asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can say at what date the Brussels Sugar Convention will come up again for ratification by or can be denounced by this country; whether the artificial restriction of the export of sugar from Russia and elsewhere to this country under the Convention has raised the price of sugar to consumers in this country; and whether His Majesty's Government intend to take the earliest opportunity of reverting to free trade in sugar so far as the United Kingdom is concerned?

I must refer the hon. Member to Article 10 of the Sugar Convention of 5th March, 1902, and to Article 1 of the Additional Act of 28th August, 1907, which regulate the denunciation and continued operation of the Convention. It will be seen that the next date on which it is open to one of the contracting States to withdraw from the Convention is 1st September, 1913, provided that notice of withdrawal has been given twelve months in advance. There is no reason to believe that the limitation of Russian exports under the Additional Act has given rise to an increase in the price of sugar in this country, seeing that during the year 1909–1910 the amount of sugar exported by Russia to Conventional markets has been much less than that allowed to her under the Additional Act. During the sugar year in question steps have been taken by the Russian Government themselves, quite independently of their obligations under the Convention, to lessen the export of sugar, as a measure of control over the price of sugar in the home market. In regard to the last part of the question, I would point out that, under the Additional Act, the United Kingdom is at liberty to import sugar from any country which desires to export it, and that this country is not a party to the arrangement under which Russia voluntarily limits the exportation of her sugar.

Am I to understand the right hon. Gentleman that the reduction of supply has not caused a rise in price?

No; what I said was this: the Russian Government have lessened the export of sugar on their own account without any reference to the Sugar Convention at all, and, therefore, nothing that has taken place under the Sugar Convention could be responsible for the rise in price.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention had been called to the terms of Article 49 of the Declaration of London, which authorises the sinking of a neutral prize if the taking of the prize into a port for adjudication—peut compromettre le succès des opérations dans lesquelles le bâtiment de guerre est actuellement engagé—and whether the French words above quoted are accurately translated by the words—would involve danger to the success of the opera- tions in which the warship is engaged at the time?

The answer is in the affirmative. If the hon. Member will refer to the Report of the Conference, on Article 49 (page 56 of the Blue Book, No. 4, Miscellaneous, 1909), he will see that the French words employed were expressly declared to be the equivalent of the words of the English translation.

Are we to take it that the Report is competent to say what the English equivalent of the French term is.

You cannot get a more accurate translation than the one specially agreed upon by the whole Conference as being accurate. They discussed this very point, and it was agreed that this should be regarded as the equivalent.

In view of the numerous statements made as to the mis-translation of the original text by the United States and others, will the right hon. Gentleman direct that a new translation be made?

I am not aware that any of the complaints are well founded.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will consent to publish a statement of the representations which were made by Chambers of Commerce and Shipping Associations during the Russo-Japanese War to the late Foreign Secretary, with a view of obtaining a clearer definition of contraband, and the replies which were made by Lord Lansdowne?

I am having the Papers examined, with a view to including them when further Papers are laid.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that some Members of this House might desire to support the Second Reading of the Naval Prize Bill who were opposed to the ratification of the Declaration of London, and that other Members might desire to oppose such Second Reading who were in favour of such ratification, he would inform the House at what stage in the proceedings on the Naval Prize Bill, and by what mode of procedure, the opinion of the House could be taken on the definite question whether the Declaration of London should be ratified or not?

The undertaking that His Majesty's Government have given will be fulfilled when the time comes in whatever way is found to be for the general convenience of the House and the course of public business. The undertaking cannot be carried out until the matter has been brought before the Imperial Conference.

Is the Prime Minister aware that in another place they have had an opportunity of discussing the Declaration of London for three whole days? Will he give this House a similar opportunity?

I cannot say what goes on in another place.

The Secretary of State for War will tell you.

Will the Prime Minister state for the convenience of the House the form in which this very important question can be raised here?

I think it would be premature to do so yet. It has to go before the Imperial Conference, and that cannot be before the month of May.

Will this House be given no opportunity of discussing the question until after the Imperial Conference?

No.

Is the Prime Minister aware of the very great importance attached to this question by Chambers of Commerce and other important commercial bodies throughout the country?

I thought it was the general desire of the House that the Imperial Conference should first have an opportunity of considering the matter.

asked whether the Foreign Secretary will lay on the Table a copy of the agreement or treaty with the Sheik of Koweit; and whether he can define the status quo in regard to Koweit which the British Government insists on maintaining?

I cannot at this stage of the negotiations respecting the Baghdad Railway usefully add to what I have already said on the subject of Koweit.

asked if the negotiations regarding the Baghdad Railway have pro- ceeded so far as to give to Germany the right to construct a branch line from Alexandretta to join the main line; and if in these negotiations care was taken to assure the active construction of the difficult and expensive portion of the railway through the Taurus mountains, so that the main line shall be completed from the Bosphorus to Baghdad and not only from Alexandretta to Baghdad?

The only answer I can give to the first question is to refer the hon. Member to the recent agreement come to by the Turkish Government with the Baghdad Railway Company, the substance of which I gave on the 23rd instant, in reply to the Noble Lord the Member for Hornsey. But I would also draw the hon. Member's attention to Article 12 of the Baghdad Railway Convention of March, 1903, granting the concessionnaires certain preferential rights in respect of any railways which might be built between Mersina and Tripoli. I cannot, not having been a party to the negotiations in question, give precise and definite information in regard to the second question, but construction has already begun on the Taurus section.

asked whether the Foreign Secretary's attention has been called to the statement made by Lord Morley that further Papers on the affairs of Persia would be published; whether, in view of that statement, he will reconsider his refusal to lay papers upon the Table of this House; and, if he does, up to what date will the papers come?

I have seen Lord Morley's statement, and I will lay papers as soon as I can. They will cover the latest date practicable, but I cannot at the moment fix the date. I have not refused to lay papers; on the contrary, in my answer to the hon. Member on 16th February, I stated that I would consider the question of laying papers as soon as there was a favourable opportunity, and I gave my reason for delaying to do so at the moment.

asked whether the threat to the Persian Government to take over the policing of the southern roads by a militia commanded by officers from British India still holds good, in face of the protest of the Persian Government?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the remarks which I made on this subject in this House on the 23rd instant in connection with a question asked of me by the hon. Member for the Stirling Burghs in the course of the Debate. I have nothing to add to the statement which I then made.

asked whether there have been received any despatches from the British Minister in Teheran in reference to the assassination of Sani-ed-Dowleh, late Persian Minister of Finance, and the subsequent fate of the assassins; whether the right hon. Gentleman can state whether the assassins have yet been brought to trial; and, if so, what punishment has been inflicted upon them?

I have received a despatch on the subject, stating that, after a preliminary inquiry at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs at Teheran, held in the presence of a Russian official, the murderer and his accomplice were handed over by the Persian authorities to the Russian Legation, according to treaty, to be sent to Russia for trial and punishment. I have no information as to their subsequent fate.

asked whether the Russian Consulate still refuses to surrender the ex-chief of police who fired at the Governor of Ispahan early in February last; and, if so, what punishment has been inflicted on him?

I have no information as to what has passed in connection with this question, later than a report dealing with the incident itself, and an account of the statement made by the Persian Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Mejliss, which it would probably be more convenient to give in answer to an unstarred question, as it is rather long for a verbal answer.

asked if the Governments of the United States and France are commencing negotiations for a treaty of arbitration; and if, under the circumstances, he will approach the French Government with proposals of a nature similar to those he has suggested between this country and the United States?

I have no information on this subject, and I cannot at present make any statement as to approaching the French Government or other Governments.

asked the date upon which the International Conference upon Opium and Dangerous Drugs is to meet at The Hague, and which are the Powers to be represented there?

The 1st of July has been suggested as the date for the meeting of the Conference at The Hague, but no definite decision has yet been come to regarding it. The countries invited to attend are those which took part in the International Opium Conference which sat at Shanghai in the spring of 1909. They are:—The United States, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Siam, and Persia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention had been drawn to the insult offered by a lieutenant of the British Army in India to Mir Allah Baksh Khan, a member of the Viceroy's Council, whilst travelling in a first-class railway carriage; whether any apology has been offered to Mir Allah Baksh Khan; and what other action, if any, has been taken in connection with the matter?

The Secretary of State has no official information on the subject, but has asked for a report.

asked whether the Under-Secretary's attention has been called to the latest official report of the Inspector-General of the Bengal Police, in which he mentions that, in the Purneah district, two men were so tortured by the police that one of them died; whether the only punishment inflicted by the police authorities was degradation for the inspector and extra drills for the men who inflicted the torture; whether, subsequently, judicial proceedings were taken against these men; if so, what was the nature of the torture disclosed; and what was the result of the trial?

asked whether the case of the man whose arms had been tied so tightly by a policeman that blood-poisoning supervened was, according to the Inspector-General of Police, under con- sideration at the end of 1909; whether proceedings were only taken before a magistrate in April, 1910; whether the India Office has now any information as to whether these proceedings have been concluded; whether at these proceedings the statement of the police that the only torture applied to the prisoner consisted in tying his arms tightly to his body, or the statement made by the dying man that boiling filth was placed under his armpits, was substantiated; and whether, in view of the delay in bringing this policeman to justice, the Under-Secretary will take some means of substantiating his declaration that the Government is doing everything it can to suppress physical punishment, amounting to torture, inflicted upon prisoners and witnesses by the police of India?

I will answer these questions, which are on the same subject, together. The Secretary of State has not heard the result of the trial. He had already asked for a report on the case, and has now telegraphed for it to be expedited. Pending its receipt I can make no statement on the subject.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether there is any objection to hanging a policeman who causes another man's death, and whether, if it is not possible under the law, he will take steps to alter the law so that it can be possible?

The maximum punishment is laid down by the provisions of the Indian Penal Code. If the hon. Member seriously suggests a new definition of murder, I will convey his suggestion to the Government of India.

asked if the hon. Gentleman proposes to lay Papers informing the House of the negotiations which took place between the India Office and the Indian Government with reference to the renewal of the Seditious Meetings Act?

The communications between the India Office and the Government of India are necessarily confidential, but the debate in Council can be laid, and will give all the requisite information.

asked what is the acreage of land growing the opium poppy in India this spring; whether it is intended further to licence the growing of the opium poppy next autumn, and, if so, to what extent; and what is the number of chests of opium as yet unsold in the possession of the Indian Government?

The limit for this year's spring crop of opium was fixed at 360,000 acres. The limit for the 1911–12 has not yet been fixed. The number of chests in balance on the 31st of this month is estimated at 32,598. This stock will not be supplemented by the crop of the pre sent year until November next.

asked whether, in view of the admitted evils which continue to result from the practice by the Indian police of extorting confessions from untried prisoners, the Secretary of State has ever considered the desirability of so amending the Code of Criminal Procedure as to provide that no confessions shall be admissible in evidence except those made to the court by which the prisoner is tried; and whether the Under-Secretary is aware that, according to the latest Report of the Inspector-General of Police in the United Provinces, local magistrates have in certain districts already been stopped from recording confessions to the police, with the full approval of the magistrate of Meerut as well as the Inspector-General?

My bon. Friend probably refers to the proposal, put forward by the Police Commission, that the Code of Criminal Procedure should be amended so as to provide that confessions should be recorded only by the magistrate having jurisdiction in the case. In dealing with the Report of the Commission Lord Curzon's Government proposed that the power to record confessions should be restricted to magistrates having jurisdiction to try the case and to magistrates of the first or second class. This proposal was accepted by the Secretary of State, and effect will be given to it in the comprehensive revision of the Criminal Procedure Code which is now under the consideration of the Government of India. Confessions to the police are already inadmissible as evidence against the accused under Section 25 of the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. It is a fact that in the Meerut district local magistrates have been ordered not to record confessions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many subalterns, approximately, in His Majesty's Army are, at the present time, and have been for a period exceeding one month, commanding companies without any additional pay in consideration of the extra work and responsibility?

In order to supply the information asked for it would be necessary to call for a return from every battalion, which would involve very considerable labour and long delay. But I may point out that additional pay is not given to a regimental officer temporarily employed in a higher rank, and that cases such as the hon. Gentleman refers to are very uncommon except in the leave season.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his now undoubted influence in the direction of granting additional pay to subalterns who are in command of companies for periods exceeding one month?

I must have notice of that question.

asked how many combatant commissions were issued during the five years 1885–9 in the Cavalry; how many of these were commissions from the ranks; and what are the corresponding figures for the years 1906–10?

The figures are as follows:—

asked how many combatant commissions were issued during the five years 1885–9; how many of these were commissions from the ranks; and how these figures compare with the commissions issued during the five years 1906–10?

The figures are as follows:—

asked whether, in view of the steady diminution in the number of commissions from the ranks, the Government have under consideration any measures likely to increase the opportunities open to men in the ranks to obtain commissions?

This question was thoroughly discussed during the Debate on Army Estimates on 22nd March, and a full statement on the subject was made by the Secretary of State. To that statement I have nothing at present to add.

asked whether any opportunity will be available for discussing the case of Colonel Waldron and the petition presented by him to the Secretary of State?

The question can be raised when the Vote for the Secretary of State's salary is under discussion.

asked whether all the reports furnished by the various officers consulted with reference to the qualifications of Colonel Waldron for promotion to the rank of general have been furnished to that officer?

Under the King's Regulations the yearly confidential or other official reports on an officer, if adverse, have to be communicated to him verbatim; but when the question of an officer's fitness for promotion by selection to higher rank comes before the Selection Board, the Board is guided not only by the official reports, but also by the personal knowledge which the members of the Board may possess of his qualifications for employment in a higher grade. Mere seniority gives no claim to promotion, the rule being to select for advancement the fittest officers for the appointments tenable by them if promoted. Sir Neville Lyttelton is understood to have consulted Lieut-General Parsons privately about Colonel Waldron, who afterwards appears to have become acquainted with the correspondence; but it was not of a nature to prejudice the Board against Colonel Waldron. I may add that no officers were consulted by the Selection Board, nor were any reports placed before the Board other than the annual confidential reports and the correspondence above referred to.

May I ask whether it is not the fact that Lieut.-General Parsons's report of a private letter was almost the only, if not the only, adverse report against Colonel Waldron?

I do not think that the hon. and gallant Member can assume that the report was adverse.

May I ask whether any specific weight is given in considering the claims of officers to promotion to service in the field?

Yes, of course, that is one of the elements which will weigh with the Selection Board as to his general merits, and, of course, they can best be judged by the period of service in the field.

asked why it is considered necessary to put Infantry officers to the expense of buying a new and costly sash when the policy of the Government is stated to be to reduce and not to increase officers' expenses?

I understand that, after due consideration, it has been decided that the new sash is more suitable than that recently in use

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, as he finds frozen meat, less those parts removed on account of disease, to be of equal nutritive value as fresh-killed meat and to be considerably cheaper, he proposes to supply the British Army with frozen or refrigerated meat on all days of the week instead of upon three only; and, if not, why not?

No, Sir. It is considered that it is in the best interests of the soldier to vary his diet.

If it is proved that the British soldier does not want this change and prefers fresh meat grown at home, will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation on the subject?

Perhaps the Noble Lord would put a question on the Paper with regard to that.

That reply was given by the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for War. May I ask if the only reason why it is bought abroad is because it is cheaper?

Another cause is, as I say, because it is desirable to vary the diet.

Am I to understand that we may eliminate the question that it is only on the score of cheapness that the meat is bought abroad, and that is on the score of change?

It is not only on the score of cheapness, but it is most difficult to ensure, even if the change the Noble Lord suggests were made, that the meat should really be bred and fed in these islands.

asked whether, on the occasion of the Coronation, representatives of Irish Special Reserve or extra reserve battalions will be detailed for duty on the line of route or in the procession itself?

Representative detachments of every unit of the Special Reserve, both in Great Britain and Ireland, will be employed on the line of route on both the 22nd and 23rd June.

asked whether the Secretary of State for War will, having regard to his statement in the opening sentences of his preface to the book Compulsory Service that it is important that the materials for forming a judgment on the subject should be before the public, give similar sanction and facilities to those given for the publication of Compulsory Service for the publication of other views of a different complexion held by general officers on the active list?

I have nothing to add to the replies given by the Secretary of State on the 21st instant in reply to questions put by the hon. Member for Taunton.

Can we now know the profits from the sale of this book?

I do not think that question has yet been asked.

I ask it now.

I am afraid I do not know.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

Yes.

asked if the annual grant for the officers' training corps of Glenalmond and Fettes Colleges has been withheld owing to these two corps having been unable to do more than three days in camp on account of the inclemency of the weather; and, if so, whether he will reconsider his decision?

Yes, but in view of the appeal which has now been received on their behalf, the question of making some special grant is under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is causing considerable friction in the north and that it is a very genuine case?

Yes, I understood it did cause comment. As I say, the matter is under consideration. Six schools did stay out all the time.

I was present, and I may inform the right hon. Gentleman——

The Noble Lord can give his information by letter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, instead of inviting tenders from contractors and dealers for the supply of draught-horses for the purposes of the annual manœuvres, he will, by advertisement in the local papers or otherwise, give the farmers and other owners of horses in the manœuvre area the opportunity of supplying direct the horses required by the War Office and so save the middleman's profit of from 60 to 80 per cent. now charged upon the taxpayers of the country?

The question is entirely one for the local military authorities, with whose discretion it is best not to interfere.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will not use his influence with the local authorities to ensure that the farmers should get this legitimate trade?

That is no doubt highly desirable, but I would not like to commit myself to any precise step.

asked whether the emergency during which a colonel of the Army Pay Department was retained in the Service, under Article 472, Royal Warrant, after reaching the age for retirement on 5th June, 1909, still exists; if so, what is the nature of that emergency; if not, why is this officer still retained on the active list; and when will he be placed on the retired list?

The re-organisation for which this officer was retained is now practically completed, and he will retire in the course of a few months.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the fact that in the case of the adjutants of yeomanry the rate of pay of those appointed before the issue of the Royal Warrant in February last has been confirmed to them, he will now reconsider his decision with reference to adjutants to Territorials and give to those officers appointed before 12th July, 1910, the same rate of pay as those appointed on and after that date?

The reply is in the negative. The case of the Yeomanry Adjutants mentioned is quite distinct from that of the other Territorial Adjutants.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state what subsidy His Majesty's Government has given to the Uganda Protectorate for the construction of the Jinja-Kakindu Railway; whether he is aware of the fact that for fourteen miles this railway is planned to pass through a district which is infested with tsetse fly and in which the plague of sleeping sickness prevails; and whether the Government have taken any, and, if so, what steps to ascertain the views of the medical officers of Uganda, and of the officers in charge of the Sleeping Sickness Commission in Uganda, as to the adoption of the route through the plague infected area?

The sum provided by His Majesty's Government for the construction of the Jinja-Kakindu Railway is £180,000. With regard to the second part of the hon. Member's question, I understand that the line is being carried higher in the hills for the express purpose of avoiding fly-infested areas in a sleeping sickness belt.

May I ask if the medical officers in Uganda, and especially the medical officers in charge of the Sleeping Sickness Commission have been consulted on this matter?

I could not give details as to whether they have been consulted or not, but if the hon. Member puts a question down I hope I will be able to give him the information.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any and, if so, which of the West Indian Legislatures have passed resolutions in favour of closer political union with Canada; and whether he will lay any such resolutions adopted upon the Table of the House?

I have received a telegram stating that such a resolution has been passed by the Legislature of the Bahamas, but I am not yet in possession of the text of the resolution as passed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay papers?

I had better receive them first before I consider the question of laying papers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to when he is likely to receive them?

In the ordinary course of post. As soon as I receive them I will inform the hon. Member.

asked why a Syllabus of fourteen pages was issued in 1911 of the qualifications required for the art class teacher's certificate and the art master's certificate, when possible candidates were specifically warned on the front page that to enter upon a series of tests at the present moment might entail a waste of labour?

The Syllabus, which continues for 1911 the regulations already in force, is issued for the benefit of candidates who have already entered upon a series of tests; and who desire to complete that series. It is, of course, hoped that persons who have not yet entered upon a series of tests will pay attention to the advice given them on the front page.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been drawn to the permanent Royal Commission on unemployment that had recently been appointed in Belgium; and whether he would consider the advisability of creating a similar body, representative of trade industry, and labour interests, to deal with questions of unemployment in the United Kingdom?

An account of the Belgian Commission referred to by the hon. Member appeared in the March issue of the "Board of Trade Labour Gazette," of which I am sending him a copy. Their proceedings will be watched with much interest, but I doubt whether, under existing circumstances, there would be any advantage in appointing a similar body in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the superintendents of Labour Exchanges were allowed to contest for seats for town councils, boards of guardians, or co-operative society management; if not, would he state what instructions had been issued to the superintendents bearing on this matter?

Officers of Labour Exchanges are informed in their Letter of Appointment that they are subject to the same Regulations with regard to membership of local authorities as Civil servants in the Board of Trade, and that, in addition, they will not be permitted without the sanction of the Board of Trade to stand as candidates in any public election, or to fill any post for which a public election is necessary. No such sanction has been given, but in a Few cases officers who held such posts at the time of their appointment, and had only a short term of office to run have been temporarily exempted from this Regulation.

Have any applications been made, other than those referred to, in which permission has been refused?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he was aware that in the week in December of each of the years 1899 to 1909 inclusive, upon which the chief British railway companies reported the actual cash earnings of their servants, in four principal departments, to the Board of Trade, the average earnings, as distinguished from rates of pay, per week per man were stationary, at or about 25s., within a few pence; if, in the same period, the retail prices of food, as tested by a properly weighted index number, for London, rose in the period named by over 12 per cent.; and, if so, whether, seeing that the actual average, real or commodity, earnings of British railway servants fell considerably in 1899–1909, he would direct the attention of railway companies to these facts?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the President of the Board of Trade on 23rd March to his previous question on the same subject, in which it is pointed out that the figures quoted cannot be used to compare the relative rise in rates of wages and retail prices.

Is it denied that the real earnings of these men fell considerably in the period?

I do not think it is denied; but the figures are not comparable.

Will the hon. Gentleman explain why they are not comparable?

That would involve giving the reply to a question which the hon. Gentleman himself asked only a few days ago, and it would be wasting the time of Parliament to repeat it.

Is it not a very serious matter that the earnings of a considerable number of men should fall in this way in a period of ten years?

How is it that the food of the people costs 12 per cent. more under a Liberal than under a Conservative Government?

asked when the new scheme for surgeons in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve would be issued; and whether the scheme would grant them rank equal to that of surgeons in the Territorial Force?

The new scheme for medical officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve will be issued shortly. Under this scheme these officers will, as is the case at present, rank with medical officers of the Territorial Force of corresponding rank according to the dates of appointment in their respective ranks.

asked why, since the sum taken for each unit was practically double the amount allotted to the "King George V." and "Centurion," the armoured vessels to be built at Devonport and Portsmouth under the Estimates of 1911–12 were not to be laid down until the end of December, 1911, or January, 1912?

The provision included in the Estimates for 1910–11 for the "King George V." and "Centurion" was made on the basis of these vessels being laid down on 31st January, 1911. The provision for the two dockyard vessels of the year 1911–12 is on the basis of their being laid down in December, 1911. The hon. Gentleman will therefore understand that it will be possible for us to spend more within the financial year upon these two last-named vessels than upon the vessels to which he refers belonging to the 1910–11 programme.

If the "King George V." and "Centurion" were laid down on 16th January, a fortnight in advance of the advertised time, has additional financial provision been made?

I cannot answer that off-hand.

asked how many stokers had been promoted to warrant rank since the institution of such rank?

Five mechanicians have been promoted to the rank of warrant mechanician since the institution of that rank. Three more will be promoted on the 1st April.

May we take it for granted that no stokers have been promoted to warrant rank?

I do not think that that follows.

Is it any great encouragement to stokers that since this rank was created in 1904 only five have been promoted?

asked whether there had been any, and, if so, what, modification of the conditions of sale of old and obsolete warships since July, 1910; and if it was intended to make a further modification in the conditions of sale in the case of the "Nile" and "Trafalgar," advertised for auction on 4th April next?

There are four sets of conditions of sale of obsolete ships. Ships sold under what are known as "Conditions A" must be wholly broken up in the United Kingdom. Ships sold under Conditions A—as modified and brought into use for the sale of H.M.S. "Howe" (aged twenty-one years) in October, 1910—must be wholly broken up, but only certain specified work need be done in the United Kingdom. Ships sold under Conditions B must be wholly broken up, but not necessarily in the United Kingdom. Ships sold under Conditions C are sold without restriction. It was proposed to sell the "Nile" (aged twenty years) and the "Trafalgar" (aged twenty-one years) by auction on 4th April under Conditions B, but since that decision was arrived at it has been found impracticable to prepare these two ships for sale as early as was expected, and they have therefore been withdrawn from the advertisement of the forthcoming sale.

What proportion of ships broken up have been broken up in the United Kingdom?

I must have notice of that.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether he would take steps to transfer political pensions from the Consolidated Fund to the Supply Services in order that, like almost all other pensions, they might be open to the review of the House of Commons?

Before the Prime Minister replies, may I ask whether political pensions, including the pension of Lord Balfour of Burleigh, will come under the condition of Lord Balfour of Burleigh's Referendum Bill?

The pensions in question are charged upon and payable out of the Consolidated Fund under Section 8 of the Act 32 and 33 Vict. c. 60, and their transfer to moneys provided by Parliament could only be effected by legislation, which I do not see my way at present to propose.

Is there any reason why the pensions of admirals, generals, and working-class old age pensioners should be subject to annual review in this House, while we are precluded on all normal occasions from discussing these very unpopular political pensions?

That is a debatable question, upon which I have my own opinion.

asked if it was the intention of the Government to introduce a Plural Voting Bill this Session?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on this matter yesterday.

In view of the public approval recently given by the Leader of the Opposition to the principle of one man one vote, will the Prime Minister consider the advisability of passing this Bill as a non-controversial measure?

I think my hon. Friend takes rather a sanguine view.

asked the Prime Minister if he has observed a Notice of Motion standing in the name of the hon. and learned Member for the Exchange Division of Liverpool relating to the scheme promoted by the Board of Education in respect of certain schools at Dewsbury; and if he can allot suitable time for the Motion praying His Majesty to disallow the scheme?

The Motion in question can be taken any night after eleven o'clock.

asked the Prime Minister, whether he is yet in a position to announce the decision of the Government as to the appointment of a Standing Committee to examine Estimates prior to their presentation to the House?

This matter is still under consideration with special reference to the practice which prevails in foreign legislatures.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the claim of this House to be paramount in finance would be strengthened in proportion to the opportunities we get to consider it?

As a general proposition, yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that every year many millions of pounds are automatically voted without any discussion, he will consider the desirableness of amending the Standing Orders by the addition of ten allotted days to Supply?

No, Sir; I do not see my way to propose such an addition to the allotted days.

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that shortly before this Government came into office, addressing his own Constituents, he said that this system amounted to "a creeping paralysis of the Parliamentary organism," and pledged himself that it would be one of the first duties of the Liberal Government to alter it?

I will refresh my memory upon that.

Will the Prime Minister consider the desirableness of appointing a Finance Committee of business men in this House, based either on a scheme of his own or on the Finance Committees of the County Councils?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been called to the facts that the Development Commissioners have appointed a committee to advise on fishery questions; that the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries considered that its constitution gave no adequate representation to English and Welsh fishery interests, and made representations to the Development Commissioners accordingly; and that the Development Commissioners have given no effect to those representations; and whether he will take steps to see that in fishery matters the expressed views of the Government department in charge of fishery matters carry their proper weight in other departments of the Government whore fishery interests are concerned?

In reply to the first part of the question, I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Grimsby on the 14th ultimo, giving the composition of the Committee. In reply to the remaining parts of the question, I would refer to the numerous answers, exceeding ten in number, which I have given to questions put by him in the course of this Session.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the speech of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education, who stated that the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department was busy drafting the Sickness Insurance Bill; and whether he can say when a statement from the Government may be expected to be made in this House?

My attention has not been called to the speech in question. I am not yet able to fix a date for the introduction of the Government's proposals.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received from a number of petty sessional divisions resolutions passed by the justices asking for the control and power of restriction of drinking clubs; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Resolutions to the effect indicated in the question from a considerable number of benches of magistrates (mainly borough benches) have been received in the Home Office. The matter is one which must form an integral part of any measure of Licensing Reform, and Part IV. of the Licensing Bill of 1908 was devoted to it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a copy of the Committee of Clubs Bill, and has not the principle of the Bill received approval?

I am afraid I have not yet seen a copy, but I will be very glad to look at it.

Is it not a fact that the necessity for these refreshment clubs has arisen entirely owing to the restriction on public-houses?

asked whether trawlers and fishermen are to be enrolled at Grimsby for the purpose of trawling for mines; whether a subsidy or annual retainer is to be paid to the owners of the trawlers and to the fishermen; and whether it is proposed to give trawler owners and fishermen of ports other than Grimsby an opportunity of earning the subsidy or retainer?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, annual retainers will be paid to the skippers and men of the trawlers, but no subsidy will be paid to the owners. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked whether, in the event of one of the floating docks now under construction being removed to Rosyth, the Admiralty propose to replace the dock moved by another capable of containing a "Dreadnought"?

The large floating docks now under construction are not due for completion until late in the year. There is no present intention of removing either of the floating docks to Rosyth.

Did not the First Lord of the Admiralty in his statement mention the fact that possibly one of these docks would be removed to Rosyth?

That is a fact. The First Lord of the Admiralty said on 16th March that possibly one or other will be ultimately removed to Rosyth. What I have said now is perfectly consistent with the fact that there is no present intention of removing either of the floating docks to Rosyth.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that four engineering mechanics in the new factory at Portsmouth are rated at 34s. 6d. per week, although all other engineering mechanics, Devonport included, are rated at 36s.; and whether he will favourably consider the raising of these four men to the level of the others?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except that the 34s. 6d. rate is not confined to the Portsmouth Factory. It is also in operation at Devonport. It should be noted that the men receiving 34s. 6d. are on the established list, their rate corresponding with the standard rate of 36s. paid to hired men. It is not proposed to take any special steps to advance the wages of the men in question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether paragraph 13 of Clause VI. of Admiralty Letter, dated 13th April, 1907, A. 1806, which states that hired writers will be entered as required in the dockyards either by selection from boy writers who have reached the age of nineteen, or by appointment from a general list of successful candidates at an educational examination to be held periodically at the respective yards as occasion demands, is to be considered as no longer operative; and, if not, will he state why Mr. Sydney Taylor has been entered as a hired writer in the Naval Store Department, Sheerness, without being called upon to pass a competitive examination for this position?

The paragraph referred to is still operative. In the instance given by the hon. Member, however, there was no boy writer available for promotion, and there was no general list at Sheerness, no examination ever having been necessary in that yard, as boy writers have always hitherto been available. A special examination for one vacancy would not have been justified, especially as the whole matter of the system of examination for writers is under revision. Accordingly, the place was filled by direct appointment, the applicant presenting himself with thoroughly good qualifications.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he is aware that for the last fifty years men of the coastguard have received an allowance of 1s. a day for food; whether he is aware that the cost of living has increased considerably during that period; and whether he can see his way to increase this allowance?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, except that the allowance is at the rate of 1s. 4d. a day. This allowance is granted as the equivalent of Service victualling, which costs the Crown about 10d. a head, and no reason is seen for any alteration. In certain isolated cases, where the cost of living is exceptionally high, special arrangements are made to relieve the men in the matter of expense.

Are not the coastguard men the only men in the Service who have not had an increase of subsistence allowance?

I cannot say whether that is so or not; I will look into it. But what I do say is that in certain isolated cases where the cost of living is exceptional we do make special arrangements in order to enable the men to meet the increased cost.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly look into the question?

Yes.

asked the Lord Advocate whether the last Return of deer forests in the crofting counties, showing 2,958,490 acres in forest assessed at £132,041 per annum, was published in 1908; and whether, in view of the increased emigration from Scotland he will cause a more recent Return to be prepared and printed?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Government are fully alive to the situation referred to by my hon. Friend, but they do not think that the advantage of making a further return after such a short interval since the last would be commensurate to the labour required for it.

Would the right hon. Gentleman see that we have completed returns giving the names of the owners and the size of the holdings in these deer forests?

Yes.

asked whether the Government propose to appropriate only £20,000 extra Grant to the Scottish Universities next year; and, if so, why the full extra grant of £42,000, as recommended by the Elgin Commission, is not to be appropriated?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities on 27th March, 1911.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any answer as to the recommendation made by the Commission?

I hold that point covered by the answer I gave to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Glasgow.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the refusal of the returning officer in the school board election for the parish of Balfron, Stirlingshire, to accept the nomination of Mr. Robert Sewell on the ground that, as ex-headmaster of the public school, he draws a pension from the funds of the Board; and whether he proposes to take any steps to test the legality of this refusal?

My attention has been called to the matter referred to by my hon. Friend. It is not in my power, or in the power of the Departments I represent, to take any steps to test the legality of the refusal of the returning officer to accept the nomination of the gentleman named.

Is there any reason why the receipt of a pension should disqualify for a seat on a school board, when it does not disqualify for this House?

That is a matter of opinion.

Would the hon. Gentleman say who is responsible for the instructions given to this returning officer?

The statutes.

asked how many acres of the area acquired by the Government at Inverliver, Argyleshire, for experiments in afforestation have in fact been planted with young trees; what progress has been made in preparing the ground not already planted; and whether the Government receive any grazing or shooting rental from the part of the estate where development is not actually in process?

About 310 acres of the Inverliver Estate have already been planted, and a further fifty acres, which have been fenced in, drained, and cleared of bracken are being planted this spring. Preparations are at present being made for enclosing a further 180 acres, which will be drained and cleared during the summer, and planted next season. A nursery of about seven acres for raising plants for the new plantations has also been formed and partially sown with seeds or planted with seedlings. Grazing and shooting rents are received for that part of the estate where forestry development is not actually in progress.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman how many crofters have been cleared off this Government ground?

I cannot say from memory, but I went up there last year and I imagine none.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the nature of the planting that is being pursued?

A considerable variety of trees have been planted.

Is it mixed planting?

No. I believe the trees are conifers.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has any information showing that the fresh milk and cream which is imported into this country from France is produced under restrictions and conditions similar to those imposed upon dairy farmers in England?

Inquiries were made in 1908 as to the methods adopted at the creamery in France from which the bulk of the fresh milk which has been imported into this country appears to be obtained and from which also a considerable quantity of cream is imported. The results of these inquiries appeared generally satisfactory, as also the results of examination of certain samples which have since then been taken in London.

asked whether, since the recent outbreak of small-pox, the number of persons vaccinated has increased beyond the average of the previous four years in the following towns: London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Plymouth; whether in the above towns parents who had applied for certificates of exemption have, since the outbreak, had their children vaccinated; and what are the respective numbers of such cases in the above towns?

No figures as to vaccination and exemption certificates since the commencement of the present small-pox outbreak are yet available.

In view of the outbreak, will the right hon. Gentleman take any steps to recommend vaccination?

I do not consider that any further recommendation is necessary than the circulars periodically issued by the officers of the Local Government Board, and the notification that appears on the general form handed to parents when they come to register their children.