asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any information had yet been received regarding the outrage on two British subjects near Ispahan three weeks ago; whether there were good reasons for believing that the recent extensive robberies from caravans on the Shiraz-Ispahan route took place in close proximity to Persian troops, who made no attempt to interfere; and what further measures it was proposed to take to ensure security on the trade routes in Southern Persia?

As regards the first point, telegraphic reports have been received from His Majesty's Minister at Teheran, from which it appears that the amount stolen from the two British subjects was £130, and that, on learning of the robbery, he at once addressed a Note to the Persian Government, urging them to send instructions forthwith for the punishment of the robbers and for the recovery of the plunder, adding that unless the local authorities succeeded in restoring it or paid compensation, he would present a claim at Teheran. The victims, who were uninjured, left for Europe on March 9th. As regards the second point, it is true that on two occasions robberies took place in the presence of some Persian troops. His Majesty's Minister states that there is no reason to suspect complicity on the part of the troops, but a representation is being made to the Persian Government on the circumstances. As regards the last point, I beg to refer the hon. Member to what my right hon. Friend said on the subject of the southern roads in the course of the debate on the 23rd instant.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would circulate to Members of this House copies of the map illustrating the Baghdad Railway question, which were placed at the disposal of another place on Wednesday, 22nd March?

As has already been stated, the map will be annexed to the Blue Book on the Baghdad Railway Convention, which is now in course of preparation, but a certain number of copies shall meanwhile be placed in the Library of this House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with reference to his statement respecting the laying of papers concerning Persia, that he would find out what Lord Morley had promised and whatever he had promised would be given, whether Lord Morley has promised any papers which were referred to this House?

I am afraid I do not understand what my hon. Friend means by papers "referred" to this House. Further correspondence will be laid as promised.

The hon. Gentleman says he does not know what I mean by papers "referred" to this House. The word "referred" printed in the Blue Taper is now properly printed "refused" ill the White Paper.

I could not divine the fact. Lord Morley has not promised any papers which have been refused to this House. Indeed, no papers have been refused to this House. My right hon. Friend (Sir Edward Grey), in referring to this matter, gave his reason why delay was necessary.

Did he not promise papers here which had been promised by Lord Morley in the other House?

Most certainly.

asked whether any communication had passed between His Majesty's Government and the Government of any European Power on the subject of the arbitration proposals suggested by President Taft?

I am not aware that anything has been said by President Taft that need be made the subject of special communication on our part with any European Power, and if it were otherwise it would be premature to make any statement about it.

asked if an opportunity will be afforded the House before the adjournment for the Easter Recess of learning the progress of the international arbitration proposals between His Majesty's Government and the Government of the United States, either by way of debate or in the form of Papers laid upon the Table of the House?

I am not as yet in a position to make any statement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this matter has been under consideration, or whether a day will be granted?

I am not in a position to say when the matter will be a fit subject for further discussion.

asked whether, before any decision binding on this country is arrived at with regard to President Taft's proposals, the consent of those Governments of first-class Powers with whom His Majesty's Government is in alliance or has an entente will be obtained?

I think the Noble Lord must be under a misapprehension as to the nature of President Taft's suggestion; and in any case, it must be left to His Majesty's Government, so long as they retain the confidence of the House, to see that negotiations with one Power do not conflict with their obligations to any other.

asked whether any action had been taken by His Majesty's Government in order to bring about an alteration in the Capitulation Laws in Egypt, with a view to avoiding the anomalies referred to in successive reports by Lord Cromer and Sir Eldon Gorst?

No steps have yet been taken to bring about a general alteration in the Capitulation Laws.

Have any negotiations been in progress between His Majesty's Government and the Government of Egypt?

Certain special matters in connection with those laws have been matters of discussion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would instruct His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington to urge upon the President of the United States of America the desirability of submitting the Mexican question to arbitration?

I do not know to what question the hon. Member is alluding. The relations between the United States Government and the Mexican Government are, according to my most recent information, quite friendly.

Is not it a fact that there is a very considerable massing of troops on the frontier, with the object of bringing pressure to bear on the Mexican Government?

I cannot at all admit that assumption, which is neither made by the Mexican Government nor by the United States.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the intention of the Canadian Government to ask to be relieved of the obligations of a number of Imperial most-favoured-nation treaties, and the necessity that compliance with that request would involve the denunciation of all such treaties by the Imperial Government, he could state whether the abrogation of the Zollverein treaty at Canada's request in 1897 was followed by negotiations for a new treaty in accordance with the expressed intention of the British Government as set forth in Lord Salisbury's despatch of 28th July, 1897; what was the date of such negotiations; what are the reasons for the failure of the negotiations; and what is the present position in regard to the arrangement of a new treaty with Germany?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government have, however, no knowledge of any intention on the part of the Canadian Government to ask to be relieved of the obligations of any Imperial most-favoured-nation Treaties. Negotiations took place during 1897 and 1898. The main difficulty in the way of a satisfactory conclusion lay in the divergence of views between the two Governments concerning the right of the Colonies to form special arrangements as between themselves and the Mother Country, of which the advantages were not extended to any foreign country. No negotiations for a new Treaty are at present in progress.

Has the hon. Gentleman noticed that Sir Wilfrid Laurier has stated publicly that they intended to ask for the denunciation of these treaties?

I have seen it stated that Sir Wilfrid Laurier said so, but, as usual, about two days after that statement I saw it contradicted.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any notice from the Canadian Government that they intend to raise the question at the Imperial Conference?

None whatever.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay upon the Table the Papers wherein the Government declared their intention of ratifying the Hague Convention before finding out the will of Parliament?

I do not know to what papers the hon. Member refers. Thirteen Conventions and one Declaration were signed by the British Representatives at the Second Peace Conference. Of these, eight Conventions and the Declaration, which did not require fresh municipal legislation, were ratified by the King on the advice of his responsible Ministers. The remainder require legislation, for which a Bill will shortly be introduced, and they will not be ratified by the King till the measure has been passed by the House of Commons. Where legislation is required, the carrying out of an intention to ratify any particular Convention is, of course, dependent upon the passing of that legislation by the House of Commons.

asked if, in case His Majesty should not ratify the Convention signed at the Hague in 1907, owing to Parliament not passing the necessary legislation, the Declaration of London would fall to the ground?

The Declaration of London will not be ratified, as has been repeatedly stated, till after there has been an opportunity for discussing it in the House. Till that has taken place, it is not necessary to consider the point raised in the question.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can state how many post and telegraph offices have been closed, or have been proposed to be closed, in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland during the last six months; and if he will suspend further closures until there is some opportunity for people to get a living off the land?

In only one case is it proposed to close a post office, at Hamar, Lerwick. This office was opened when telegraph business was extended to the locality under guarantee. Only about three telegrams a week are received and an equal number delivered from this office, and as the guarantors are unwilling to continue the guarantee, it is proposed to close the office. It could be retained, however, for postal purposes if a small guarantee were forthcoming, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as to this. In eight other cases the discontinuance of telegraph business, but not of postal business, has been under consideration. In one of these a renewed guarantee has been given and telegraph facilities will be continued. In the remainder no definite reply has yet been received from the guarantors. On the average, at each of these offices, about one telegram a day is despatched and one a day is delivered. The annual expenditure of a considerable sum of public money is not warranted in maintaining a telegraph service in these localities, unless some evidence at least of utility is furnished by the persons most benefited being willing to make good one-third of the deficiency. Even then, a substantial loss would still remain.

asked whether the Postmaster-General is yet prepared to make any announcement with reference to the adoption in the Post Office Savings Bank of secure money-boxes, issued to depositors and opened by the Bank at intervals, to facilitate saving and reduce book-keeping?

The manufacture of the home safes is now proceeding, and I hope shortly to be able to announce the probable date of issue to the public, which cannot, however, be for some little time.

asked why it has been found necessary to advertise in the public Press for Post Office engineers, in view of the number of sub-engineers qualified for this position in January, 1910, who were recently informed that there were no vacancies at present; whether it was intended to promote these existing fully-qualified officers before appointing the outside applicants; and whether it is the Postmaster-General's intention to subject these applicants to a competitive examination similar to that imposed in the case of candidates nominated from universities and colleges?

It is not necessary permanently to increase the authorised complement of engineers, and such additional men as are to be sought from outside sources are required to meet a special and temporary need in connection with the telephone transfer. All the sub-engineers referred to have already been allocated to this or equivalent work, but their number is not sufficient. The temporary engineers, having no prospect of continued employment, there is no need to subject them to the educational and technical tests applied to candidates seeking established posts with ultimate prospects of promotion to higher positions.

asked whether the Postmaster General has yet completed his inquiries into the alleged order given by the postmaster of Enniskillen on the 17th March to a telegraph messenger boy to remove a bunch of shamrock from his cap; whether he has found the allegation to be true; and, if so, how has he dealt, or proposes to deal, with the postmaster who so far exceeded his duty?

I find the facts were as follows. At Enniskillen the majority of the Post Office staff wore the shamrock on St. Patrick's Day, without objection from the postmaster, and members of his family did the same. The telegraph messenger boy in question, however, had covered his uniform cap with a large wreath of shamrock, which gave him a grotesque appearance, and this he was told, for that reason to remove. No objection was taken to the bunches of shamrock with which his patriotic fervour had led the boy to decorate his coat in addition. It is clear that the postmaster did not exceed his duty, and if disrespect was shown to the Irish national emblem, it was by the telegraph boy rather than by the postmaster.

asked whether a departmental committee had recommended that the office of Secretary to the Post Office in Scotland should be discontinued with the result that certain postal matters hitherto decided in Scotland would have to be referred to London; and whether, before coming to any decision on the matter, the Postmaster-General will endeavour to ascertain the opinions of Scottish Members on the suggested change?

No such suggestion has been made in recent years, and the report that I have contemplated, or am now contemplating, a change of the character referred to is wholly unfounded.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is yet in a position to make any announcement as to the commencement of new buildings for the Science Museum at South Kensington?

No, Sir; but I hope it may be possible to do so shortly.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the restriction in the number of London County Council scholars who are in future to be admitted to the University College School; and whether he is taking measures to ensure that this restriction of numbers will be balanced by more places being opened in other secondary schools of a high standing in London?

I understand that it has been decided to admit no more scholars from public elementary schools to this school. The question of securing secondary school education elsewhere for any holders of London County Council scholarships thus displaced appears to be a matter primarily for the local education authority.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the authorities of the University College School, Hampstead, have refused to accept any further scholars from the London County Council schools who have obtained scholarships; if the college in question receives any Grant from the Board of Education, and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answers I have already given to similar questions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the latter part of the question?

I have stated in the answer to which I have referred that it gets no Grant.

asked whether the President of the Board of Education is now able to state how it was that the late chief inspector's circular was sent round to the inspectors without his knowledge or consent; and whether he is prepared to recommend such changes in the organisation of business in his Department as would prevent the issue of important circulars on matters of policy without his previous consent?

I have already explained that the confidential memorandum to which the hon. Member refers, was sent to inspectors in conformity with the practice of the Board to encourage a free and unrestrained interchange confidentially of opinions on educational subjects between their officers—a practice which I believe to be for the good of the Service. The fact that officers of the Board do not hold identical views on all educational matters should not, and I believe does not, prevent them from loyally promoting whatever may be, for the time being, the policy of the Board. The document was printed and distributed with the concurrence of the originating officer and the sanction of the Permanent Secretary. Matters of trivial importance, of which there are many thousands, are not brought individually to my notice; they are dealt with under general authority given to responsible officers, but the consent of the President is obtained for the issue of important circulars, conveying instructions or advice, committing the Board on matters of policy. The Memorandum in question did not convey instructions or advise or commit the Board on matters of policy. Now that the publishing of confidential documents abstracted from the office of the Board has received some public approval and encouragement, I am forced to face the possibility, although I hope not the probability, of a greater risk of such publications. A Memorandum which by publication might give rise to misconceptions of the policy of the Board assumes an importance which it would not bear when confined only to those to whom it is confidentially addressed, and who can rightly estimate its importance and meaning. Bather than run the risk of pain and offence being caused, or of misconceptions arising as to the policy of the Board, I am enlarging the categories of papers which are to have my express sanction.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether the circular, when it was sent out, was accompanied by a covering letter; and, if so, who signed that letter?

No, Sir; the circular was not sent out accompanied by a covering letter, and, therefore, no covering letter was signed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman tell us that the question of what class of persons should be appointed to these posts or under local authorities, and whether they should be confined to graduates, is merely a small detail, and not a matter of importance?

No; the Board has given no advice or instructions on the appointment of inspectors to the local authorities, and no intention has ever been expressed by the Board of interfering in such matters. The individual opinion of the inspectors is a matter which I believe to be of less importance than the declaration of the policy of the Board itself.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why it was that he inserted in his answer that these matters were trivial and of no importance?

If the hon. Gentleman wishes to ask any further questions on the answer I have given I think he had better wait to see it in print, and with that object I propose to circulate it with the votes.

Was this alleged confidential document circulated among more than one hundred people, and does the President of the Board of Education believe that a document circulated among so many persons can remain confidential.

There is no difficulty in answering that question. The whole of the circulars sent to the Board inspectors have previously been regarded by them as confidential, and I have no reason to believe, because they happen to be one hundred in number, that they are less trustworthy in regard to confidential documents than any other officers of the Board.

asked on what date was it brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice that the late chief inspector's circular had been issued; and what steps did he take to counteract the effect of this circular and to explain to the inspectors that his own policy was diametrically opposed to that contained in the circular?

I first became aware early in February that the memorandum had been sent to inspectors. At that time my attention was called to the fact that a copy of the document had been seen by some persons not in the service of the Board. In reply to the second part of the question, I took whatever steps were in my power to prevent the further publication of the document, but publication in the widest possible way was given to it by an hon. Member opposite. As the inspectors had no reason to believe, and were not likely to believe, that I shared the views expressed by Mr. Holmes, no occasion arose for me to circularise them. The inspectors understood perfectly well that the document was not intended to be an exposition of the policy of the Board of Education. In view, however, of the misunderstanding created by the publication and the pain and offence caused thereby, I have, as I explained on Thursday night, recalled all existing copies of the document still in the hands of officers of the Board.

Has the right hon. Gentleman forgotten that his private secretary had some correspondence about this document in the middle of January?

I do not forget that fact. I have stated when I first knew of the document, and I have nothing to add to that.

Was it in February or January?

In the first sentence of my answer I said I first became aware of it early in February.

May I ask whether the documents issued by the Chief Inspector are to be accepted by the subordinate staff as expressing his views, and not as expressing the opinions of the Board of Education?

When a document is issued by the Board of Education to make a declaration of policy, that declaration is made quite clearly, and, as the policy of the Board of Education, can only be expressed by my authority.

May I ask the right hon Gentleman whether he will consider the advisability of reverting to the former practice of his own Board, namely, of issuing with the Code instructions to inspectors, thus making them public property?

I think I ought to receive notice of that question, which does not arise out of the reply. My hon. Friend is, I think, referring to another practice altogether.

asked whether Mr. Holmes' memorandum was issued to inspectors other than elementary school inspectors?

Yes, Sir; it was issued also to the Board's inspectors of secondary and technical schools.

Would the right hon. Gentleman inform me what is the number of inspectors to which the circular was issued first of all, and, secondly, why it was that in his speech on Wednesday he said that it was issued to the elementary school inspectors?

No, Sir. I have looked up the OFFICIAL REPORT, and I did not. I said it was addressed to the inspectors of the Board. As to any further question as to numbers, I must ask for notice.

Does the right hon. Gentleman still think it a wise thing to have confidential circulars issued to several hundreds of people?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the fact that the managers of the Talacre Roman Catholic school, Flintshire, gave notice on 9th May, 1910, under the Education Act, 1902, Section 8 (1); that this notice has been supported by the county council and the local education committee; that no decision has been come to by the Board of Education, and that therefore the school is still being maintained out of private funds; and whether, having regard to these facts, he will instruct the Board to provide Grants to the school in question?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, I understand that the local education authority support the proposal subject to certain modifications. With regard to the rest of the question, the Board are awaiting the reply of the promoters of the school to inquiries addressed to them as to the capacity of the school to comply with the requirements of the Code under the trusts which affect it at present. A letter was received from the promoters last Saturday, but it is not yet clear what the precise position is.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, when it is anticipated that the new public offices in Great George Street, Westminster, will be completed; and what Government Departments are to be housed therein?

The First Commissioner of Works anticipates that these new public offices will be completed in about five years' time; he does not wish at this early stage to commit himself to the exact arrangements which will be made for the occupation of this building.

Will these buildings go-any further into the park than the old buildings which stood there?

There will be a slight rearrangement of the boundary, but the general effect will be to increase the area of the park.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he could give an assurance that no alteration to the width of the bridge across the lake in St. James's Park is in contemplation?

asked (1) whether the King Edward Memorial Committee have asked for sanction to their proposal to cut a new road across St. James's Park and to build a new bridge across the lake; and (2) whether, in view of the uneasiness caused by the proposal to cut a new road through St. James's Park, the assent of this House will be secured before any such scheme is agreed to?

asked what steps it was proposed to take to prevent the suggested erection of a wide and unnecessary vehicular bridge in St. James's Park?

asked whether consent has been given to a proposal to make a new road and bridge in St. James's Park; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused by such an interference with the amenities of the park, he will afford the House an opportunity of discussing the matter before a final decision is taken?

asked whether an opportunity will be given to this House to express its opinion on the alterations proposed to be made in St. James's Park?

asked if he will take steps to stop any further developments for the construction of a road across St. James's Park and the construction of a bridge solely for the convenience of persons driving; and if he will take steps to preserve the beauty of the park and its use as a resting place and playground for the poor, especially children?

In the first place, I should like to point out that the statements which have appeared up to now on the subject of the memorial to King Edward were not authorised by the Committee appointed to deal with that matter, and are consequently liable to convey a wrong impression. It is evident that this is the case, for I observe that most of the questions suggest that it is proposed to make a new road and construct a broad bridge across the water in St. James's Park. I have the fullest authority for saying that no proposal to make a roadway and a bridge for vehicular traffic has ever been put forward, much less considered; and I can assure the hon. Members that the First Commissioner would not for a moment consent to such a scheme, which would be exceedingly detrimental to the amenities of the park. The suggestion of the Executive Committee is that a statue of King Edward VII. shall be placed on the south side of the Mall, immediately opposite Marlborough Gate; that such rearrangement of the formation of the ground as may be necessary for the surroundings of the statue shall be carried out; and that, in order to give a vista of the statue from the south side of the park in Birdcage Walk, a footpath shall be made which will be carried over the Lake on a stone bridge, which will only be of sufficient height to admit of the passage of boats beneath it, and will thus form a distinct improvement upon the present suspension bridge, which, however practicable for the purpose, can hardly be said to be otherwise than detrimental to the surrounding scenery. This suggestion of the Executive Committee was considered by the General Committee at the Mansion House this morning; and after the misapprehension caused by the reports to which I have referred had been removed, it was adopted at a full meeting with only four dissentients. I am to say that the Department which I represent would welcome any discussion in this House upon the project, as it could not fail to remove the misapprehensions with which, at present, it appears to be surrounded.

May I ask whether the hon. Member lays any particular stress upon the words "vehicular traffic," because even it a road were not made for that, does he not consider that a wide road and a broad bridge would equally destroy the amenities of the Park?

Yes, Sir, I do lay stress on that, but I must tell the hon. Member there is no question of a broad road and a broad bridge. I think all this misapprehension arose from a picture which appeared in one of the picture papers, which gave a totally wrong impression of the project.

Will the hon. Gentleman undertake that no steps shall be entered upon by the Department until plans have been submitted and an expression of opinion elicited in this House?

Certainly, Sir.

May I ask can the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking with regard to this matter as asked in Question No. 27 (put by Mr. Whitehouse) about the assent of the House?

I believe, strictly speaking, that the assent of the House is not necessary for the work. That is strictly speaking, but I should say as I have already said in my answer that the First Commissioner would welcome any discussion, and would, of course, be influenced by any general expressed desire on the part of the House.

Does not this House find the money which is expended on the parks, and has it not the right to be heard? Can my hon. Friend say when we will have the opportunity of discussing this?

I am not, of course, in a position to say when the House will have this opportunity. The House finds the money for the parks, but it does not find the money for this particular work.

Can we have the salary of the First Commissioner of Works put down as early as possible, so that we may discuss the matter?

I cannot give any undertaking as to that, but as I have already said, the First Commissioner will welcome discussion.

May I ask whether the proposal involves the destruction of the present bridge; and also whether he can see his way, for the convenience and satisfaction of Members, to have the full detailed plans exhibited somewhere in the House, so that we may all judge for ourselves?

Yes, Sir; the present proposal is to do away with the suspension bridge. Of course, before the work is undertaken, or before the plans are passed they will be exhibited in this House.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the decision of the War Department to fix upon the Edinburgh wages and working conditions as applicable to their works near the Firth of Forth; and whether he proposes to follow a similar course with reference to the works at Rosyth?

I am aware of the decision of the War Department regarding payment of Edinburgh rates of wages at Bedford, which is about four miles from Edinburgh. With regard to the works at Rosyth, which is fifteen miles from Edinburgh on the opposite side of the Firth of Forth, there are already recognised trade rates at Dunfermline, which is three miles from Rosyth, and within the area of which Burgh it is proposed to include Rosyth. The Board of Admiralty are of opinion that under the Fair Wages Resolution the Dunfermline rates, and not the Edinburgh rates, should be the determining standard so far as Rosyth is concerned.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he can state the number of cases of accident and sickness of workmen employed upon the new dock works at Rosyth dealt with by the local Poor Law authority in their workhouse infirmary since the commencement of the works; what has been the total estimated cost to the ratepayers of dealing with these cases; and what special grant, it any, has been contributed by either the Admiralty or the contractors to the local Poor Law authority towards the cost of the same?

The cases of accident, mostly slight, which have been sent by Inverkeithing parish council to the Dunfermline Poorhouse Hospital have been twenty-four, and the cases of sickness fifty-three. The estimated cost of these to the ratepayers has been £90; nothing has been contributed by the Admiralty or by the contractors.

asked whether the 1908 amendment to the German Navy Law would increase the number of German battleships?

As explained by my right hon. Friend the First Lord in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Northamptonshire East, on Monday last, the Fleet Law of 1908 did not alter the nominal total numbers, inasmuch as it shortened the period after which battleships were to be replaced from twenty-five to twenty years, thus making the period the same as for cruisers. The result of this was to increase the number of large armoured ships laid down each year during the period 1908–1911 from three to four, thereby enabling four battleships of 4,034 tons to be replaced four years earlier than would otherwise have been the case.

Is the House to understand that the First Lord's statement was incorrect?

Certainly not.

Not if he stated that there were four ships added?

The First Lord does not make that suggestion. The fact is that in the execution of the programme it is possible that a new battleship may come into commission before the age-limit of the ship which she will replace has been reached. Therefore, temporarily, there may be an overlapping, and the First Lord was perfectly accurate in saying that there might be an increase in the number of battleships. I hope I have made the point quite clear now.

The hon. Gentle-man is evidently not aware that the First Lord told me, on the 13th instant., that he made a mistake.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the official statement that the German Navy Law of 1900, when complete, meant a navy of thirty-three capital ships, including "Dreadnoughts" and cruisers, as well as pre-"Dreadnoughts," he would lay a Paper showing how the discrepancy had arisen between this estimate and the German Navy Law of 1900, with amendments of 1906 and 1908, which, when complete, showed a navy of fifty-eight capital ships, including "Dreadnoughts" and cruisers, as well as pre-"Dreadnoughts"?

In the statement to which the Noble Lord refers the number thirty-three relates to "Dreadnoughts" and "Dreadnought" cruisers only; and in order to make up the total to fifty-eight armoured ships, the Noble Lord must add to the thirty-three "Dreadnoughts" and "Dreadnought" cruisers sixteen pre-"Dreadnought" battleships and nine pre-"Dreadnought" armoured cruisers. This number of twenty-five pre-"Dreadnoughts" was covered by the words in the statement "as well as pre-'Dreadnoughts,'" the phrase "as well as" meaning "in addition to."

Will the First Lord lay any papers, because there is great resentment in Germany owing to the inaccurate statement about the German Navy?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the full complement of His Majesty's ship "Defence"; what complement she commissioned with; whether any men had deserted from the ship since commissioning; and whether a state of discontent existed on board this ship?

Information as to the complements of His Majesty's ships is confidential and cannot be given. The "Defence" commissioned with practically a full crew, except for a few deficiencies due to cases of sickness in the crew turning over to her. One man and one boy have deserted from the "Defence" since she commissioned. In reply to the last part of the question, full inquiry has been made, and I am able to give an emphatic denial to any such suggestion. The "Defence" has been inspected within the last few days by the Rear-Admiral of the First Division of the Home Fleet, who reports that the ship is in excellent order.

Is there any question of refusing information as to the complements of ships?

The information is confidential, and cannot be given.

asked who were the persons responsible for the entertainment at Barrow-In-Furness Town Hall on St. Patrick's Day, to which men from His Majesty's ship "Hermione" were refused admission because they were in uniform?

Before the hon. Gentleman replies, is he aware that the entertainment referred to was held under the auspices of the United Irish League and kindred associations, and was part of an Irish Nationalist demonstration, at which political speeches were delivered; that admission was limited to Irish Nationalists and persons in well-known sympathy with Irish aspirations; and that the sailors were refused admission because the hall was full, and after well-known Irish Nationalists had been refused admission for want of room?

I am generally aware of that, because I heard the hon. Member say so last week. As to the question on the Paper, I understand that the entertainment was given by the local branch of the United Irish League of Great Britain. My right hon. Friend the First Lord stated on Thursday last that there is a conflict of evidence as to the reason for which admission was refused to men from His Majesty's ship "Hermione."

Has the hon. Gentleman yet received a report from the police of the district?

No.

Are not soldiers and sailors in uniform habitually excluded from hotels, restaurants, and theatres in this country, and even from the gallery of this House?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he was aware that for many years the mechanics in the Royal dockyards who had served an apprenticeship to the hand-sewn boot and shoe trade were classed as skilled labourers and paid as such; that in 1908 the Admiralty made them a minor trade, and classed them as leather-hose makers; that since that date the maximum rate for skilled labourers had been raised to 30s. a week, leaving the leather-hose makers no longer classed as skilled labourers, at the old rates of pay, namely, 26s. 6d. for established men and 28s. for hired men; and whether, seeing that the hose-makers' trade was ever widening and becoming more difficult, he would consider the advisability of granting a trade rate of pay of 30s for established men and 31s. 6d. for hired men?

The reply to the first, second, and third parts of the question is in the affirmative, but a few of the leather-hose makers are allowed the same maximum rates as skilled labourers—namely, 30s. a week. The rate of wages of the class in question is now again under consideration in connection with the annual petitions.

When will the decision be announced?

I cannot say, but there will be no undue delay.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he had received any communication from the Denbigh County Council with reference to the housing of the navvies employed upon the Birkenhead Waterworks at Alwyn Valley; and, if so, could he state the nature of the same?

I have received a communication from the Clerk to the Denbighshire County Council in which he states that, at the meeting of the Birkenhead Waterworks Committee of the Denbighshire County Council held at Wrexham on the 23rd instant, the county main roads surveyor reported that the contractors have at present thirty-five men on their books, that seventeen of them are staying in the contractors' huts, and the remainder living in neighbouring farms, that the present accommodation is for twenty-two men, and that the contractors informed him that this accommodation will he doubled by the end of the month. He adds that the special committee and the county council will sec that the obligation imposed upon the Birkenhead Corporation by Sub-section (15) of Section 28 of the Birkenhead Corporation Water Act, 1907, is complied with.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he was aware that it was stated in the Report of the Medical Officer of the Local Government Board for the year 1908 that in the counties of Bedford, Northampton, and Leicester the declarations of conscientious objection to vaccination made under the Act of 1907 had exceeded 50 per cent. of the births; and would he say whether any cases of smallpox had been recorded in those counties during the present year?

I am aware of the statement referred to. With regard to my hon. Friend's second question I may say that there have been no cases of small-pox this year in forty-six out of the fifty-five registration counties. These forty-six include the three counties mentioned.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he had invited the local authorities to express any opinion on the question as to whether or not they were in favour of appeals against orders under Part I. of the Housing, Town-Planing, etc., Act, 1909, being made to a judicial tribunal in substitution for the Local Government Board; and whether he was aware that several London borough councils had spontaneously made representations in favour of appeals against orders under Part I. of the Housing, Town-Planning, etc., Act, being made to a judicial tribunal?

I have not invited any expression of opinion from local authorities on the question referred to by the hon. Member, nor do I consider it necessary to do so. I am aware that several London borough councils have made representations to the effect mentioned, but I should prefer not to commit myself to the acceptance in its fullest sense of the word "spontaneously." I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 1st March last to a question on this subject put by the hon. Member for Hammersmith.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he was prepared to initiate or support legislation to amend the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, by providing that appeals under Part I. of the Act should be to a properly constituted legal tribunal bound to deal with the appeal in a judicial manner?

I am not prepared to initiate or support legislation for altering the tribunal, nor am I satisfied that there is any general demand for such alteration. The matter was fully discussed in Parliament in connection with the Act of 1909, and, as I have previously stated, there does not seem to be any good reason for altering the Act in this matter.

asked whether the Camberwell Borough Council, who had made closing orders that were recently the subject of appeal to the Board, was among the authorities that have expressed dissatisfaction with the appeal procedure of the Board?

I am not aware that the Camberwell Borough Council have passed any resolution in favour of the substitution of a judicial tribunal for the Local Government Board as the appeal tribunal, although they have expressed some dissatisfaction with the method of procedure adopted under Section 17 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909.

If the dissatisfaction of local authorities is brought to his notice, will the right hon. Gentleman give full weight to it and consider an alteration of the law?

Most certainly; but of the thirty-two local authorities which have already made representations, not one has had any experience under the Act.

Has not the Camberwell Borough Council had experience?

Yes, but not on this particular point. Their representation was as to the cost of the appeal.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the inspector nominated by the Board to preside at a local public inquiry for the hearing of an appeal was required to have any, and, if so, what legal or other qualifications; whether the Board claimed that the inspector's report was a confidential commuication to itself, and that an appellant was not entitled to know its contents; and whether, after a local public inquiry had been held and the inspector had reported, the Board held itself free to make any order it thought fit, so that, if it pleased it could ignore the inspector's report?

The inspectors of the Local Government Board who hold local inquiries in regard to appeals to the Board against closing and demolition orders are specially qualified to deal with the questions raised at such inquiries, and were specially selected by me on account of their qualifications. They have had ample experience in connection with building construction, and it devolves upon them, when holding an inquiry, to make a careful inspection of the premises in regard to which the appeal is made. The reports made to the Board by their inspectors are regarded as confidential documents. The appeal is made to the Board, and the Board decide it after carefully considering the whole of the facts before them.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he would consider the possibility of so amending the Poor Law as to make it legal for boards of guardians to contribute to the support of children now chargeable to the State, and classed as orphans or deserted, in the British possessions over-seas?

I should doubt the expediency of amending the law in the direction indicated by the hon. Member.

Is it the right hon. Gentleman's view that the Poor Law does prevent boards of guardians from making such payments?

The Poor Law enables boards of guardians to spend money from the moment a child is adopted until it is thirteen or fourteen years of age, when the child is emigrated to any of the colonies. If the hon. Gentleman asks me, I think it is inexpedient that the contribution should go overseas.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the serious epidemic of measles prevailing at present, and the consequent mortality among London school children, he will consider taking the necessary steps to make measles a notifiable disease?

I am at present considering what further steps can be taken to deal with this serious outbreak, and the question of making measles a notifiable disease will have my attention.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in the course of his inquiry, see whether one of the staff of the public health side of the Local Government Board could be used in the inquiries into the particular districts where the mortality is highest, so that we may know what the social and housing conditions are?

I am very pleased to say that that particular point has been dealt with at the several conferences that have taken place during the last few weeks between the officers of the County Council, the Education Department, and the officers of the Local Government Board.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Irish Local Government Board have sanctioned the second portion of the housing scheme of the Limerick Borough Council; and whether, this being so, the Treasury will grant the second portion of the loan, so that this work may be proceeded with at once in the interests of the health of the people?

The Treasury have sanctioned the additional loan of £3,000, making, with the loan recently sanctioned, £4,700.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the numerous amounts mentioned in the Civil Service Estimates for the coming year as unclaimed are regarded as being forfeited to the Crown, or if any effort is made to find the legal representatives of those Civil servants to whom these moneys are due?

If the pension of a Civil servant remains undrawn for a year the Paymaster-General addresses a communication to the pensioner, and in case of death this enables his legal representatives to apply for any balance of the pension which may be due to the estate. If a pension is unclaimed for two whole years it is removed from the Estimates; but it may be restored if the circumstances-justify such a course. The amounts to which the hon. Member alludes are not the actual amounts due, but the annual rates of pensions which are reported to Parliament as no longer required.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether, in view of the admitted shortage of officers and the contrast that is caused by naval and military service placing retired officers under taxation in any new offices or employment compared with gentlemen who, by reason of their not having served in the Army or Navy, are immune from such taxation and enjoy the full salary of any such employment, His Majesty's Government will take steps to remove this burden and place them on an equality with other persons in respect to their ability to earn a full wage without deductions in any new work after leaving naval or military service?

The Superannuation Act of 1887 provides that an abatement shall be made from the salary of any officer in receipt of non-effective pay for naval or military service who is re-employed in a civil capacity. I see no sufficient reason for making any alteration in this provision, the principle of which was fully considered at the time.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state how many retired officers of the Army or Navy who have received gratuities, or who are in receipt of pensions, are now serving under different Departments of State and drawing salaries from the funds of such Departments; how many of these officers have the pay of their existing employment reduced by the Treasury orders directing taxation of their pay, and what is the aggregate amount produced by such taxation; and whether, in the case of officers whose pay is derived from a declared public fund, the whole or part of any taxation is refunded to the rates from which the revenue of the fund is-wholly or partly obtained?

The information desired by the hon. Member will be found in the Return annually presented to Parliament under Section 6 of the Superannuation Act, 1887, of which the latest is H.C. No. 264 of 1910. There is no question of a refund. The civil salary is issued to the officer at the amount at which it is fixed after the abatement required under the statutory rules.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the method of assessing Licence Duty on the basis of alcoholic trade done has the approval of the licensed trade in Scotland as the fairest way of raising the money required; and whether, in view of the fact that the licensing law in Scotland has always differed from that which obtains in England, he will consider the advisability of adopting a different system of assessment in the present case?

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is not prepared to propose any changes in the principles of assessment to Licence Duty until he has been able to consider the results of the revaluation now being carried out in accordance with Sub-section (2) of Section 44 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. With regard to the second part of the question, I am not quite sure whether the hon. and gallant Member refers to the law regulating the grant of licences by justices or to the law regulating the Excise duties; but, assuming that the reference is to the Excise law, I may remind him that the duties payable upon licences for public-houses in England and Scotland have been uniform, at all events since 1825, and it is only with regard to the off-licences, formerly granted to grocers in Scotland, that there has been a difference. One of the main objects of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, was, as far as possible, to introduce uniformity in licensing taxation throughout the United Kingdom, and I do not think that a reversal of this policy can be adopted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that the proposal in the question is approved not only by the temperance bodies, but by a large body of public opinion in Scotland, more especially in relation to the clubs?

Yes. I understand that is the view held by my right hon. Friend, but I do not think I can add anything to the answer I have already given.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered that the new system virtually proposed in the question of the hon. and gallant Gentleman would enable the authority immediately to get at the difference between a licensed and any non-licensed house; is he also aware that a deputation of the licensed traders of Scot land, at their interview a fortnight ago, were able to inform his right hon. colleague that the whole of the licensed trading and public opinion in Scotland was in favour——

That is a long question; it had better be put down.

Will the right hon. Gentleman deal with Scotland alone, or will he, in this particular matter, deal with the United Kingdom as a whole?

I cannot tell: I cannot anticipate the statement which will be made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the omission from Form IV., as now being issued in Ireland, of question (i) in the corresponding form in use in this country, the sum for which the property is worth to be let to a yearly tenant; and whether, in the case of holdings on which a judicial rent has not been fixed, he can say what information is possessed by the Tenement Valuation Office which would enable them to arrive at such letting value without first ascertaining the value placed on the same by the owner as laid down in the said question (i); and (2) whether his attention has been drawn to the omission from Form IV., as now being issued in Ireland, of question (h) in the corresponding form in use in this country; if the land is let by person making return state whether let under lease or agreement, term for which lease is granted, commencement of term, and consideration in money in addition to rent reserved; and whether he will state in the case of non-judicial holdings the records that may exist in the Record of Title Office from which the necessary information can be obtained?

In a small proportion of the few cases in Ireland where a judicial rent has not been fixed and the land has not been sold under the Purchase Acts it may be necessary to get some further particulars not asked for in Form IV. In drafting the Irish Form the aim of the Commissioner of Valuation was to give the least possible amount of trouble to the owners of land consistently with getting the particulars necessary to enable him to make the Valuation required by the 1909–10 Finance Act. The information available in the Valuation and other Government offices goes to show that additional particulars, such as those referred to, need only be asked for in a very small proportion of cases; it was not, therefore, considered advisable to require all owners of property to give them.

Was not the giving of the least possible amount of trouble to owners of land a consideration in the issue of Form IV. in England?

Yes, I think so.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in addition to the establishment of Government works in the Forest of Dean for the distillation of wood and the manufacture of acetate of lime, he had considered the advisability of acquiring the various existing private concerns which are carrying on this industry ill England, Wales, and Scotland, which undertakings are in a depressed condition owing to fluctuations of prices and other causes; and whether he would consider the advisability of carrying these concerns on as a Government monopoly?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I do not think the suggestion made in the last part of the question would be a practical one.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give the names of the financial experts and other well-qualified persons, including in the number representatives of different elections of Irish opinion who have been taken into consultation by the Cabinet in connection with the financial relations between Great Britain and Ireland?

No, Sir, I am not at present in a position to make any announcement.

When may we hope to have this announcement?

Before long.

Are we likely to have some announcement on the subject, and as to the result of the inquiry, before the Chancellor of the Exchequer introduces his next Budget?

That I cannot say.

Why, then, is an announcement publicly made by the responsible Minister for Ireland if it was intended to keep this inquiry shrouded in mystery?

There is no mystery of any kind whatever about it. It is an inquiry now being conducted by the Government for their own guidance and information.

asked the Prime Minister, whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Plural Voting Bill this Session; and, if so, whether he will introduce it before the Coronation Recess?

I cannot at present make any statement on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, after consultation with the Secretary of State for War, he has decided to set up a Select Committee for the examination of Army Estimates, suggested by the Motion of the hon. Member for West Aberdeen discussed in the House of Commons on the 14th March instant?

This matter is still under the consideration of the Government, not in regard to Army Estimates only, but to Estimates in general.

asked the Prime Minister what will be the total number of Parliamentary days devoted this Session to the discussion of the combined Army and Navy Services, after taking into account the days already given and the days to which the Government are pledged, including both allotted and unallotted days?

Including the joint discussion on 13th March six days have been devoted to the discussion of the Army and Navy Services. Three of these were allotted days. Two unallotted days have been promised—one to each Service—and also an allotted day for the salary of the First Lord of the Admiralty. But how many of the remaining allotted days will be set aside for the discussion of Army and Navy Votes will be determined through the usual channels in the course of the Session.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the time already given, and the time promised, consider whether it would not be inadvisable to set aside further days, in order that other departments of administration can be properly discussed?

We will endeavour to observe a due balance.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of inviting persons with present or very recent knowledge of the administration of India in India itself, of its commercial and industrial problems, and of its military and naval requirements as part of the scheme of Imperial Defence, to represent India at the forthcoming Imperial Conference?

Under the terms of the Resolution adopted at the last Conference, only Ministers of the Crown can be members of the Conference.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what was the total amount contributed by asylum officers in England and Wales last year under the provisions concerning pensions of the Asylums Officers Superannuation Act, 1909; and what was the total number of officers who so contributed?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Act has not been in operation for a complete year and the collection of the information desired would cause much trouble and considerable expense.

asked the Lord Advocate what was the total amount contributed by asylum officers in Scotland last year under the provisions concerning pensions of the Asylums Officers Superannuation Act, 1909; and what was the total number of asylum officers who so contributed?

I am unable to state the total amount contributed by district asylum officers and servants in Scotland last year under the provision of the Asylums Officers Superannuation Act, 1909, without obtaining a special return on the subject, but the amount of such contributions during the month of December last was £205. This may be taken as a fair measure of their contributions from 15th May, when the Act came into operation; and the total amount therefore is probably about £1,450. The total number of asylum officers and servants who were contributing at 15th December last was 1,110.

asked if the directors of certain banks where it has been the constant custom for many years to pay the Income Tax of their employés, and also hitherto to allow to their employés any abatements of Income Tax due to them, are retaining for the benefit of such banks the abatements due to employés who have children under sixteen years of age; and will he introduce legislation, if necessary, so that employés shall receive the benefit of the abatements referred to?

I have had my attention drawn to cases of the kind referred to by the hon. Member. It is clearly contrary to the intention of the Government in allowing the abatement for children under sixteen years of age that this relief should go to benefit the employer instead of the employé on whose behalf it was granted. I may, however, add that the root of the mischief appears to me to lie in the growing practice under which Income Tax is borne and paid by persons other than those legally chargeable with the tax, a practice which is directly contrary to the Income Tax Acts.

asked whether the English Local Government Board has sanctioned the claims for pensions of applicants who, according to the Auditor-General and Comptroller, surrendered holdings of from forty to fifty acres of land in order to secure pensions; and, if such cases were sanctioned by the Board, why is Section 4 (3) allowed to prevent people in Ireland who only surrender fifteen acres, and that according to the old custom of the country, from obtaining a pension, especially when it is stated that the Law is the same in all parts of the United Kingdom and when the same instructions are given to all those officers who are entrusted with carrying it out?

I have no authority to call in question the correctness of the decisions given by the Pension Authorities in the cases referred to, or to discuss the principles adopted by the Local Government Boards in applying the provisions of Section 4 (3) of the Old Age Pensions Act. As regards pension officers, I have nothing to add to my answers to the hon. Member on the 23rd instant, and the hon. Member for Mid Tipperary on the 20th instant.

How is it that in this country people of forty or fifty acres of land are eligible, while in Ireland people with plots of 13, 14, or 15 acres are not eligible?

There is no difference in the administration of the Act.

You somehow manage to administer it here differently.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government intend to take any action during the present Session of Parliament with the object of giving effect to the recommendations made in the Majority Report of the Royal Commission on Canals; and, if so, what measures the Government propose to adopt?

I cannot hold out any hope of legislation on this subject during the present Session.

asked the President, whether his attention has been called to the insufficient lodging accommodation provided at Stockport, London and North-Western Railway, for the purpose of rest for engine-drivers and others; and whether, in view of the importance of adequate rest being provided, he will take steps to insure that sufficient accommodation is available?

I have communicated with the railway company on this matter. I have received a reply, of which I am forwarding my hon. Friend a copy.

asked whether, among the statements marked confidential information, not for publication, recently issued by the Board of Trade to traders, were included an extract from "The Natal Agricultural Journal," a paragraph from the Paris Directory, a statement in "The Novoe Vremya," and an item from the "Brazilian Diario Official," and, if so, what was the reason for insisting that these statements should be regarded as confidential?

Such of the circulars apparently alluded to in the question which were marked "Confidential" were so marked because some of the information (though not necessarily all) was of a confidential character or consequential on earlier communications giving information of this character.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the outdoor and transmission staff in the mercantile marine offices are frequently required to discharge onerous and difficult work on Sunday in connection with the payment off of merchant vessels, so as to secure that seamen discharging on Sunday shall go direct to their homes and not fall into the hands of undesirable persons; that the outdoor and transmission staffs receive no Sunday pay for such Sunday work which they are compelled to undertake; that other established civil servants of a similar grade are in receipt of Sunday pay for Sunday work; and whether he will take steps forthwith to secure that, so far as it may be necessary to employ the outdoor and transmission staffs on Sunday, they shall receive proper payment for such Sunday work.

Out-door and transmission officers attached to Mercantile Marine Officers are, and always have been, required to discharge duties on Sundays when necessary, but I have for some time had under consideration the whole question of week-day and Sunday duties, and the remuneration of these officers.

asked whether any employers in the Dominions Over-sea have made application to the Labour Exchanges for labour; whether he is aware that in certain cases labour has been supplied to Canadian employers through the Labour Exchanges; who paid the expenses of these men; and has any correspondence on the subject passed between the Labour Exchanges Department of the Board of Trade and the Assistant Commissioner of Canadian Immigration in London; and, if so, will he lay the same upon the Table of the House?

Various applications have been received from employers in the Over-seas Dominions for labour, and some of these have been filled after consultation with the representatives in London of the Dominion concerned. The expenses of these men have, so far as is known, been paid either by the employers or by the men themselves. In no case have expenses been advanced by the Labour Exchanges. The Board of Trade have received a communication from the Canadian Assistant Superintendent of Emigration in London with reference to a particular case, which is now under consideration.

asked whether the funds provided for the Labour Exchanges will be employed in assisting out-of-work labourers in this country to emigrate?

Pending the discussion at the Imperial Conference, I cannot add to my former answers on this subject.

Will the report be published and papers laid if they come to a decision?

I cannot say until the information is obtained.