asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a special invitation will be extended to the Imperial Chancellor, Herr von Bethmann-Hollweg, to accompany the German Emperor on his approaching visit to London, with a view to greater expedition in the conclusion of an agreement between Great Britain and Germany on the questions pending between the two countries?

The German Emperor is coming on a private visit to the King on His Majesty's invitation, and it would not be proper that I should make any other statement about it.

asked if agreements had recently been signed by Turkey sanctioning the construction by Germany of the section of the Baghdad Railway between El Helif and Baghdad and of a branch line from Aleppo to Alexandretta; and, if so, if, in return for this sanction, Germany has given up her claims in connection with the construction of a railway from Baghdad to Basra?

An agreement between the Turkish Government and the Baghdad Railway Company on this subject was signed on the 21st instant. It provides for the renunciation by the company of the right to build the section of the line from Baghdad to the Persian Gulf, and to construct a port at Basra, in favour of a new Turkish company, on condition that no Power except Turkey shall have a share in the new company greater than that of the Baghdad Railway Company, and that the latter shall have the right to demand from the new company or from the Turkish Government compensation on account of the above renunciation. The Baghdad Railway Company are also to construct a port at Alexandretta and to build a branch line from there to Osmanie on the main line, without a kilometric guarantee. The agreement further provides that the Baghdad Railway Company are to content themselves, for the construction of the line as far as Baghdad, with the revenues of which they already have the disposal, that is: the actual surplus of the ceded revenues and of certain tithes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he had any knowledge of an agreement having been concluded between the Baghdad Railway Company and the Porte assuring the continuation of the line to Baghdad; and if it had been arranged that with regard to the terminal section of the line from Baghdad to the Persian Gulf the Porte should have a free hand, with the reservation that Germany should have equal participation with any other Foreign Power in the construction and control of the line.

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply just returned to the Noble Lord the Member for the Hornsey Division of Middlesex.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions, if any, were given to His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington to invite the Canadian Government to insist on equal concessions being granted by the United States of America to British and Canadian traders in the reciprocal trade arrangement now being made between the United States and Canada; and whether, if no instructions have been given, he would do so at once in view of Mr. Bryce's letter of the 22nd January, 1911, Cd. 5523, in which he states that he received on every oc- casion a frank and cordial response whenever he had reminded the Canadian Ministers that it was right and fitting they should have regard to imperial interests?

The answer to the question is in the negative. It would in any case have been outside the sphere of the duties of His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington to approach the Canadian Government as the hon. Member suggests.

Is the right hon. Baronet still determined to wait until this treaty is ratified by both these countries before he attempts to get the advantages which it is admitted on all sides would accrue to British traders who were treated on the same lines as Canadian traders?

The arrangement is not a treaty, and it will not require any ratification, and the legislation is purely a matter of domestic concern as far as Canada is concerned.

Are we to consider that Canada is part of the British Empire?

I need only refer to the very explicit and loyal declaration of Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

In view of the unsatisfactory answer, I propose to call attention to this matter on the adjournment of the House.

further asked whether attention had been drawn to the statement made by President Taft in his address to the members of the Southern Commercial Congress at Atlanta, Georgia, on 10th March, in which he said that when the United States Government entered into negotiations for the reciprocity agreement with Canada he instructed the Secretary of State and his Commissioners to offer free trade in everything; whether in the same address Mr. Taft indicated that the present reciprocity agreement was to be regarded as only the beginning of a new relation with their rapidly growing neighbour on the north; whether Mr. Bryce had reported to His Majesty's Government that these proposals have been made and their character; and what instructions, if any, His Majesty's Government have given in respect to that report, in view of Mr. Taft's declaration that the present agreement is only intended as a prelude to complete freedom of trade between the two countries.

The answer to all the questions is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether in view of the fact that the correspondence between the Foreign Office and various chambers of commerce and other bodies on the subject of the Declaration of London had been published up to a certain point in White Paper Cd. 5418, he would cause the Paper to be reprinted, with the addition of the subsequent correspondence, and laid before both Houses?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 14th instant to the hon. Member for York, to which I cannot usefully add anything at this stage.

asked to what most-favoured-nation treaties is Canada bound in virtue of Imperial treaties to which Canada had no opportunity of adherence or dissent, treaties to which Canada was given power to adhere and did adhere, and treaties from the participation in which Canada was given a power to dissent but did not exercise that power; and whether there are any of these treaties from which Canada may withdraw without the denunciation of such treaties by the Imperial Government?

The answer to the first question is: Treaties with Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Denmark, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Venezuela. These are all treaties concluded before the passing of the British North America Act of 1867. The answer to the second question is that Canada acceded to the treaties with Austria-Hungary and Japan. The Japanese Treaty will terminate on the 17th of July next. To the third question the answer is: the modus vivendi with Spain. The answer to the last question is in the negative.

Have the Government received any intimation from the Canadian Ministers of their desire to be relieved from their obligations under any or all of these treaties?

Not so far as I am aware. In any case it is for the Canadian Government themselves to make their views known.

asked whether any further effort has been made since the statement made to the House of Commons on 7th May, 1874 (Hansard, Vol. 218, col. 1839), to carry out the stipulation contained in the sixth article of the Treaty of Washington, 1871, to bring to the knowledge of other maritime Powers and to invite them to accede to the three rules contained in the said article?

The answer is in the negative, and the reasons were given in the Blue Book, United States, No. 2, 1897.

asked whether the three rules contained in the sixth article of the Treaty of Washington, 1871, as to the duty of a neutral government are still binding upon this country and the United States of America; and whether the Government of His Majesty and the Government of the United States have yet reached an agreement as to the interpretation to be placed upon these three rules?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I must again refer to the Blue Book, United States, No. 2, 1897. The Convention signed at The Hague in 1907 for regulating the duty of neutrals in time of maritime war will, when ratified, practically supersede these rules. The United States have ratified this Convention, and it will be ratified by His Majesty the King as soon as the necessary legislation has been passed by Parliament. It is therefore not worth while to raise further discussion concerning the rules, nor is it probable that the United States Government would desire it.

Has it been agreed between the United States Government and the Government of His Majesty that these rules at present binding upon them as neutrals shall be abrogated?

No, it has not been agreed, and the position is that the United States Government have ratified the Convention, and we have not yet ratified it, but intend to do so. After we have ratified it I think there certainly ought to be an exchange of views between ourselves and the United States Government as to whether the rules are abrogated altogether or not, but at the present moment I think the United States Government having ratified, and we having declared our intention to ratify, the United States Government will certainly say after we have both ratified will be the time for an exchange of views.

asked whether His Majesty's Government intend to invite other maritime Powers, or such of them as have not already done so, to accede to these rules coincidently with the Declaration of London?

The matter is not allied to the Declaration of London, and the answer, as will appear from my reply to the previous question, is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Baronet take steps to secure that a definitive translation of the Declaration of London is prepared in order to avoid the difficulty which he admits arose on the matter of the construction of the three rules which appeared in the Treaty of Washington?

That hardly seems to arise out of the question on the Paper.

Does the right hon. Baronet's answer include the Government of His Majesty the Mikado of Japan?

There has been nothing to bring Japan into the question.

Is it not the fact that the right hon. Baronet answered that the other maritime Powers had not acceded to these rules? Does that include the Government of Japan?

These are rules dating back to 1871 exchanged between ourselves and the United States. They never existed between ourselves and any other Power except the United States.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the claim for an old age pension of Michael Loftus, Carralavin, in the Ballina pension district, county Mayo, was disallowed on appeal by the Local Government Board; is he aware that the pension officer recommended Loftus to the local pensions committee for a pension of 3s. per week; in view of such recommendation, will he say why the pension was wholly disallowed on appeal; and, if on the grounds of income, on what information was the decision arrived at, and by whom supplied.

Two claims by Michael Loftus have come before the Local Government Board. On the first occasion the pension officer recommended a pension of 3s., and the local pension committee awarded 5s., but on appeal the Board disallowed the claim on the ground that the means of Loftus derived from a holding of seventeen acres exceeded the statutory limit. On the second occasion the pension officer recommended no pension, and the committee allowed 3s., but the Board disallowed the claim on the same ground as before. The Board made their estimate of means on the basis of a list of the stock and crops on the farm, concerning which there was no dispute.

asked the Chief Secretary if he would obtain from the Treasury and submit to the House a statement showing how the estimate of an additional annual expense of £5,000, consequent upon the payment of national teachers' salaries monthly instead of quarterly, is arrived at?

The estimated additional annual expenditure of £5,240 was arrived at after careful inquiry into the necessary additions to the staff of the Commissioners of National Education, the Post Office, and the Audit Office, amounting to £3,430, £1,360, and £450 per annum respectively.

In view of the grave character of this matter, and the fact that all the teachers are agreed upon it, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would be possible for him to pay a portion of what is due to each teacher each month, and then at the end of each year to sort up how much was due to them on balance, and so satisfactorily arrange the whole matter?

That suggestion is a little complicated, and I should like to take time to consider it.

asked the Chief Secretary, whether the Commissioners of National Education are in favour of the payment of national school teachers monthly instead of quarterly; whether the twelve assistant clerks (abstractors) for whom provision was made in the Estimates of 1910–11, were appointed; and whether the necessity for these officials exists if the scheme of monthly payments is not to be brought into operation?

The Commissioners of National Education are in favour of the proposed change. The assistant clerks (abstractors) provided for in the Estimates of 1910–11 were appointed, not in connection with the proposed scheme of monthly payments, but in substitution for a number of boy clerks whose services were dispensed with.

Seeing that the Commissioners are in favour of the proposal to pay the National teachers monthly, will the right hon. Gentleman hold out some hope that he will take immediate steps to deal with the matter? This is exciting a great deal of interest.

I am aware of that, but it is unfortunately a fact that once you have begun a wrong system it involves a great deal of money to set it right. I will give the hon. Member full particulars in order to satisfy his own mind upon it. It involves an additional expenditure of £285,000, and I cannot see my way with the Treasury to get it.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the spring mackerel fishing will commence in about a week's time, and that the s.s. "Helga" was unable to protect the whole coast of Ireland from the depredations of steam trawlers fishing outside legal limits, he would arrange to charter two fast-steaming trawlers on a time charter of three months, equipped with a crew of Irish sailors or of Irish Naval Reserve men, in order that the illegal operations of the steam trawlers may be put an end to during the coming season?

The funds at present at the disposal of the Department of Agriculture in Ireland for fisheries would not permit of their carrying out the proposal. With the resources at their command they have succeeded in suppressing illegal trawling to a very great extent, especially since the passing of the Trawling in Prohibited Areas Act.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware of the steps which have been taken in Scotland to deal with the matter, and whether we in Ireland cannot have the same protection?

I understand that the amount of protection given in Ireland is more satisfactory than that given in Scotland. I am not in a position to say that I can add to the resources of the Board of Agriculture.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the protection in Scotland is not satisfactory?

I have said that it is more satisfactory in Ireland than in Scotland.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we have only one cruiser in Ireland, whereas they have three cruisers in Scotland?

I really do not think that the complaints in Ireland are very great. I quite admit that if the Board had more money at their disposal they could make it more difficult for the trawlers to act illegally.

Would the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Admiralty and see if he could arrange with them?

We have been communicating with the Admiralty.

asked whether steps will be taken, by way of loan or otherwise, to enable fishermen on the coast of South Kerry to equip their boats with motor engines and to provide fishermen with nets suitable for the herring fishery?

The Congested Districts Board are prepared to consider applications for loans for the supply of boats, including motor boats, and fishing gear. Recently the Board have agreed to lend money for the purchase of a motor boat for Dingle.

asked what are the names of the tenants of the four holdings in respect of which the advances applied for have not been sanctioned on the estate of the Earl of Clonmel, county Tipperary; whether a tenant, named Philip Landy, obtained a holding in Curraghadobbin, in which a new tenancy was created for him since 1901; whether the Estates Commissioners have sanctioned the advance applied for in respect of it; and whether, before doing so, they considered the fact that this tenant has other holdings and the wants of the small holders in the locality?

The names of the tenants on the estate referred to whose applications for advances have been refused by the Estates Commissioners are Margaret Sullivan, Count De La Poer, M. C. O'Meara, and W. P. Hanly. The Commissioners sanctioned the advance of £227 applied for in Philip Landy's agreement to purchase his holding at Curraghdobbin, and the holding has been vested in him. The tenancy in this case was not created since 1901. The reply to the last paragraph of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Sir Henry Grattan Bellew, of Mount Bellew, county Galway, is now prepared to include in the sale of his estate the grazing lands held by Mr. O'Rourke; and whether he will direct the Estates Commissioners to acquire it for the enlargement of uneconomic holdings upon the estate?

Mr. O'Rourke is tenant of the lands referred to, and the Estates Commissioners have no power to distribute them so long as they are so held.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state upon what grounds the Estates Commissioners refused to provide a holding on the Verschoyle estate, near Ballina, for Mrs. Rose M'Nulty, who was evicted from this estate in June, 1890; and whether the Commissioners will reconsider the matter with the view of providing a farm for Mrs. M'Nulty?

I have nothing to add to the reply to a similar question asked by the hon. Member on the 24th November last.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is able to give any explanation as to why the Estates Commissioners refused to provide a holding on the Verschoyle estate? That is a point which was not considered in the previous reply to which the right hon. Gentleman refers.

The application of this person for reinstatement was in respect of land which was already in the occupation of other tenants, but if other land is obtained in the neighbourhood her case will be inquired into.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the farm known as Seaford, situated at Carrowbricken, in the parish of Skreen, barony of Tireragh, county Sligo, and owned by Mrs. Crawford and others, had been offered for sale to the Estates Commissioners and the Congested Districts Board; and which of these bodies will deal with the purchase negotiations, and when is the purchase likely to be completed?

The estates of Susan Crawford and others, county Sligo, is pending before the Estates Commissioners for sale to the tenants direct under the Irish Land Act, 1903. The lands of Carrowbricken are not included in the proceedings pending before the Estates Commissioners. They have not been offered to the Congested Districts Board, who are willing to negotiate for the purchase. The Board will ask the owners if they are willing to sell.

asked whether, in connection with the negotiations now on foot for the purchase of holdings in Valentia Island, regard will be had to the claim for reinstatement put forward by Mrs. O'Connor, East Cooil, who was evicted from her holding?

The Estates Commissioners have received an application from Mrs. O'Connor for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by her late husband on the estate of the Knight of Kerry. The greater portion of the holding was subsequently taken by her father-in-law, and is at present in the possession of his son; and the Commissioners, after inquiry and consideration, decided to take no action as regards Mrs. O'Connor's application.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that applications have been made some time ago to the Congested Districts Board in reference to the purchase of Mr. Boyton's Inver estate, and the Burton Colquhoun and Bustard estates, including the large grazing ranch of Brenter, in South Donegal; and whether he can give any information, having regard to the anxiety felt in the districts for such purchase, as to the progress of these proceedings, which is a matter of great urgency, in the public interest?

Applications respecting the estates mentioned have been received by the Congested Districts Board. As regards the Boyton and Colquhoun estates the Board have not yet ascertained whether the owners are willing to sell, but further communications will be addressed to them. The Board understand that Mr. Bustard is willing to sell the large untenanted tract known as Brenter, and it is hoped that the maps and forms for the purpose of valuation may soon be lodged. The owner of the Barton estate is willing to negotiate for sale through the Board, and it is understood that the lands are being surveyed and mapped with a view to their inspection and valuation.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the dwellings of the working classes in towns in Ireland are in many instances disease traps, and that the New Ross Urban District Council passed a resolution pointing to the necessity of giving a more liberal grant than the income arising out of £180,000 provided for by the Housing Act of 1908 in aid of housing urban working classes; and whether the Government will do anything in the direction indicated?

I have seen the resolution referred to. I cannot at present hold out any hope of an extension of the Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act, 1908. So far as labourers' cottages are concerned the million to be provided under the Bill now before Parliament will be the limit of the borrowing powers of local authorities. There is no such limit under the Housing of the Working Classes Acts.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the treatment meted to Mrs. M'Namara, one of the Templemore evicted tenants; is be aware that the Estates Commissioners agreed to give back to Mrs. M'Namara 71 acres 2 roods 20 poles of her farm if her husband, Mr. William M'Namara, would resign all claim to it, and if her brother, Mr. Richard Neill would take it over in trust for her, he guaranteeing payment of the annuity; and whether, as these conditions have all been complied with, can he say why the Estates Commissioners have not carried out their portion of the bargain, and why Mr. Taylor, agent of the property, should be allowed to plough one half the farm and graze the other portion?

The owner has accepted the Estates Commissioners' proposal for the purchase of part of the lands of Tin-nock, and the Commissioners proposed to give some seventy-three acres to Richard Neill as trustee of Mrs. M'Namara, wife of the evicted tenant. The estate has not been reached in order of priority, and the Commissioners cannot carry out their proposed arrangement until they have obtained possession of the lands.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the guardians of the Callan union have asked the Local Government Board to direct the holding of a sworn inquiry into the management and expenditure of the Callan Union for the two years previous to 30th September, 1909, and also requested the Local Government Board to sanction the payment by them of a chartered accountant to make an investigation; and if he will say why the Local Government Board declines to facilitate the board of guardians in making a full and searching investigation of the cause for the large increase for those years in estimates and expenditure by the officials responsible?

The guardians of the Callan Union have made the requests mentioned by the hon. Member, but the Local Government Board have not declined to facilitate the guardians in the matter. The Board were advised that the cost of employing a chartered accountant as proposed would not be a legal charge on the rates, and they felt bound to inform the guardians accordingly. The Board are still in communication with the guardians as to the scope of the proposed inquiry.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that since 1st March there have been three serious outrages of firing at and wounding in county Clare; and if he will state on what grounds the County Inspector of Clare reported to the Lord Chief Baron at the recent assizes that the condition of affairs in the disturbed area in Clare was steadily improving?

The Inspector-General informs me that there have been two cases (not three) of firing at and wounding in county Clare since 1st instant. The County Inspector was justified by the statistics of offences committed since the last assizes in reporting that on the whole there was an improvement in the state of the county. There were twenty-three agrarian offences reported between winter Assizes, 1909, and spring Assizes, 1910, and only four in the corresponding period of this winter.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that at the assizes the judge with all the information before him, declared that the condition of this county was considerably improved, and was improving, and whether, in view of that, it is fair to call in question the opinion of the judge?

The Lord Chief Baron certainly made the observation referred to by the hon. Member.

Did he not also state that the condition of crime in the county was very unsatisfactory?

further asked whether on 12th March, at Bally-harrahan, in the Ruan district, about six miles from Ennis, a farmer named Patrick Ryan was fired at and hit in the right thigh, on the back of the right hand, and on the jaw; and whether anyone has been arrested in connection with this outrage?

The facts are as stated. One arrest has been made.

asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been called to the remarks of Mr. Justice Madden, at the Galway Assizes on Monday, based on the police reports, which showed there had been an increase of eighteen serious offences in one district, and five cases of firing into dwelling-houses, and particularly to the observations of the learned judge with reference to the five cases of sending threatening letters, as being the work of secret societies carrying on operations by means of outrage and intimidation; and whether, having regard to the failure of the police to obtain evidence in these cases owing to intimidation, he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have seen a newspaper report of the charge of the learned judge. Every possible effort is being made by the police to counteract the work of the secret societies in Galway, which have recently been denounced by the Roman Catholic Bishops of the Diocese.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state what proposals of the Department of Agriculture have been submitted to the Development Grant Commissioners for the improvement of the circumstances of the fishermen in the north of county Wexford?

The Department of Agriculture have taken into consideration the circumstances of Wexford as well as those of other districts in submitting proposals which are now under the consideration of the Development Commissioners, and they cannot make any statement regarding particular cases.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has authorised an announcement that £7,000 has been set aside by the Board of Agriculture for the improvement of Fethard Harbour; and has the Board of Agriculture recommended Fethard to the Development Commissioners with a view to have the necessary improvements carried out, and with what result?

I have not authorised any such statement as that referred to in the question. In submitting proposals now under consideration of the Development Commissioners the Department of Agriculture have taken into consideration the circumstances of Fethard as well as those of other districts.

asked the Chief Secretary, whether he is aware that when passing the village of Upperlands, county of Londonderry, on Friday last, thirty to forty shots were fired from an excursion train returning from Toome, with the members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Society; that the works of William Clark and Sons and the houses of their workers were riddled with bullets; and that one of their workers, who was on the highway, was injured, and Mr. Clark had a narrow escape; and will he state what action has been taken to bring the authors of the outrage to justice?

The Inspector-General informs me that on 17th March, as an excursion train returning from Toomebridge was passing Upperlands several revolver shots were fired from the carriages opposite the works of Messrs. William Clark and Sons. It is not a fact that the works of Messrs. Clark and the houses of their workers were riddled with bullets, but a worker, who was standing in the road some distance away, stated that he had been struck by a bullet. There was no mark of any kind upon him or on his clothes, but a small bullet was picked up off the road at the place. Mr. H. Clark was standing on the public road at the time. The police state that they heard the sound of bullets strike the wall beside them, but were unable to identify any of the persons who fired the shots.

Did the police make any attempt at the next station where the train stopped to discover who was responsible for firing these shots at innocent people standing on the road?

I am not able to say whether the police took that particular step.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make an effort at once to try to bring to justice these people who were responsible for firing at these innocent people standing on the road?

I am perfectly sure that the police require no intimation from me to do the utmost of their duty to protect the public from these outrages.

Was the district inspector of police actually present on the public highway when this outrage took place?

I have given an account of the particulars as described to me.

Is it a fact that the police authorities take their cue from the weak nature of your administration?

No, Sir. That is absolutely untrue in every respect.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the case of two students of the Maheshpur higher education school in the district of Jessore, who have been banished from the school for two years for the alleged offence of tying coloured threads round the wrists of four or five men during the last Rakhibandhan ceremony; whether the action for which the boys were punished is a custom at these ceremonies; and, in view of the effect such punishment must have on the future prospects of the boys, steps will be taken to inquire into the matter and, if no violence or threats were used, the decree of punishment will be revoked?

The school in question is a private school, aided by a grant from public funds. Some time ago the secretary of the school issued a standing order prohibiting the boys from taking part in such movements as demonstrations against the partition of Bengal. On last partition day two of the boys disobeyed this order. The managing committee of the school resolved that they should be suitably punished, but proposed only a trifling fine of one rupee. The inspector of schools considered this inadequate, and reported the matter to the Director of Public Instruction, who ordered the boys' promotion to be stopped for a year. The statement that they have been banished from the school for two years is therefore incorrect. No appeal against the director's order has been made to the local government, and the Secretary of State does not propose to interfere.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he is aware that in the last annual reports of the Inspectors-General of Police of Madras and Bengal, several cases are mentioned in which prisoners have died under torture at the hands of the police; whether he will place copies of the reports in the Library of the House of Commons; and whether the India Office, since the receipt of these reports, have drawn the attention of the Indian Government to these admissions of torture and called for further particulars regarding the circumstances under which the torture was inflicted and the punishment meted out to the officers concerned?

The Secretary of State is aware that in four cases mentioned in these reports subordinate police officers were prosecuted for causing the death of prisoners by ill-treatment. In one case four policemen were sentenced to terms of rigorous imprisonment ranging from three and a half to six years; in two cases the accused were acquitted. In the fourth case a prisoner's arms had been tied tightly with ropes to prevent his escape, no handcuffs being available, with the result that he died of blood poisoning. It was held that there was no intention to torture, but a prosecution was ordered, which was pending at the close of the year to which the Report relates. As all these cases, only one of which appears to have been proved to be a genuine case of torture, have been dealt with judicially, the Secretary of State does not think it necessary to draw the attention of the Government of India to them. Copies of the Reports will be placed in the Library.

Is it a fact that in this last case the inquisition before the magistrate showed other instances of great torture, and that the dying depositions of the man in hospital contradicted the evidence that it was merely tying his hands that caused his death?

It was the opinion of the authorities that there was evidence to justify and to necessitate the prosecution. Pending the result of that prosecution, I prefer to make no further statement.

In view of the facts now admitted, is the hon. Member prepared to withdraw the accusation made against Mr. Mackarness last year?

I am afraid I can never persuade my hon. Friend to understand that the fact, which has been admitted often before, that cases of torture do occur, does not justify misrepresentations about torture as a practice.

Is not it time that some drastic steps were taken to put an end to these atrocities?

Very drastic steps are continually being taken, and every effort is and will be made.

asked the Under Secretary for India whether he can state the particulars in which the new proposed Seditious Meetings Act is more liberal than the expiring Act; whether it is temporary in character; and whether it is to be applied to the whole of British India or only to disturbed areas, and on whose demand?

The Seditious Meetings Bill, as introduced in the Governor-General's Legislative Council, and passed without a Division, differs from the Act now in force in the following respects: First, it provides that the power of a local Government to notify proclaimed areas shall only be exercised with the sanction of the Government of India. Secondly, it omits from the definition of a public meeting the provision that a meeting of more than twenty persons shall be presumed to be a public meeting until the contrary has been proved. Thirdly, it restricts the scope of the Act by omitting the words "or of any political subject" from the Clause requiring notice to be given of meetings held to discuss certain classes of subjects. The effect of this will be that the only meetings of which notices need be given will be those held for the discussion of subjects likely to cause disturbance or public excitement. Fourthly, the notices of such meetings must be sent to the district magistrate instead of the police. The new Act, like the present one, will have operation only in such provinces as the Government of India may notify from time to time. My hon. Friend has no doubt observed the language of the Viceroy to his Legislative Council, on Monday: "I do not intend that the new Act shall be extended to any part of the country until the necessity arises. The contingency, I hope, may never arise."

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether the Government of India, in preparing that Act, had before them as a precedent the Piggott perpetual Coercion Act in Ireland?

I cannot say.

asked the Under Secretary for India whether, with reference to the resignation by Dr. Jackson of his principalship of the Sind College, his attention has been drawn to a pamphlet published by Dr. Jackson, in which it is stated that the resolution of the board which caused him to resign his position was passed on the strength of misrepresentation of facts, which have never been investigated; and whether, having regard to the desirability of improving the character of the education given in the Sind College, he will now cause an inquiry to be instituted into all the circumstances attending Dr. Jackson's resignation?

Dr. Jackson's pamphlet has been brought to the notice of the Secrtary of State. The Sind College is a private institution managed by a board of twenty members, of whom a small minority are necessarily officials of Government. The college is in receipt of a Grant-in-Aid from Government. The Secretary of State is not prepared to reopen the question of Dr. Jackson's resignation, which was voluntary and taken on his own responsibility. The Secretary of State is, however, in communication with the Government of Bombay on the general question of the management of the college.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why no Welsh copies of the information for emigrants are displayed in the post offices of Welsh-speaking districts of Wales; and whether assurances will be given that such notices will in future be supplied, especially in the rural districts?

I understand that it has not been the practice to translate into Welsh the quarterly posters displayed by the Emigrants' Information Office in post offices in Wales because it was felt that the number of intending emigrants unacquainted with English was not sufficiently large to justify the additional expense. If my hon. Friend can show that this belief is not well founded, I shall be happy to ask the Managing Committee of the Emigrants' Information Office to consider carefully the suggestion that a Welsh translation of the poster should in future be displayed in Wales side by side with the English version.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has given any pledge that, immediately after the Parliament Bill has become law, he will introduce and pass through the House of Commons a Licensing Bill identical in character with that of the measure which failed to become law in 1908?

No, Sir; I have given no such pledge, but I have frequently expressed my sense of the urgency of this matter, and I hope that legislation on the lines of the Licensing Bill referred to will follow without undue delay the passing of the Parliament Bill into law.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that after the passing of the Budget of 1909 a measure on the lines of the Licensing Bill of 1908 is as urgent as it then was?

I think it is still urgent.

If this Bill is passed will the Government reduce the licences?

That is a hypothetical question.

asked whether the Home Rule proposals of the Government have been practically accepted by the Irish party; whether any such proposals have been communicated to the Nationalist party by him or his colleagues; and, if so, whether the same information will be submitted to Parliament forthwith?

asked whether the general lines of the Government's proposed Home Rule Bill have been divulged to any Member of the Nationalist party?

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer these questions at the same time. I am not sure that I am bound to reply to these questions, but it may allay the anxieties of the hon. Members if I say that the answer to them is in the negative.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, under the circumstances, the hon. Member for East Tyrone (Mr. W. A. Redmond) has sailed on a begging mission under false pretences?

asked whether, in view of a certain aspect of absurdity in legislating in normal times after midnight, and with the desire of maintaining the reputation of this House abroad and of avoiding scenes produced by the neurasthenia inseparable from the debates of a large Assembly in the small hours of the morning, the Prime Minister will arrange to alter the Standing Orders of the House so that on no occasion, except possibly that of impending war, shall the House sit after eleven o'clock at night?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, may I ask whether, on the occasion of the last all-night sitting, there was any evidence of the occurrence of neurasthenia in the conduct of business by the then Leader of the House?

I was lot here on that occasion, and I have not been able to diagnose the symptoms. With regard to the question on the Paper, I do not think the hon. Gentleman's proposal is a practicable one.

asked whether the attention of the Government has been called to the verdict in the case of Lord Howard de Walden v. Lewis, and to the speeches of counsel for the defence; whether the plaintiff admitted that at the reversion of the defendent's lease the Howard de Waiden Estate would become the owners of £130,000 of property built by the defendent; and whether the Government consider that persons who receive huge windfalls of this kind are in a position to pay a heavier tax than is at present levied on leasehold reversions?

My attention has been drawn to the case mentioned, and to the speeches of counsel therein, especially to those of Sir Edward Carson and Mr. F. E. Smith and their animadversions on the leasehold system. I am not in a position to anticipate any of my right hon. Friend's statements on next year's Budget.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lease in question is a ninety-nine years' lease, and whether the Radical Government expect to be in power on the termination of the lease?

Certainly; as to the first part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question I see no reason to doubt the forecast. In reference to the first part of the question, the counsel to whom I have referred had a good deal to say on the hardships of the existing system.

asked whether the Prime Minister's attention has been directed to a speech made by the Home Secretary on the 14th inst., in which he said on several occasions statements had been made from the Bench reflecting on trade unions in language which was extremely ignorant and out of touch with modern thought, and which had greatly complicated the administration of justice; whether the Home Secretary expressed the opinion of the Government on this occasion; and whether, having regard to the nature of the charge made against judges, who have no opportunity of defending themselves, he will provide Members with an opportunity of discussing it in this House?

I understand that my right hon. Friend was replying as a Minister in the ordinary way to a deputation, and it is obvious that he did not, in the observation referred to, purport to be speaking for the Government. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

Having regard to the general accusation made against the learned judges, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision, after Easter, to give a day?

Perhaps the Noble Lord will put the question afterwards.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, apart from the question of opinion, the Home Secretary was merely making a statement of fact?

I would not like to say; that is a matter of opinion.

I can give instances in my own case.

asked whether the Government intend to adjourn this House for a period of some weeks after the Parliament Bill has passed the Commons and gone to another place?

The Government have not yet had under consideration any adjournment of the House beyond that already announced for the Easter Recess. It would clearly be out of the question to come to any decision at this stage of the Session as to the date or duration of future adjournments.

Is any change of plan indicated by this grant of two and a half days extra for the Revenue Bill?

No, Sir.

asked whether, in view of the increased wages paid to unskilled and semi-skilled labourers as the result of the Advisory Board, representing the various Government Departments, the right hon. Gentleman will obtain a Return from those firms at present engaged in shipbuilding and armaments contracts for the Government of the minimum rate of wages paid per hour, and the number of hours worked per normal week, by the unskilled labourers employed by such firms; whether he will consider the practicability of fixing a reasonable living wage for unskilled labourers employed by those firms who secure Government contracts, beginning with shipbuilding and armament firms, until such minimum wage is comparable with that paid at Government dockyards and arsenals; and whether a clause could be inserted in future contracts stating definitely the minimum rate per hour to be paid to such unskilled labourers as are engaged on Government work?

The Admiralty insist on the strict observance of the Fair Wages Clause in all their contracts. I do not understand whether my hon. Friend's suggestion is intended to go beyond the terms of the Fair Wages Clause, and to have no regard to the rate current in any particular district, but if he has any evidence to show that the Fair Wages Clause fails to fulfil its aim in securing that the wages and hours of unskilled labourers employed upon Government contracts are those which in practice prevail amongst good employers in the trade in the district where the work is carried out, I should be glad if he would kindly let me have it, so that I may give the question further consideration.

Is it the fact that the result of the Advisory Board's report is to be an increase of the wages of unskilled labour in Government Departments?

The report of the Advisory Board is not yet published, and I am unable to give any reply.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether the London and Liverpool Schools of Tropical Medicine have been instructed to prepare an exhibit for the International Hygiene Exhibition at Dresden; and, if so, what form this exhibit will take?

I understand that there is to be a joint exhibit from the two schools, but I have no information as to the form which the exhibit will take. As the schools are not under the control of His Majesty's Government, there has been no question of giving instructions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the wisdom of a large Grant to aid the Liverpool Tropical School, which has saved thousands?

I do not think the question of a Grant arises in regard to exhibits by the school.

asked who is the British Consul at Elizabethville, Katanga; and what was his previous experience in the capacity of Consul?

Mr. Beak is the British Vice-Consul in the Katanga. He was appointed Acting British Vice-Consul at Stanleyville in 1907, previous to which date he had served under the Colonial Office in Northern Nigeria.

asked whether prospecting rights are withheld from all British subjects in Katanga, Congo State, while Belgian subjects are freely granted concessions; and whether the Secretary of State is aware that a feeling exists among British residents there that equal justice between the different nationalities is not meted out; if so, will he inquire into this alleged inequality of treatment?

Mining regulations have now been issued, and I have no evidence that there is discrimination against British subjects.

asked the Postmaster-General whether in future contracts with mail cart drivers, such as Messrs. M'Namara and Company, of Castle Street, Finsbury, he will insert a condition to the effect that part-time and odd drivers, employed at present at the rate of 5d. and 4½d. per hour, respectively, shall be paid a wage of at least 6d. per hour, having regard to the number of hours during which these men have to be available for duty, and to the other disadvantages attaching to the conditions of their employment; and whether he will require that these men shall be employed by the week and not by the day?

I have already decided that payment for work of at least 6d. an hour for part-time and odd drivers shall be a condition of any future contract for mail cart services in London; but I fear that the exigencies of the service, varying a" they do from day to day, will not admit of my requiring the contractors to employ these men by the week instead of by the day. The contractors are, however, urged to limit such employment as much as possible, and the proportion of casual labour employed is now small.

asked whether arrangements are being made by the Thames Ironworks Shipbuilding and Engineering Company to give effect to the agreement to provide facilities for learning motor driving, in connection with their forthcoming contract for work for the General Post Office, to those drivers of horse mail vans who are likely to be without employment during the coming summer in consequence of the change of contract, and whose names have been supplied to him by the London Carmen's Trade Union?

The mail cart drivers whose names have been furnished by the London Carmen's Trade Union will be seen by a representative of the Thames Ironworks Shipbuilding and Engineering Company; and the tuition in motor driving of such of these men as are suitable will probably be commenced about the 1st June next, that is about one month before the motor mail contract comes into operation.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the lift-men employed at Mount Pleasant by the General Post Office are paid a wage of 24s. a week, he will increase these men's wages, or otherwise make such arrangements whereby they may be able to earn more money; whether the Postmaster-General will provide opportunities for their promotion, and whether, in view of the regular and permanent character of their employment, he will place them upon the established staff?

The lift-men at Mount Pleasant, who are pensioned petty officers of the Navy, are paid at the same rate as other lift-men employed by the Post Office elsewhere in London, namely, 6d. an hour. This rate was fixed so recently as 1908 after careful inquiry, and is considered to be adequate. Such of the lift-men as are qualified by Army and Navy service are eligible in respect of age, height, etc., for establishment are considered after they have rendered three years' service as lift-men for appointment as postmen or porters if they apply for these positions. I do not consider that lift-men, as such, should be placed upon the established staff, as their work, like that of doorkeepers, cleaners, etc., who are also unestablishcd, is not peculiar to the Post Office.

asked whether the Postmaster-General is aware that the postmaster at Enniskillen on 17th March met a telegraph messenger on his way to deliver a telegram and noticed the boy wearing a shamrock on his cap and stopped him, and in an insulting manner ordered him to take that stuff off his cap and not attempt to wear it again; and will he say if there is any prohibition against the wearing of shamrock on St. Patrick's Day by postal officials; and, if not, whether the postmaster will be reprimanded for his action?

There is no prohibition against the wearing of shamrock by postal officials on St. Patrick's Day, and it is frequently worn. I have no information as to the incident at Enniskillen to which the hon. Member refers, but I am making inquiry.

asked the designation of the local authority that assented to the closing of the post office at Prestbury for the weekly half-holiday, in what form the assent was given, and on what date it was given?

The clerk to the Prestbury Parish Council, under date of the 1st of February, wrote that the council had unanimously agreed on the previous evening to offer no opposition to the Post Office being closed from 1 p.m. on Wednesdays.

On 1st February last?

Yes.

asked—(1) whether a preferential opportunity was given to the C. O. Burns Company for tendering for 100,000 home safes; whether the C. O. Burns Company went into bankruptcy; and whether, contrary to Clause 11 (b), Mr. C. O. Burns has secured the contract under the name of the Fiscus Company; (2) whether, since the bankruptcy of C. O. Burns Company, who had secured the contract for home safes, fresh tenders were asked for or whether the contract was given to Fiscus, Limited, without fresh tenders being invited?

asked what was the number of home safes for which tenders were originally called; the number of firms that tendered; the date on which the contract was awarded; whether such contract was subsequently amended; and whether, before such alteration was made, the firms originally tendering were afforded the opportunity of tendering afresh on the amended terms?

Tenders were invited by advertisement in a number of newspapers for the supply of home safes in quantities of not less than 5,000 at a time, and the quotation of alternative prices was invited for supplies in excess of 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000. Twenty-five firms tendered. The pattern safes were submitted to me, and I was of the opinion, which was shared by all the officers of my Department who were consulted, that that offered by the C. O. Burns Company was one of the very few which were fully suited for the purpose in view. Their lender was considerably lower at every stage than that of any other firm for a satisfactory safe. It was accepted on 15th October. There is no foundation whatever for the suggestion in the questions that any preferential opportunity was given to this firm. In negotiations respecting the details of the contract it was ascertained that if an initial order for 100,000 safes were given the company would make a further slight reduction in the prices they had quoted for that number, and I, of course, accepted that offer. It was agreed at the time that the contract should be executed in the United Kingdom by a British company to be formed by Mr. Burns. The fact that the C. O. Burns Company, of New York, have since gone into liquidation does not affect the execution of the contract by the British company so formed, and I am advised that the provision of Clause 11 (b) in the tender form to which the hon. Member refers does not in any way preclude the course which has been adopted. I see no reason to reopen the matter.

May I ask whether it is not an absolute fact that the C. O. Burns Company were asked to tender for the safes, and whether, having regard to the fact that the firm went into bankruptcy the contract was continued contrary to the Clause?

The C. O. Burns Company was one of the firms that sent in a tender in reply to the advertisement. They were not specially asked for a tender. The tender of the C. O. Burns Company was accepted on the understanding that it was to be executed by a British Company in this country. There is, therefore, no ground for objection to the Post Office having consented to the tender being executed by such company formed by Mr. C. O. Burns. Although the C. O. Burns Company which originally tendered has since that date gone into liquidation the clause to which the hon. Member refers does not in any way preclude this arrangement.

Is it not the fact that the new company was not registered at Somerset House until a considerable time after the C. O. Burns Company had gone into bankruptcy, and will the right hon. Gentleman consult the "Financial News" as to the date?

I really have no reason for thinking that the British Company, which is formed to carry out the tender, is not fully in a position to carry out its contract.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the desirability of providing that upon Coronation Day working hours in post offices and rural sub-offices throughout the Kingdom shall be assimilated to those prevalent on Sundays in order that many employés may not be debarred from taking part in the national rejoicings?

I am now considering the arrangements to be made for the transaction of Post Office work on Coronation Day, and will give due consideration to the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked whether it was contemplated to issue an order permitting London workshops employing dressmakers, tailoresses, and milliners to keep the employés at work until 9 p.m.; if so, whether the order would affect girls from fourteen years of age upwards; and whether the decision to issue the order had been arrived at after consultation with the employers concerned?

Application has been made to me on behalf of the dressmaking and other trades, in view of the pressure of work which is likely to be occasioned by the Coronation, to allow the period of employment during May and June of this year to run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., instead of from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., as fixed by the Factory Act. The employers, in order to cope with the extra pressure, desire to work the full number of hours allowed by the Act, and in the special circumstances I have thought it reasonable to allow the temporary con cession asked for. The Order, following the precedent of the existing Order for laundries, will apply to young persons as well as to women. The Order does not in any way extend the hours of work legally permitted under the Act, and at present is issued in draft only.

asked the Home Secretary whether any steps will be taken to reassure the lower ranks of the Metropolitan police against the fear of consequences for telling the truth, expressed in Police Constable Greave's letter to Mr. Abinger, in the trial of Stinie Morrison, and alleged to have been evidenced by witnesses in the inquiry into the case of Inspector Syme, where it involved superiors in rank, and acknowledged in the judgment of the Disciplinary Board to be existent?

As I have already stated, I propose to make a special inquiry into the statements made by Constable Greave; but I have no ground for thinking that members of the Metropolitan Police Force generally stand in fear of giving truthful evidence. Certainly nothing has been said by the Discipline Board in ex-Inspector Syme's case to support such a suggestion, and it would, I am sure, be repudiated by the men. I hesitate to believe that the hon. Member would have given publicity to such serious statements without having received substantial primâ facie evidence to justify him. If he has such evidence, it is his duty to place it at the disposal of the Minister responsible.

asked if, having regard to the revised general order that there is no appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and to the explanation that such general order merely defines the position and procedure in respect of disciplinary appeals which have existed without change since the creation of the force, the right hon. Gentleman will state whether the police now have in fact a right to appeal to-the Home Secretary; whether such appeals have been made while he and his predecessor have been in office; if in any such cases the decision of the Commissioner in matters of discipline has been revised on appeal; whether, having regard to the practical difficulties involved in an appeal to a Minister, he will consider the establishment of an independent board of appeal, while reserving his power of revision, so as to give the members of the force a sense of security against the possibility of being made the victims of official tyranny and avoid any occasion for public uncertainty that justice is being done; or, in the alternative, will he institute an inquiry as to whether the establishment of such a board is desirable?

There is no right of appeal by an officer of the force from the decision of the Commissioner who is vested by statute with full disciplinary powers. So long as the Commissioner is responsible for the efficiency and good conduct of the police, which have at no time been higher than at present, he must be entrusted with full disciplinary power and must, in his discretion, be able to advance in rank or reduce in rank for inefficiency or misconduct, or inflict other suitable punishment. His powers are no greater than those of any private employer. Members of the Force have no right of appeal from the commissioner, but in the case of ex-Inspector Syme the Commissioner himself submitted to my predecessor an appeal by the officer. Lord Gladstone, after full consideration, decided that he could not intervene. No other appeal has been made to me or my predecessor. I have requested the Commissioner to furnish me with statistics and particulars of the working of the various disciplinary courts, which' will enable me to decide whether there should be modification of the system that has worked for so many years with such satisfactory results as regards the efficiency, morale, and conduct of the Force.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is necessary that candidates for mining inspectorships should be recommended by Members of Parliament in order to ensure their claims being considered; and, if this be not so, would he inform the House of the nature of the machinery that would be put into motion in the appointment of such inspectors?

I am glad to have this opportunity of saying emphatically that it is not necessary that candidates for mines inspectorships or any Home Office inspectorships should be recommended by Members of Parliament; nor does it in any way advance a candidate's interests to be so recommended unless the recommendation is based on the same kind of personal knowledge of his qualifications for the post as that of a testimonial from any other person. As there is a widespread misapprehension on the point, I am inserting a warning against seeking political or social influence in the printed instructions which are issued to candidates by the Home Office. As regards the latter part of the question, candidates are required to fill in a form of application and forward it with testimonials based on personal knowledge of the candidate to the Private Secretary at the Home Office, from whom copies of the form and all necessary information can be obtained.

Is it an open competitive examination?

The conditions are well known.

Is a nomination required to enter the examination, and, if so, who gives it?

It has long been considered the proper practice not to judge entirely by examination, but to have some personal knowledge of the candidates. With those intentions the system of nomination has been in vogue for many years by the Secretary of State, but I cannot undertake myself personally the duty of discriminating between the candidates.

How is the right hon. Gentleman certain the nominations are fairly and equally distributed?

It is very difficult to know how you make certain of anything in this world, but I am quite certain the desire is to take the best and most suitable candidate, and if I thought there was any chance of any attempt to depart from that on grounds of favour, I should certainly exert my authority against that practice.

Are we to understand that the nominations are nominations by himself and not by some outside authority?

The nominations are by the Secretary of State, who is to be responsible to Parliament for them, but that does not mean that he necessarily sees every candidate.

Is the hereditary principle taken into consideration?

Will the right hon. Gentleman appoint a small committee to consider applications, similar to the committee he appointed in the case of Factory Inspectorships?

I do not think that that is a question that ought to be asked without notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Inspector Syme reported in October, 1909, that he was unable to move his residence from Westminster to Fulham pending the result of his appeal of the 26th August, 1909, against his transfer, and was travelling to and fro at the public expense; whether the Receiver refunded to Inspector Syme the sum of £1 15s. 3d. for travelling expenses so incurred; whether inspectors of the Metropolitan police are permitted to reside three miles from town stations at which they are performing duty, and are they allowed travelling expenses; and will he explain why this claim for travelling expenses was allowed if Inspector Syme's transfer did not involve removal of his residence?

Yes; Inspector Syme was allowed as a temporary arrangement to remain in his existing residence, and his travelling expenses were paid. The reason was to prevent his transfer, which was not a punishment, from operating to any way to his disadvantage.

asked whether Chief Inspector Shervington recommended the transfer of Inspector Syme from Gerald Road to North Fulham in August, 1909; did he give his reasons in a written minute or report dealing with a refused charge; did he allege that the inspector was familiar with subordinates; did he make any reference to supposed friction between the inspector and his superiors; did the inspector have any knowledge of the allegation of familiarity, and was he allowed an opportunity to refute it before he was transferred; did Chief Inspector Shervington admit to the Disciplinary Board that his only reason for alleging familiarity was that the inspector spoke for his subordinates; was it shown in evidence, and un questioned, that one of the two constables, whom the chief inspector alleged the inspector was familiar with, had only been one week at the station and had never been spoken to by Inspector Syme prior to the refused charge; did the Disciplinary Board find that Chief Inspector Shervington had failed to prove the alleged familiarity; and did Inspector Syme at his interview with the Home Secretary explain that he appealed not against his transfer, but against the alleged grounds for his transfer?

I have already, in reply to questions, given full information with regard to the circumstances leading to Inspector Syme's dismissal from the Metropolitan Police, and have laid on the Table a copy of the Commissioner's judgment. As the case cannot be reopened, no useful purpose would be served by any further discussion of the details of the case by way of question and answer. The matter can, of course, be fully discussed at the regular opportunity.

May the evidence be put at the disposal of Members to enable them to discuss the matter?

I have already said that I have laid the judgment of the Commissioner, and I do not propose to lay other papers on the subject.

asked the Home Secretary if he has received an application from the Poplar Borough Council for sanction of a new by-law prohibiting chalking and writing on the pavements for purposes of advertising; and if such a by-law has been sanctioned for any other town in the United Kingdom?

A sealed copy of the by-law referred to by the hon. Member has been forwarded to me by the Poplar Borough Council, as required by Section 23 of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1882. Similar by-laws for dealing with this nuisance are in force in a large number of towns throughout the country.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that splash-boards for the prevention of mud-splashing are now fixed to the motor-omnibuses plying along one route in the Metropolis; and will ho consider the advisability of issuing through the police a regulation compelling all motor vehicles, and especially motor-omnibuses, to adopt those guards?

I am not aware that special devices of this kind are fixed to any motor omnibuses now plying in the Metropolis; but the Commissioner of Police has expressed his willingness to have them tried experimentally; and he has repeatedly told local authorities and others that he is ready to consider the question of compelling motor omnibuses to carry such special mudguards, as soon as an efficient device is submitted to him. None of the mudguards submitted so far have proved satisfactory. I have no power to make any such regulations for motor vehicles generally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what action he proposed to take in bringing about the one day rest in seven for Scottish policemen, in view of the promise given when the English measure passed into law?

My hon. Friend's reference appears to be to what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department said in this House on 27th April of last year, that he would be very glad to give his support to such a measure if it were put forward and really supported by the mass of Scottish opinion as represented by Scotland's elected representatives. As my hon. Friend, however, is doubtless aware, there has been a development of opposition to the Bill on the part of Scottish police authorities, based partly on its drafting, but mainly upon the increased burden which it would impose on the ratepayers without any corresponding increase in the central contribution to the cost of the police such as the English local grant system provides.

Are not the clerical mistakes in the Bill such as could easily be remedied in Committee? And is it not a fact that the opposition to the measure is so small that last night we could have passed the Second Reading had it not been for a single Member? Under these circumstances, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister whether some short period could not be devoted to pass- ing the Bill through Second Reading, seeing that it is supported in all parts of the House?

The mistakes in drafting could be remedied in Committee, but they are serious. For instance, the Bill refers to county boroughs, of which there are none in Scotland. In the present state of public opinion in Scotland it is impossible for me to give any undertaking with regard to the Bill.

Are we to understand that the Scottish Office will systematically block the Bill?

The Scottish Office have not blocked the Bill.

Are we to understand that the Government are not officially opposed to the Bill?

I spoke of the public opinion of Scotland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the name of a single Scottish Member who is opposed to the Bill?

Are we to understand from what the right hon. Gentleman has said that the Government will not block the Bill?

No.