asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the naval officers who are being instructed in aeroplaning and those who are to take charge of the naval dirigible have had any practice in map drawing from balloons?

None of the officers being instructed in aeroplanes have had any practice in map drawing from balloons, but two of the officers employed with airships have had this experience.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he possesses any information to the effect that the German armoured cruiser building by Messrs. Blohm and Voss is to be fitted with heavy oil engines; and, if so, whether he can give to the House any particulars concerning those engines?

We have no official information on this subject.

Is the hon. Member aware that the details of this armoured cruiser have appeared in the Press?

I am not aware of that.

asked whether the information in possession of the Admiralty concerning the progress, armament, and design of German warships is obtained through official or unofficial sources; and, if through official sources, what is the particular source from which that information comes, and through what official channels is it supplied?

I am not in a position to give the information desired by the Noble Lord.

Is the hon. Member aware that the right hon. Gentleman's information in this House is often very inaccurate?

I am not aware of that, but on the contrary, I thought it was usually accurate.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has any information that the German battleship "Kaiser" is to be armed with 14-inch guns, and that guns of this calibre are to be installed in the German super-"Dreadnoughts" now under construction; and whether he can state how this gun compares with the British 13.5-inch gun in respect of weight of shell, initial velocity, and muzzle energy?

We have no official information upon the matter.

Has the hon. Gentleman got any information, unofficial or otherwise?

I said we have no official information.

What is the cause of this paucity of information on these subjects, and why is there so little information on such an important matter as this?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the petition forwarded to him from the masters of barges plying on the East Coast and when an answer may be expected?

The matter is still under consideration, but it is hoped that it will be possible to deal with it shortly.

asked when the result of the inquiry into the loss of a man's life on the barge "Petrel," on 8th February, would be known; and if he will state the result for the information of those interested?

A full enquiry has been ordered, and I hope that its conclusions will be reported to the Admiralty at an early date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the maximum rate of pay of established sawyers in His Majesty's dockyards has not been increased since 1891; whether last year the maximum rate of pay for skilled labourers was raised to 30s. per week; and will he consider the advisability of raising the established sawyer's rate of pay from 27s. to 30s. per week, and so place him at least on the same footing as the skilled labourer?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative—with this proviso, that the 30s. maximum for skilled labourers is regarded as "special," and awarded only to a limited number of men employed upon the more skilled operations and actually using hand or machine tools as responsible workmen. The question of revising the rates of wages for sawyers is under consideration in connection with the workmen's annual petitions.

May we know when an answer will be given to the sawyers?

I cannot fix a date as I stated, but there will be no undue delay.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the rates of pay of coopers in His Majesty's Navy; and whether, in view of the absence of progression in the rates of pay, even after long service, he will consider the desirability of allowing them to earn promotion to the rank of chief petty officer?

As stated in the reply given by my right hon. Friend the First Lord to the hon. Member for Devon-port on the 20th February, the pay of cooper ratings is:—

			s.	d.
Cooper's crew	…	…	2	6	a day.
Second cooper	…	…	2	10	a day.
Cooper	…	…	3	2	a day.

The question of instituting a chief petty officer rating for the class was considered only recently, and it was decided that such a rating was not required.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he could now state how many persons have been proceeded against in Egypt under the Deportation Law of 4th July, 1909; and whether he could give any details as to the cases?

A full report on the whole subject will be given in Sir Eldon Gorst's Annual Report, which will be presented to Parliament in due course, and I should prefer to defer any statement till then.

When will this Report be ready?

Without committing myself absolutely to a few weeks—about a month.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Ambassador in the United States has been officially in communication with the President or Government of the United States since the right hon. Gentleman's announcement in the House on the subject of international arbitration, with a view to giving some practical effect to the proposals?

I can only repeat the answer I gave on Monday: that I am not as yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

May I ask whether it is the fact, as published in this morning's paper, that the Government have refused to entertain any international arbitration treaty with the Danish Government until the treaty already proposed with the United States is settled?

That does not arise out of the question, and perhaps the hon. Member will give notice of it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the recently issued Report on the Referendum contains no information with regard to the initiative in Switzerland, although full information is given about it in the less important case of the United States; and whether he will repair this omission by granting a Return?

The Motion in the House of 21st March last year did not call for a Return showing the countries in which the initiative is in force, but a report on this point shall be obtained from Switzerland.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what countries have made agreements with this country respecting commercial travellers' samples in addition to the United States and the Netherlands?

The following other countries have concluded special agreements with this country respecting commercial travellers' samples: Austria-Hungary, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden, and Switzerland. There are in addition provisions respecting such samples in our commercial Treaties with Bulgaria, Egypt, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Roumania, Servia, and Uruguay.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the East Africa Syndicate still hold the Masai country on the terms that a certain number of farms should be fairly established in the said country; and, if so, whether these conditions have been fulfilled, and how many years the lease still has to run before the rent can be revised?

Negotiations are in progress with the Syndicate for a revision of the terms of their lease, but I am not prepared to make a statement on the subject at the present time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he will be able to make a statement on this subject when the Colonial Office Vote is taken, and whether that will be within the next two or three months?

I do not know when the Colonial Office Vote will be taken, but I will make a statement on this subject the moment I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Dutch Reformed Churches Union Bill, now passing through the House of Assembly of the South African Union Parliament, enacts that no coloured person of the Dutch Reformed Church of the Cape Colony shall be entitled to claim membership of the church in any of the adjacent provinces; whether this prohibition to British subjects, on the sole ground of colour, to approach the communion table has any precedent in other parts of the Empire; and whether the Home Government has any power or any intention to interfere?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question on the 27th of March. I am not aware of a precedent for the Bill which however is intended to maintain existing conditions.

Is a black skin a colour bar to even Heaven itself?

asked whether a portion, and, if so, what amount, of the cost connected with indenturing coolies to the planters of British Guiana was placed upon the general revenue of the Colony?

The present arrangements as regards the expenses of the system of indentured immigration into British Guiana are stated in Section 227 of the Report of the recent Committee on Emigration from India to the Crown Colonies and Protectorates. The section in question will be found on page 55 of the Report which was presented to Parliament as Command Paper No. 5192.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what is the cost per head of indentured coolies in the Colony of Trinidad; and what proportion of this cost is paid by the planters and from the revenues respectively?

The cost of importing indentured immigrants varies from year to year. From a statement laid before the Committee on emigration from India to the Crown Colonies and Protectorates it would appear that the average cost per statute adult between 1879 and 1908 was £24 17s. 4d. inclusive of all charges. The statement is printed on page 127 of Command Paper 5194. The apportionment of the cost of immigration into the Colony is explained in Section 263 of the Report of the Committee, where it is calculated that about 21 per cent. is paid by the employers and labourers, about 52 per cent. by all the cultivators, whether employing indentured labour or not, and about 27 per cent. from general revenue. The section will be found on page 65 of Command Paper No. 5192.

Is it not a fact that the planters who employ free labour have to pay 22 per cent. of the cost of bringing the indentured labourers to the planters who employ them?

I do not think the calculation is quite accurate.

asked what amounts the Ecclesiastical Commissioners had received as royalties on coal and other minerals in the County of Durham for the years 1900 to 1909 and how such amounts had been expended, showing how much had been devoted to objects in the County of Durham and outside that county?

The net mineral rents, royalties and way-leaves received by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners from their properties in the County of Durham for the ten years, 1900 to 1909 (both inclusive) amounted, after the setting aside of a sum of £1,345,000 in respect of the wasting character of this property, to £2,396,000. In accordance with the directions contained in the Acts relating to the Commissioners, those revenues have been carried with all other revenues of the Commissioners to their Common Fund to be applied by them, after providing for all charges thereon, in making additional provision for the cure of souls in parishes throughout England and Wales where such assistance is most required. The payments and appropriations out of the Common Fund for objects in the County of Durham during the same ten years have amounted to £913,000.

asked whether Scottish agricultural authorities could now apply through the Board of Agriculture for grants under the Development Act?

All applications for grants from the Development Fund must be made to the Treasury in accordance with Regulations, a copy of which I shall be happy to supply to my right hon. Friend. If the application is made by a body of persons other than a Government Department it is sent by the Treasury to the Government Department concerned. The decision as to the Department concerned in any particular case rests with the Treasury.

May Scottish agriculturalists assume that the Board of Agriculture accepts responsibility for its statutory obligations in regard to agriculture in Scotland?

My right hon. Friend may be sure that the Board of Agriculture will carry out all its statutory obligations.

Does the hon. Baronet mean by his answer that agricultural bodies may now apply to the Agricultural Department?

I mean what I said—that the Board will carry out its statutory obligations.

What are its statutory obligations in this matter?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he could give the names of the agricultural colleges who would carry out the experiments for the Board as to the growing of sugar beet, and the area each would grow?

Five acres of sugar beet will be grown at each of the following institutions: South-Eastern Agricultural College, Wye Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester; Harper Adams Agricultural College, Newport, Salop; Midland Agricultural and Dairy College, Kingston, Derby; County Technical Laboratories, Chelmsford. Three acres will be grown at the Agricultural Institute, Ridgmont, and two acres at the Seale Hayne Agricultural College, Newton Abbot.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, if he could give any information as to whether the Dutch Government had yet made any regulations regarding the exportation of Dutch cheese described as Cheshire; and, if not, whether the negotiations were still proceeding?

The Board have no information that any official action is being taken by the Dutch Government, but they have reason to believe that negotiations are proceeding between the Cheshire cheesemakers and the Dutch makers of cheese of the Cheshire type, which it is hoped may be attended with satisfactory results.

Is it not a fact that the Board of Agriculture are intervening and helping in this matter?

I have already informed the hon. Member that we have no official knowledge of it.

Is it not the fact that last time I asked this question the hon. Baronet told me that negotiations were proceeding?

Certainly not; I did not say so.

As this is a distinct fraud on British farmers, is it not the duty of the Board of Agriculture to take notice of it and to remedy it?

It is the duty of the people aggrieved to send notice to the Board of Agriculture.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board was making special inquiries into the cause of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Surrey; and, if the cause had not been found out, if he would appoint an inquiry?

Every possible inquiry is being made by the officers of the Board with a view to ascertain the cause of the outbreak in question, but so far without any definite result.

Are the officials of the Board feeding suspected forage found on the infected premises to healthy animals, or how otherwise are they attempting to trace the cause of the outbreak?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he had recently received a resolution passed by the Cheshire Chamber of Agriculture on the subject of foot-and-mouth disease; and, if so, whether he was prepared to adopt all, or any, of the four precautionary measures enumerated in that resolution?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have carefully considered the suggestions made by the Cheshire Chamber, but I am advised that any advantage gained by their adoption would not be at all equal to the loss and disturbance of trade which would arise in consequence.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture when it was proposed to issue the report of the Departmental Committee over which he presided, and which was appointed a year ago, to consider the best means of promoting the trade in livestock between this and other countries?

The Report of the Committee is now under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention had been called to the case of Mr. Pope, of Monkhall, Monkhopton, South Shropshire, who had had notice to leave his farm (under 150 acres) by the county council; whether he was aware that the farm supported nine people, and that Mr. Pope and his three sons and his brother all worked on the farm, and that he had been on the farm for forty-seven years; and whether, in view of these facts, he would use his influence with the county council to withdraw the notice to quit?

The farm was purchased by the county council in the open market in order to satisfy the demand for small holdings in the locality, and the county council have no alternative but to give notice to the present tenant. He will be entitled to compensation under the Act of last year.

Is it to be the rule that county councils shall be able to turn working farmers out of their farms, giving them notice without any reason whatever?

Notice was not given without any reason whatever; it was to provide small holdings. The county councils pursue their own discretion in the matter.

Is no notice to be taken of the fact that the man and his family have lived there for forty-seven years?

The hon. Member should bring the matter under the attention of his own county council?

asked how many prosecutions took place in 1910 for time cribbing in Lancashire; the number of convictions; the amount of penalties; in how many cases previous convictions had been recorded against the offenders; and the number of such convictions in each case?

The number of firms proceeded against was twenty-three, and the number of separate informations laid was 358. Convictions were obtained on 339 of the informations, the penalties amounting to £414, besides costs. The remaining nineteen informations were withdrawn on payment of costs. Six of the offenders had been previously convicted once, and one offender twice, for a similar offence during the years 1906–1909: convictions for these offences were not tabulated separately before 1906.

Is it a fact that this fraudulent practice is much commoner in Lancashire than in Yorkshire and other counties? If so, can the right hon. Gentleman explain the fact?

I have had some complaints on the matter, and I am to receive a representative body from the employers on the subject.

asked whether Dr. Starkie was appointed medical officer to the police at Pratt Street station, in Somers Town, East St. Pancras, as part of an arrangement by which the previous incumbent, Dr. Thompson, sold his practice to Dr. Starkie, who up to a few days ago was not a resident of the district; and, if so, why were medical men resident in the district asked to send in applications for the position?

Dr. Starkie was not appointed Divisional Surgeon at Somers Town as part of any such arrangement. The invariable rule in making these appointments is to select from among the applicants the candidate who is considered to have the best qualifications for the post, and this rule was observed in the present case. A non-resident medical man is never appointed, but length of residence is obviously a minor factor. Dr. Starkie has, I understand, been residing near Somers Town Police Station since May last.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he had appointed two Scottish Members to assess the claims arising out of the incidents in Sydney Street, London; and, if so, whether he would consider the advisability of giving them the assistance of an insurance claim settler of experience in dealing with demands put forward by persons of foreign nationality?

The coincidence had not occurred to me, but the answer to the first question is in the affirmative. One of the two Members was nominated by the City authorities. I have already made arrangements for supplying them with advice on financial questions, but if they find they require any further assistance such as my hon. Friend suggests I shall be glad to consider what should be done.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state, with reference to the draft Order altering the legal hours of work of dressmakers for two months prior to the Coronation, by reason of what inquiries, and concerning how many workers, he has satisfied himself that the women and young persons concerned prefer, as stated by him, to work until nine p.m. during two of the best months of the year?

My hon. Friend misunderstands the answer which I gave on Monday. What I said was that it was believed to be generally more convenient both to employers and employés in these particular trades in time of pressure to work from eight to nine in the evening rather than from eight to nine in the morning. The draft Order was issued after consultation with some of the London inspectors. As I have already explained, the Order is only in draft at present, and if any objections are received they will be considered before any final Order is made.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet received any objection from any of the women or young persons who will benefit by this?

Not that I am aware of.

When does the right hon. Gentleman propose to lay this Order upon the Table?

I do not quite know; I will find out. I hope very shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will refuse to sanction the draft Order issued granting to factories and workshops, in the county of London, in which the making of wearing apparel is carried on, the right to keep women and young persons at work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., from 1st May to 1st July, seeing that it is likely to cause serious danger to the health of the women and young persons employed, and that the hours authorised by law for these persons are already long; and whether he made it a condition of making the draft Order that employers would pay such employés additional wages commensurate with the profits likely to be made out of this work?

I am advised there are no grounds for supposing that danger to health will result from the Order which, if made, will be in force for two months only, and will not extend the legal hours of employment. I have no power to make it a condition of the Order that extra wages should be paid; but before issuing the draft I received an assurance from the Drapers' Chamber of Trade in behalf of the firms represented by the chamber that full wages would be paid for any time worked beyond the usual hours.

At overtime rate?

No. It is legal; but beyond the usual hours.

Can the right hon. Gentleman reconcile the sanctioning of this Order with his support of the Daylight Saving Bill?

I think I can from every point of view. If the Daylight Saving Bill were in force, eight to nine would, in fact, become from seven to eight.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will make a representation to the authorities responsible for the appointment of Census enumerators in favour of the employment of persons out of work?

I am informed that the enumerators were all appointed at least three weeks ago, and that many of them are persons who are not in regular employment.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he proposes to send any exhibits from his Department to the International Hygiene Exhibition, Dresden; and, if so, whether the medical officers of the Board will assist the committee, which is now preparing a British exhibit, in respect to Poor Law administration and other branches of hygiene coming within the purview of the Local Government Board?

I do not propose to send any exhibits to the exhibition referred to.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, whether his attention has been called to the case of Edward Richmond, of Livermere, near Bury St. Edmunds, whose application for an old age pension has been refused on the ground that he does not satisfy the statutory condition as to residence; and whether, considering the fact that Richmond has served over twenty-one years in the Army and has spent the whole of his life in British Possessions, he will consider the advisability of amending the Old Age Pensions Act, so as to provide for the payment of old age pensions in this and similar cases?

My attention has been drawn to this case. The question of amending the requirements of the Old Age Pensions Act with regard to residence is at present receiving consideration.

Is failure to comply with the regulations as to residence the only reason why this pension has been withheld?

No; in this particular case the applicant was employed in the Channel Islands from 1881 to 1897, and is, therefore, disqualified. The Channel Islands have a separate Legislature, and the Old Age Pensions Act does not apply to them?

Is failure to comply with the regulations as to residence, to which the right hon. Gentleman has just referred, the only ground for refusal of the pension?

Oh, no; the one I have read is another. We will have to consider this, and similar points in connection with the amendment of the Act.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the Old Age Pensions Act and pending legislation upon the report of the Poor Law Commission, the Local Government Board will, like the English Board, discourage the extension of poor house buildings by local authorities?

The Local Government Board for Scotland are keeping in view the consideration referred to by my hon. Friend, and are not sanctioning any alterations in poor house buildings except such as are necessary for the efficient administration of the Poor Law.

asked whether the practical effect of the decision in the case of Charles Galway, Mallow, is to place it in the power of the pension officer permanently to deprive an applicant, unprovided with a birth certificate, of a pension, no matter what time may elapse or how completely the local pensions committee may be satisfied that his age exceeds seventy; if not, when or in what way can the pension committee hope to procure new evidence, seeing that there is no registry of the birth of the applicant; and, if there is no legal remedy at present, will the law be amended so as to cover such cases?

The Local Government Board do not restrict proof to baptismal certificates and the evidence of the Census returns. Entries in family Bibles, old school books, early letters from employers, and other documents, have over and over again been accepted as evidence. The Board consider all evidence which is submitted to them, but no general statement can be made specifying what evidence would be sufficient that a particular claimant has attained the age of seventy. The onus of proof rests upon the claimant, and if he fails to produce evidence to satisfy the pension authorities they have no power to award him a pension. I fear no statutory enactment could be devised which would enable people to fix their exact ages where no record is available.

Is not the substantial result of that answer that the pension officer is an absolute autocrat, able to refuse pensions to old people who cannot produce baptismal certificates or evidence of the character to which the right hon. Gentleman referred, and are there not thousands of such people in Ireland?

I do not think there is any reason to believe there are thousands of poor people in Ireland who have attained the age of seventy and who have been excluded from their pensions. However that may be, the onus rests upon the claimant, and the obligation rests upon the public authority to see proper evidence is forthcoming.

Is there anything to prevent the Government remedying the matter by a new Clause in the Revenue Bill to-night?

I should be very glad if the hon. Member would exercise his ingenuity by drafting such a clause and letting me have it for my consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that on Wednesday, 22nd March, a train arriving at the Whitechapel station of the Metropolitan District Railway at 8.25 p.m. was crowded to such an extent that the door-men could not close the doors of the four carriages comprising the train until some of the passengers had been compelled to alight, and that at least 100 passengers were left on the platform after the train had left the station to wait for another train; and whether the Board of Trade is prepared to seek legislative power to prevent the continual over-crowding which takes place upon the Metropolitan District Railway?

I am informed by the railway company that the over-crowding of the train referred to was due to its being delayed in consequence of a mechanical failure, which interfered with the service for a few minutes. The company state that under normal conditions the train is not over-crowded. I am not proposing legislation on the question at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that some of the over-crowding which takes place upon the Metropolitan District Railway is caused by the inadequate train service provided by the London, Tilbury, and Southend Railway; if he is aware that there is no train on this railway, from Upton Park Station to London, between 7.45 a.m. and 8.35 a.m., and no train to London calls at Upton Park between 8.51 a.m. and 10.31 a.m.; that there is no tram from Fenchurch Street calling at Upton Park between 4.46 p.m. and 6.33 p.m.; and if he intends taking action in the matter?

I am in communication with the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway Company in this matter, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he can state what amounts have been paid by each of the trade unions and friendly societies to their members in each of the last five years in respect of unemployed benefits, sickness, and accident benefits, respectively; and also give the names of the societies making the payments, and in each society the total number of members and the number of members receiving such benefits?

I am sending to the hon. Member references to the official publications which contain information on the points he mentions.

Does the answer only refer to the trade unions registered under the Friendly Societies Act?

No. To all trade unions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he will state how soon he proposes to arrive at a decision with regard to securing proper payment for Sunday work, when that is required to be performed, by the outdoor and transmission staff in the mercantile marine offices?

I hope that this matter will be decided before long.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can hold out any hope to the officers and men in the mercantile marine that before the next General Election the political disabilities at present imposed upon them by the nature of their calling may be removed by some such electoral provision as prevails in our Colonies?

I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I am not at present in a position to give any undertaking.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can state what steps have been taken, in view of the approach of the spring fishing season, to protect the transatlantic cables with their shore ends at Waterville, Ballinskelligs, and Valentia, respectively, from the damage caused in previous seasons by steam trawlers; what system of inspection, if any, of the trawling gear has been adopted; and whether the cable companies have been satisfied that the proposed precautions are adequate?

The system of inspection of trawling gear, recommended by the Committee which considered this question in 1908, is now in regular operation at the ports concerned throughout the United Kingdom. I understand that the system is working smoothly, and that the trawlers generally are showing readiness to give effect to the representations, of the inspectors of the Fisheries Departments when they point out that the gear is likely to injure submarine cables. Though the cable companies would naturally prefer more stringent measures, I have no reason to believe that they are dissatisfied with the working of the system.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that at 7.45 p.m. every evening the Frinton-on-Sea telephone line to Walton-on-Naze is switched through to the Samuel Lewis Convalescent Home at Walton-on-Naze, and that thus subscribers to the telephone service at Frinton and Walton respectively are unable to communicate with one another; and what are the terms of the contract under which the whole benefit of the Frinton to Walton line is thus reserved exclusively to the Samuel Lewis Convalescent Home during a large part of each twenty-four hours?

I am aware that at night direct telephonic communication is practicable between the Samuel Lewis Convalescent Home at Walton-on-the Naze and the medical attendant of the home who resides at Frinton. The arrangement, however, does not deprive ordinary subscribers at the two places of the facility of telephonic communication at night over the Frinton to Walton line.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the communication is viâ London from Frinton to Walton, two places only separated by five miles, it being 150 miles viâ London?

No, Sir; I believe, as a matter of fact, that the sub-postmaster has to be called up viâ London to make the direct communication for subscribers to communicate along the direct line. I am making inquiry to see whether it will not be possible to make communication between the two places at night.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question?

I did answer it. I said the subscribers are not prevented from communicating at night.

I asked the right hon. Gentleman an important question, and I ask him now what are the special terms of the contract under which the Samuel Lewis Convalescent Home has the advantage of the exclusive use of this telephone?

I have already answered twice that they have not the exclusive advantage of the use of the line.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will am end the regulations relating to the appointment of inspectors of schools by removing the age limit of thirty-five years, throwing such posts open to competition to the whole teaching profession, and making actual teaching experience of not less than ten years in primary, secondary, or higher grade schools an essential qualification for appointment?

The age limit of thirty-five years applies only to appointments of junior inspectors, and has never been regarded as an insuperable obstacle to the appointment of any particular candidate for appointment to that grade over the age of thirty-five, if his exceptional qualifications were such as to make it specially desirable that the Board should secure his services. The Board's inspectorate is already open to suitably qualified candidates from all branches of the teaching profession. I do not think it is desirable to insist upon experience of actual teaching for so long a period as ten years as a qualification for appoint- ment to the inspectorate. Such a rule might frequently prevent the Board from securing the services of a brilliant candidate, who, although prepared to take service under the Board while he was comparatively young, probably would not be prepared to do so at the salaries at present at the disposal of the Board after he had been for ten years engaged in other professional work.

asked the Prime Minister: (1) Whether, with a view to obtaining practical suggestions towards completing the business of the House invariably by eleven o'clock at night, he will appoint a small commission to study the procedure in the Parliaments of France, Germany, the. United States, and the self-governing dominions; (2) whether he will take steps to secure the early preparation of a Paper, to be circulated amongst the Members of this House, showing how often, during the last five years, the business of the House has been conducted after midnight, as compared with what has taken place during the same period in the Parliaments of France, Germany, the United States and the self-governing dominions; and (3) whether he will order the preparation of a Paper, to be circulated among the Members of this House, giving a clear exposition of the methods of procedure of the Chamber of Deputies in Franco, and particularly of the system of permanent commissions, by which, while the fullest ventilation and discussion of all measures is obtained, the time of the Chamber is so economised as to render all-night sittings very exceptional?

The returns for which the hon. Member asks would involve a considerable amount of time and trouble, and, in view of the rarity of very late sittings here and of the different conditions under which foreign legislatures work, I do not think I would be justified in acting upon his suggestions.

Is there any guillotine procedure in any of the countries alluded to?

I would like notice of that question.

In view of the probability of long sittings during the next few weeks, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of meeting in the morning at ten o'clock rather than that debates should be prolonged?

I cannot hold out any hope.

May I ask the right non. Gentleman whether, with a view to obviating the necessity for these ridiculous all-night sittings, he would consider the propriety of bringing the Standing Orders of this House into conformity with the Licensing Acts, so that after 12.30 no effective refreshments may be served?

asked the Prime Minister what facilities he proposes to give this Session for legislation that will confer upon local authorities in Scotland power to close places of public refreshment on Sundays, and make the closing hours on week days the same as public-houses?

As my hon. Friend is doubtless aware, the Burgh Police (Scotland) Amendment Bill, which has been introduced by the Lord Advocate, proposes to provide for the further regulation of places of public refreshment in Scotland, and I hope we may be able to take it after the Shops Bill.

asked whether, in view of the decision of the judges who tried the King's Lynn election petition that corrupt practices were excusable on the part of the Member petitioned against because he was also mayor of the borough, he will introduce legislation to amend the law in this respect?

I cannot accept my hon. Friend's version of the decision of the court which tried the petition in question, and I see no reason for introducing legislation on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what were the political views of the judges in this case?

asked the Prime Minister whether a State Insurance Bill will be introduced before the Budget; and whether the Bill is now completely prepared?

also asked the Prime Minister if, without giving any pledge as to dates, he can say whether the Bill for insurance against unemployment will be introduced before the Bill for insurance against sickness, accident, and infirmity?

The proposals of the Government in regard to these matters are still under consideration. They will not be introduced before, but I hope very soon after, Easter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will be one measure or two?

I think I had better not say anything about that.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the date the Budget will be introduced, and, if not, will he state the date when the announcement will be made?

I do not think that arises out of the questions. If the hon. Member will put it down I will answer it.

asked the Attorney-General if, in his description of the State insurance scheme as of a compulsory character, he meant to include both the unemployment and invalidity insurance schemes?

I do not know to what description my hon. Friend refers. I have given none.

Is the Attorney-General aware that he described the scheme not as a State insurance scheme, but as a compulsory insurance scheme?

When?

In his speech at Reading.

I never gave any description. I merely referred to a deputation at which the sickness and invalidity scheme had been discussed.

asked whether the proposed elected Second Chamber adumbrated in the Parliament Bill will have the absolute power of Veto?

It would be premature to make any statement on this subject at present.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will be in a position to inform this House prior to the House of Lords having to consider a Bill which is virtually their death warrant——

If the hon. Member wants to get an answer he should not introduce controversial preambles.

asked the Prime Minister if it has been brought to his knowledge that the First Commissioner of Works stated that he would welcome any discussion in the Rouse with reference to the proposed road and bridge through St. James's Park; and if he will state when opportunity will be given for such discussion?

I understand that no definite proposal has yet been formulated in regard to the road and bridge in question; certainly no such proposal has been brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government. There is not, therefore, at this moment, anything concrete to be discussed. But it may allay the very natural anxiety which has been aroused if I say at once that in no circumstances will His Majesty's Government give their assent to any scheme which will impair or interfere with the present natural beauties of St. James's Park.

Who are going to be the judges of what would impair the beauty of St. James's Park.

His Majesty's Government in the first instance.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state what is the nature of the works recently carried out on the St. James's Park suspension bridge; and what the cost has been?

The works recently carried out were repairs of the most necessary kind only, renewals of worn-out bolts, of flooring, girders, and painting, at a cost of about £600.

Is the hon. Member aware that the Prime Minister said the Government would not consent to do anything to destroy the beauty of the Park. He did not say whether the House would be given an opportunity of expressing its opinion upon the matter.

I will answer that question. If any such proposal is made, unless it is vetoed by the Government, certainly the House will have an opportunity of discussing it.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will consider the desirability of reverting to a former practice of the Board under which the same publicity was given to the instructions to His Majesty's inspectors as to the various codes of regulations?

I must remind the hon. Member that the Blue Book entitled "Revised Instructions," to which I understand him to refer, consisted chiefly of explanations of the Code. The educational part of the publication is now embodied in the "Suggestions to Teachers," which are revised periodically. I have looked into the matter, and I do not think it would be desirable to revert to the former system, which does not appear to me to be adapted to existing circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware how disturbed the state of feeling is among the teachers of the country, and would he consider that it is suggestions to inspectors we want to know of more than suggestions to teachers?

I do not know that there is any very disturbed feeling among the teachers. If my hon. Friend has any complaints to make I shall be glad if he brings them to my notice.

asked whether, in the circular lately issued by Mr. Holmes on behalf of the Board to local education authorities, it was stated that of fifteen inspectors in Manchester and Sal-ford fourteen were of the ex-elementary teacher class, and that with regard to these the existence of these inspectors stereotypes routine, perpetuates cast-iron methods, and forms an effectual bar to development and progress; and, if so, whether, as the circular is now stated not to represent the policy of the Board he will cause an adequate expression of regret for the statement above quoted to be sent to the inspectors in question and to the local education authorities of Manchester and Salford, and in the same official way as the original circular was sent out?

The memorandum to which I understand the hon. Member to refer was not issued to local education authorities, as stated in the question. The hon. Member's quotation refers to an opinion expressed, as I find, nearly three years ago by an inspector who has since retired. I am not aware that the opinion of the inspector in question has in any way adversely affected the local inspectors to whom he referred. The expression of opinion was made in confidence, and never intended to be used to the prejudice of those to whom it referred. Moreover, I have recalled the copies of the memorandum which were sent to the Board's officers. For myself I have nothing to add to what I have already stated publicly in this House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the unfortunate words of the circular shall not, in any way, affect the prospects or promotion of the inspectors?

They are the servants of the local authorities. I am afraid I cannot interfere between the local authorities and their own inspectors.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the report published in the Press that Sir Robert Morant was responsible for this circular?

I have seen a great many reports and a good many of them inaccurate. I have given a full account of the proceedings in this House, and I have nothing to add to that account.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made any mention hitherto as to whether Sir Robert Morant had any thing to do with sanctioning this circular?

I made a full statement on the subject two days ago.

Was Sir Robert Morant responsible for having sent it out?

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave two days ago. It was a long and a full reply, and I also circulated it with the Votes.

asked if the Annual Report of the Victoria and Albert Museum will in the future contain a complete list of all the objects acquired during the year, with their prices?

I have already informed the hon. Member that it is in tended that the Annual Report shall contain a list of the principal objects acquired during the year with their prices. I cannot, however, for reasons which I have already indicated, undertake that it shall contain a complete list of all the objects acquired. Many objects are purchased in collections, and their individual prices cannot, therefore, be stated. Moreover, the number of objects purchased for comparatively small prices each year is very large, and a complete list would run to inordinate length. I am considering, however, the possibility of giving a summary of the objects of minor importance under the different categories to which they belong.

asked if the last holder of the title of senior keeper at the Victoria and Albert Museum was officially informed two years ago that his office was to be discontinued; if so, why does the office still appear upon the estimates; to whom is the salary paid; why has it increased by £67 in this year's estimates; and what are the specific duties of the officer to whom the salary is paid?

The statement made to the officer alluded to was virtually as described in the question. The post still appears on the Estimates because I have found it necessary to postpone for a longer time than I anticipated in November, 1908, the re-organisation of the staff of the Victoria and Albert Museum which its new conditions, when completely operative, render desirable. The salary is paid to the officer carrying out the specific duties of deputy director of the Museum—these being duties for which that post was established in 1900, and for which the salary is paid. No change has been made in the salary of the post, which was fixed in 1900 on the recommendations of the Walpole Committee. The increase in the Estimates for 1911–12 referred to in the concluding paragraph of the question is only apparent, not real; a mistake having inadvertently been made in the Estimates of the previous five years.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he can state who are the members of the advisory committee at the Victoria and Albert Museum; when were they appointed; how often has the council met within the financial year for which the salary of the secretary of the advisory council is voted; and who is the secretary of the council?

There is at present no advisory council of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The temporary advisory committee appointed to advise the Board on the rearrangement of the collections completed its work on 29th July, 1908. The work of rearrangement, which necessarily requires considerable time, is not yet complete and the administrative arrangements of the Museum have not yet passed out of the transitional stage. The constitution of an advisory council will be taken into consideration as soon as that stage has been passed. The officer holding the post of secretary of the advisory council is an administrative officer of the Board, who carries out various administrative duties in the offices of the museum, which were the chief duties attached to the post on its establishment. Pending the constitution of an advisory council he is able also to give special assistance to the director and secretary during the period of abnormal pressure occasioned by the work of rearrangement.

asked if simpler procedure can be adopted in respect of the payment of grants on account of technological instruction given by institutions of long standing, whose stability and organisation are therefore well known by the Board's officers, so that payments may be made more expeditiously than at present?

The point is receiving careful consideration in connection with the revision of the Technical Regulations.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the fact that the contribution in England from the Treasury towards police pay and clothing is 50 per cent. of the local authority's outlay, whereas in Scotland it is only about 35 per cent., he will ascertain, before the Police (Weekly Rest-Day) (Scotland) Bill is considered by a Grand Committee, if the Treasury is willing to increase the Scottish Grant to 50 per cent.; and by what sum would this Grant lessen the £58,000 per annum which this Bill, if it becomes an Act, will cost the ratepayers of Scotland?

To increase the Scottish Grant to 50 per cent. would necessitate an addition of some £62,000 a year to the present amount, and as was pointed out in detail in my reply of the 16th of this month to my hon. Friend the Member for the College Division of Glasgow, there is not in the matter of Police Grant any inequality of treatment as between England and Scotland, if the total sums assigned for local purposes to the two countries are taken into account. No claim could therefore be pressed upon the Treasury as suggested. Pending any general readjustment of Imperial and local taxation, I fear that the increased cost referred to would have to be borne by the local authorities.

asked whether, in view of the number of cases of libel, slander, and breach of promise now coming before the High Court, in many of which small damages are awarded, he will introduce legislation conferring jurisdiction on the county court in these cases?

I will consider the suggestion of my hon. and learned Friend.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the number of peers, Members of the House of Lords, at present receiving public moneys for the past or present public services of themselves or their ancestors, and the total amount of such sums paid in the last year for which figures are available?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for the Blackfriars Division of Glasgow on 31st March, 1910.

Could we not have that answer brought up to date, and has the right hon. Gentleman noticed that this question includes payment for public services to the ancestors of peers?

If the hon. Member will speak to me about the matter I will see.

For the benefit of those who were not in the House in March last year will he state to the House the effect of his answer?

If hon. Members were not in the House it is possible for them to consult the proceedings.

Is it a sin to receive rewards granted by the State to a man's ancestors?

asked whether, in considering new principles in assessing the Licence Duty in the United Kingdom, he will take into consideration the time that will elapse before the new system is put into force; and, in view of the fact that the custom, and use, and wont of the licensed trade in Scotland differs from that in England, as instanced by the tied-house system, which is practically nonexistent in Scotland, he will consider the possibility of assessing in Scotland on the basis of alcoholic trade done, and so meet the views expressed by the licensed trade in Scotland?

The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the points to which he directs attention will be carefully considered before any new system of assessing the Licence Duty is proposed.