asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the limits in distance from the mainland of territorial waters claimed for fishery purposes by Norway, Russia, Denmark, Germany, Spain, and Portugal; whether all the sea between the most southernly of the Lofoden Islands and the mainland is claimed as territorial water by Norway; what was the approximate distance from that island to the mainland; whether the pearl fishery banks of Ceylon were claimed by Great Britain to be in territorial waters; and what is their greatest distance from the mainland of Ceylon?

Denmark, Germany, and Portugal maintain a territorial limit of three miles for fishery purposes. Russia is at the present time claiming twelve miles, while Norway and Spain have for some time past claimed four and six miles respectively. His Majesty's Government, however, have always declined to recognise these extensions of the generally accepted three-mile limit. Norway claims exclusive fishery rights in the Westfjord, which lies between the Lofoden Islands and the mainland, but no definite limit to the waters thus claimed appears ever to have been specified. The distance from the most southern of the Lofoden Islands to the mainland is about fifty miles. In 1869 His Majesty's Consul-General at Christiania was informed that His Majesty's Government could not recognise any right to exclude fishing, except within the limits adopted by the British, French, and German Governments. His Majesty's Government do not claim jurisdiction over the Ceylon pearl fisheries on the ground that they are situate within territorial waters, but because the beds are capable of being physically occupied in a manner analogous to the occupation of land; and, further, because from time immemorial, and, therefore, before the adoption of the present three-mile limit, they have been treated by the successive rulers of Ceylon as subjects of property and jurisdiction, and have been so regarded with the acquiescence of other nations.

Is it a fact that along about one-half of the coast of Europe the three-mile limit is not accepted by the bordering State?

Perhaps the hon. Member would give me notice of that question.

asked whether, in view of the interest excited amongst the shipping and commercial community by the Declaration of London, and of the importance of a sound judgment being arrived at as to the advisability of the ratification by Parliament of the Declaration, he would cause a translation into English to be prepared of the Blue Book (Miscellaneous), No. 5, 1009 [Cd. 4555], being The Proceedings of the International Naval Conference held in London, December, 1908, to February, 1909, which volume is entirely in the French language?

It is in accordance with precedent that the full reports of the proceedings of international conferences which are conducted in the French language are laid before Parliament in their original version. This was notably done in the case of the two Peace Conferences of 1899 and 1907. The principal papers respecting the work of the London Naval Conference have, however, been translated into English, and will be found included in the Blue Book (Miscellaneous) No. 4, 1909 [Cd. 4554]. As was stated in reply to a similar question in this House on June 23rd, 1908, to furnish a complete translation of all the protocols of such Conferences, with the papers annexed thereto, would involve considerable labour, and would require an addition to the staff of the Foreign Office, for which there does not seem to be any real occasion, in view of the fact that the principal papers have been translated.

asked whether, in connection with the reciprocity negotiations between the United States and Canada, any instructions, whether verbal or written, were given to His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington as to the course he should adopt to safeguard the interests of the United Kingdom and the Empire in the United States' market; and whether any representations have been made to either of the negotiating Governments on behalf of these interests?

I have nothing to add to the answers which have been repeatedly given to questions upon this subject.

Would the hon. Gentleman kindly let me have some indication where they are to be found?

Certainly I will.

Will the hon. Secretary let me have it now?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether, when our Ambassador mentioned an offer of general reciprocity was made, His Majesty's Government took any steps to give instructions to our Ambassador as to what course he should pursue?

The answer to that supplementary is the same as the answer to the original question.

May I ask whether our Ambassador at Washington has reported to the Government whether our interests are affected by this reciprocity?

That is a question which has been repeatedly answered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he was aware of the appointment of an International Joint Commission, representing the Governments of the United States and Canada, for the settlement of boundary disputes; and if he would state the powers of this Commission and its bearing upon Imperial relations?

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the Boundary Waters Treaty of January 11th, 1909. The powers of the Commission are defined in Articles 8 to 12 of the Treaty, which was laid before Parliament in September, 1910. It is a treaty made between His Majesty's Government and the United States Government.

asked the President of the Board of Eduction whether he was aware that in November, 1909, a representative gathering of teachers of all kinds unanimously pressed for the registration of teachers; whether the ground in taking this action was to encourage the more adequate training of teachers, especially of secondary teachers; whether any notice of this demand had been taken by the Board of Education; and whether it was intended to reintroduce in any form the registration of teachers or to give encouragement to regular training of secondary teachers?

I am aware that at a meeting, such as my hon. Friend describes, resolutions in favour of the registration of teachers were passed. I do not understand that there was absolute unanimity as to the form the register should take or as to the constitution of the Teachers' Registration Council. The answer to the third part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the fourth part of the question, the Board have been discussing the question with representatives of various branches of the teaching profession, some important conferences having been held in the Board's offices in the last week or two which seemed to suggest the possibility that agreement on the outstanding points of difficulty may soon be reached. The Board already encourage, by the payment of grants, the training of teachers for secondary schools.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the first register was destroyed by Oxford and Cambridge snobbishness?

asked how many inspectors of elementary schools, including assistant and sub-inspectors, but excluding inspectors of manual training, drawing, and music, have been appointed by the Board of Education during each of the past four years; how many in each case were graduates of Oxford or Cambridge; and how many had previous education of elementary schools as elementary teachers?

The total number of appointments of inspectors of elementary schools of all grades, excluding inspectors of manual training, drawing and music, appointed by the Board of Education during each of the past four years, with the further particulars asked for in the question, is shown in the following table:—

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman has examined other circulars and memoranda which have been issued by permanent officials without his previous knowledge or consent; whether he has discovered any which are not in accord with the policy of the Board; if so, what was the nature of their contents; and will he cause them to be circulated to Members of this House?

I have read some Memoranda which have been circulated among members of the staff of the Board without my previous knowledge. It is in accordance with my wish that educational subjects, on which there is wide divergence of view, should be freely discussed and inquiries made amongst the Board's officers under confidential conditions. Some of these Memoranda contain expressions of opinion which I do not share; but Memoranda conveying instructions or advice are in a different category. When instructions or advice are given they are given in unmistakable terms, and are not left to be gathered by inference. I am afraid I cannot undertake to ciruclate the Memoranda referred to above. I could not expect to get the free and helpful discussion I now get from members of my staff if their individual opinions, freely expressed in confidence, were to be subsequently published to the world at large.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there are any similar documents to what is known as the Holmes's Circular in existence at the Board of Education which are not in accord with the policy of the President?

I think that question is the same as the one on the Paper which I have answered fully.

May I ask if the reply is in the affirmative?

The hon. Member had better wait until he gets a copy of my answer, and then he will understand it more clearly.

Is there no way of bringing the policy of the President into harmony with that of the Permanent Secretary?

The policy of the Permanent Secretary ought to be brought into harmony with that of the President.

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Permanent Secretary should not give his sanction to the issue of circulars affecting appointments by local authorities until they have been first submitted to the President?

I have already answered many questions on this subject almost in the same terms as that put by the hon. Member. I cannot add anything to the answers I have already given.

asked whether there are any more private and confidential memoranda issued by his Department; and if he will specify those with which he does not agree?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer I have just given to the hon. Member for Sunderland.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if it is his intention to extend the system of block grants now applied to schools of art to technical institutions of established reputation, with the view of relieving such institutions of a large amount of clerical work?

This matter is being carefully considered in connection with the revision of the regulations for technical schools.

asked if the President will state the total number of actual students enrolled in the following technical schools, from the beginning of the Session in September or October up till the end of March, and the actual number of individual students in attendance during March: Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Sheffield.

I regret that the statistical returns for the schools in question will not be available until the Autumn.

asked whether in view of the anxiety of secondary teachers throughout the country for the reintroduction of a register of secondary teachers, the right hon. Gentleman can state what progress has been made in the setting up of such a register?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the answer I have already given to the hon. Member for North Somerset on this subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he could state the number of persons who have been supplied with allotments during the last five years, the approximate size of such allotments, and if the Board of Agriculture have advanced to such persons any money or material for the building of houses?

16,944 persons were supplied with allotments of land acquired by local authorities in England and Wales for the purpose in the three years 1908, 1909, 1910. The average size of the allotments was approximately one rood and nine perches. It is not possible to give similar information for the years 1906 and 1907. The Board have no power to advance money to allotment tenants for the building of houses.

Can the hon. Gentleman give me separately the number of allotments furnished in Scotland to the knowledge of his Department?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Is it not the case as stated in the papers that since the passing of the Agricultural holdings Act for England and Wales the number of small holdings is less now than it was before the passing of the Act?

That is so, but of course there are explanations of that which are too long to give now.

Will the hon. Baronet publish those explanations?

I think it would be better if the right hon. Gentleman would wait until there is an opportunity in debate of raising this question.

asked what is the total number of persons now in occupation of land let to them as small holdings by county councils under the Small Holdings Act, 1908; and what is the total acreage of such land?

On the 31st of December last 5,343 small-holders were in actual occupation of land let to them by county councils to the extent of 69,429 acres.

Can the hon. Baronet state when the other 1,000 applicants will be provided for?

I hope in due course.

asked how many of those who were approved by the county councils in 1908 as suitable applicants are still without land?

The Board have no information on this point. The men whose applications were approved in 1908 are not separately distinguished in the returns made by the county councils.

Can the hon. Baronet obtain information on this point?

I will inquire.

asked if the hon. Baronet can see his way to add the name of one practical tenant farmer to the Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into the position of tenant farmers on the occasion of the sale of their holdings?

The President regrets that he does not see his way further to enlarge this committee, which now consists of fourteen members. Mr. Colin Campbell, the president of the National Farmers' Union, who is a member of the committee, is himself a practical tenant farmer.

Is there anybody on the committee who represents the dairy farming industry from a dairy farmer's point of view?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he is aware of the practice of certain county councils on the receipt of applications for land under the Small Holdings Act, 1908, to put a representa- tive of the Commissioner of Canada in communication with the applicants in order to induce such men to emigrate; and whether he will take any steps to prevent the Act being carried out in this way?

No, Sir, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with the names of the county councils to which he refers I will inquire into this alleged practice.

Is it not a fact that it was done in Lincolnshire in the case of the Kesteven county council?

I have already informed my hon. Friend I am not aware of the practice, but I will inquire into it.

asked what steps the President of the Board of Agriculture is taking to carry out the promise he made to secure the Idstone farm, Berkshire, for small holdings?

My Noble Friend undertook to do his best to secure the farm in question for small holdings, but he is informed by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners that they are advised that it is not suitable for this purpose, and for this and other reasons of a practical character, as also on account of the displacement of labour which would be entailed, they are not prepared to let it to the Small Holdings Association which desired to take it. The Commissioners are, however, very willing to do all that they can to meet the requirements of the local applicants. The Commissioners are the owners of other land in the neighbourhood which may be found suitable for subdivision, and arrangements will be made at an early date for conference on the spot between the representatives of the Commissioners, the Board and the local Small Holdings Society; and the President has every reason to hope that an arrangement satisfactory to all concerned will be arrived at.

Would the hon. Baronet exert his influence with the Board to see the necessary steps are taken to prevent the owner letting the farm while negotiations are pending?

I will represent that to the President of the Board.

Can he tell me who it was advised the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, contrary to the opinion of the President of the Board of Agriculture, that this was not suitable for small holdings?

I am not aware.

May I ask the hon. Baronet if he is aware that the county council have also considered the question whether this farm is suitable for small holdings, and have refused the application because they thought it undesirable?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether his attention has been called to the action of the Kesteven County Council in letting off the shooting rights over small holdings belonging to the council, without reference to the occupiers of the holdings and against their interests; whether he is aware that a memorial of protest, signed by fourteen of the small holders was disregarded by the council; whether any provision for letting the shooting rights in this way was included in the scheme submitted to the Board; and what is the policy of the Board in this matter?

No, Sir, but I am inquiring into the matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me whether any provision is made as to the question of shooting rights in the scheme submitted to the Board?

I would ask my hon. Friend to give me notice of that.

asked whether any foreign hay, litter, or oats were used on the farms in Surrey where foot-and-mouth disease broke out; and, if so, from which country they came and whether they have been traced?

A small quantity of Russian oats forming part of a cargo of over 10,000 quarters which left from Libau on 21st January last had been used for feeding the stock on Brooklands Farm. Inquiries have been instituted which showed that the cargo was very widely distributed in comparatively small quantities, and some of it is known to have been fed to cattle in the same neighbourhood as the infected place, but without any evil result. I should be glad to show to the hon. Member the reports which have been made by an inspector on the subject if he would care to see them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary whether he can give the number of cases of foot-and-mouth disease in Russia, Germany, and France during the year 1910, and also up to date during the present year?

The latest information with regard to Russia shows that in October last foot-and-mouth disease existed in 1,039 communes, and that many thousands of animals had been attacked. In Germany there were, in February last, 8,513 infected places, including premises in which the disease was suspected to exist, in 2,564 parishes. In France the official returns show that no case of the disease occurred in 1910, but we were informed last month that the disease existed in the arrondissement of Dieppe, and we have reason to believe that it has now made its appearance elsewhere. We are in communication with the French Ministry of Agriculture with a view to obtain further information on the subject.

Was the outbreak in France prior to the outbreak in Surrey?

There is no connection traced between the two places.

asked whether, in order to trace the cause of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Surrey, in view of the germs of the disease being impossible, microscopically, to identify, hay, straw, chaff, and other feeding stuffs of foreign origin are being fed to healthy animals, or how otherwise, if at all, attempts are being made by the Board to find out the origin of the outbreak?

In the opinion of the Board's veterinary advisers it would be extremely undesirable to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member. The fullest investigation whence feeding stuffs and fodder came from has been made.

asked the hon. Baronet if he will say to what cause he attributes the increase in the number of outbreaks of swine fever during the current year, in spite of the existing stringent regulations of the Board and the continuing large expenditure of public money in carrying them out?

I should not like to express an opinion till I have had an opportunity of reading and considering the evidence and Report of the Departmental Committee on Swine Fever.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary if he will say to what cause he attributes the increase of anthrax among farm animals in Great Britain during the last two years and its occurrence in almost every part of the country, including many localities where it was previously quite unknown; and what proportion of the cases of death officially returned as due to anthrax have subsequently been proved to be due to some other cause?

The increase in the number of recorded eases of anthrax is probably due, speaking generally, to the fact that the existence of this disease is more frequently reported. It is not possible for me to give a full reply to the last part of the question except in considerable detail. Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to refer him to the Board's Annual Reports for the past two or three years.

Is it not a fact that the statistics relating to anthrax are misleading owing to the fact that many of those cases are subsequently found not to be anthrax at all?

I should not like to commit myself to that.

asked whether the Board of Agriculture is fully equipped, both financially and scientifically, for conducting inquiries into the diseases affecting bees?

Yes, Sir.

asked whether the agricultural departments of several foreign governments have bee farms of their own for purposes of investigation and research; and whether he will consider the desirability of following their example?

The Hungarian Government have a State Bee Farm which, however, has for its object instruction in bee-keeping rather than investigation and research. In Berlin the Imperial Biological Institute conducts investigations into bee diseases. I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked what immediate steps his Department is taking to collect further information on the Isle of Wight bee disease?

The Board's Inspectors are collecting very detailed information from bee-keepers as to all the various circumstances connected with outbreaks of the disease, and we are making arrangements for its further scientific investigation at Cambridge under the charge of Dr. Graham Smith.

asked whether the disease called water roe in sheep, which occurred in France, is known to the Board; and whether it has occurred in this country?

Our veterinary officers cannot identify the disease by the designation given in the question. Perhaps the hon. Member would kindly give me the French equivalent or some further particulars respecting it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the expense and trouble now being given by local authorities to diminishing the prevalance of rats, the Board of Agriculture will issue a leaflet giving information as to the estimated effect on the prevalence of rats of the trapping of stoats and weasels; and will he cause such a leaflet to be issued to landowners, farmers, and game preservers in counties where trapping prevails?

The Board issued a leaflet in December last calling attention to the enormous damage done by rats, and urging upon farmers the necessity for their destruction. Nearly 50,000 copies of the leaflet have been circulated. It will shortly come forward for revision, when we shall be glad to consider the suggestion made by my hon. Friend. I will send him some copies of the existing leaflet.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that a fisheries congress and exhibition is to be held in Copenhagen in the summer of 1912, special prominence being given to the motor and oil-engine section; and whether he contemplates taking steps to ensure that the Britsh fishing industry in all its branches shall be represented, both in the exhibition and at the congress?

Yes, Sir; and we have brought the matter to the notice of the National Sea Fisheries Protection Association and of the trade journals. We shall be glad to do what we can to carry out the suggestion made in the latter part of the question.

asked whether the Government gives a yearly Grant to the Agricultural Organisation Society; if so, what is the amount of that Grant; what are the terms on which it is given; has the Government representation on the board of the society; and, if so, who are the representatives?

The Board have agreed to make a grant of £1,200 per annum for a period of three years from 1st April, 1909, provided that the income of the society subscriptions and donations in each year is not less than £1,200. In the event of the income of the society exceeding that sum, the grant is increased by a corresponding amount to a maximum of £1,600. The actual amount granted for 1910–11 was £1,491 8s. 4d. The conditions are too detailed to give in reply to a question, but I shall be happy to send a copy to the hon. Member. The Board nominate six members of the Committee of Management, who are at present as follows:—

• Mr. T. Baines,
• Mr. E. J. Cheney,
• Small Holdings Commissioners.
• Mr. C. Roden Buxton,
• Mr. J. C. Gray,
• Central Small Holdings Society.
• Mrs. Roland Wilkins,
• Mr. D. McInnes,
• Co-operative Union, Limited.

May I ask whether, with a view to further assistance, the Government will make representations to the Development Fund Commissioners urging a Grant-in-Aid of this society and its admirable national work?

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to give me notice of that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture where the police or patrol boats employed by the Northumberland Fishery Committee are stationed; whether they have, on a single occasion within the last six months, been at sea for the purpose of detecting illegal trawling; and whether he will consider some more efficient manner of protecting the line fishermen?

The Committee hire vessels and employ them as occasion arises. They do not possess any vessels of their own stationed at definite points. In 1910 vessels were hired on twenty-three different occasions for the purpose of detecting illegal trawling. We are in communication with the Committee on the subject, and I hope that it may be possible for us before very long to assist the Committee to make more efficient arrangements for the enforcement of the By-laws?

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the late delivery of letters in Caherciveen in consequence of the un-punctuality of the train due in Caherciveen at 8.26 a.m.; and whether, in view of the fact that nearly four hours is allowed for the journey between Farranfore Junction and Caherciveen, a distance of thirty-eight miles, he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Frequent representations have been made to the Great Southern and Western Railway Company on the subject, and I am assured that at the present time there is a marked improvement in the time kept by the train. I shall continue to have the working of this service carefully watched.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the postal authorities refuse to allow newspapers containing records of premium bonds for redemption to pass through the post on the ground that the system of premium bonds amounts to a lottery; whether it has been explained to the Department that in nearly all instances the bonds which have been sold in this country bear interest and are sound investments, and that even where no interest is paid all genuine bonds must eventually be redeemed, the issue being thus wholly distinct from a lottery; and whether, in view of the hardship to many thousands of people in this country who have bought such bonds and who are now prevented from learning whether they are drawn for redemption or not, apart from any question of premiums, he can see his way to modify the restriction?

It has been judicially held that the so-called "premium bonds" are within the Lottery Acts, and the procedure of the Post Office must follow the decision of the courts.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he intends to apply the same principle to all bonds redeemable at a premium—for example, to the Brazilian Four per Cents, recently issued by the Rothschilds?

It depends entirely upon a legal decision given on the subject. The Postmaster-General cannot undertake himself to discriminate. It must follow the decisions of the courts.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is not discriminating already?

No, Sir; not further than the courts have gone, so far as I am aware.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention had been called to the absences on account of illness amongst the female staff of the East Central district during the past twelve months; whether such sick absence is due to excessive pressure of work and inadequate staff to supply vacancies caused by annual leave and normal sick leave; and, if not, how he accounts for the sick absences?

My attention has been called to the amount of sick absence among the female counter clerks and telegraphists in the Eastern Central district. It is attributed to the concurrence of a variety of causes. It has undoubtedly thrown additional work on the remainder of the staff, and I think there is a case for increasing the number of established officers for substitution purposes. I am already in communication with the Treasury on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, in the year 1907, several branches in the East Central district were visited by Mr. A. P. Vaughan, a Home Office factory inspector, in consequence of complaints made that basements were being used for the meals of the staff and for rest purposes; that the inspector recommended that the use of basements for such purposes should be discontinued; whether underground rooms are still used for the same purposes at the Aldermanbury, Gracechurch Street, Great Tower Street, and Ludgate Circus branches; and, if so, whether he will take the necessary steps to give effect to the inspector's recommendation?

It is the case that at the offices mentioned the basements are used for dining and retiring rooms. The Report mentioned in the question, which followed an inspection made at the request of my predecessor, recommended the disuse of basements, but recognised that this might be a counsel of perfection, and suggested that if it proved to be impracticable, electric fans should be introduced. I much regret that the accommodation available does not allow a change which is doubtless desirable, but the electric fans have been installed at three of the offices mentioned, and one is about to be installed at the fourth.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that more than two years ago the Athey Urban Council, county Kildare, signed an agreement with the postal authorities for the installation of the telephone system; can he say what are the reasons for this prolonged delay; and whether he can state approximately the date on which the wants of the public in this matter will be complied with?

I regret that I have not been in a position to accept the offer of the Athey Urban Council to guarantee the extension of the telephone system to that town. I am, however, in communication with the Treasury on the subject.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that inconvenience and loss have been caused to the commercial community in Wick by the recent restriction of the hours during which postal and telegraphic business can be transacted; that the Wick Chamber of Commerce have memoralised the Secretary of State on the subject; and whether, in these circumstances, he will consider the desirability of extending the hours of business in the Wick post office, at any rate during the summer months?

Reports have been furnished to me on the subject, but I am not, so far, satisfied that any real inconvenience has resulted from the changes made about twelve months ago in the hours of business at the Wick post office, and I should not feel justified in extending them on the information at present in my possession. In a recent memorial received by the Secretary for Scotland the Wick Chamber of Commerce ask for further telephone and telegraph facilities, and I am making inquiries in the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has considered a resolution passed by the Associated Chambers of Commerce on the 16th instant urging him to adopt, in connection with Continental telegraphy, a system of urgent telegrams for extra payment; whether he will inform the House what steps have been taken since June, 1909, to improve telegraphic communication with the principal commercial centres of the Continent; what further steps he now proposes to take; and whether he will adopt the system of urgent telegrams advocated in the resolution?

I will give full consideration to the resolution in question, which as yet I have only seen in the public Press. Since June, 1909, multiplex apparatus similar to that previously in use in the French and Swiss circuits has been introduced into the Netherlands circuits; and experiments are in progress with a view to a further extension in the use of such apparatus, especially over the longer cables between England and Germany. This presents certain technical difficulties, which my officers are endeavouring to surmount in concert with the officers of the German administration. The question of giving additional facilities for urgent telegrams in return for extra payments has been for some time under my consideration. Difficulties arise through the necessity of avoiding the imposition of delay on other telegrams paid for at existing rates. But the proposal will not be lost sight of.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that at the present time it is possible to telegraph to New York from Liverpool and get an answer within three or four minutes, whereas it takes four hours to telegraph one way from London to Marseilles; and that from Havre you can telegraph to London viâ New York, in ten minutes, while it takes one and a-half hours to send from London to Havre by direct route?

I am not prepared to accept the figures without investigation; but I know it is the case that during the hours when the London and New York Stock Exchanges are not open at the same time it is very easy to get extraordinarily rapid communication between Europe and New York and back again.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that telegrams to the Cotton Exchange at Liverpool go backwards and forwards within three minutes at the opening of the New York market?

I am very glad indeed that should be so.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know——

There are other ways of imparting information to the Postmaster-General.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any power to regulate the speed of tramway cars in municipal areas; can he insist on such speed being reduced to ten miles per hour; is he aware that municipalities refrain from applying for the ten miles limit within their area because such limit would interfere with the speed of the municipal tramway cars; and will he introduce legislation dealing with this matter, in view of the number of accidents in large cities due to the speed of vehicles?

The Board of Trade have power to fix the speed limits to be observed by tramway cars, and the matter is dealt with in the regulations made by the Board after inspection of the routes. The limits vary on different tramway systems, and on different sections of the same system, according to the gradients and curves on the lines and the local conditions generally, and I do not think that it would be in the public interests to fix a hard and fast limit of ten miles an hour. The question of the limitation of the speed of motor-cars is not governed by the speed limits fixed for tramcars, and comes within the province of my right hon. Friend, the President of the Local Government Board.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the failure of the morning train, due at Caherciveen at 8.26 a.m., to run up to the scheduled time on several occasions during the month of March; is this due to the want of sufficient employés between Farranfore and Caherciveen or to lack of supervision; and will steps be taken to secure punctuality in the future?

The railway company inform me that since the 20th March the times of running of this train have been altered, and that it is now due at Caherciveen at 9.15 a.m., and has arrived punctually at that time since the alteration was made.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the Coronation day and the day following will be public holidays in the county of London, it is intended that the workpeople employed in the Deptford Victualling Yard, Enfield Small Arms Factory, Pimlico Clothing Factory, Woolwich Arsenal, Waltham Abbey Gunpowder Factory, and West India Dock Naval Store shall be granted and be paid for such holidays?

The question should be addressed to the representatives of the War Office and Admiralty, which are the Departments concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will recommend the payment of an allowance towards the cost of entertaining distinguished visitors attending the Coronation incurred by naval commanders-in-chief and general officers in command of districts?

I am informed that no applications on the subject have been received from naval commanders - in - chief nor from general officers commanding. If commanding officers have to entertain there are funds provided for the purpose. If these should be regarded as insufficient in any instance the case can be considered.

May I ask whether that answer will be brought to the notice of the naval commanders-in-chief and others concerned?

asked, having regard to the proposal of the Government as to the duration of the Coronation holidays, that it was proposed to make two days' holiday apply merely to the county of London, he will state if the Royal Proclamation is rightly worded in stating that 22nd and 23rd June shall be both public holidays under the provisions of the Bank Holiday Act throughout the Kingdom; and, if so, why this alteration was made in the original proposal?

I am advised that the legal effect of the Proclamation is in accord with the announcement made—namely, that Thursday, 22nd June, will be observed as a bank holiday throughout the United Kingdom, including London, and Friday, the 23rd, as a bank holiday within the administrative county of London alone.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any proposal to abolish or diminish the powers of the highest appellate court, commonly called the House of Lords, in view of Mr. Justice Avory's remark at the conclusion of the election libel action brought by the hon. Member for the Skipton Division of Yorkshire, that he might go to the Court of Appeal or to the House of Lords, if there is one; and whether, in view of the confusion in the minds of electors between the House of Lords in its legislative and judicial capacity, colour to which is now given on the high authority of one of His Majesty's judges, ho will consider the advisability of designating the House of Lords in its judicial capacity by some other title?

I am informed by the learned judge (as is indeed obvious) that the observation referred to was made in a spirit of pleasantry and was only intended for counsel to whom it was addressed. I see no evidence of such confusion in the mind of the electors as the hon. Member attributes to them.

Is there any objection to reconsidering the question of combining the functions of the Privy Council with the judicial functions of the House of Lords?

Is it not a fact that in reference to the House of Lords in its judicial capacity, provided three members of the judicial bench are present, the sitting of that House of Lords is a sitting of the House of Lords itself, and that any Member, whether he be a lay Member or not, is perfectly entitled, so far as the law is concerned, to take part in the Sitting.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that considerable confusion has been deliberately instilled into the minds of the people in this regard, especially in respect of the Osborne Judgment.

No, Sir.

Is it not the fact that the forms of the House of Lords in giving judgment are exactly the same as the forms of the House of Lords in ordinary procedure, and that so far as the law is concerned any Peer twenty-one years of age can take part. [HON. MEMBERS: "Agreed, agreed."] No, it is not agreed.

asked whether the Government have practically consented to the changes in St. James's Park proposed by the King Edward Memorial Committee, inasmuch as the First Commissioner of Works was a member of the sub-committee which unanimously recommended the proposed changes?

The sub-committee in question is, as I understand, composed of subscribers to the memorial, and the Government are in no way responsible for any recommendations it may make.

asked whether, in view of the regret at the diminution in the size of St. James's Park due to the formation of the Processional Way, the Government will consider the advisability of reducing its width and restoring a portion of it to St. James's Park?

The Mall affords a great opportunity to people to witness processions, and the First Commissioner does not think it would be in the public interest to remodel it at great expense. He regrets, therefore, that he is unable to adopt the suggestion of the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the regret that, before the curtailment of St. James's Park and Green Park in connection with the Queen Victoria Memorial took place, the House of Commons was not afforded any opportunity of expressing its opinion, he will give an assurance that no alteration of the existing plan of any national park shall in future be undertaken without submission to the House?

As regards the first part of the question, I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. I am informed that the plans for the Queen Victoria Memorial and the Mall Extension were exhibited in the Tea Room some time before work was begun upon them, and the sum necessary for the construction of the new Mall was voted by Parliament. I cannot give an undertaking in such wide terms as are suggested in the second part of the question, but I do not think that serious or substantial changes in the parks should be undertaken without notice to the House of Commons.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the opposition to the full details of the King Edward VII. Memorial scheme in St. James's Park, he will consider the advisability of devoting a considerable portion of the funds available to improving and beautifying Victoria Park or other open space in East London, so that the poorer subjects of His late Majesty may obtain some benefit from the memorial scheme?

The funds in question are entirely raised by voluntary contribution, and the Government have no voice whatever as to their application, except in so far as public interests are involved in the execution of a memorial scheme.

asked whether, in view of the fact that organised labour in this country is in favour of 1st May being celebrated as Labour Day, His Majesty's Government can see its way to concede a holiday to as many as possible of the workpeople in all departments on that day without loss of pay?

No, Sir; His Majesty's Government cannot see their way to adopting this suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will introduce a Bill providing facilities for officers and men in the Royal Navy to exercise their Parliamentary franchise when on duty at sea?

I am unable to promise such legislation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise the disabilities under which these officers and men are?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, by the order and tradition of Parliament, it is not possible to amend or omit any of the enacting words which have for so many centuries been included in every Act of Parliament; whether, as a consequence of the passing of the Parliament Bill, there may in future be Acts of the greatest constitutional importance which will contain these enacting words, although it will be an accepted fact that they have not had the consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal; whether he has considered the legal effect of the inclusion of such a mis-statement of fact upon the interpretation of such Acts judicially; and whether he proposes to take legislative action so as to secure that, when Acts are passed under the provisions of the Parliament Bill, the enacting words shall clearly indicate that such Acts are the legislative product of a Single Chamber?

It is clearly possible to amend or omit enacting words with the sanction of Parliament. The only question is in what manner that sanction should be expressed. Whether the sanction should be expressed by means of legislative enactment or not can be and is raised by Amendments to the Parliament Bill.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that it is possible to alter the enacting words of any particular Act without general legislation?

No. I said with the sanction of Parliament.

asked whether the sanction of the Crown was obtained for the introduction of the Parliament Bill, having regard to the fact that it contains in the Preamble a statement that it is the intention of Parliament to curtail the Prerogatives of the Crown; if so, when was such sanction obtained; and, if not, whether it will be in accordance with constitutional precedents and principles to proceed further with the Bill without such sanction?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers may I ask him whether he is aware that there is no precedent for the adoption of his suggestion embodied in the question, or whether it is not the fact that the Preamble of a Bill cannot restrict or extend the granting part when the language in such other Act are not open to doubt, and that when the Preamble is more extensive than the granting part it cannot curtail the effect of that part when otherwise free from doubt.

I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to the law. The assent of the Crown to the discussion in Parliament of measures which would affect its Prerogative can, in the case of a Government Bill, be given at any stage in its progress by the Minister in charge. The practice, so far as I know, only applies where the operative Clauses of the Bill would, if carried, affect the Prerogative. It has, therefore, no application to the Parliament Bill.

Is it not the fact that the Preamble of the Parliament Bill commits Parliament to an expression of intention, and whether, apart from the Preamble, it is not the fact that the operative part of the Bill limits the Royal Prerogative by limiting the rights attached to a writ of summons to the House of Lords which is part of the Royal Prerogative?

The hon. Gentleman, as a lawyer himself, must be familiar with the distinction between the recitals and the operative clauses of a Bill.

I think the right hon. Gentleman has not answered the second part of the supplementary question, whether the operative part of the Bill apart from the Preamble does limit the Royal Prerogative by limiting the rights attached to a whit of summons to the House of Lords which is part of the Royal Prerogative?

My answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has 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; that the Development Commissioners have given no effect to these representations; and whether he will take steps to see that the expressed views of the Government Department in charge of English and Welsh fishery matters carry their proper weight with other Departments of the Government where fishery interests are concerned?

I have considered the matter, and see no ground for interfering with the action taken by the Development Commission in the exercise of the discretion allowed to them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in reference to the first part of the question, a difference exists in fishery matters between the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Development Commissioners.

The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have not brought that question to my notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will endeavour to secure that England may obtain from the Development Fund a suitable grant for fishery development and may be treated with the same generosity as has been extended to Scotland and Ireland in respect of grants for this purpose?

The Development Commissioners do not intend to make any attempt to adopt any proportionate basis of distribution of their funds between the various parts of the United Kingdom, but are simply dealing with applications on their merits. Applications for grants for fishery purposes will be carefully considered from whatever part of the kingdom they may be received. I understand that no application from England for fishery development has yet been received by the Commissioners.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lancashire Committee absolutely deny that they have applied?

They have applied for representation on the Advisory Committee, but I have no information that they have applied for a grant.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the actual amount of salary to be paid to Members of this House is definitely settled, he will consider the proposal that the salary paid shall be graduated in accordance with the number of electors that each Member represents in Parliament?

All relevant considerations will be duly taken into account, but among them I cannot include the suggestion of the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider graduation according to length of service?

Is it proposed to add to the salaries of Members sitting on the Treasury Bench, or will the salaries allotted to Members be deducted from their salaries?

When the proposal is produced the hon. Member will be able to form his own opinion.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, arising out of that answer, when we are going to be paid—when?

I must give the same answer to the hon. Gentleman.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider carefully the amount paid to the Members of Parliament in the United States with a view to having all classes of the community represented in this House without any loss to individuals?

I have said that all relevant considerations will be considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman send us something on account at once?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that in order to assimilate an all-night sitting to a normal sitting it is considered advisable to deduct eight hours out of eleven occupied beyond the regular limit of a Parliamentary day, he will make arrangements to avoid the recurrence of such conditions?

I cannot admit the assumption which underlies the hon. Member's question. The deduction which for the purposes of the argument I made the other day was, as I stated at the time, one of extravagant generosity.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the continued emigration of the rural population of Scotland, which the Scottish Small Landholders Bill was designed to check, and which passed through the House of Commons during two Sessions of Parliament and was rejected by the House of Lords; and whether, as this Bill has been twice submitted to and approved by the electors of Scotland, he will give special facilities for passing this Bill through the present Parliament?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for Peebles and Selkirk (Mr. Donald Maclean) has obtained first place on Friday, 2nd June, and has given notice of a Scottish Small Landholders Bill in the same terms in which it has twice been passed through this House; and whether, if that is so, he can give facilities to give effect to the Second Reading of this Bill?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his assurance as regards the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill, given at the border meeting at Earlston, he can see his way to reintroduce the said Bill at an early opportunity?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the amount of emigration from the rural districts in Scotland, and of the fact that the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill, designed to counteract this tendency, passed through the House of Commons in two successive Sessions, he will grant special facilities for the passage of this measure during the present Parliament?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the feeling in Scotland with regard to the necessity of passing the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill; and whether he will give special facilities for passing this Bill into law so soon as the Parliament Bill has become law?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill has been twice passed through the House of Commons and has been before the people of Scotland and endorsed by them at two General Elections, he will give an assurance that the wishes of the people of Scotland so emphatically expressed shall not be set aside, but shall be pressed forward so that they may be passed into law at the earliest possible opportunity within the lifetime of the present Parliament?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Scottish Small Landholders Bill, which was twice rejected by the House of Lords, is the measure of land reform which has the approval of a large majority of the Scottish people; and whether he will use every endeavour to introduce that Bill, and make progress with the discussion of it, at the earliest possible moment?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that suggestions have been made in favour of the postponement of the Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill until after the passing of a Home Rule Bill for Scotland; that this suggestion has caused apprehension in the minds of the people of Scotland, who are deeply interested in land reform; and whether he will give an assurance that the Small Landholders Bill of the Government will be proceeded with at the earliest possible opportunity, and will not be postponed as suggested?

The pressing importance of this subject, which is alluded to by my hon. Friends is, I believe, admitted on all hands. I repeat the assurance I have already given that the Government are fully alive to the urgency of this matter, and that they have every hope that the necessary legislation will pass into law during the present Parliament. I have publicly intimated at Earlston and elsewhere that they are willing to consider any amendments from any quarter not inconsistent with the general principles of our Bill.

Has it been brought to his notice that this side of the House is perfectly ready to discuss this subject in a friendly way?

I hope so.

asked the names of the financial experts and other well-qualified persons, including in the number representatives of different sections of Irish opinion whom the Cabinet have taken into consultation in connection with the financial relations between Great Britain and Ireland; will those Gentlemen sit with the Committee of the Cabinet or as a separate Departmental Committee; will they take evidence and make a formal report; if so, will the nature of the evidence be made public, and for what period of time it is estimated their investigation will last; will they proceed on the basis of the Report of the Childers Royal Commission of 1894; and, if not, upon what other basis?

I am not at present able to give the names or the particulars for which the hon. Member asks.

Is it not a fact that the Chief Secretary has publicly announced that on the result of this inquiry will depend whether we shall have Home Rule, and that he himself apprehends that it will be a very tight fit, and whether, in view of the importance of this investigation the Irish people will be left in total ignorance of who the men are who will decide their fate?

They will not decide their fate at all. This is information which is required for the guidance and information of the Government.

What is the reason for secrecy as applied to these financial experts?

There is no secrecy whatever. I am going to give their names as soon as practicable.

Have the names of the financial experts been confided to the two Nationalist Members who have gone on a begging expedition to Australia?

When may we expect the announcement of the names to be made?

I hope very soon.

Will the announcement be made before Easter?

asked the Prime Minister whether no Irish Vote has been put down during the present Session which would make it possible to discuss the practical cessation of land purchase or the charge of partiality in the administration of justice preferred against the Irish Government in connection with the Bantry and Crossmolina riots; and whether he will arrange that the Vote for the Chief Secretary's salary, or some other appropriate Irish Vote, shall be taken on Friday?

I do not think that Friday would be a convenient day for the purpose. We shall take Irish Estimates later in the Session on a day which is convenient to all parties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of seamen who have been drowned by being washed overboard and the number of ships which have foundered each year since the alteration of the load line; and also the numbers of men and ships drowned and foundered, respectively, for each year during the same period before the alteration of the load line?