asked whether the items detailed in Appendix II. of the White Paper detailing the treaty of commerce and navigation between Great Britain and Japan are the only items on which any reduction in the rates proposed under the new statutory Japanese tariff have been obtained; and what proportion they bear to the total number of items on which the rate of duty is increased by the new Japanese customs tariff?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In view of the entire change of classification of the Japanese tariff and the sub-division and re-arrangement of items I am not able to answer the last part of the question, nor do I think that the figure desired would be of any value if it could be given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the rates of tariff secured for British goods entering Japan were in any case less favourable than those obtained by negotiation by any other Power; and, if so, whether, for the convenience of British traders, he would forthwith lay upon the Table of the House a detailed list showing all items in which the rates leviable under the new Anglo Japanese Treaty would be in excess of the duties leviable on goods exported by any other and which Power or Powers?

No, Sir. British goods entering Japan will in no case enjoy treatment less favourable than that accorded to similar goods the product of any other foreign country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any suggestion of retaliation or of an alteration in the fiscal policy of the United Kingdom was made during the negotiations with the Japanese Government in connection with the commercial treaty?

A large part of all negotiations of this character must be informal and confidential, and to make any public statements about them afterwards would prejudice in future negotiations the freedom of discussion on both sides which is essential to any successful result.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the inclusion of the paragraph which reads: "The articles of produce and manufactures of Japan enumerated in Part II. of the Schedule annexed to this treaty shall be free of duty on importation into the United Kingdom," was due to the prophetic fear of the Japanese of a tariff in this country, or whether it was the certain knowledge of the right hon. Gentleman that a tariff would be shortly introduced?

I think that is covered by the answer I have already given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the possibility of British capital being invested in the Baghdad Railway, he will take steps to provide that full details and particulars of all treaties and obligations which this country may have entered into in the region of the Persian Gulf should be made known to this House, and to the country, before such investment takes place?

I am not in a position, at any rate at the present stage, to give an unconditional undertaking of the kind demanded; but the hon. Member may rest assured that, should the contingency contemplated arise, such information as can properly be made public shall be published in good time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the statement in the Report of the Naval Conference in London, commonly known as M. Renault's Report, that the captor of conditional contraband carried in a neutral vessel must prove the destination of the conditional contraband in order to justify its capture, was dissented from by the representatives of any of the Powers represented at the conference; what justification exists for the statement of the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Baltic, on the 15th March, 1911, that the past practice has been to throw the burden of proof, as to the destination of conditional contraband, on the owners of the captured vessels or goods; and whether he can refer to any book or writer of authority on these subjects, in support of the above statement of the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs?

The Report of the Naval Conference is not properly known as M. Renault's Report, and it is misleading, as has already been pointed out, to describe it otherwise than as the Report of the Conference. The question whether, in proceedings before belligerent prize courts, the burden of proof lies on the neutral claimant or on the captor, can only be answered by reference to the decisions given by those courts in the various wars. It is proposed shortly to lay the reports of proceedings in the Russian and Japanese prize courts arising out of the seizures of British vessels in the war of 1904–5. The records of those cases show that in actual practice the burden has been placed on the claimant. I would again quote the following passage in the judgment given in the case of the British ship "Calchas" by the Supreme Prize Court at St. Petersburg in 1905. The passage deals with the contraband character of a cargo of flour found on board that vessel:—"In all such cases, according to the practice of the Prize Courts existing for many centuries, the onus of proof would undoubtedly lie with the individual seeking recognition of the irregular detention and release of the vessels and cargoes arrested on suspicion." This practice was unanimously acknowledged at the London Conference to be unfair, and the Declaration of London has accordingly set up the general rule (subject to the exceptions specified in Article 34) that the burden of proof should lie on the captor. If the Declaration is not ratified, there will be nothing to prevent a belligerent from continuing the old practice. Books and writers are of little help in these questions as against the practice of prize courts, and there can be no security as to what the practice will be unless there is an international agreement signed and ratified.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question whether the statement in the Report was dissented from by the representatives of any of the Powers represented at the Conference?

There was no dissent from the representatives of the Powers. The report declares the previous practice to be unfair.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the statement in Phillimore's "International Law" (Vol. 3, page 703), that "The burden of proving the neutrality of the property rests on the claimants, and when that is shown, the existence of the probable cause of capture is to be shown by the other side"?

I would ask the hon. and learned Gentleman whether he heard the latter part of my reply. Books and writers are of very little help in these matters.

Does the right hon. Gentleman really think that books of an authoritative character, written by experts on international law, are of no value in determining the practice of prize courts?

Even if the hon. and learned Member were to write a book himself, it would give us no guarantee against the practice of foreign prize courts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state when the Canadian-Japanese commercial treaty of 1907 expires; whether the treaty will be renewed on the same terms; or whether it is suggested to widen or extend it with a view to embracing other commodities, including Canadian food stuffs?

Notice was given on 17th January last by the Japanese Ambassador of the intention of his Government to terminate the Convention between Great Britain and Japan of 31st January, 1906, respecting commercial relations between Canada and Japan. In accordance with the terms of Article 2 of that instrument, the Convention will cease to have effect from 17th July next. With regard to the second part of the question, I understand that the matter is at present engaging the attention of the Dominion Government, who are entitled to adhere, should they so desire, to the treaty signed with Japan on the 3rd instant by Article 26. I am unaware whether the Canadian Government have as yet come to any definite decision in the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India would so modify the definition of murder in the Indian Penal Code that it may include the cases of policemen who shall torture convicted or unconvicted persons or witnesses who did as the result of that torture?

The definition of murder in the Penal Code makes guilty intention or guilty knowledge an essential element. It would be impossible to modify the definition so as to except a particular case from the general principle. Perhaps my hon. Friend's suggestion contemplates the creation of a new offence of constructive murder, to apply exclusively to policemen resorting to torture, and to render them liable to conviction for murder irrespective of the intention or knowledge. Such a departure from the accepted principles of British and Indian justice seems neither necessary nor practicable.

asked the Under-Secretary for India, whether he is aware that rats are as subject as human beings, to plague from infected soil, and that the appearance of sick or dead rats in a house is often the first indication the inhabitant has of danger from this source; and what special action is being taken by the Government of India to remove people from infected soil, the main cause of the continuance and spread of plague, in addition to destroying rats which are only at most a secondary cause in the spread of infection?

Exhaustive inquiry has shown that the plague bacillus does not live in the soil. It speedily dies outside the bodies of men or other animals. It is not therefore thought necessary to invite the people to submit themselves to the inconvenience of evacuating their houses unless the disease is present or is imminent in a locality.

Is not it a fact that the authorities do remove people from the areas in which plague is rampant because of the infection in the soil?

No. As I understand—it is a very difficult and complicated matter—the theory of soil infection has been abandoned as a result of scientific investigation. People are removed from infected localities when rats which are likely to carry infection are present in the localities.

asked the Under-Secretary for India how many local governments in India have issued orders on the lines of the recommendation made in the Report of Lord Curzon's Police Commission, and approved by the Government of India, that whenever a court of justice publicly, or by a separate vote, thinks fit to comment upon misconduct by the police engaged in the case under trial, an inquiry into the matter shall be conducted by an impartial and competent agency; and will he specify those orders in detail and state the dates upon which they were issued?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave to this question when he asked it last Tuesday.

Will, at any rate, steps be taken to prevent the promotion or decoration of these police officers pending the result of the inquiry?

I am not quite sure that that arises directly out of the question on the paper. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

asked what punishment was meted out to the guard of the East India Railway, who, at Bakhtiarpur station, insulted Mr. Hassan Imam, an Indian gentleman, and referred to in a question answered by the Hon. Sir T. R. Wynne, in the Viceroy's Council, on the 7th March?

Sir Thomas Wynne stated in the Viceroy's Council that the Agent of the Railway has dealt with the matter, and that steps have been taken to prevent a recurrence of such an incident. The Secretary of State has not been informed of the nature of the punishment, and does not consider it necessary to ask for further information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention had been drawn to the assault committed in a first-class compartment in a railway train between Bakhtiarpur and Mokamah on March 4th by a junior engineer in the service of the East India Railway Company on the servant of the Honourable Khan Bahadur Sarteraz Hussain, an orderly of the Legislative Department of the Bengal Government; whether the servant, whilst looking after his master's luggage, was thrust from the carriage while the train was in motion, and had to cling to a bar outside the carriage for three-quarters of an hour; whether the sub-inspector at Mokamah had the servant put under arrest for having complained about the assault; and whether he could say what action had been taken in the matter?

The Secretary of State has no information as to the alleged assault. He will cause inquiries to be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, if he will lay upon the Table a translation of the conditions under which commissions are granted in the Swiss Army?

No copy of the regulations concerned is immediately available, but the conditions are approximately as follows. Men who have been well reported on after passing a non-commissioned officer's course and a repetition course, and have been employed to instruct at a recruit's course may be sent to an officers' preparatory course. If they obtain a certificate at the latter course they are promoted second lieutenants. Officers are appointed to the Staff or to Federal Units by the Federal Council and to cantonal units by the Cantonal Authorities. The number of days training in these courses amount to 251, including eighty-two days for the officers preparatory course. After receiving a commission a second-lieutenant goes through an officer's recruit course of sixty-seven days. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the purposes for which the Swiss Army is maintained correspond more to those of the Territorial Force than to those of the Regular Army in this country.

Will the War Department take into consideration the advisability of applying that to the British Army, so far as it can be applied, so as to secure promotions from the ranks?

As I have said in the last part of my reply, the circumstances are not similar. In the Territorial Force many officers do pass through various ranks. My hon. Friend near me (Mr. Acland) passed through all branches of the Territorial Force.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, in view of the desirability of increasing the supply of officers from the ranks, he would consider the advisability of a special course of training for suitable boys in the military elementary schools at Dover, and in Ireland and Scotland?

The education now given by the military schools referred to is specially directed to training ex-Standard VII. boys in the subjects required for a first class certificate of education which is necessary for qualification for a commission.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any figures showing how many commissioners have been obtained by this means?

It would be very difficult, but I will inquire.

Is it the case that there are fewer appointments from the ranks in this country than in any other country in Europe?

I do not know. I would like that put down.

Has advancement from the ranks gone down under the present system,

That question should be put on the paper.

asked how the estimate of the return of about two per cent. per annum of total capital outlay on furniture supplied to officers' messes was obtained, in view of the official statement that an estimate of the cost of supplying officers' messes with furniture could not be obtained without altogether disproportionate labour; and, if this was so, how was it possible to estimate the rate per cent. per annum if the total capital expenditure was unknown?

The official statement mentioned was made in reply to a question asking for actual cost and not for an estimate of the cost. The rate of two per cent. was calculated from estimated figures, which there is every reason to suppose are approximately correct.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the official statement that there is no dietetic difference between fresh and chilled meat, and that the object of purchasing chilled meat is alleged to be not one of economy, but merely one of epicurean taste, which is to the advantage of fresh meat, could it be arranged for the soldier to be supplied with more fresh and less chilled meat in future; and, if not, why?

When on a previous occasion I explained to the Noble Marquess that economy was not the only object, I clearly did not mean that questions of economy were entirely excluded from consideration. There is no intention of changing the present arrangements.

On the score of the economy, if the meat coming from abroad is equally good, would not it be better to get it all from abroad?

I have answered that question.

Is the question of whether the meat shall be frozen or fresh meat left in the hands of the commanding officers of the different stations or to the War Office?

That, of course, is another technical question not directly arising out of this. If the hon. Gentleman asks me the question I will give him a full reply.

asked whether the 7th Hussars are under orders to commence another tour of foreign service by proceeding to India in the autumn; and whether out of the last twenty-five years only nine years at intervals have been spent at home?

The reply to both questions is in the affirmative.

asked whether it is the practice not to issue range-finders to the Territorial Infantry; and whether all in use, at present, are supplied at the expense of Territorial officers or by private individuals?

The reply to both questions is in the negative. The scale of issue of Mekometers to the Territorial Infantry is one per battalion. It is not known to what extent this scale is supplemented by private purchase.

asked whether the War Office possesses only six aeroplanes, of which three, the Wright, the Bleriot, and the Howard-Wright are of an obsolete type; when the four biplanes ordered from the Bristol Company are to be delivered; and whether by the end of 1911 France will possess over 150, Germany over 100, and Russia over 250 aeroplanes, whereas the British Army will only possess ten?

The War Department possesses six aeroplanes, of which two are not up-to-date. The Howard-Wright is not of an obsolete type. The four new aeroplanes will be delivered this month. As regards the last part of the question I have nothing to add to the answer given to the Member for North Kensington on the 7th March.

asked the Under Secretary of State for War if he will say what is the dress prescribed by the King's Regulations for soldiers appearing for trial at assizes or quarter sessions; and whether, in view of the contradictory instructions recently given by a judge and presiding magistrate respectively, he will take steps to ensure that a uniform practice is observed in the future?

There is no special provision in the King's Regulations regarding the dress to be worn on the occasions mentioned. The point raised in the latter part of the question is now under consideration.

asked whether the arrangements made for the transfer of men from the torpedo factory at Woolwich to other Departments of the Ordnance Factories have in certain cases been cancelled, and, if so, why; and whether men will be taken on during the present month in the Department to which they were to have been transferred, and, if so, under what conditions?

Certain men who did not wish to go to Greenock on transfer of the torpedo factory there were informed that they would be transferred to other Departments in the Ordnance Factories, and they will be taken on as work becomes available under the usual conditions governed by Ordnance Factory Regulations.

asked what is the contract weight, pounds per bushel, of oats for the British Army; and what country is the principal source of supply.

The contract weight of oats at home stations is 38 lbs. per bushel, except in Ireland and Salisbury Plain, where it is 40 lbs. per bushel. Provided that the oats fulfil the contract conditions, there is no stipulation as regards the source of supply; quality and price being the only governing factors. There is no information as to the country from which supplies are principally drawn.

As the official statistics of British oats give an average of 40 lbs. per bushel, could not the contracts be so altered as to include British farmers' produce?

British farmers' produce is included. There is no differentiation against British farmers' produce.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Board of Agriculture informed me the other day that the average weight is 40 lbs. in this country?

That does not affect the reply which I have given to the Noble Lord, as he will see if he carefully considers it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that any oats weighing only 38 lbs. per bushel are a good article?

asked whether a Howard-Wright aeroplane was bought at the recent Aero Exhibition; was it a new one; what was the cost; and by whose advice was it bought?

No such aeroplane was bought at the recent Aero Exhibition. One, however, was recently purchased second-hand for £625.

asked how many officers now serving in the Territorial forces have held commissions in His Majesty's Regular forces?

This information can only be obtained by search through a very large number of records. I hope, therefore, that the hon. Member will not press the matter.

asked whether he will at Tidworth and other military stations where insufficient accommodation is available for married officers and their families, which debar them from having medical attendance provided at the public expense, endeavour to secure for them the benefit of having attendance from civil medical practitioners at the public expense in those localities in which they are compelled to reside?

I am unable at present to add anything to my reply of the 5th instant on this subject, but, as I have before stated, the matter is receiving consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman admit that the injustice does occur, and will he give us an assurance that he will use his influence with the Treasury?

No doubt it is a hard case, but I cannot now give any undertaking on the point, but I will certainly make inquiry into the matter with a view to seeing whether the hardship can be mitigated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what is the amount involved?

I could not say offhand. I will inquire.

asked how many recruits presented themselves for enlistment in the Regular Army during the last official year; how many of these were rejected by the medical officers as being below the regulation standard; how many recruits joined the Territorial Army during the last official year; and how does this number compare with those who enlisted during the previous year?

The hon. and gallant Member will find the detailed information he requires in the General Annual Report of the British Army, which was presented to Parliament (Cd. 5481), on page 45, as regards the Regular Army, and on page 121 as regards the Territorial Force. As regards the Regular Army, the numbers served with notice papers amounted to 63,751, and of these 13,735 were rejected for physical reasons by the medical officers; a further 16,921 were rejected for physical reasons by the recruiting authorities and 400 more by the approving officers. As regards the Territorial Force there were 42,239 recruits in the year ending 30th September, 1910, and 110,020 in the previous year.

asked whether the recent Army Order requiring officers of Infantry battalions to purchase and wear a new expensive sash of gold lace was issued with the previous knowledge and authority of the Secretary of State for War?

Yes, Sir.

May I ask why the Secretary of State for War rescinded the order?

Because he thought it advisable to do so.

asked whether he is aware that, in consequence of the recent issue of an order for a new sash to be worn by all officers of Infantry battalions, a number of such sashes were purchased, or were in process of manufacture by Army tailors; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the subsequent cancellation of the said order, loss has been inflicted upon those traders; and will he state if the War Office intends to compensate those traders for their loss?

A few representations to the effect of the statements contained in the question have been received. The question of compensation is under consideration, and this would be facilitated if exact particulars of loss were forwarded to the War Office as soon as possible. It should, however, be understood that no claim on account of loss of prospective profit can be entertained.

Is not the action of the Secretary of State for War very detrimental to public economy?

I do not know; I should hesitate to say that. I think it might be an economical step to take.

asked whether a commission, known as the Owen Commission, was recently sent out to inquire into the state of our fortifications at Gibraltar and in the Mediterranean; and, if so, whether the Under-Secretary for War proposes to present the report to Parliament, and, if so, when?

A Committee, with General Sir T. F. Owen as Chairman, reported on these matters in 1907. It is impossible to make public the details of the armaments of our fortified ports.

May I ask whether or not the Commission recommended any diminution or alteration in the arrangements.

I hope the House will realise that these are the most confidential description of reports that can well be imagined, and I cannot make any statement.

asked (1) whether the Under-Secretary for War will inform the House, now that the object has been accomplished for the publication of the book entitled "Compulsory Service," what were the terms of the contract entered into between the Secretary of State for War and the publisher, particularly whether the terms were half profits or royalties on sale; if the latter, what sum, if any, was paid in advance; and to whom such sum was paid? and, (2) how many copies of the book entitled "Compulsory Service," including all editions, have been sold; how many copies were distributed free by the publisher, by the Secretary of State for War, by General Sir Ian Hamilton, and by Admiral Sir H. W. Wilson; and how many copies were distributed at the expense of the State?

In reply to this and to the next question, the terms of the contract were a matter of private arrangement between the Secretary of State for War and the publishers. The information for which the hon. Member asks cannot, therefore, be given except as regards the copies purchased out of public funds for distribution in the War Office, of which the number was thirty-six.

Are we to understand that it is the privilege of a Cabinet Minister to use confidential information for publication for private purposes?

There was nothing confidential in the information supplied by my Noble Friend.

Is not a document confidential until it is laid on the Table of the House of Commons?

I cannot accept that as being a correct statement of the case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has pointed out, or will point out, to the Government of South Africa, in view of the responsibilities of the British Empire to its millions of coloured subjects, the undesirability of seeking the Royal Assent to a Bill, which diminishes the rights of religious association now enjoyed by persons of colour resident in the province of the Cape of Good Hope should they become domiciled in any of the adjacent provinces?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him on 4th April.

asked who appointed the members of the secretarial staff; were the governments of the Dominions beyond the seas consulted as to the appointments to the staff before they were made; what are the duties of the said staff, and by whom directed; what residence, if any, had the members of the secretarial staff in the Dominions beyond the sea before they were appointed; and have they visited, if so, for how long, any of the Dominions since their appointment?

The members of the secretarial staff have been appointed by Lord Elgin as Secretary of State on his own responsibility; their duty is in accordance with the terms of the first resolution of the Conference of 1907, that of obtaining information for the use of the Conference, of attending to its resolutions, and of conducting correspondence on matters relating to its affairs, under the direction of the Secretary of State for the Colonies. The secretary to the Conference accompanied the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Birmingham on his tour to South Africa in 1902–3, and visited Canada last year, spending two months in the Dominion. The two other members of the staff have not yet had the opportunity of visiting the Dominions.

asked the date of the last despatch from his Department to the Governor of Malta, in which the Governor was authorised, according to the statement of the tentative Governor, to state publicly, whenever he considers it desirable to do so, that His Majesty's Government, as at present advised, have no intention of reconsidering the question of the Constitution of Malta; and if the Colonial Secretary will say whether that statement exactly conveys the purport of the despatch?

The answer to the first question is 13th January; and to the second question, yes.

asked whether, having regard to the words in the Dutch Reformed Churches Bill in the South African Parliament, namely, that no coloured person being a member of the church of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope shall be entitled by reason of such membership to claim membership of the church in any of the adjacent provinces, the Colonial Secretary recognises that the Bill enacts a colour disability upon transfer from one Colony to another; and is the Mother Government quite without power to prevent this departure from the traditions of the British Empire?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Stafford on the 4th April.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question has been put down to elucidate the contradictory answers given by him formerly? May I ask him whether this Liberal Government is prepared to wink at the erection of a colour bar in one part of His Majesty's Dominions?

If there is anything contradictory in the answers given by me I will endeavour to correct them if the hon. Member will show them to me. As regards the second question put by the hon. Gentleman, this Liberal Government is prepared to observe the needs of representative self-government granted to South Africa.

Is it not the case that these restrictive conditions were established when the Constitution was granted to the Union of South Africa by this House?

I do not think that is quite accurate, but there were restrictive conditions of a sort, no doubt.

May I ask whether this proposed Bill docs not come within the category of reserved Bills requiring the assent of the Crown?

No, Sir.

Is it not a fact that questions connected with the native races were specially reserved by the Union Act of Parliament?

I do not think that applies to cases under this Bill.

Does this Bill impose religious disabilities on subjects of His Majesty by reason of their colour?

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has yet concluded negotiations with the Treasury in reference to the proposed extension of the telephone system to Clones; if not, when does he expect to be in a position to have the necessary works initiated; and whether, in view of the fact that the residents of Clones who signed the guarantee asked for by the post office feel that the representations made to induce them to give such a guarantee have not been given effect to, he will take such steps as may be necessary to expedite the matter?

I communicated recently with the Treasury on this subject, and I hope to learn their decision shortly.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to communicate with the Treasury so that this matter may not be held over indefinitely?

I think the Treasury are showing expedition in the matter.

asked whether Frank Brown, now fen postman at Worboys, Huntingdonshire, started work for the post office with three deliveries a week at 6s. 9d. per week, which in due course was raised to 9s. 6d., and later on to 10s. 6d.; that he has since been obliged to undertake six deliveries a week and, with a weekly allowance of 2s. 6d. for using his own bicycle, is paid now only 6s. 9d. a week besides for his duties; and will the right hon. Gentleman state the cause for this reduction of salary combined, as it is, with an increase of work?

I am aware of the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers. The pay is on an hourly basis, and as the auxiliary postman is now occupied only eighteen hours a week, as against twenty-eight formerly, the reduction of pay is in order. The allowance for the cycle is in addition to the 6s. 9d. a week. The postman was offered employment in the evening which would have increased his wages to 8s. a week, but he was unable to accept the offer.

asked why the chief post office at Newport, Isle of Wight, is, for the purpose of the classification of wages of the members of the indoor staff, placed in Class V., although, according to the Hobhouse scale, Newport is only eleven units short of the minimum number requisite for Class IV.; whether many other towns which are fifty and sixty units below the next higher class are nevertheless allowed the benefit of ranking in such higher class; and whether, in view of this fact, he is prepared to place Newport in Class IV.?

Newport, Isle of Wight, was properly placed in Class V. for the Indoor Force because, as the hon. Member points out, the number of units of work fell short of the minimum requisite for Class IV., and because the cost of living, as ascertained by the Board of Trade, was not sufficiently above the normal to warrant higher classification on that account. Consideration of the cost of living has raised a number of other towns in the position described by the hon. Member to a higher class than their units of work alone would justify. The latest returns taken at Newport did not show a sufficient number of units for Class IV., but I am having fresh returns taken.

asked whether the employés of the National Telephone Company, on their transfer to the Post Office, will receive the same rates of pay as they received from the company?

The employés of the National Telephone Company, on their transfer to the Post Office, will enjoy the advantages of the rank and grade to which they are admitted, and in so far as their salaries have not been raised on account of duties connected with the transfer, or in any way abnormally since the 1st January, 1910, I think I can say that the rates of pay will not be less, and in many cases will be greater, than have been paid by the company.

asked whether any reply has yet been received from the Glasgow post office authorities as to whether the assistants in the telephone branch there, taken over from the corporation in 1906, are being deprived of their annual increment for six or eight months and if it is due, or whether any reply has been received since 23rd February last?

The great majority of the officers in question have received established appointments as clerical assistants, dating back to 1st June, 1907, and the increments of their class are, of course, being paid to them as they accrue. Three failed to satisfy the Civil Service Commissioners as to their physical fitness, and their case is still under consideration. I hope that a decision may be reached shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the average price of wheat in London, Paris, and Berlin during the first three months of 1911?

The "Gazette" average price of British wheat in London in the first three months of 1911 was 31s. 8d. per imperial quarter, and the average price of wheat imported into London was 33s. 8d. In Paris and Berlin the average official prices of wheat—quoted irrespective of origin—were 47s. 7d. and 42s. 9d. respectively.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the imports into the United Kingdom, and the exports of articles, wholly or mainly manufactured, consigned from or to the United States of America in each of the years 1904 and 1910?

The imports into the United Kingdom of articles wholly or mainly manufactured consigned from the United States of America were of an estimated value of £19,566,000 in 1904, and £19,342,000 in 1910; the estimated value of the exports of such articles of United Kingdom production consigned to the United States was £15,435,000 in 1904, and £24,745,000 in 1910.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department can say, roughly, what would be the consequential cost to the various railway companies concerned if the Railway Clerks' Weekly Rest Bill were passed into law?

The Bill is not yet printed, but I fear I could not form any estimate of the cost to the companies concerned which would be entailed by its provisions.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when the House will have an opportunity of discussing the work of the Road Board?

I am not able to make a statement at present.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, seeing it has been repeatedly stated in this House and outside by Members of the Government that the Road Development Grant would relieve the rates of expenditure other than ordinary maintenance of roads, which would otherwise fall upon them, he will explain why the Road Board demand an expenditure from the rates in addition to any grant that they make?

Road Board grants reduce the amounts which would otherwise be payable out of the rates in the case of works of road improvement with which local authorities desire to proceed.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Road Board, when they sanction a grant for the remaking or re-facing of a county main road, require the county to give them credit for the value of the partly worn surface which is covered or destroyed by the authorised improvement or alteration, and that this credit is in addition to the proportion of the entire contribution which the county is required to provide out of the local rates; and whether, in every such case, the Government will secure that the grant of the Road Board shall be forthcoming if the county authority is prepared to make its usual annual expenditure upon the particular lengths of road included in the improvement scheme before refacing them with the improved material required by the Road Board?

The Road Board, when they contribute to re-surfacing roads with improved materials, take into account the saving to highway authorities arising from the replacing of an old worn-out surface by a better and more durable wearing surface. The Road Board are unable to make a grant towards the cost of re-surfacing unless the highway authority desires to use improved methods and materials, and makes application for a contribution towards the net cost of improvement without seeking to apply the grant indirectly to reduce the necessary maintenance expenditure on other unassisted roads on which no improvements are being carried out.

Is it not unfair to charge the local authorities in addition to their normal annual expenditure of maintenance on roads?

That is an argumentative question.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the system adopted by the Road Board of making their contributions out of the Road Improvement Fund to county councils subject to a proportionate contribution charged upon the county rates, in addition to their annual expenditure upon the repair of main roads, results in reluctance on the part of the ratepayers' representatives to any expenditure upon the improvement of their roads for through motor traffic in every case where there is a low rateable value and a high mileage of county main roads; and whether, seeing that the original purpose of the Development and Road Improvement Act to provide a national road fund for the benefit and at the expense of motorists may be defeated by these conditional grants if different sections of the same main road are improved or not according to the inclination of the county through which it passes to throw an additional burden in respect of it upon its ratepayers, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The cost of works of useful road improvement, which local authorities throughout the country are anxious to carry out so greatly exceeds the amount of the Road Improvement Fund, and the applications for contributions are so general and numerous that the contingency suggested in the question does not appear likely to arise.

Could it not be more fair to the various local authorities that those who can least afford to carry out improvements should be most assisted?

That seems to be a matter of opinion: not of fact.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now had an opportunity of refreshing his memory as to his declaration, shortly before assuming office, that one of the first steps of the Liberal Government would be to deal with the creeping paralysis of the Parliamentary organism in regard to the lack of control by the House of Commons over Supply; and whether, having regard to the fact that no proposals with this object in view have yet been submitted by His Majesty's present Government, he is in a position to make any statement upon the matter?

I am afraid that I could not at present make any statement on this matter which would be of a satisfactory character.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the present Government came into power something like two hundred and fifty millions of money have been voted by this House without an atom of discussion or examination, and does he not think while that state of things exists our claim to be paramount in finance savours a little of comicality?

There is a good deal of arguable matter in my hon. Friend's question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that a measure of devolution will have any effect in stopping this "creeping paralysis"?

asked the Prime Minister whether facilities will be given for the passing into law of the Land Purchase Bill and the Small Holdings Bill now before Parliament, under the first of which it is proposed that the State shall loan to farmers the whole of the capital with which to purchase their holdings when they are for sale or the farmers are dispossessed, and under the second of which it is proposed to loan to suitable would-be small holders the whole of the money with which to purchase holdings for cultivating purposes?

No, Sir; I am not in a position to promise facilities for any private Member's Bill.

asked the Prime Minister, respecting the proposed insurance against unemployment, whether it is intended, in the case of lowly-paid labourers, to ask from them a lesser insurance contribution than from higher-paid workmen; whether the position of labourers when kept unemployed through disputes of which they are helpless will be considered; and whether due provision will be made for men in casual and seasonal classes of work?

I am afraid I cannot enter into the details of the Government scheme for insurance against unemployment; but I shall be prepared to consider any representations that my hon. Friend may make to me on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Law Lords finally excluding from the benefits of the Workmen's Compensation Act thousands of taxi-cab drivers who receive, by way of part wages, a percentage of the cab earnings in place of a fixed salary; and whether he can promise an early amendment of the Act in this and other respects?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a question on the same subject on Thursday last.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now able to make any statement as to the decision of the Government with regard to the establishment of an Estimates Committee?

No, Sir; I am not able at present to make any statement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that very old people, some of whom are ninety years of age, are deprived of an old age pension because of the fact that, although born in the United Kingdom, they have been away in one of His Majesty's Dominions for over a year, and in view also of the fact that a husband is disqualified from receiving a pension if his wife is in receipt of Poor Law relief, and of the agreement on both sides of the House that these provisions of the Old Age Pensions Act should be amended, he will now introduce a short Bill for that object, so that it may have a chance of being passed as an unopposed measure?

The Government fully recognise the desirability of amending the Old Age Pensions Act in several particulars, and it is proposed to introduce a Bill as soon as there is a suitable opportunity. The points referred to in the question are receiving careful consideration, but I am not vet in a position to give any definite pledge as to the scope of the proposed Amending Bill or to fix a date for its introduction.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a scarcity of suitable houses for working people in nearly every industrial district in South Wales, and that, as a result, there is much overcrowding, leading to a high mortality rate from consumption and other preventable diseases, and that rents are high; and whether he will consider the advisability of recommending the appointment of a small commission to collect evidence and report on the extent of the evil, and make recommendations on the best and speediest method for overcoming it?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I am aware that there is a scarcity of suitable houses for working people in many industrial districts in South Wales, and of the results of such scarcity. Something, however, is being done to remove the scarcity of dwellings. Since 1st January, 1910, I have sanctioned loans amounting to £67,540 for the provision by local authorities of houses for the working classes in South Wales and Monmouthshire. Six other proposals for the erection of such houses are before me, and in an advanced stage. My hon. Friend may rest assured that this matter is receiving my serious attention, and, as regards those districts in which nothing adequate has been done, in the past, I am awaiting the reports of the medical officers of health for the past year before deciding what further action should be taken. I scarcely think that the appointment of the suggested Commission would be likely to advance matters, and, for the present at any rate, I prefer to rely on the provisions of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the gravity of the position in the town of Llanelly where large works are springing up every year, and where there is no increase in housing?

Yes, and I think, if the local authorities availed themselves of the powers they already have, and if neighbouring landlords would assist in the process, much of the evil would be remedied.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only large landlord in that district is a Radical?

That may be so, but my remark equally applies if he had been a Conservative.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not think that the halfpenny tax on undeveloped land, if it were increased a bit further, would tend to the erection of houses?

We welcome all encouragement in the right direction.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when the Second Reading of the House Letting (Scotland) Bill is to be taken?

Perhaps the hon. Member will ask me this question after the Recess?

asked the Prime Minister whether he recognises the desirability of marking the full authority of the President of the Board of Education over the permanent officials under him; and whether, in order to effect this and to emphasise the importance of our educational system being in accordance with the wishes of this House, he will consider raising the dignity and salary of the President of the Board of Education to a level equal to those of the Presidents of the Local Government Board and the Board of Trade?

I cannot give my hon. Friend any undertaking.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will use his influence with the hon. Gentleman to persuade him to take off his blocking Motion, which prevents any discussion of the subject at the present moment?

asked the Prime Minister whether proposed wages for Members of Parliament are to be placed on the Consolidated Fund or provided by annual Estimates; and, if so, under what class of the Civil Service Estimates will they be presented to the House?

It would be premature, at this stage, to give the information for which the hon. Member asks.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of the advisability of allowing those charges to be placed on the Estimates so that hon. Members may have the opportunity of criticising each other's services?

That shall be borne in mind.

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange to give us a bit on account for the holidays?

May I ask if there will be any deductions for non-attendance?

Will there be any overtime for all-night sittings?

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions have taken place under Section 3 of the Labour Exchanges Act, 1909?

No prosecutions have yet been instituted under Section 3 of the Labour Exchanges Act.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to bring the provisions of this Section to the notice of the officials concerned?

If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind perhaps he will communicate it to me.

asked how many aliens have been registered at the labour exchanges from 21st July, 1910, to 28th February last, in pursuance of the instructions issued by the Labour Exchanges Department on 25th July, 1910; and in how many cases have aliens been recommended for vacancies?

I am making inquiries as to the possibility of obtaining figures on this subject, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will give the total exports and the declared value of British-made boots and shoes to the United States of America for the years 1908, 1909, and 1910; and the exports and declared value of British-made boots and shoes to British possessions for those years?

I will have a detailed statement giving the information desired by the hon. Member printed in the Votes. The declared value of exports of British-made boots and shoes to the United States was £3,403 in 1908, £4,319 in 1909, and £36,118 in 1910. The corresponding figures as regards exports to all British Possessions are £1,651,125 in 1908, £1,709,572 in 1909, and £2,111,056 in 1910. [See Written Answers this date.]

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to give the total number and the declared value of British-made boots and shoes exported from this country for the years 1908, 1909, and 1910, for the use of the British Army and Navy stationed abroad?

I am not in a position to furnish this information, but I understand that my right hon. Friends the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Under-Secretary of State for War would both be prepared to do so as regards their separate Departments if the hon. Member will give them due notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the recent absorption of Argentine meat-freezing factories by Chicago packing interests, and the possibility that this process will be still further extended; and what steps have been, or are being, taken by the Board of Trade to ensure that the interests in this respect of the consuming public in this country shall not be endangered?

I am aware that the undertakings of two companies operating in the Argentine Republic were acquired some years ago by United States firms, and that the latter are taking an increasing interest in developing the meat industry of the Argentine. As at present advised, I do not think that the existing situation calls for action on the part of His Majesty's Government, but the whole position will continue to be carefully watched.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can furnish any figures showing the number and character of factories or businesses established in the United Kingdom as the result of the Patents Act of 1907, the amount of capital expended for this purpose on land, buildings, and plant, respectively, and the number of wage-earners employed in such factories or businesses?

During the three years which have elapsed since the Patents and Designs Act, 1907, came into operation many factories or businesses have been established in the United Kingdom, some no doubt in consequence of the Act, but there are no official statistics available on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if there is any authority to which is delegated the duty of removing or destroying derelicts in the waters adjacent to our coasts, and what means has it placed at its disposal for this purpose; if not, will he take steps to remedy this by legislation or otherwise, seeing that floating derelicts are a menace to life and property in any circumstances, and especially so in our crowded waterways?

Yes, Sir, if the derelict is in any harbour or tidal water under the control of a harbour or conservancy authority that authority may, if they think that the derelict is dangerous to navigation, remove or destroy it at their own expense. If the derelict is elsewhere, the general lighthouse authority may remove or destroy it at the cost of the General Lighthouse Fund.

asked when and from what source was the information as to the recent floating derelict in the North Sea near our ports communicated to the Trinity House; how long after was it that they issued instructions to their district tender at Yarmouth to proceed to search for her; when did the tender actually proceed to sea; what is the gross tonnage and nominal horse-power of the tender; if the derelict could have been towed, was the tender capable of carrying this out; if not, what course would she have adopted in the matter; and if the derelict could not have been towed, as is the case when ships have capsized, had the tender the means on board of destroying her, either by blowing her up or in any other way?

I am informed by the Trinity House that the first report they received as to this derelict was from the Receiver of Wreck, Middlesbrough, on the morning of the 7th March, and that telegraphic instructions were sent the same morning at 11.25 to the Superintendent, Yarmouth, for the tender (then at sea) to search for the derelict. On the 10th March a communication was received through the Customs, Lowestoft, from the Master of the steamship "Wandle," in which he stated that, after towing the derelict for two hours, it turned bottom up and immediately broke adrift and then disappeared. On receipt of this report the order to search for the derelict was countermanded. On the 13th March the approximate position of the derelict was again reported, when orders were given for the tender again to proceed in search of it. The tender left on the 15th March, but was not successful in finding the obstruction; subsequently the derelict drifted ashore near the Haisborough lighthouse. I understand that the gross tonnage of the tender ("Satellite") is 242 tons, and the nominal horse-power is 76. The tender was capable of towage operations if such were possible. Failing this, she would have dispersed the derelict if found.

asked, having regard to the fact that since the 20th October, 1909, no less than forty-six trawlers flying foreign flags had been observed in the aggregate on 303 occasions fishing in the Moray Firth, whether any of those vessels had been detected fishing within the three-mile limit; and, if so, in how many instances prosecutions had followed, and the result?

Five of these detections were within the three-mile limit, and two were within the exclusive fishery limits as defined by the North Sea Convention. Prosecutions were instituted in each instance, and in six cases convictions were obtained and the full penalty inflicted. In the seventh case proceedings are pending.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he was aware that trawling within the three-mile limit was persistently carried on around the Caithness coast, particularly at night and on Sundays, to the detriment of line fishing; that the waters referred to were at present quite inadequately policed; that strong views to that effect were recently expressed at a meeting of the Caithness County Council; and whether he would consider what steps could be taken to remedy the grievance complained of?

The allegations on which my honourable Friend's question proceeds have been the subject of careful inquiry by the Fishery Board, with the result that they are not satisfied that illegal trawling is persistently carried on as suggested on the Caithness coast. I am aware of the views expressed by the county council. The coast of Caithness receives quite its proportionate attention from the fishery cruisers and any specific complaints of illegal trawling will be carefully investigated.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he was aware that 4,000 emigrants, many of them farm hands, sailed from the Clyde for Canada and the United States on Saturday last, and that an almost weekly number have been emigrating weekly for many months past; whether he could say what proportion of these were under thirty-five years of age; whether the Government was aiding or encouraging this constant flow of the youth of Scotland to other lands; and, if not, what action they proposed taking in order to check it?

I am informed that 3,059 passengers recorded as British subjects sailed from Glasgow for Canada and the United States on Saturday, April 1st, that the average number of such outward passengers on the four Saturdays in March was 1,351, and that in January and February the numbers were much smaller than in March. Of the 3,059 passengers sailing on 1st April, 1,942 were males of twelve years of age and upwards, and 249 of these were stated to be over thirty-five years of age. The number described as farmers, ploughmen, shepherds or farm labourers was 89. The answer to the second portion of the question is in the negative, but I may add that the question of emigration is one of the subjects to be considered at the forthcoming Imperial Conference.

Can the Lord Advocate state any of the causes of this extraordinary emigration?

Might not a reversal of our fiscal system have some effect in stopping it?

Is it not the case that certain agricultural districts in Scotland are being practically depopulated through lack of opportunity to acquire land?

My information will not enable me to answer that question.

asked the Lord Advocate if he was yet in a position to say if the Scotch Office had decided to allow the Scotch parish council authorities to entertain the poor during the ensuing Coronation festivities?

The question raised by the hon. Member is receiving the careful consideration of the Local Government Board for Scotland, and I hope shortly to be able to make a statement on the subject.

asked the Lord Advocate whether the Government could meet the wish of the convention of Royal and Parliamentary burghs, that Scottish, like English, burghs should be enabled to raise a rate up to ½d. in the £ to meet expenses in connection with the celebration of the Coronation?

I am not aware of an intention to levy a rate up to any fixed amount in English boroughs for the purpose specified. Under the English law (as expressed in the Local Authorities Expenses Act, 1887) it is permissible for the Local Government Board to sanction in advance expenses which might otherwise be disallowed on audit by a district auditor. No such power exists in Scotland, and, apart from private subscription funds, the only method which I can suggest is that of a voluntary assessment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether tenants of small holdings, on being given notice to quit by a private owner in case of sale and by a county council, were entitled to compensation on a similar basis supposing the holding in each case to be the same; and, if not, would he enumerate the difference or differences?

A tenant who receives notice to quit from a council which has acquired the land for small holdings is entitled to the special compensation for disturbance provided under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1910. No similar provision is made in cases in which notice to quit is given by a private owner with a view to sale.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he would enumerate the matters in respect of which a tenant farmer was entitled to compensation, and by whom such compensation was payable, when any of his land was obtained compulsorily, and voluntarily for small holdings by a county council; and if he would enumerate the matters in respect of which a tenant farmer was entitlel to compensation when his farm was sold by his landlord to a third party?