I rupee 10 annas the pound.Cigarettes weighing less than 3 lb. per 1,000, 3 rupees 2 annas the 1,000.Cigarettes weighing 3 lb., or more, per 1,000, 1 rupee 4 annas the pound.Other manufactured tobacco, 1 rupee 2 annas the pound.A Bill to alter the duties has been introduced, and will probably be passed, this week. It is presumed that the new duties will take effect at once.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measure or measures caused the deadlock between the Upper and Lower Chambers in Queensland, which led to the amendment of the Constitution of Queensland by the passing of the Parliamentary Bills Referendum Act of 1908 (Queensland, 8 Edw. 7, No. 16)?

As stated in reply to a similar question on 21st April, 1910, the measures were certain provisions in the Elections Acts Amendment Bill and a "Wages Boards Bill.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Parliamentary Bills Referendum Act of 1908 (Queensland, 8 Edw. 7, No. 16) was reserved by His Majesty's Governor of Queensland for the signification of His Majesty's pleasure thereon; whether the same was laid before both Houses of the Imperial Parliament for the period of thirty days before His Majesty's pleasure thereon was signified; and, if so, on what date did such thirty days begin?

The Bill in question was reserved by the Governor and was assented to by Order in Council. Under the Australian States Constitution Act, 1907, it was not necessary to lay the Bill before the Houses of Parliament.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies what measure or measures caused the deadlock between the Upper and Lower Chambers in Queensland, which led to the Amendment of the Constitution of Queensland by the passing of the Parliamentary Bills Referendum Act of 1908 (Queensland, 8 Edw. 7, No. 16)?

As stated in reply to a similar question on 21st April, 1910, the measures were certain provisions in the Election Acts Amendment Bill and a Wages Boards Bill.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether the English church at Lagos is being built by the public works department of the Colony to the exclusion of all contractors; how much has been expended on the building, and how much of the cost has been contributed from voluntary sources and how much from public funds; what will be the total estimated cost of the building and when is it intended to complete it; and what was the amount actually received from voluntary sources towards building this church up to 31st December, 1910?

The church is being erected by the Public Works Department without the employment, of contractors. Up to 31st December last the total expenditure was £645 8s. 6d. The total receipts were: From private subscriptions, £1,543 17s. 8d. (all paid, no promised subscriptions remaining unpaid); Government Grant, £1,500. Total receipts, £3,043 17s. 8d. The intention is, I understand, to erect a portion only of the building immediately, at an estimated cost of £2,200, the remainder being constructed when more funds are available. It was announced in November last that for £4,000 a church could be completed sufficiently for use, but it is impossible to say when this will be carried out. I may add that full statements as to receipts and expenditure are published quarterly in the Government Gazettes, which I shall be happy to lend my hon. Friend if he desires it.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Immigration Department in Mauritius is in the habit of charging to planters fees which vary according to the physical conditions and ages of respective indentured coolies; and whether His Majesty's Government will take steps to abolish this practice?

My only knowledge of the practice is derived from an answer given by the protector of immigrants in Mauritius to a question asked by the Chairman of the Committee on Emigration for India to the Crown Colonies and Protectorates, which my hon. Friend will find reported on page 362 of Cd. 5193. I am not aware whether this custom obtains elsewhere, but as the result of it would seem to be the discouragement of the recruiting of unfit labourers, as at present advised I see no reason to object to the practice.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether any steps have yet been taken to effect economies and reforms in Mauritius as recommended by the recent Royal Commission; and, if so, can he indicate the nature and scope of such economies and reforms as have been introduced?

Steps have been taken towards carrying out the recommendations of the Royal Commission as regards the railways, the Executive Council, the Governor's salary, the amalgamation of the Customs and Harbour Departments and some minor matters. I am in correspondence with the Colonial Government on a number of other questions. Some of the most important of the Commissioners' recommendations must, however, await the approaching change in the Governorship, as it would not be possible for Sir Cavendish Boyle to deal with them in the short time which remains before he leaves the colony preparatory to his retirement.

asked whether it is proposed to establish a new branch at the Colonial Office, to be manned by Civil servants drawn from British Dominions and Colonies?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Turkish import duties are at the present time 11 per cent. ad valorem; if the Turkish Government has expressed a desire to raise them to 15 per cent.; if the consent of Great Britain is necessary before this can be done; if the Turkish Government have expressed their intention of allocating any additional revenue which may be realised by an increase in the Customs duties to any particular object; and, if so, to what object?

The answer to the first three questions is in the affirmative; that to the fourth is in the negative.

asked whether any representations have been received from the Australian Government in regard to the differentiation in the United States which is to be instituted against other parts of the British Empire by the proposed reciprocity agreement between the United States and Canada?

No, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will inform the House upon what commodities the British tariff preference in Canada is abolished by the new reciprocity arrangement between Canada and the United States; and upon what commodities the margin of preference is reduced by the same arrangement?

The information desired will be found in the Return on the proposed Customs Tariff Reciprocity Arrangement between the Dominion of Canada and the United States of America (Cd. 5537).

asked (1) what is the average value of imports from India into Persia for the five years 1895 to 1900, and for the last five years for which statistics are available; (2) what is the average value of imports from Russia and from Great Britain respectively, into Persia, for the five years 1895 to 1900, and for the last five years for which statistics are available?

The following statement shows the average annual value of the exports of merchandise from the United Kingdom, Russia, and British India to Persia in the years stated, as given in the trade accounts of the exporting countries:—

—	From United Kingdom.		From Russia.	From British India.
	Produce and Manufactures of the United Kingdom.	Re-exports of Foreign and Colonial Merchandise.
	£	£	£	£
Average 1895–1899	349,000*	15,000	1,680,000	959,000
Average 1905–1909	494,000*	9,000	2,956,000	727,000
* NOTE.—The recorded exports from the United Kingdom to Persia are considerably less than the imports into Persia of goods exported from the United Kingdom, a large part of the exports from this country which ultimately reach Persia being consigned in the first instance to places in Turkish territory. No Persian trade statistics are available for years prior to 1901–2; but according to those issued for the years 1905–9, the average value of the imports from the United Kingdom and British Possessions other than British East Indies in that period was £ 1,744,000.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the medical men who are proceeding to China to study the plague will visit places where plague is actually raging and study it on the spot; and whether they will investigate and report on the sanitary conditions of those places, or confine themselves to bacteriological studies in laboratories outside the infected area?

The International Plague Commission, which has been appointed on the invitation of the Chinese Government, will meet at Mukden on 3rd April, and, as at present arranged, will sit from two to five weeks. Dr. Farrar, the British representative, will arrive in the country some time earlier than this, so that he may make himself personally acquainted with the local conditions. I am not at present aware of the precise nature of the methods of investigation which the Commission may decide to adopt.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can see his way to supplement the work of Dr. Farrer by despatching to China a sanitary engineer or a recognised epidemiologist to make an independent investigation and report on the plague?

I do not think it is necessary to take the course suggested.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received a reply from the Ongar Rural District Council relative to the water supply and condition of the cottage in which Mrs. Woolmore and her family lived prior to her conviction?

I have not yet received a reply, but the matter will not be lost sight of.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was aware that the "Jersey Morning News" is charged the sum of £3 7s. per week for the cost of keeping open the local telegraph office after the hours of closing, which were normal before the said newspaper was established; whether any similar charge is made to any morning newspaper in Great Britain and Ireland; and whether any press telegrams or other class of traffic are sent over the wires between this country and Jersey during the hours for which the "Jersey Morning News" is charged the said sum of £3 7s. per week other than the press and private telegrams addressed to the "Jersey Morning News" during those house?

The facts are as stated. The Jersey post office is kept open after the usual hours solely for the "Jersey Morning News"; and that newspaper is called upon to pay the cost of the special facilities given to it. Similar charges are made in Great Britain and would be made in Ireland if the facilities were required there. During the time the office is open messages are no doubt received for addresses other than the "Jersey Morning News." but they are not delivered until the normal time for opening the office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the increasing furniture trade carried on at Mere, in Wilts, with every part of Great Britain, and the development of the milk industry in the neighbourhood, he can see his way to satisfy the desire expressed by traders, farmers, and professional men for the provision of telephonic facilities there?

The extension of telephonic facilities to Mere is dependent upon the opening of an exchange at Gillingham, where, unfortunately, I have not yet been able to find suitable accommodation. The matter will not be overlooked.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was aware of the inconvenience suffered by the traders and inhabitants of the town of Mere, in Wilts, owing to the lack of postal facilities, whereby letters despatched there from London are sent to Bath, thence, after transfer, by train to Wincanton, and thence 6½ miles journey by road to Mere, although Gillingham station on the main London and South-Western Railway line is only 4½ miles distant, whereby all telegrams are sent there viâ Shepton Mallet, a small village in Somerset, and whereby letters posted at 5 p.m. in Salisbury, only 24 miles distant, are not delivered at Mere until 2 p.m. the following day; and whether, in view of the restriction upon trade and inconvenience involved, he could take steps whereby the present postal arrangements at Mere and the neighbouring villages will be improved?

I have already under consideration the question of improving the postal service in this locality, and I will communicate further with the hon. Member as soon as a decision has been arrived at.

asked the Postmaster-General if he was aware that until recently all letters for the London districts posted in pillar-boxes within the East Central district, in time for the 6 p.m. collection, were entitled to be delivered the same evening, but that on the institution of the dual aperture pillar boxes, the public were asked to assist the postal authorities by dividing their correspondence into London and country respectively; and, seeing he has admitted that thousands of letters fail the final evening despatches to the district and sub-district offices daily, not through inadequacy of staff, but owing to London correspondence being posted in the country letter boxes, whether, in the circumstances, he intends to continue to penalise the public for their inability to define the postal border line between London and country?

The dual aperture letter-boxes were introduced more than ten years ago, when the inland section of the London postal service was moved to Mount Pleasant. The mistakes in posting appear to be due as a rule to want of care on the part of the posters, and not to any doubt whether the places of address are in London or not. It is not practicable to accord to incorrectly posted letters the same treatment as to those properly posted in the right apertures.

asked the Prime Minister, if he had received a number of resolutions from trade unions and kindred bodies protesting against the suggested new Poor Law order regulating outdoor relief; and if, in view of the interest shown in the subject, he would arrange that Members of this House interested in the subject may have an opportunity of discussing the order before it is issued?

I have received some representations on this subject. I understand that it is not the intention of my right hon. Friend to take action on the report of the Departmental Committee at present, and that, in the meantime, he will be happy to receive and consider any suggestions which may be made to him.

asked the Lord Advocate if, having regard to the fact that the school boards of Barvas, Lochs, and Uig, island of Lewis, incurred no expenditure last year for heating the twenty-eight public schools under their control, he will state whether the schools were heated at the cost of the respective headmasters; and, if not, by whom was the fuel supplied?

Inquiries are being made on the subject by the Department.

asked the Lord Advocate, whether he is aware that the Grimshader public school, island of Lewis, is without a water supply and that, although fifty-five children are in daily attendance at the school, there are no pegs on which the children can hang their cloaks, with the result that in wet weather many of the children run a risk of chill through having to wear damp garments when returning home; and will the Scottish Education Department take such steps as may be necessary to secure the rectification of these deficiencies?

The school named is on a high, rocky site, and the provision of a direct water supply on the premises is stated by the local medical officer to be a matter of formidable difficulty. He considers the present arrangements quite passable in the circumstances. With regard to cloak pegs, the Department understand that minor repairs to the school, which are already in progress, will include improvement of the lobby furnishing.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that although the public school at Grimshader, Lochs, island of Lewis, is not capable of accommodating more than forty-two pupils there are as many as fifty-five pupils on the school register; and, seeing that this results in overcrowding, will he state whether the Lochs school board propose to provide additional accommodation?

The school population has been on the increase, and the School Board have lodged plans for a small extension of the school, but have not been able to start building owing to lack of funds. This Board is in a very difficult position financially owing very largely to the fact that recent expenditure on repairs to school buildings has been very heavy.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that the proprietor of Amat, Ardgay, Ross-shire, contemplates converting the Amatnatua Hill pasture into deer forest, and, seeing that this land is at present used by the crofter lease-holders located in the neighbourhood as grazing for their sheep, on whom they chiefly depend for their livelihood, will the I Government consider the expediency of introducing legislation such as will prevent the constant extension of the deer forest area, especially bearing in mind that such action on the part of the Highland landlords not only deprives crofters of a means of earning their living but also deprives the country of a source of food supplies?

I have no information as to the intentions of the proprietor, who, I understand, is at present abroad. My hon. Friend is well aware of the policy of the Government, as indicated by their legislative proposals in regard to Scottish land.