asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the statement by Lord Carrington referring to the embargo on Argentine cattle to the effect that the Foreign Office is kept constantly informed as to the fluctuations of disease in Argentina, and that the latest reports show that the country is still unable to present a clean bill of health, what official reports dealing with the matter referred to have been received since the 1st January last, and from whom they were received; and would he lay upon the Table copies of such reports and of any correspondence which has passed between His Majesty's Government and the Argentine Government on this matter since the 1st January last?

No correspondence has passed on the subject with the Argentine Government since the date mentioned. A report has been received from H.M. Consul at Rosario, dated December 31st, stating that oases of disease had been notified. A report recently received from H.M. Minister at Buenos Aires stated that, in view of the exceptionally virulent character of the present outbreak, measures were being taken for the more effective sanitary supervision of animals.

asked whether there is any instance in the last thirty years in which foodstuffs carried on a neutral vessel have been condemned by a Prize Court of any nation as absolute contraband of war; and, if so, when and by whom?

I am not aware that such cases have actually occurred. Foodstuffs were not condemned as absolute contraband in the Prize Courts of either Russia or Japan, but if the hon. and learned Member will refer to the question asked by the hon. Member for Central Bradford yesterday, he will see that in various cases during the Russo-Japanese war foodstuffs were condemned without any clear proof that they were intended for Government use, and when they were shipped under conditions which afforded no satisfactory reasons for assuming that they were so destined.

Not on the ground that they were contraband?

Not on the ground that they were contraband, but without any proof that they were.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would state which, if any, of the articles enumerated in Article 28 of the Declaration of London as not capable of being declared contraband of war have been within the last 30 years declared contraband of war; by what Powers and under what circumstances; if he would say in what instances within the last 30 years any of the articles so enumerated have been condemned by a Prize Court as contraband of war; and whether any of the Powers represented at the Naval Conference in London claimed at such conference to exclude any of the articles so enumerated from the provisions of Article 28?

Cotton is the only article included in the free list in Article 28 of the Declaration of London which has been definitely declared by a belligerent to be contraband within the last thirty years. On 8th April, 1904, a Supplementary Imperial Order was issued by the Russian Government that cotton should be included amongst the articles declared to be contraband in the notification of the 14th of February, 1904; and cotton was condemned as contraband in the Russian Prize Courts in the cases of the "Calchas" and the "St. Kilda." I find that there were other articles which were condemned in the Prize Courts of First Instance during the Russo-Japanese War, but in regard to which the decisions were subsequently reversed on appeal. Amongst them may be cited the following: Paper, knitting machines, glass ware, window glass, paint, aniline dyes, wearing apparel, copra, hemp, camphor, bristles, chairs, old indiarubber, varnish, tanned sheepskins and hides. In some cases these final decisions were not pronounced until long after the war had ended, and the object of the free list is to ensure that the shipping trade of neutrals shall not be dislocated by the capture of goods of this kind, which can have no connection with the military operations of the belligerents. No article could have been inserted in the free list against the wish of any of the Powers represented at the Naval Conference, but some of the articles ultimately included were objected to in the first instance by some of the Powers, for example, the important article of cotton.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division of the High Court of Justice sitting as a Prize Court has jurisdiction throughout the whole of His Majesty's dominions and has power to enforce its orders against our fellow subjects within its jurisdiction; whether he is aware that there is a large number of decisions of the Prize Courts of this Country in which the law of nations of particular points has been declared and applied by those courts, and orders have been made and enforced against our fellow subjects in accordance with the law so declared, and that the law of nations so declared by our Prize Courts constitutes the unwritten law to which our Prize Courts are bound to conform in giving their decisions, unless and until an alteration has been made therein in such a manner as to become binding on our fellow subjects; whether an alteration in that unwritten law can be made binding upon and enforced against our fellow subjects by a treaty or convention made in the exercise of the royal prerogative without the authority of Parliament; and, if the answer to the last question be in the affirmative, whether, in view of modern constitutional usage, it is intended to make alterations in such unwritten law which may injuriously affect our fellow subjects without the authority of Parliament?

The answer to the first three questions is in the affirmative. That to the last is in the negative, inasmuch as, although I do not admit that any provisions of the Declaration of London could have the injurious effect referred to, I have already stated, in answer to a supplementary question asked on 18th November, 1910, that the consent of Parliament is constitutionally not necessary to the ratification of the Declaration of London, but as is well known no Government would advise His Majesty to ratify a Convention against the declared opinion of the House of Commons.

In giving that answer has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the case of Walker and Baird which has been brought before the Privy Council?

My attention has not been called to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Law Officers?

If the hon. Member will put down a question, an unstarred question, so that I can be quite sure what he refers to, I will then consider the point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he had any information respecting the robbing of an English courier in Morocco and the reported insurrectionary movement in that country?

I have no information respecting the robbing of an English courier in Morocco. I learn from His Majesty's Minister at Tangier that the tribes round Fez have revolted against the Moorish Government, and that the situation is serious.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention had been called to the attack on two British subjects near Isphan, and to the recent robberies from caravans between Shiraz and Isphan; and whether he proposed to take decisive steps to safeguard British subjects and British trade along the trade routes in Southern Persia?

I have not received information from His Majesty's Minister at Teheran respecting the attack on two British subjects; but a telegraphic report respecting the caravan robberies has been received. Sir George Barclay has made strong representations to the Persian Government on the subject, urging them immediately to despatch a force from Shiraz to punish the robbers and recover the stolen property, and to hasten the arrival there of the Governor-General. He states that the Persian Government are alive to the gravity of the situation, and are making a serious effort to carry out their undertaking to restore order on the roads of southern Persia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention had been drawn to the fact that Farid Bey, the leader of the National party in Egypt, was tried not under the ordinary law but under a special law enacted last year by decree; whether, under this law, the accused is tried by judges specially selected by the executive, without jury or right of appeal; and whether, in view of the character of the offence alleged against Farid Bey, he will advise the Egyptian Government to remit the remainder of his sentence?

The law dealing with Press offences was amended last year by a decree promulgated before the commission of the offence for which Mohammed Farid Bey was convicted. There is therefore no special connection between the amendment of the law and the case in point. I have no information with regard to the matters dealt with in the second part of the question, and the reply to the third part is in the negative. His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General in Egypt has been instructed to send a report on the trial.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention has been called to a meeting of the General Coptic Assembly at Assiut on Monday 6th March, and to the allegation that difficulties arose between the Coptic authorities and the Egyptian Government as to the place and character of the meeting; whether he has received from Egypt any reports as to the objects and conduct of the meetings; and whether he has received any communications criticising the action of the Egyptian Government in connection with the meetings of the Coptic Committee or Coptic General Assembly?

The reply to all the hon. Member's questions is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he was aware that the Glin District Council have appointed as clerk the wife of the late clerk, who was dismissed and fined in sums of £10 and £30, and is now serving a term of three months' imprisonment for a criminal assault on a child under the age of sixteen, to whom he had to pay £40 compensation; and whether the Local Government Board have sanctioned the appointment of the wife of a convicted felon to this position?

No permanent appointment has yet been made to the position of clerk of the Glin Rural District Council. The wife of the late clerk was unanimously appointed to act as temporary clerk, and the appointment has received the sanction of the Local Government Board.

Would it not be possible to appoint some one of more respectable antecedents?

It does not always follow that a woman is to be classed with her husband. A woman may marry a scoundrel.

Has this gentleman vacated his appointment, and if so, why is only a temporary appointment made and why are not advertisements inserted for the election of a successor?

I cannot really answer that question. The post is vacant, and a temporary appointment has been made.

When will advertisements be published for the new appointment?

I will inquire.

asked whether the grazing ranch of Branchfield, at present in the nominal occupation of Mr. McKimm and situate in the parish of Mullinabreena, Tubbercurry rural district, county Sligo, had yet been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Boards; and, if not, whether, seeing that the average value of the other holdings on that estate does not exceed £3, and that this farm, if divided, would relieve congestion in the district, the Board will open negotiations at once for the purchase of this farm?

The Congested Districts Board were informed that the farm in question was the subject of proceedings before the Estates Commissioners, and they therefore declined to enter into negotiations for its purchase until it was vested in Mr. McKimm.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on the 23rd May, 1910, a memorial signed by a number of cottiers residing in the congested districts of Carnaleck and Ballyglass, situate near Cloonacool, Tubbercurry rural district, county Sligo, was sent to the Congested Districts Board, in which it was pointed out that there were four nonresidential farms and one grazing ranch in the neighbourhood suitable for the enlargement of small holdings; whether one of the farms referred to in the memorial, namely, Carnaleck, has recently been purchased over the heads of the tenants by a police pensioner named Henry; and, if so, what action the Board propose to take in the matter?

The Congested Districts Board did not receive the memorial referred to, but received several other memorials asking them to negotiate for the purchase of these lands, and they have communicated with the owner. The lands of Ballyglass, including 343 acres of untenanted land, have been offered to the Board, and will be inspected as soon as practicable. The lands of Carnaleck have not been offered to the Board, who have no information as to the alleged purchase of this farm.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have taken any and, if so, what steps to complete the negotiations for the purpose of the Blenner-hassett estate, near Caragh, county Kerry?

The Congested Districts Board offered to negotiate with the tenants for the sale of the unsold portion of the estate, and were informed that the owner was not prepared to agree to this on the proposed terms. They will again communicate with the agent.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that no steps have yet been taken by the Estates Commissioners to secure the reinstatement of John Golden, an evicted tenant on the Morrogh Bernard estate, near Caherciveen, county Kerry; and whether the application will be dealt with in the near future?

The holding in question is now in the occupation of Golden's niece, and the Estates Commissioners have decided to take no action in the matter.

asked whether, in view of the urgency of the case, the Board of National Education for Ireland have applied for funds from the Treasury to enable schools to be built at Coalisland, county Tyrone, to accommodate 300 children; and, if not, whether they intend doing so?

As stated in reply to the hon. Member's question on 2nd instant, the case of the school referred to is one of several which have recently been the subject of correspondence with the Treasury. It has not been put forward by the Commissioners of National Education as a case of greater urgency than a number of others.

asked whether the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland, in their Report for the year 1910, state that the Treasury Grant is wholly inadequate for their immediate needs; and what steps he intends to take, if any, to impress upon the Treasury the necessity of supplying the necessary funds?

I have seen the statement referred to. The Irish Government have been for some time in communication with the Treasury on the subject. The way the matter stands is this: The amount provided for the six years ending 31st March, 1913, is £240,000. Of this amount only £147,722 has been actually paid out by the Board of Works, but the Commissioners of National Education have sanctioned grants to the amount of £235,887, and have approved provisionally of the erection of schoolhouses in 130 additional cases, at a total estimated cost of £135,000. It will be seen, therefore, that the Commissioners have anticipated to a considerable extent the Parliamentary Grants, and are not in a position to enter into fresh obligations. In that sense there are no funds available, but there is still £92,278 to be spent before the £240,000 is exhausted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to have this grant increased?

I quite agree that from the point of view of the necessities of Ireland this grant is insufficient. Of course, there are a great many other demands made upon the Treasury.

asked in how many cases the erection or completion of vested schools in Ireland is being delayed because of the failure of the Treasury to provide the grants which they have provided for many years past in similar cases?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply just given to the hon. Member for East Tyrone. There are at present before the Commissioners of National Education 262 applications for grants towards the erection of new school-houses which cannot be dealt with owing to the fact that the funds provided for building grants have already been earmarked for other cases. I have no reason to believe that there is any case in which the completion of a school-house already in course of erection has been delayed from want of funds.

In view of the very large number of schools awaiting these grants will the right hon. Gentleman try to push the negotiations with the Treasury at an early date so as to get some money?

If the hon. Member only knew all that I am doing with the Treasury he would not question my activity in the matter.

asked whether the Chief Secretary is now in a position to state the result of his negotiations with the Treasury on the subject of providing a moiety of the cost of adequately heating and cleansing Irish national schools; and, if so, whether he will support the Bill for that purpose introduced by the hon. Member for East Down?

The negotiations are still going on, and I am not without hope of being able to effect the object in view without recourse to legislation, but I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any intimation as to when will be a suitable time to put down a question?

Yes, I will communicate with the hon. Gentleman, whom I compliment on the activity he has shown in this matter.

asked whether provision has been or is being made by the Treasury to carry into effect the reform some time ago requested by the National Board and already promised, namely, to secure assistant teachers in their positions by allowing a fall of ten units in the present appointing averages before salaries are withdrawn?

The matter referred to is at present the subject of correspondence between the Irish Government and the Treasury.

asked whether the Chief Secretary will state where the investigations of the police, so far as they have gone, lead him to believe the McCann children are hidden?

The investigations of the police do not enable a definite answer to be given. There is a report that the father is in America, that the children have been taken out to him, but the police have not as yet been able to find out whether the rumour is true.

asked if the Chief Secretary's attention had been called to the sale of foreign tobacco as Irish grown; and if he will at once see that the proper authorities take steps to deal with this fraud on Irish industry?

My attention has been drawn to this matter, and inquiry is being made respecting it.

asked whether the Chief Secretary is aware that a man named John Wilson, when being prosecuted at Cavan petty sessions on 25th February for making a false attestation on a recruiting form, by saying he was not married when in fact he was married, made a statement to the effect that he believed that when a Roman Catholic was married to a Protestant it was no marriage, and that he had explained his position to his priest, who had told him there was no marriage and had advised him to answer "No" to the question, "Are you married or single," in the attestation paper; and whether, in view of the widespread feelings which have resulted from the Ne Temere decree in Ireland, the right hon. Gentleman will say what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

Wilson made the statement attributed to him, but the presiding magistrate, who was himself a Roman Catholic, expressed his belief that Wilson knew perfectly well he was married, and he was convicted and sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment. The existing law is quite sufficient to meet such cases.

asked whether Mr. Patrick Skerry, Ballyboy, Gort, was evicted out of his holding on the estate of Lord Gough, on the 6th September, 1888; whether he was informed in February last that the Estates Commissioners do not intend to provide him with a holding; and will the Chief Secretary explain the reasons which induced the Commissioners to exclude this man from the benefits of the Evicted Tenants Act?

The Estates Commissioners have received an application from Patrick Skerry, seeking reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by him, and now in the occupation of another tenant, and have decided to take no action in the case. It would be contrary to the established practice to state the reasons which actuate the Commissioners in the exercise of the discretion vested in them.

asked the total number of applications from evicted tenants in the county of Meath; how many were admitted; how many satisfied; and how many are still without holdings?

I would refer the hon. Member to Table XXVII. in the Appendix to the Report of the Estates Commissioners for the year ending 31st March, 1910, which gives the information he requires.

asked whether Bernard Dunne, an evicted tenant from the Radcliffe estate, at Drominiskin, county Meath, applied for reinstatement or for an equivalent holding; whether he was waited on by an inspector from the Estates Commissioners; and, if so, what action it is proposed to take in his case?

Dunne's application has been inquired into and noted for consideration in the allotment of any suitable untenanted land acquired by the Estates Commissioners.

asked whether Mrs. Michael Monaghan, of Glones, Athenry, sent in an originating request to the Estates Commissioners in reference to certain lands which she is willing to part with in the vicinity of Glones; whether the district is one which suffers largely from small marshy holdings; and whether the Chief Secretary "will communicate with the Estates Commissioners and point out to them the advisability of acquiring those lands in the interest of the congests?

An originating request has not been lodged for the sale of these lands to the Estates Commissioners. The owner expressed her willingness to sell portion of the lands to the Commissioners, who after inspection decided not to make an offer. Mrs. Monaghan has recently informed the Commissioners that she is willing to sell the property, and her letter is being referred to the Congested Districts Board as the lands are situate in a congested districts county.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have made any move with a view to the purchase of the untenanted lands on the estate of Lord Clarina, at Carrig East and Carrig West; whether Lord Clarina is striving to have the land and the price of it by getting Lady Clarina made tenant under the Land Act; if so, will steps be taken to prevent such a thing occurring, as there are numerous smallholders, labourers, and the sons of evicted tenants in the locality; are the Estates Commissioners aware that this land is grazed for the most part by eleven months' graziers; and that it is two miles away from the residence of the landlord, and cannot by any means be classed as demesne land?

The owner has included in the estate for sale under the Irish Land Act, 1903, the lands referred to and has requested that they be resold to him under the provisions of Section 3 of that Act. The matter will be dealt with in order of priority.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have received any communication from Mr. Stafford Delmege offering the untenanted land on his estate at Raheen, Knocklong, county Limerick, for sale; if so, how many acres does he intend to sell to them; and whether the land has been inspected with a view to its purchase?

The owner has included some forty-nine acres of untenanted land on the estate at present pending for sale under the Land Purchase Acts. The estate has not yet been reached in order of priority, and it has not been inspected.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant a day to allow the House to discuss the present position of land purchase in Ireland; and whether, in the event of the answer being in the negative, he can name a date for the introduction of this year's Irish Estimates?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. At the moment I cannot yet say at what date it will be convenient to take the Irish Estimates.

asked whether any preventative measures have been taken by the Government to prevent a recurrence of the typhoid epidemic which visited and ruined so many families in the bog area of Glones, Athenry, all through last year; whether he is aware that the tenants are living in a wilderness of marsh and bog, and in constant terror of invading disease; whether the Browne estate in the district has been offered to the Commissioners; and whether, in view of the urgency of dealing with this fever-threatened district as soon as possible, the right hon. Gentleman will direct the attention of the Estates Commissioners and the Congested Districts Board to the exceptional circumstances of this village with a view of removing the people on to the lands of the Browne and Monahan estates?

Five cases of typhoid fever which occurred in two families at the place referred to were notified to the Local Government Board during the year 1910. The usual precautionary measures were carried out. It devolves on the sanitary authority and their officers and not upon the Local Government Board to take preventive action in connection with outbreaks of infectious disease. The Glones section of the Browne Estate has been offered to the Congested Districts Board, and the offer will be considered by them. The Monahan estate was offered for sale in 1906, but the offer was declined by the Board.

asked whether the Local Government Board is aware that several district councils are in the habit of giving undue preference in the letting of labourers' cottages; and whether the Board will direct the attention of all rural district councils in Ireland to the decision of the King's Bench Division that they are bound to frame regulations as directed by Section 29 of the Labourers Act, 1906, and that these regulations are to provide that on the first lettings preference is to be given to the labourers upon whose representations the scheme was based?

The Local Government Board are not aware that it is habitual to give undue preference in the letting of labourers' cottages. The Board have called the attention of each district council to the necessity of framing the regulations required by the section referred to, and most of the councils who have been authorised to provide labourers' cottages have already submitted regulations containing the clause regarding first lettings. The Board are in communication with the remaining councils with a view to the requisite regulations being expedited.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the greater part of the district councils throughout Ireland have adopted the additional half-acre scheme under the Labourers' Acts, he will see his way to have a clause inserted in the Labourers' Bill now before Parliament making the scheme compulsory on those few councils who have refused to adopt it heretofore?

No, Sir. It is far more important that a labourer living in an insanitary hovel should be provided with a new cottage and half an acre than that an additional allotment should be given to one who already enjoys those advantages.

asked how many extra policemen were employed in Cork City during the election in December last; how many persons were prosecuted for having committed assaults, for having been guilty of riotous or disorderly conduct; and whether the Chief Secretary will state the amount of the claims for malicious injuries caused during the election?

Five officers and 258 extra police were employed in Cork City during the election; sixty-two persons were prosecuted for the offences named; and the amount of claims for malicious injuries was £62 15s.

asked whether Thomas Tobin, of Ballinanima, Kilfinane, whose claim for a pension has on two occasions been rejected by the Local Government Board on the recommendation of the pension officer, produced before the local committee and the pension officer written statements by "even respectable people, all of whom verified that this man was beyond seventy, and who are prepared to make an affidavit to that effect; and whether, in view of the provision that in cases such as this, where no evidence of age can be found officially, evidence and statements of those to whom the applicant has been known for more than forty or fifty years would be sufficient, the right hon. Gentleman will explain why in this particular case the officer has ignored the evidence of respectable witnesses as well as upsetting the decision of the local committee?

The Local Government Board do not appear to have received any appeal in this case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how it is that this man had to satisfy the Local Government Board and the pension officer as to age when his name cannot be found in the Census or local register, and that the Local Government Board and the pension officer absolutely refused to accept the statement of men who had known the applicant during the last forty or fifty years?

The matter has not yet been before the Local Government Board.

asked what is the objection to grant James Heney, aged seventytwo, of Market Street, Enniskillen, an old age pension, as he is a poor man, and there is no objection as to age?

As stated in my reply to the hon. Member on the 6th instant, the Local Government Board, after careful inquiry, considered that Heney's means exceeded the statutory limit.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the consensus of opinion in the House on the subject of removing the disabilities under the Old Age Pensions Act in respect of, firstly, disqualification of a man through receipt of poor relief by his wife, and, secondly, disqualification through temporary residence abroad, if he will give the time necessary for the passage into law of a Bill to remove the disqualifications referred to?

As I said, in reply to a similar question yesterday, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is considering these matters, and he hopes shortly to make a statement to the House.

asked on what grounds Margaret. Harte, of Banagher, Fivemilebourne, Sligo district, No. 292, was deprived of an old age pension notwithstanding the fact that her age was found in the Census of 1851 to be ten years, and on further search in the Record Office she was shown to be two years of age in 1841; and whether, having regard to these facts, she would be granted a pension, together with the amount due since the date of application, 15th June, 1909?

I understand that Margaret Harte's pension was withdrawn by the Local Government Board in June, 1909, on the evidence of the Census of 1851, where she was recorded as ten years old, but that she was afterwards found recorded as two years old in the Census of 1841. She was granted a second pension from 15th July, 1910. There is considerable difficulty in ascertaining at this distance of time the full facts relating to the withdrawal of the first pension; but I will communicate with the hon. Member when my inquiries are complete.

asked the number of applicants for old age pensions whose application has been disallowed on the ground of residence for a period of less than twelve months in the previous twenty years outside the United Kingdom, although within the Empire.?

It is not possible to give this information.

asked what progress the Irish Board of Agriculture has made in stamping out foul-brood in bees; if there have been any recent cases; and what steps have been taken by the Board of Agriculture to rid the country of this pest?

The Department of Agriculture have made Regulations under the Bee Pest Prevention (Ireland) Act, 1908. Thirty-one County Committees of Agriculture have appointed inspectors and executive officers for the purposes of the Act. No recent cases of the disease have been notified to the Department, but close on 500 eases were dealt with by local authorities during the year ended 30th September last.

asked whether the Irish Board of Agriculture have made any experiments on sugar-beet growing; whether they have any special fund for that purpose; and whether, in view of the fact that the soil of Wexford is said to be suitable for the growth of sugar-beet, and that there is a derelict distillery in Wexford town which might, at a small expense, be converted into a sugar factory, there are any funds vested in the Board of Agriculture to give assistance to such a project?

The Department of Agriculture have made experiments in the cultivation of sugar-beet. They have no special fund for the purpose. In existing circumstances beet cannot, in the opinion of the Department, be grown profitably in Ireland, and they are not prepared to render financial assistance to the establishment of a factory as suggested.

asked whether he will state the quantity of untenanted land in the county of Meath, according to the returns compiled by the Estates Commissioners?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Return on page 319 of the Appendix to the third Report of the Royal Commission on Congestion in Ireland, which gives the required information.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that the committee of the Clones High School has protested by resolution against the scheme of the Monaghan County Council for University scholarships; if the committee suggested to the county council that, considering the large proportion of Protestant ratepayers, the amount raised should be divided equally between scholarships for Protestants and scholarships for Roman Catholics, as was done in county Donegal; if the Monaghan County Council rejected this proposal on the grounds that they desired to enforce the compulsory teaching of Irish on all students; and if he will ascertain whether it is within the competence of any county council to discriminate in favour of a particular college or university in the matter of scholarships created out of the public rates?

The hon. and learned Member has sent me a copy of the resolution which was passed by the Committee of the Clones High School. I have otherwise no knowledge of the matter. I do not know whether or not the committee made the suggestion referred to in the question regarding the equal division of scholarships between Catholics and Protestants, nor, if made, do I know the reply made thereto by the county council. Regarding the power of the county councils to provide scholarships, the power under the Act is in general terms, and, subject to the question of amount and to the provision that there should be no condition of religious qualification or purpose, I see no limitation to its exercise.

Is it not the fact that this is an expenditure of public money in the way of rates, and will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into these matters in order to see whether the rate was legally raised?

asked whether instructions have been issued by the police authorities in the district of Turloughmore, Tuam, county Galway, to visit at unseasonable hours the houses of some of the people; can he state under what Act of Parliament the police are empowered to wake up people at night, and ask them to produce their guns for examination; and, having regard to the peaceable state of the district and its immunity from crime, whether he will cause an inquiry to be held into the conduct of Sergeant Reidy, of Turlough more, in subjecting respectable people to such annoyance?

No such instructions as suggested in the question have been issued. The district in question is not a peaceful one, and when outrages, which are frequent, are committed it becomes the imperative duty of the police to institute exhaustive inquiry (including the examination of guns when necessary) amongst all persons who may be either suspected of committing the offences or who may be thought capable of giving evidence in the connection. I do not think that the inquiry referred to in the last paragraph is necessary.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to imply that the police are at liberty to wake up people night after night in a systematic way for the purpose of interrogating them as to where they had been?

No, not in a general manner, but in connection with a particular outrage where they have to ascertain who is guilty they are entitled to take those steps.

Night after night?

As much as is necessary in order to secure the ends of justice.

May I ask whether this was done in the case of McClorey in a northern county?

The police, if they have any definite information, certainly have the right to make the searches required. In the McClorey case the police could obtain no evidence which would justify a search. If they had possessed evidence, they would have had no hesitation in searching houses.

That is the case in the west of Ireland, but they hesitate in the north.

Is it suggested that there is a single district in the north which is otherwise than peaceful.

I do not know of a single district in the north which is not in a peaceful condition.

Wait until 12th July, when they get wakened up.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the police in the district of Turloughmore, Tuam, county Galway, for the past twelve months have subjected respectable people in the district to annoyance; have they received instructions, and, if so, from whom, to visit systematically Mr. Patrick Murray, D.C., and interrogate him as to his whereabouts during the day, cross-examine his family as to the people visiting his licensed premises, and insist upon examining his gun every time they visit his house; and will he explain whether instructions to the same effect have been issued over the county generally?

I am not aware that the police in the district referred to have subjected respectable people to annoyance, and no instructions of the nature indicated in the question have been given.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can say on whose recommendation the commission of the peace has been conferred upon Mr. P. J. Weymes, of Mullingar?

This gentleman was appointed upon the recommendation of the lieutenant of the county in the ordinary course.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state on whose recommendation the Lord Chancellor acted when he appointed Mr. John Flanigan, of Ballyvalley House, Banbridge, county Down, to the commission of the peace; whether he is aware that Mr. Flanigan was prosecuted and fined at the petty sessions, on the 5th February, 1891, for selling drink on a Sunday, which decision was confirmed by the county court judge on appeal, and in 1900 was compelled to refund certain burial fees to the Banbridge Board of Guardians; and what action he proposes to take?

Mr. Flanigan the appointed to the commission of the peace upon the recommendation of the lieutenant of the county. The Lord Chancellor has no information as to the matters stated in the second paragraph of the question. Having regard to the time which has elapsed since the alleged occurrences the Lord Chancellor does not propose to take any action.

asked whether the Bill which is to be introduced for the establishment of agricultural credit societies in England will apply also to Ireland; whether representatives of the Irish banking interest have been consulted in the matter; and, if so, are they prepared to facilitate this object?

I am not yet in a position to express an opinion upon the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to close the Government workshops, dockyards, and other works under the control of Government departments in order to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty the King in June next; and, if so, whether it is the intention of the Government to grant holidays to all the permanent and temporary workpeople without loss of pay?

The day appointed for His Majesty's Coronation will be made a bank holiday throughout the United Kingdom. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that proper notice is given to the dockyards?

Certainly.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the alarm aroused in the evangelical churches of the United Kingdom by the promulgation of the Ne Temere decree, whether the Government will consider the advisability of using their influence to secure the withdrawal of the decree so far as it affects this kingdom?

The Government would be glad to see the misapprehensions, which the promulgation of the Decree has undoubtedly created in some quarters, authoritatively removed, but it is not a matter in regard to which the machinery of diplomacy is appropriate.

May I ask if the Registrar-General has not already approached the Archbishop of Westminster in this connection, and whether representations through that channel cannot be strengthened?

I will consider that.

What are the misapprehensions to which the right hon. Gentleman referred?

I think they are notorious.

asked the Prime Minister what are the qualifications of Sir T. Carlaw Martin, late editor of the "Dundee Advertiser," for the directorship of the Royal Scottish Museum?

The directorship of the museum is an administrative post for which specialist qualifications are not required, as each department is in the charge of an expert. Sir Thomas Carlaw Martin was chosen as the most suitable for the appointment, after an exhaustive consideration of all other names.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the salary and what are the duties attached to this onerous office?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not he is a Scotchman who has got this appointment?

Yes.

asked the Prime Minister, whether he can inform the House concerning the date of departure, and duration of absence, of His Gracious Majesty on the occasion of his visit to his Indian Empire; and whether any special provision for this event will be laid before Parliament?

The arrangements have not yet been definitely concluded, but it is thought probable that His Majesty will be absent from about the middle of November, 1911, till about the end of January, 1912. In answer to the last part of the question, no legislation will be required.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Debate on next Monday, 13th March, will include the whole question of naval and military defence, and therefore of the freedom of the British and Irish people, he will suspend the Eleven o'clock Rule, so that the representatives of the people may have a full opportunity of pointing out the dangers to which the people of the United Kingdom and the Empire are exposed?

asked the Prime Minister if he would make a Motion to suspend the Eleven o'clock Rule on Monday next, so that the already restricted facilities for the discussion of the all-important question of our national defences may thereby be extended?

I will deal with this matter in the statement on the course of business which I shall shortly make to the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that two million pounds are now paid annually from the taxes paid by the inhabitants of Great Britain to make up the sum paid annually towards old age pensions in Ireland; and whether it is proposed that this sum, or any part of it, should continue to be paid by Great Britain when Home Rule is granted to Ireland?

I cannot make any statement at present as to proposals which the Government may hereafter make.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have instituted an actuarial investigation into the financial aspects of the Home Rule problem; if so, whether he will state the names of the actuaries engaged; whether, and when, their Report will be made public; and upon which Vote the cost of this service will be borne?

I cannot add anything to the answer given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to a question by the Noble Lord the Member for Maidstone, namely, that the inquiry referred to is not of a public character, and I am not, therefore, in a position to give the particulars or the information desired in the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government are keeping all this matter secret so long?

Its results will be known in due course.

On which Vote will the cost of this inquiry fall?

I am not aware that it will cost anything.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that information on this vital subject was before the electors at the last election?

I made no suggestion.

asked the Chief Secretary whether there are some cases of the disease known as beri-beri at present under treatment in the isolation hospital, Galway; if he will state the number affected with the disease; the numerical strength of the nursing staff, and what provision has been made for their accommodation; whether one of the patients became delirious, and at the time he became so affected if there was any male attendant in the hospital, or how he was controlled; whether the hospital is at times partly surrounded by water, and what means of ingress or egress there is to it from the mainland; and if any precautions have been taken to provide male attendants in the event of any of the other patients becoming delirious?

There are at present four patients from a Norwegian ship under treatment in the intercepting hospital at Galway, three of whom are undoubtedly suffering from beri-beri, whilst the other is under observation. The Local Government Board understand that the patients are in a well-ventilated ward in every way suitable for their treatment, and are under the charge of three qualified nurses, who occupy another ward and have the use of the kitchen. One patient became suddenly delirious and violent, but was got under control by the nurses, and had become quiet before the medical officer arrived. The latter has since procured the assistance of two male attendants, one of whom will at all times be on duty, and the other easily available. The hospital is built on the mainland, with the sea on two sides, and is accessible by foot, car, or boat.

asked the Chief Secretary how many claims for reinstatement were sent in to the Estates Commissioners by evicted tenants in the parish of Kinvarra, county Galway, since the Act of 1903 came into law; how many claims were satisfied; and can he indicate, to relieve the anxiety of the people, when the Estates Commissioners expect to be able to deal with the cases still outstanding?

The records of the Estates Commissioners are not kept by parishes. Particulars of the applications from evicted tenants in county Galway, and the manner in which they have been dealt with, will be found in Table XXVII. of the Appendix to the Report of the Estates Commissioners for the year ending 31st March, 1910. The cases outstanding will be dealt with as rapidly as practicable, but I am not in a position to say when they will be reached.

asked (1) when the applications of Peter Faby and Patrick Quinn, formerly tenants on the Blake-Forster estate, Ballybranagan, Kinvarra, county Galway, were received; is it the intention of the Estates Commissioners to provide for those evicted tenants; and, seeing that their claims and representations are so long ignored, whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the cause of the delay; and (2) whether he is aware that the application of James Moylan, an evicted tenant from the Blake Forster estate, Crushea, Kinvarra, county Galway, is listed before the Estates Commissioners for some years back; and if he will explain when the Commissioners expect to be able to deal with the application of Moylan?

On a point of Order. May I ask whether there is any limit to the number of questions that may be put down for one day by a Member?

Eight.

That being so, the hon. Member who has asked this question has ten on the Paper.

My attention had not been called to that. I suppose some of them may have been postponed from past days, and, therefore, the matter was overlooked at the Table.

That is so.

Under what particular order or rule is the number of questions limited?

By the unwritten law. There is no Standing Order on the point. It has been the custom for a good many years, I think, not to accept more than eight questions from one Member for each question day.

I will answer these two questions together. The Estates Commissioners do not appear to have received an application for reinstatement from James Moylan. They have received an application from John Moylan, Patrick Quinn, and Peter Fahy for reinstatement in a holding on the estate of the Scottish National Insurance Company, formerly the estate of Blake-Foster, county Galway. This holding was formerly occupied by them jointly, and is now in the occupation of another tenant. The Commissioners, after inquiry and consideration, decided to take no action in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what specific steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government to carry into effect the Resolution unanimously agreed to at the last Imperial Conference that the Imperial Government be requested to co-operate with any Colonies desiring immigrants in assisting suitable persons to emigrate?

In my reply on the 2nd instant I referred the hon. Gentleman to the Note printed on page 25 of Cd. 5273. I have nothing to add to that note.

Is it not the fact that no steps have been taken?

I have referred the hon. Member to the Note, and I have nothing to add to that.

May I press for an answer. Is it not the fact that no steps have been taken?

If the hon. Member wishes to put a further question perhaps he will give notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he could inform the House the number of immigrants entering Canada from the United States in 1910, and how many were granted homesteads of 160 acres each; how many immigrants entered Canada from the United Kingdom in 1910, and how many were granted homesteads of 160 acres each; and how many immigrants entered Canada from the Continental countries of Europe during 1910, and how many of these were granted homesteads of 160 acres each?

The immigrants from the United States to Canada in the months April to October, 1910, numbered 85,563, and those from the United Kingdom for the same period 90,740. I would suggest that the hon. Member should refer to the office of the High Commissioner for Canada in London for the other figures, which are not on record at the Colonial Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he had yet received a report from the Governor at Malta as to an inquiry promised last year with regard to marriages at Malta?

Yes, Sir; I have received a report, and am satisfied that it would not be practicable to take any steps in the matter.

May I see a copy of the report?

No; it is confidential.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he proposed to lay papers relating to the case of the native of Rhodesia who was sentenced to death and recently reprieved by Lord Gladstone?

There are no papers which could be laid beyond those which have already been published in the Press, and I think it is hardly necessary to reprint these.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he could state when the long promised commission would be appointed to inquire as to the desirability of Manx constitutional reform?

asked the Home Secretary whether an inquiry into the desirability of modifications being made in the Manx Constitution was to be set up; and, if so, could he state the composition of the body which would make the inquiry and the terms of reference thereto?

I have decided to appoint at once a small committee to inquire into the question of Manx constitutional reform, and I expect to be able to announce in a few days the names of the committee and the terms of reference.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he was aware that frequent depredations had been recently made by hen-roost robbers in the neighbourhood of Greenford and Perivale; and if he would direct that special attention should be given by the detective department of the Metropolitan Police to discover the offenders, and put an end to these robberies?

The area referred to represents seven and a-half square miles, and it is remarkable that in this area there have been only four cases of fowl-stealing in the last twelve months. In these circumstances I see no reason to conclude that this evil is particular to the localities of Greenford and Perivale.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give special instructions to the detectives of his Department to give attention to the movements of the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of his inability to find David Davies, the Dartmoor shepherd, he would withdraw the charge made by him against a person or persons unknown, alleging that they had enticed David Davies away for political purposes; and whether he would give the name of the person or persons suspected by him of this malpractice?

I must refer the hon. Member to my previous replies on this subject.

I asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would give the name or withdraw the allegation.

If the bon. Member will study the various replies I have given on the subject, he will find himself in possession of all the information I propose at the present time to give.

I am not asking for information; I am asking for the withdrawal of an allegation.

If the hon. Member is not asking for information, I do not think the matter is one which should be raised at question time.

Does the right hon. Gentleman still adhere to the allegation.

If the Noble Lord will read the answers I have given to various questions he will see what I have stated. I adhere most fully to what I have said.

May I ask, on a point of Order, whether there is any limit to the number of questions that may be put with regard to a particular individual, and whether it is in order that day after day practically since the beginning of the Session we should have questions regarding Mr. David Davies, a person who I do not believe ever existed?

I cannot say exactly when the limit is reached, but the general sense of the House will indicate when it has had enough of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he was aware of the cruelty inflicted upon pit ponies in consequence of the high pressure at which work was now carried on in many of the coal mines in England and Wales, and especially that such ponies were often worked in double shifts with insufficient food and water; and, if so, what steps were being taken by his Department to safeguard these animals against such treatment?

At my request the Royal Commission on Mines have been inquiring into certain allegations that have been made of ill-treatment of pit ponies, and in their third Report, which has just been presented to Parliament and will shortly be in the hands of Members, they make a series of recommendations to ensure that pit ponies are properly treated. Legislation will be necessary to enable me to give effect to these recommendations, and I am proposing to take the necessary powers in the amending Bill now in course of preparation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the disaster at the Hulton Colliery, and other similar accidents in recent-years, he was taking any immediate steps to ensure greater safety in coal mines?

This question of safety in mines was fully discussed in a Debate in this House last June, and I would refer my hon. Friend to my statement in the course of that Debate for a general outline of the policy of the Government in this matter. I may, perhaps, briefly recapitulate the measures which are now in progress. In the first place, the inspectorate is being very largely increased, and a new class of working-men inspectors being created, as I explained to the House in reply to a question on the 23rd November last. In the second place, a comprehensive Bill amending the Coal Mines Regulation Acts and dealing thoroughly with regulations as to safety, etc., in mines is far advanced in preparation, and will, I hope, pass into law this Session. Reports have just been submitted to me by two Committees, one of which has been engaged in revising the rules for the use of electricity in mines, and the other in preparing a draft Order to give effect to the provisions of the Rescue and Aid Bill which the House passed last Session. I hope to be able to act on both reports without delay. I may also mention that I have under consideration the question of the arrangement for the completion of the coal-dust experiments, and that progress is being made with the erection of the new station for the testing of explosives and safety lamps.

Have any of these working-class inspectors yet been appointed?

No.

When are they likely to be?

asked what was the number of inspectors now employed by the Government for the inspection of coal mines, and how many of these, previous to their appointment as inspectors, had had actual experience of working as colliers in the mines?

Excluding the Chief Inspector and Electrical Inspector of Mines, the number of inspectors for coal mines is at present thirty-seven. A Return was presented to the House in May, 1907, which will give my hon. Friend information as to the occupations of the inspectors then in the service previous to their appointment; but I may say shortly that no person is appointed to be an inspector of mines of the higher grade unless he holds a first-class certificate of competency under the Acts, one of the qualifications for obtaining which is that the candidate must have had five years' practical experience in a mine.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to state when the working-class inspectors will be appointed?

I am moving as rapidly as I can in this matter. I do not think it will be very long before I can make a statement to the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he could say what was the total amount that had been subscribed to the Pretoria Pit Disaster Fund; how the committee was appointed for the administration of the fund; whether the Government had any control in the matter; and how much of the fund had already been distributed amongst the sufferers?

The Government has no control over the administration of this fund, but I have made inquiry of the Mayor of Bolton, who has sent me the following information: The total amount of the fund is £134,580, a striking proof of the generosity of the public and of the keen sympathy and interest which these disasters have aroused among all classes. Under the arrangements which have been made for the amalgamation of the separate Bolton, Liverpool, and Manchester funds, a general committee has been appointed, but the work of investigating claims and administering relief will be entrusted to a sub-committee, consisting of the existing Bolton committee and five members appointed by the general committee on the nomination of the Lord Mayors of Liverpool and Manchester. The total amount distributed so far is £5,360.

In view of the fact that a great deal more money has been raised than was originally asked for, will the right hon. Gentleman inquire to what purpose the surplus, if any, will be devoted?

That question has engaged my attention, because there are several funds in existence and a very considerable surplus. It would appear very desirable that some portion of that surplus should be devoted to the care of persons who are injured, not in great explosions where hundreds of men lose their lives, but in the ordinary small accidents which occur from time to time. I, however, have no power in the matter; but I know that it is engaging the attention of those who are responsible for the funds.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention had been called to the action of the managers of the Whitchurch Church of England school, near Bristol, who had ordered that the school premises should be closed between morning and afternoon school hours; whether he was aware that this would prevent the children from a distance, who had been previously allowed to eat their dinners and rest in the school, having any resort but the public highroads during the interval; whether the Board of Education has power to intervene in this and similar cases; and, if not, whether he would, by administrative order or otherwise, maintain the rights of parents and children in this matter?

I have made inquiries about this matter, and have received a Report from His Majesty's inspector. The facts appear to be as stated. I am informed that the usual number of children staying in the school for dinner was eight, that the managers have taken no steps to provide any other place in which the children may have dinner, and that, as a result apparently of their action three of the children affected have now left the school, while the rest sometimes go home, a distance of about two miles, to dinner, and sometimes eat their dinner outside the school. The inspector was informed by the vicar that the resolution of the managers was passed owing to an inquiry having been made by the local education authority as to what supervision was exercised over children staying at school during the dinner-hour, and that the managers acted as they did in order to avoid responsibility for children during the dinner-hour. The managers appear to have made no effort to ascertain whether it was possible to make arrangements for any of the teachers to superintend the children who stayed for dinner. As a matter of fact, it appears that one of the assistant teachers stays for dinner at the school every day, and would have undertaken the supervision if she had been asked to do so. The managers do not appear to have taken the trouble to make the simple inquiry which would have informed them of this fact. I think that the action of the managers reveals an extraordinary lack of common sense, and I would gladly intervene if I had the power to do so. Since, however, the action of the managers relates to a period outside the school hours it does not appear that the Board have any power to intervene in the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform those persons who have appointed these managers of the result of his report, so that, if possible, some who have more common sense may be appointed?

Has not the education authority got representatives on the Board of Managers? Have their representatives made any protest against this action?

The information that I have applies to the managers as a whole; I have given full information to the House.

Would the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the education authorities that they should appoint representatives who will look more carefully after their duties?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can state the number of secondary schools in receipt of Government grants in which a superannuation or pension scheme for the assistant staff is known to be in operation, and the proportion of such schools to the total number of State-aided secondary schools in England and Wales?

The total number of State-aided secondary schools in England and Wales on the 31st July, 1910, was 950. The annual staff returns made by the schools, which may not be altogether complete in this respect, show that in eighty-five, or about 9 per cent., of these schools a superannuation or pension scheme for the assistant staff is in operation, though it must not be assumed that the scheme in all cases applies to the whole of the assistant staff.

Having regard to the very small proportion of schools in which such superannuation schemes are in operation, could the Board of Education bring some pressure to bear upon the governors of those schools in order that a pension scheme may be put into force?

I will consider the matter.