asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the proposed expenditure for 1911–12 for Great Britain, and Germany, Austria, and Italy, respectively, on new construction and armaments?

The proposed expenditures asked for are as follows: Great Britain, £17,566,877; Germany, £11,715,752; Austria-Hungary, £3,125,000; Italy, £2,277,302. The amount given for Italy is liable to alteration, as the Estimates have not been finally passed.

asked what is the average cost per ton of "Dreadnoughts" built in British Government yards, and of similar ships built in British private yards?

It is not clear from my hon. Friend's question whether he desires to institute a comparison between the cost per ton of the total displacement of dockyard built ships on the one hand and contract built ships on the other; or whether he seeks to confine his comparison to the cost of particular classes of tons in each case, namely, hull, engines, guns, gun-mountings, armament, etc. No doubt comparisons under each of these headings are possible, but their compilation would involve considerable labour, and in any case, any comparison would be only approximately accurate for the reason, amongst others, that we are not in a position to say whether the basis of indirect charge is the same in each case.

Will the hon. Member take steps to see that Great Britain gets terms at least as good as foreign Powers?

I should think there would be no doubt about that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to a statement made by the Grand Vizier in the Turkish Parliament that Messrs. Sir G. W. Armstrong, Whitworth, and Co., Ltd., had tendered for the supply of the hull and engines of two "Dreadnoughts" for the Turkish Government at £51 per ton, as against £63 per ton paid by Great Britain; and if there is any reason why Great Britain should pay £12 per ton more to a British firm for her "Dreadnoughts" than is paid by a foreign Government to the same firm?

I have no information enabling me to make a direct comparison between the cost of building Admiralty "Dreadnoughts" in this country and the cost referred to in the question for building two "Dreadnoughts" for the Turkish Government. I know no reason why the Admiralty should pay more per ton to a British firm for Admiralty "Dreadnoughts" than the firm would charge a foreign government for similar work. I may add that, taking the case of the latest Admiralty "Dreadnought" delivered from contractors, the total cost of hull, armour for hull, and machinery, works out at substantially less than £63 per ton of the total displacement of the ship.

Does it work out at less than £51 a ton?

I cannot say it does.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to why Turkey is getting these two vessels at £51 a ton and we are asked to pay considerably more?

I do not know that the statement made in the question is correct.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of recent developments in foreign fleets, his advisers at the Admiralty adhere to the statement to the Royal Commission of 1905 that, in the event of war with any two of the great maritime Powers, there would be no material diminution in the supplies of wheat and flour reaching the United Kingdom?

The Admiralty adhere to the statement set forth in their letter of the 15th August, 1904, in reply to certain questions addressed to the Board by the Royal Commission on Supply of Food and Raw Material in time of war on the 5th August, 1904. The questions from the Royal Commission, and the reply of the Admiralty are set forth on page 110, Command Paper 2643.

asked the names of the cruisers purchased by Canada for the Pacific and Atlantic stations; what was the date of their launching; whether they will have their complement of torpedo destroyers and submarines; whether the salaries of the officers are to be paid by the Dominion Government; whether Canada will recruit her own men for this unit; and whether she will establish training schools for officers, and, if so, where and at what time?

The names of the cruisers purchased by Canada are the "Rainbow" and "Niobe." The "Rainbow" was launched in 1891, and the "Niobe" in 1897. I might add here that these cruisers are manned mainly by officers and men lent from the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve. As regards destroyers and submarines, the larger plan for a Canadian Fleet unit, suggested at the Imperial Conference of 1909, included the provision of six destroyers of the improved River class and three submarines. The salaries of officers are to be paid by the Dominion Government, and the Dominion will recruit her own men for her Fleet unit. With regard to the last part of the question, a college was opened at Halifax in January last.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give the House the text of the order sent to the Royal dockyards authorising the reopening of the establishment?

It would be unusual to quote official Admiralty letters in extenso in reply to a question. The orders merely put into official language the policy of the Government, which has already been communicated to the House.

Will the hon. Gentleman give us that part of the order which has reference to those men who have passed the age for establishment while suspended?

I cannot give that. It is the fact I may say generally that men who have reached the age of forty-five during the period of suspension will not, therefore, and on that account lose the chance of establishment. They will still be eligible, and will be taken into consideration.

They are still eligible for vacancies which have occurred now or occur immediately after reopening.

I should think that they would be eligible for vacancies occurring immediately afterwards. That is a matter for the yard officers. I do not suppose they would be eligible for vacancies occurring at some remote future.

asked whether, bearing in mind the inexpediency of publishing the detailed accuracy of the big-gun shooting in the Navy, whereby the standard of efficiency attained by our gunners is made known to the whole world, the First Lord of the Admiralty will order that in future these results be no longer published?

The publication of a certain amount of information as to the results obtained in gunnery practices is of great advantage in stimulating competition. The form in which the information is published does not appear to justify the adoption of the course suggested by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a British boat may fish with impunity in the Westfjord; and, so long as she fishes beyond three miles from the shores, will the British Government protect her from molestation or demand compensation from the Norwegian Government in the event of her being interfered with?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 3rd instant. With regard to the second part of the question, I cannot accept the hypothesis that the Norwegian authorities might act in violation of a hitherto generally accepted principle of international law.

Would the position in the Westfjord be considered different from that in the Moray Firth?

I explained that very fully in a long answer which I gave my hon. Friend on the 3rd inst. I do not wish to alter the language of that answer.

Will the hon. Gentleman state the part of the answer where there is any reference to that at all?

Yes, in the early part of the answer.

asked what is the territorial limit for fishery purposes in force between Denmark and Sweden; whether along about one-third of the coasts of Europe the three-mile limit is not accepted by the bordering State; whether he will take into consideration the disadvantage of committing this country to strict adherence to a three-mile limit for fishery purposes; and whether, before taking further action, the hon. Gentleman will ascertain the views of the Scottish Fishery Board and the Department for Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland on the subject?

Denmark and Sweden have agreed between themselves to a four-mile limit for fisheries in the Cattegat, the Sound, the Baltic coast of Sweden from Falsterbo to Simbrishamn, and round the island of Bornholm and Christianso. His Majesty's Government have been committed to the three-mile limit for at least two generations. Any action involving proposals to other Powers for a departure from existing policy would be taken, if at all, by His Majesty's Government as a whole. The Foreign Office cannot act on the advice of one only of the Departments specially interested: its business in a matter of this kind is to carry out the policy of the Government.

How does the hon. Gentleman reconcile that answer with his answer of last week as regards Denmark?

asked whether the Under-Secretary's attention has been called to the fact that a tariff Bill is now being considered by the Dutch Parliament by which a duty varying from 5 to 6 per cent. is to be placed on imported chains and anchors; whether he is aware that English chains and anchors hitherto have been admitted free into Holland; where they have entered into strenuous competition with the Dutch manufactured article; whether he has been informed of the effect of the new duty upon British trade, which is of considerable volume at the present time; and whether the Foreign Office will take steps to protect the interests of British manufacturers, and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?

The articles mentioned are at present free of duty when entering the Netherlands. Under the proposed new tariff chains would be charged with a duty of 6 per cent. ad valorem, but it is not clear what duty is intended to be levied on anchors. Our exports of "anchors, grapnels, chains and cables" to the Netherlands during the last five years have averaged about £70,000 annually. A translation of the projected new tariff is being circulated to chambers of commerce, including Dudley, and their observations thereon are being invited. As soon as I have received those observations I shall consider carefully what action, if any, it may be desirable to take.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any method by which we can bring pressure to bear on such a power?

The hon. Member must give notice of his question.

asked whether the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs has received official information of an attack upon the British Consulate at Kermanshah, a town of some 32,000 inhabitants on the west of Persia; whether the attack resulted in the death of one man and the theft of a sum of money; whether the man killed was a British subject or in British employment; and what steps he intends to take to safeguard British Consulates in Persia, seeing that the present protection is inadequate?

His Majesty's Minister has reported that two attempts were made to break into the Consulate at Kermanshah on 25th March and 26th. On the first occasion two men were arrested, and on the second the sowars' quarters were entered, two uniforms and some goods were taken, and shots were exchanged with some thirty men, believed to be seeking revenge for the arrest of their two comrades the day before. The Consul took measures for defence, and notified the Governor. A warning reached the Consulate that the band concerned threatened to kill the Indian sowars, and on 28th March stones were thrown at the Consulate; but the brigands, finding it well garrisoned, made no further attempt, but robbed the house of a notable in the town. The same night the brigands fired on the Consulate, but, finding the fire returned, departed. The local authorities appear to have placed troops at the Consulate for its protection, and Sir George Barclay has held the Persian. Government responsible for the safety of the Consulate and of British subjects, and has urged the punishment of the culprits. No information has so far been received to the effect that anybody was killed during the course of these events.

May we take it that the Consulates are properly safeguarded?

Yes, I think so.

asked whether negotiations concerning the Japanese treaty were carried on between the Japanese Ambassador in London and this Government; whether the British Ambassador to Japan was also occupied in negotiations with the Japanese Foreign Minister; and, if so, whether the same course was pursued in regard to the reciprocity arrangement between Canada and the United States; and if pourparlers on the matter occurred between the British Government and the American Ambassador in England?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second in the negative, though some communication passed between His Majesty's Ambassador and the Japanese Government. The answer to the rest of the question is in the negative.

May I ask what reason there should be, where British interests are so vitally affected by the reciprocity negotiations between Canada and the United States, that no pourparlers should take place between America and this Government as in the case of France?

I do not quite appreciate the connection of the two things. This negotiation was carried on between the Japanese Ambassador and the Foreign Office and Board of Trade here. It is quite a different case from that which the hon. Gentleman suggests.

asked whether, in view of the political and commercial interests possessed by India in regard to the Baghdad Railway, the Government of India is being fully consulted in the negotiations that are now going on with regard to the Baghdad Railway; and whether, in the event of any agreement being arrived at, the Government of India will be given an opportunity of expressing its views before the agreement is concluded?

I am in full consultation with the Secretary of State for India, with whom communication with the Government of India rests, and who, as I am aware, keeps himself well informed as to the views of the representatives of His Majesty's Government in India.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether any facilities are afforded during office hours to any trader, or association of traders, to obtain orders from, and deliver goods to, members of the staff employed at the Colonial Office; and, if so, will he state the name of such trader or association, and the terms and conditions upon which such facilities are granted?

A messenger of the Civil Service Supply Association calls periodically to receive orders and deliver the articles ordered by members of the staff who are members of that Association.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these associations are seeking to do a large business in competition with other traders?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question as to the terms and conditions on which such facilities are granted?

I am not aware that there are any terms, but I will make inquiry.

Are these articles delivered to members of the Civil Service while they are on duty?

I am not aware, but I will make inquiry if the hon. Member wishes.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any facilities are afforded during office hours to any trader, or association of traders, to obtain orders from, and deliver goods to, members of the staff employed at the Education Department; and, if so, will he state the name of such trader or association, and the terms and conditions upon which such facilities are granted?

As a matter of convenience to the numerous members of the staff who are members of the Civil Service Supply Association, a messenger of that association calls daily to receive orders and deliver the articles ordered. A local milkman is also allowed to call for the purpose of supplying members of the staff with milk.

Will the Board of Education take any exception to the local education authorities allowing the same privileges to school teachers?

That would be no affair of ours.

May I ask whether co-operative societies will get the same facilities?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any facilities are afforded during office hours to any trader, or association of traders, to obtain orders from, and deliver goods to, members of the staff employed at the War Office; and, if so, will be stale the name of such trader or association, and the terms and conditions upon which such facilities are granted?

I presume my hon. Friend is alluding to the Civil Service Supply Association. Limited. This association has enjoyed certain facilities, I am informed, ever since it was founded, many years ago, by Civil servants.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of leaving the matter open to tender?

I understand this matter affects a number of Government Departments, and perhaps I had better not reply for one.

May I ask whether this is not a co-operative stores which is so favoured?

The same answer applies. I think the matter should be dealt with as a whole.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman, who has always been a protagonist of Free Trade, could not commence with his own office first of all?

asked whether he is aware of the movement towards the admission of the Bahamas to the Canadian Confederation; whether this has the approval of His Majesty's Government; and what change this entails in the staff and administration of those islands?

I am not at present in a position to add anything to the statement which I made on the 5th instant in reply to a question addressed to me by the hon. Member for North Islington.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry into the facts?

All the facts shall be inquired into.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state when the representatives of the Development Commission propose to inspect the Fife ports, notably those of Anstruther, St. Andrews, Pittenweem, and Crail, with a view to investigating the need of further financial grants; and if adequate notice of the dates of the visit can be made in order that representations may be prepared to lay before the Commissioners?

No application for a grant in aid of the development of Fife ports has at present been received by the Commissioners.

asked whether protests against the constitution of the advisory committee for fishery purposes, appointed by the Development Commissioners, have been received by the Treasury from representatives of the sea fisheries district committees, or any of them, namely, the Southern, the Eastern, the North-Eastern, the Northumberland, the Kent and Essex, the Cumberland, and from the Lancashire and Western Joint Committee, from the Yorkshire Fishery Board, from the Board of Conservators for the Wear fishery district, from the Avon and Erme Fishery Board (Devon), or from the Howey Fishery District Committee; and, if so, whether any action has been taken upon them?

Copies of resolutions expressing dissatisfaction with the composition of the Advisory Committee on Fishery questions appointed by the Development Commissioners have been received from the following bodies:—

1 Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Joint Committee.

2 Eastern Sea Fishery Joint Committee.

3 Devon Sea Fisheries Committee.

The Treasury have received similar protests from:—

1 The Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee.

2 The Kent and Essex Sea Fisheries Committee.

3 The Devon Sea Fisheries Committee.

These have been acknowledged. No other action has been taken. The hon. Member was also good enough to send me resolutions on behalf of nine different bodies.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will state how much Income Tax was collected in the first eight days of the present financial year; and how much was collected in the same period in each of the last three years?

If by the term "collected" the hon. Member means paid into the Exchequer, and by the term "first eight days" the first eight working days, then the figures, though not strictly comparable in all respects, are as follows:—

Would the extraordinary amount received last week have been received a week before if the collectors had not been restrained?

That is rather a hypothetical question, of which I should like notice.

Can no estimate be got out?

If the hon. Member will give me notice, I will answer.

asked whether the Secretary to the Treasury is aware that on or about 15th March a cheque for nearly £60,000, payable before the end of the last financial year by one of the twelve large railway companies, was held over until 10th April at the request of Mr. Grasemann, representing the Inland Revenue Commissioners; and what sum has approximately been lost to the Sinking Fund as a consequence of these visits of an Inland Revenue official to railway, banking, and other companies' offices?

I am informed that an official of the Inland Revenue, misunderstanding, as I have already explained, his instructions from the chairman of the Board, did represent to certain railways that payment of Income Tax was not required until April. I am not aware of, or able to identify the particular case referred to. No such representations were made in the case of banking and other companies, so far as I am aware.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state to which railway companies, and on what dates, it was suggested by the Inland Revenue Department that payment of Income Tax due last March might be postponed until the present financial year?

I am afraid I have not got the information yet asked for in the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the amounts of the Income Tax and Super-tax, respectively, which were due, but not collected, on the 31st of last March.

also asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the amounts of the Income Tax and Super-tax, respectively, paid into the Treasury on each of the last fourteen days in the financial year?

As regards this and the next question, my right hon. Friend is not prepared at this stage to give further details of the yield of last year's taxes to those already published.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the approximate total amount of the costs already paid, and which will have to be paid, by the Treasury, in connection with the recently decided Swansea school case, setting out the costs of the hearing before the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal, and the House of Lords respectively; and whether, in view of the fact that a large amount of public money has been thrown away, he will in future take precautions against allowing or directing appeals which have no result except the incurring of fresh costs?

I am informed that the approximate total costs of the Treasury will probably amount to £2,740. Of this amount £544 represents the costs of the proceedings before the Divisional Court, £902 represents the costs of the proceedings before the Court of Appeal, and £970 the costs of the proceedings before the House of Lords. The residue of the estimated total is accounted for by petty disbursements, which cannot at short notice be allocated to the various hearings, and printing expenses. I cannot accept the assumption underlying the second part of the question.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the appeal to the House of Lords from the Court of Appeal in the recent Swansea school case was brought under his direction and by his authority; whether, before such appeal was brought, the opinion of the Law Officers was obtained as to the probability of such appeal succeeding; and, if not, by whose direction or advice such appeal was brought?

The appeal from the Court of Appeal was brought under my direction and by my authority, and this step, like other steps in the course of the case, was taken after obtaining proper legal advice.

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the second part of the question, whether the opinion of the Law Officers was obtained on the probability of such an appeal succeeding?

I said, "after obtaining proper legal advice."

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman would kindly answer my definite question. Whether the advice of the Law Officers was taken before he recommended an appeal?

I have given an answer to the question on the Paper, and I do not feel called to give a definite answer to a supplementary question.

I give notice that, in consequence of the discourteous reply, I shall raise the question on the Motion for Adjournment.

asked the President of the Board of Education what procedure is followed to differentiate the memoranda issued by the Board, which merely summarise confidential discussions among members of the staff of the Board, from those memoranda which convey expressions of the Board's policy?

They are differentiated, not by procedure, but by the terms in which they are expressed. Instructions, advice, or other similar expressions of policy are given in unmistakable terms and are not left to be gathered by inference.

asked how many secondary schools in receipt of the higher grant of the Board were allowed to offer less than the normal 25 per cent. of free places, subsequently offered the proportion of free places required by the regulations of the Board?

A reduction of the normal free-place requirement of the Board is only allowed to a school on the request of the school authorities and in the light of representations adequately supporting the application. The term "free place" is loosely used to describe not only places filled by pupils for whom no fee is charged by the school and no fee paid, but also where the full fee is charged but is paid to the school by the local authority, or from some other source, and not by the parent. Adopting this wider sense of the phrase, I believe that, of the schools which had applied for and received a reduction of the normal requirement, twenty-four awarded or offered in the year 1910–11 25 per cent. or more of free place. If my hon. Friend means by free places places filled by pupils for whom no fee is charged to any one, I fear that I must ask him to repeat his question after Easter.

asked whether the question of the proportion of teachers of elementary school origin on the staffs of secondary schools has been discussed by members of the staff of the Board; and, if so, whether the summary of the discussion has been circulated by memorandum, or otherwise, among His Majesty's inspectors of schools?

I am not sure what my hon. Friend means by the expression "teachers of elementary school origin." In its natural interpretation the expression would appear to apply to teachers who had received their preliminary education in public elementary schools. I have every reason to believe that no responsible member of the Board's staff would consider that the suitability of a teacher for employment on the staff of a secondary school could be affected—adversely at any rate—by the fact that he had received his preliminary education in a public elementary school. I think it is possible, however, that the question is intended to refer to teachers whose teaching experience has been acquired wholly or partly in public elementary schools. It is certainly the case that, in some of their reports on individual secondary schools, inspectors have had occasion to suggest the desirability of strengthening the staff by the addition of men with some teaching experience beyond that which can be gained in public elementary schools where few children remain beyond the age of fourteen, and the range of the curriculum is different from that of a secondary school. I have no reason to believe that it has ever been suggested on behalf of the Board that the mere fact that a teacher has served on the staff of a public elementary school should in any respect prejudice his chances of appointment to a post in a secondary school. Indeed, the inclusion of teachers with experience of this character is not infrequently recommended. Whatever may be the correct interpretation of the expression used by my hon. Friend, it is equally true that no discussion of the question in general terms has taken place, and that any memorandum which any officer of the Board may have been inspired to write has not yet, so far as the Board are aware, had an opportunity of affecting anybody's mind except his own.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that, as a result of the recommendation of His Majesty's inspectors in various reports, teachers who have gained the bulk of their experience in elementary schools have been removed to the elementary schools from the secondary schools, as the result of action of the Board's staff?

The answer I have given is a general answer to the question. If the hon. Member has any particular case he can bring to my notice I shall, of course, inquire into it.

asked whether the reports of inspectors of secondary schools last year revealed the fact that in nearly fifty districts the scales of salaries were so low as to be detrimental to the efficiency of those schools; whether similar reports are made by the inspectors of elementary schools; whether in any and, if so, in how many of these schools the scales of salaries are also deficient; and whether, in such cases, the Board of Education will cause representations to that effect to be made to the local education authorities?

In the year 1910 168 secondary schools received a full inspection; in forty-seven of them the inspectors called attention to the inadequacy of the salaries. In some of these cases the salaries were fixed by scale, in others they were not. The Board called attention to such deficiencies where they found them to exist, because the low scale of salaries tended to one or both of the following results: either the school failed to secure the services of adequately qualified teachers, or, having secured the services of such teachers, it failed to retain them. In elementary schools the qualifications of teachers are regulated by definite requirements of the Board under the code.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether an instruction was issued to women inspectors in 1907 forbidding them to sign any address with reference to the Qualification of Women Bill or anything of a similar character; whether the prohibition is still in force; whether it applies to women clerks or to women in other Government Departments; and whether it applies to women only or to Civil servants of both sexes?

With regard to the first part of the question, instructions to the effect suggested were issued in December, 1907. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the third part of the question, I must refer my hon. Friend to the political heads of the other Departments. With regard to the last part of the question, the regulation applies, so far as the Board of Education is concerned, to members of the staff of the Board of both sexes.

There is no differentiation between men and women?

No, Sir; it applies to officers of both sexes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why, in the case of the registration of Form E, according to the Companies Consolidation Act, 1908, the officials at Somerset House have refused to accept a balance sheet in which the value of goodwill of licensed property was not shown separately from the other value of such property, although no such distinction was asked for in the case of property not being licensed property?

As I informed the hon. Member on 30th March last, in reply to a question which he then asked me, the separation of goodwill free from other assets is asked for in all cases where goodwill is shown as an asset of the company, and no distinction whatever is made between licensed and unlicensed property in this respect.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be convinced that his answer is incorrect if I were to produce to him the balance sheet and an affidavit of the secretary and the files of Somerset House?

I am always open to be convinced if I am in the wrong.

asked the value of the raw jute annually imported into Dundee and other British ports from India; and how much of this imported raw jute is re-exported to other countries?

The average value of the raw jute imported into the United Kingdom during the three years 1908 to 1910, which was consigned from British India was £5,019,000 per annum, of which jute to the value of £3,064,000 was landed at the port of Dundee. The re-exports of jute from the United Kingdom in the same years have averaged £1,674,000 per annum.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any statistics showing the comparative size in England and Scotland, respectively, of the ready-made and wholesale bespoke tailoring trade and of the paper box trade, for which Trade Boards have been instituted?

I am sending my hon. Friend references to tables issued under the Census of Production Act, which contain some information as to the size of the trades he mentions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the homeward-bound Cunard steamships "Campania" and "Lusitania" called at Queenstown on Tuesday the 4th instant and on 27th March, respectively, and landed the Irish mails only; if, owing to the state of the weather, those ships were unable to call at Fishguard; whether, as a result, the English, Scotch, and Continental mails had to be taken on to Liverpool, thereby causing a loss of practically an entire business day to London and the rest of England and Scotland in the delivery of the mails; whether, if the English, Scotch, and Continental mails had been landed at Queens-town and sent on by special service, considerable time would have been saved and correspondents in the United Kingdom would have been enabled to reply by the outgoing mail the following Wednesday evening; whether, in the case of the "Campania," the mails taken on to Liverpool lost the Wednesday's outward White Star mail and had to wait until the following Saturday's outgoing mail to reply; whether the homeward-bound Cunard mail steamers have been unable to call at Fishguard owing to bad weather on five occasions since the commencement of the present year, thereby causing delay in the delivery of the homeward American mails and inconvenience to correspondents; whether, if the mails had been landed at Queenstown on those occasions instead of being taken on to Liverpool, a considerable saving of time would have been effected in the delivery of the mails throughout the United Kingdom; and whether he will make representations to the United States Postmaster-General drawing his attention to the above facts, and urge upon him the advisability of the homeward American mails being landed at Queenstown as formerly?

May I also ask if the "Mauretania," another of the Cunard liners, failed to land her mails and passengers at Fishguard on Monday last?

The "Lusitania" did not call at Queenstown on the 27th March on her eastward voyage from New York; the "Campania" called there on the 4th instant. Both Packets through stress of weather failed to call at Fishguard. The Irish Mails only were landed at Queens-town from the "Campania"; the remainder of the mails brought by the "Campania," and all the mails brought by the "Lusitania" were carried on to Liverpool. Under the arrangement which were in force when the homeward-bound Cunard Packets called only at Queens-town and Liverpool—arrangements which were, of course, designed to secure the earliest delivery of the correspondence possible under various conditions—all the mails, except those for Ireland, would have been carried on to Liverpool on both the occasions in question, that being the best port for them in the circumstances, and correspondence for Great Britain and the Continent would have derived no benefit by being landed at Queenstown. The correspondence conveyed by the "Lusitania" was delivered in London on the afternoon and evening of Tuesday, the 28th March, and at corresponding times throughout the country. A considerable quantity, probably the greater part, of the correspondence conveyed by the "Campania," including that for the Eastern Central District of London was delivered on Wednesday, the 5th instant, in time for replies to be sent by the outward-bound White Star Packet. The calls at Fishguard omitted during the present year are as stated by the hon. Member. As he is aware, all the Cunard Packets, except the "Lusitania" and "Mauretania," at present call at Queenstown on the eastward voyage. The facts now put forward would not justify me in urging the United States Postmaster-General to use his influence with the Cunard Company to secure a resumption of the call at Queenstown by these two Packets also. With regard to the further question of which I have received private notice, the hon. Member is right in saying that the "Mauretania" failed to land the mails at Fishguard on the evening of the 10th instant. In all cases the omission of the call at Fishguard was due to stress of weather.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was aware that there were certain telephonists in the Post Office, over eighteen years of age, being away from home, who were only in receipt of wages amounting to 10s. per week, and that they were having to be assisted by their parents financially to enable them to live; and whether he would take immediate steps to increase their wages?

For the first two years of their service, during which they are in a position of learners, telephonists are unestablished and receive wages of 10s. for the first year and 12s. for the second year. They are usually of the age of about seventeen, though some may be eighteen. The scale for established telephonists runs from 15s. or 16s. a week at nineteen years of age, to 22s., 24s., and 26s. at provincial offices.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that the condition mentioned in the question is really a hardship?

No. These girls are learners; they are in the position of apprentices, and apprentices never receive fall wages. These are quite young girls.

had given notice of the following question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the case of George Townsend, who was charged at the Towcester divisional petty sessions with a breach of the Poaching Prevention Act, and with being in possession of a gun and live cartridges at Towcester on 14th March, for which alleged offence he was fined 30s. and his gun confiscated; if the evidence showed that Townsend was stopped by the police whilst cycling along the high road, on the ground that he had a gun on his cycle, had mud on his trousers, and was followed by a mongrel collie dog; if Townsend proved that he had a licence to carry a gun, and a witness for the defence declared that he had been with defendant the whole time, and they had not left the high road; and if, in view of these facts, he proposes to take any steps in the case?

This question is postponed by request. If the right hon. Gentleman finds that the facts as stated are correct, will he call the attention of the Lord Chancellor to the composition of this bench?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether, in view of the fact that motors were prohibited from a speed exceeding twelve miles an hour in the parks, and in consequence of the numerous accidents in the public streets, he would take into consideration the advisability of refusing licences to any motor omnibuses or taxi-cabs which were not geared down to a speed of twelve miles an hour.

The Local Government Board regulation for heavy motor cars limit the speed of motor omnibuses to twelve miles an hour, and the police have endeavoured to make it a rule that motor omnibuses shall be so geared as not to exceed that limit, but it has not hitherto been found practicable to compel makers to conform to this requirement. As regards taxi-cabs, there would appear to be no power to fix by regulation a lower maximum speed than that fixed by Parliament, namely, twenty miles an hour.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the widespread objection to the proposed Order extending the hours of dressmakers' employés during the months specified, he would maintain the existing regulations and not proceed further with the proposed Order 1

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the widespread dissatisfaction which had been aroused by the proposed increase in the hours worked by dressmakers to be allowed in connection with the preparations for the Coronation, he would reconsider the issue of any Order approving such an increase?

The Order referred to, which is in draft only, does not propose to increase the legal hours which can be worked by dressmakers' assistants. Representations have been received on the subject, and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State has arranged to see a deputation on the subject next week. All such representations will be carefully considered before any further action is taken.

Until what date is it proposed to postpone the signature?

April 26th is the date for the draft order. It has to lie on the Table of the House for forty days, and may be discussed any night after eleven o'clock at the conclusion of business.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Papers would be laid which he promised during the Second Reading of the Shops Bill, in order to inform the House as to the representations made by various grades to the Home Office on the subject of the Bill?

I hope it will be possible to get the volume into the hands of Members at the beginning of the week after Easter week. Many of the deputations were confidential; therefore, we have to inquire whether they object to any publication; we have also to send them a proof of what we propose to publish, and get their permission.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that Members have the Papers in their hands before the Committee stage of the Bill is taken?

I will do my best to expedite publication, but I cannot allow the progress of the Bill to be delayed. It is possible that the Committee will not meet until the week after Easter week; but I cannot promise that it shall not begin until after the publication of this Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the far-reaching schemes of social legislation now pending, His Majesty's Government would consider the advisability of immediately taking a special census of those likely to be affected, providing data as to sex, age, trade, wages, locality, periods of unemployment or invalidity, and membership of organised or unorganised trades; and whether such essential foundations for all social reforms would be made available prior to the ultimate consideration of the Unemployment and Invalidity Insurance Bill?

A large amount of special statistical information has already been collected by the Treasury and the Board of Trade in connection with the proposals referred to in the question, and it is more than doubtful whether anything in the nature of a "special census" would produce results of any real value with regard either to the incidence of sickness or the prevalence of unemployment amongst the working classes. As these are the main problems involved, and as a special census of the kind contemplated would involve great expense and considerable delay, I do not think that the advantages likely to be derived from it would justify the adoption of the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increase of strength of foreign naval Powers and the fact that, according to the Declaration of London, foodstuffs might, without warning, become contraband of war if sent to the bases of supply of the armed forces of an enemy, and the fact that every British seaport supplying Territorial troops might thus be considered to come under that category by the commander of the enemy's commerce destroyer, who at the critical time would be the sole judge, he will consider the advisability of appointing a Royal Commission on the food supplies of this country?

No, Sir; in view of the fact that the whole subject was carefully reviewed and reported upon by a recent Royal Commission, I do not consider that there are any grounds for the adoption of the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion.

Are we to understand that nothing further has been done since 1906? Is that the inquiry to which the right hon. Gentleman refers?

I forget the precise date—1906 or 1907.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the slow progress made with the Parliament Bill, he would consider the advisability of postponing the introduction of the State Insurance Bill or any other legislation until the Parliament Bill had passed through all its stages; and whether he would consider the appointment in the meantime of a special committee or a commission to examine the German insurance scheme, and to obtain more information from existing agencies in this country to assist the Government in preparing legislation on such a difficult proposal as a compulsory universal invalidity insurance Bill?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been called to resolutions recently passed at the Convention of Burghs held in Edinburgh, and also at a Fishery Conference held there, that steps should be taken for the revision of the North Sea Convention with a view of more effectively conserving the North Sea fisheries; and whether he proposed to take any action in the matter?

The resolutions referred to have been brought to my notice, and are receiving the consideration of the various Departments concerned, but for the reason given on Monday, in answer to an unstarred question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Montrose Burghs, a statement of policy would be at this stage premature.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing sea-borne trade of India and the Eastern Crown Colonies, His Majesty's Government would consider the advisability of appointing a special committee, composed of naval and military experts, and of representatives of the India and Colonial Offices, with recent personal administrative experience in India and the Crown Colonies in question, to determine the respective interests and fair share of these Imperial units in Imperial naval defence, and the best method by which their co-operation in the latter could be effected; and whether, in view of the fact that Imperial naval defence would be a matter of discussion at the coming Imperial Conference, he would appoint such a committee as soon as possible, so that the result it arrived at could be laid before the Imperial Conference by the Secretary of State for India, who was to represent India at that conference?

His Majesty's Government do not propose to appoint such a Committee at the present time. The Crown Colonies already make a considerable contribution towards the cost of the military garrisons maintained in them calculated in proportion to their revenue. The question of Imperial Naval Defence will be discussed at the Imperial Conference in regard to the interests of the Self-governing Dominions, and the consideration of a contribution by India and the Crown Colonies to the Navy does not directly arise.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise the question on the Motion for Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister if he would undertake to give a Return showing what burdens the local authorities now bear in respect to the Unemployed Workmen's Act and the relief works started to assist unemployment?

I have looked into this matter, and I find that there would be very considerable difficulties in obtaining the Return for which the hon. Member asks. I think he may take it from me that it is practically impossible to obtain a complete Return sufficiently accurate to be of value. I may, however, inform the hon. Member that the sum received from rates by the Central Body for London and by the Distress Committees throughout England and Wales in the year ending 31st March, 1910, was £68,069.

Is not the expenditure under the Unemployed Workmen Act limited to a halfpenny in the £?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he could state approximately the total cost to the nation of keeping David Davies in prison for a period of thirty-eight years?

The approximate net average cost of maintaining a convict is £18 3s. per annum, or about £690 for thirty-eight years. It is, of course, impossible to give exact figures for any individual convict.

Does the £18 cover everything—administrative charges; salaries of governor, medical officer, etc., interest on capital, and so forth?

I understand that it includes everything.

It is very cheap.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the numerous, and in some cases concurrent, Acts relating to sea fisheries in Scotland, and the necessity for legislation by reference in any attempt to amend the same, he would consider the advisability of introducing, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, a Bill to consolidate the Sea Fisheries (Scotland) Act, and at the same time to increase the penalties for offences against the bye-laws of the Fishery Board?

The Government cannot at present con-template legislation in the sense suggested. I appreciate the hon. and gallant Member's desire to exterminate legislation by reference, but I am not so sanguine as he seems to be that consolidation would effect that object.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention had been called to the proceedings of the conference of the Moray Firth, Caithness, and East Coast Fisheries Association at Edinburgh on Friday, 7th April; and whether he would do all in his power to further the resolutions there arrived at?

I have seen a report of the proceedings referred to. Any representations stating the views of the conference will receive the consideration of the Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether there were foreign land banks which advanced 100 per cent. of the purchase money to small holders; whether there were those which advanced from 90 to 100 per cent., and to what country did they belong; and whether there were Governments which advanced from 90 to 100 per cent. of the purchase money for small holdings direct, and, if so, what were these Governments?

There are land banks in Germany which advance 90 to 100 per cent. of the purchase money. The Government of Denmark advances 100 per cent. of the money direct.

Is it not a fact that in Denmark particularly the advance of from 90 to 100 per cent. of the purchase money to small holders simply enables them to pay higher prices for the land than they would otherwise do, and thereby increases the profits of the landlords?

I am not aware of that.

asked how many small holdings there existed in England and Wales in January, 1907, and how many were there in January, 1911?

The following statement shows the number of holdings between one and fifty acres in England and Wales, as returned in each of the last five years. The returns are collected in June in each year:—

May I ask the hon. Baronet if he will have his answer circulated with the Votes?

It will be circulated in the usual way.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will grant a Return of the number of applications for small holdings applied for and the number of applications granted in each county of England and Wales since the passing of the Small Holdings Act of 1907–8, together with the average size of the small holdings in each county respectively, the amount of land compulsorily acquired in each county, and the average price paid for land acquired compulsorily or non-compulsorily in each county respectively?

Practically all the information asked for by the hon. Member is contained in the Board's Annual Report for 1910, which has just been issued. This being the case, perhaps the hon. Member will not consider that any special Return is called for.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can give an assurance that no further appointments of officers in connection with the working of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act will be made before the first week in May?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture to what cause, apart from last week's frosts, he attributes the recent rapid increase in the price of potatoes; and whether, bearing in mind the losses suffered throughout the United Kingdom owing to the record crop of last year being attacked by potato disease, and the great distress caused to the poor by a shortage of potatoes, the Board will in good time this year take steps to impress upon potato growers the importance of spraying the crop with copper sulphate and lime as security against loss from the disease?

The satisfactory prices offered by continental buyers have led to a considerably increased exportation of potatoes during the present year, and owing to the existence of disease in 1910 the stocks in certain districts which generally supply markets at this late season of the year are much smaller than usual. The Board will be glad to adopt the suggestion made by the hon. Member in the latter part of the question.

Will the hon. Baronet consider the advisability of publishing some information in the local papers of the rural districts as to the advantages of spraying, so as to avoid the shortage next year which we are suffering from now?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board share the publicly expressed opinion of Dr. H. B. Fantham, of Christ's College, Cambridge, that the now prevalent Isle of Wight bee disease is identical with the highly infectious parasitic disease known as nosema apis; and, if so, whether, as suggested by Dr. Fantham, the Board will insist upon the immediate destruction by fire of all infected bees and hives and the débris there-from, so as to prevent the multiplication of the spores and the further spread of infection?

The Board are not in possession of the evidence upon which Dr. Fantham has arrived at the conclusions to which the hon. Member refers, but they are making inquiries on the subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the opinion of the medical advisers of the Board, after considering Dr. Hamill's report on the constitution of baking powders and self-raising flour, the prevalence of appendicitis and other intestinal disorders in this country is attributable, either wholly or in part, to the presence of calcium sulphate or plaster of paris in such preparations?

Present knowledge does not, as I am advised, enable a statement to be made as to whether food containing insoluble mineral matters, such as calcium sulphate, may be responsible for the production of appendicitis or of other intestinal disorders.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many eminent doctors in London hold the view that appendicitis is due to that cause?

I believe some do, and that a good number do not.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the report of the Board's inspectors on the sophistication, decolouration, and so-called improvement of flour, he will consider the advisability of prohibiting, either by legislative enactment or by administrative order the sale of any article as bread, without any qualifying prefix, which is made out of any substance or substances other than wheat flour, or which has been deprived of any of the contents of the wheat grain other than bran or fibre?

The question of taking action in the direction suggested, and other questions arising out of the Reports, are at present receiving my consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the existing law anything can be sold as bread, whatever its constituents, whatever may have been withdrawn from the flour or added to it?

That is an interpretation given to the existing law by some people, but I do not share that view.

had the following question down: To ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the area of the grazing and untenanted lands on the Massy estate, in the neighbourhood of Macroom, county Cork; whether any steps have been recently taken by the Estates Commissioners to acquire these for the purposes of distribution; is he aware that an arrangement was entered into between representatives of the tenants, including the hon. Member for Mid Cork, and legal agents acting for the owners, at a special sitting of the Estates Commissioners, held in their board room, Dublin, in November, 1906, that this untenanted land should be specially handed over to the Commissioners for distribution amongst the evicted tenants, labourers, and small holders; and that the workers in the town of Macroom were to be particularly provided for in this respect; was a shorthand note of the proceedings connected with this arrangement taken by an official of the Commissioners; does any minute of the arrangement referred to now exist; in what position do negotiations for the purchase of the Massy estate by the tenants at present stand; and when the untenanted and grazing lands come into the hands of the Commissioners will it be seen to that they are utilised in full accordance with the terms of the arrangement referred to?

The Chief Secretary has informed me that he has not received the information, but he hopes to publish the answer in the Votes.

Yes, that is so.

I see no reason why the Chief Secretary should not answer the question across the floor of the House now. I suppose this is another example of glaring injustice to a certain section of this House, of which we have had recent examples, and of which more will be heard!

The hon. Member is not asking a question; he is making a statement.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Local Government Board refused on appeal to sanction an old age pension to John Wallace, Clareen, Ardmayle, Cashel, on the grounds that he resided out of the country within the last ten years; whether he has resided in Ireland except for a period of seven months, when he went on a visit to his three sons in America; and whether he will advise the Local Government Board to grant him a pension?

John Wallace's claim was disallowed by the local pension subcommittee in December, 1908, and the committee's decision was confirmed on appeal by the Local Government Board. Wallace was nine months out of the United Kingdom within the past twenty years and during this absence had, on his own admission, no home here. It is not open to the Board to reconsider their decision.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will state the basis on which the means of James Kavanagh, of Knockaville, county Mayo, number in register 62 S. R., were calculated by the Local Government for Ireland in order to enable them to arrive at the decision that he was not entitled to a pension, his means exceeding the statutory limit; whether he is aware that the only means which James Kavanagh has is a right of maintenance, including board and lodging, reserved to him under an assignment in favour of his son, executed in March, 1909, on the occasion of the latter's marriage; whether he is aware that the local pension committee awarded a pension of 5s. per week, judged the annual value of a right of maintenance such as that reserved in this case; whether he will now state what annual value the Local Government Board have put in their right of maintenance; and whether they had the assistance of a report from one of their inspectors as to the means and circumstances of the applicant?

The local pension committee awarded a pension of 5s. a week to James Kavanagh as stated. The Local Government Board upheld the pension officer's appeal on the ground that the value of the maintenance and other privileges which Kavanagh derived from the farm he assigned to his son in the circumstances mentioned exceeded £31 10s. a year. The farm contained twenty-six acres of good land, and was well stocked, besides having nine acres under tillage. The answer to the last paragraph of the question is in the negative.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to a report of the judgment of Mr. Justice Eve in a case of Be Alfred Caton, deceased, Vincent v. Vatcher and others, being an action instituted by the Official Solicitor in connection with the affairs of a lunatic, and which action was dismissed with costs, to be paid by the Official Solicitor; whether such costs are payable by the Official Solicitor personally or out of the public funds; whether the Official Solicitor is paid a salary, and in addition thereto is permitted to make whatever profits he can out of the business entrusted to him; whether, seeing that the affairs of infants, lunatics, and other persons under disabilities are entrusted to him, the Government will consider the desirability of remunerating him by a fixed salary, in lieu of the present mode of remuneration; and whether he will cause a verbatim report of the judgment of Mr. Justice Eve to be laid upon the Table?

I am indebted to my hon. Friend for having called my attention to the judgment referred to. In view of the fact that the question of an appeal is under consideration I cannot go into the question of the merits of the action. According to the form of the action the Official Solicitor sues as next friend of the lunatic, and by the rules of the court the next friend is personally liable to pay the costs of the action if unsuccessful. The Official Solicitor receives a fixed remuneration for his services, but where he acts by direction of the court for persons under disability the expenses are usually recovered from the estates of those for whom he acts, and these costs are accounted for by him to the Treasury and are not received by him for his own benefit. I am informed that during the sixteen years' term of office of the present Official Solicitor the question of the cost of an unsuccessful action has only once had to be considered. The proceedings in the present case having been instituted after directions of the judge the question of the ultimate incidence of the costs is a matter which will be dealt with between the Official Solicitor's Department and the Treasury upon due consideration of the circumstances of the case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, with reference to the new Indian export duty to be levied on the exports of raw jute, if he will state the total value of the raw jute exported from India; and what is the total value of raw jute exported to British ports for consumption within the United Kingdom?

According to the Indian trade returns the value of the raw jute exports from India to all countries averaged £11,151,000 a year for the three years 1908 to 1910. Of these exports, exports to the average annual value of £4,547,000 were declared for shipment to the United Kingdom. For the actual imports into the United Kingdom and the re-exports, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member to-day.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he has any information concerning the railway accident near Dinapur on 5th April; what was the cause of the accident; and whether it had any political significance?

The Secretary of State has seen the reports in the Press on the subject, but has no further information. He has asked the Government of India for a full report.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he is aware that a Report sent out by Reuter's Agency on 6th April, and which appeared widely in the public Press, declaring that quantities of arms, picric acid, dynamite, and means for making bombs, had been discovered at the house of Anada Mohan Roy, a wealthy zemindar of Calcutta, and that the said Report has since been admitted to have been groundless; and whether, as this same agency makes it a practice to circulate misleading reports creating the impression that the people of India are given to lawlessness and political crime, and that these are a cause of irritation which may lead to disaffection with British rule, he will recommend the Government of India to apply the provisions of the Indian Press Law to this agency, or take other effective measures to put an end to the distribution of the continual misrepresentation of the people of India of which Reuter's Agency is guilty?

As regards the first-part of the question a Reuter's telegram of the 7th April corrected a statement reproduced by them on the 5th from the "Indian Daily News." The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative, but the culpability of circulating alarmist news based on inaccurate information is evident.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether the Secretary of State is aware that Lord Curzon's Police Commission reported in 1904 that the station-house police officer naturally concluded that his promotion depended upon his obtaining a high ratio of convictions and a low ratio of crime, and that he believed that much less attention was given to the methods of his work than to the results, and that but little inquiry would be made regarding the means provided the ends were satisfactory, and that in view of the evils flowing from the wide prevalence of these opinions among the subordinate police, it was a matter of imperative urgency that everything possible should be done to remove all justification for so damaging a belief; and whether he could state what steps had been taken by the Government of India or the Secretary of State to give effect to the above recommendation?

The Secretary of State is aware that the Commission reported in these terms. Their recommendations in the matter were: (1) that police work should be judged not by statistical results, but upon the facts elicited by inquiries based on statistics; (2) that inspections of police stations should be confined to criticism of the actual work done in relation to crime; (3) that in the reports of such inspections no statistics of crime should be given; (4) that a statement in use in one province, showing the percentage of convictions to persons arrested and prosecuted and a figure of merit, based on these percentages, for each district, should be abolished. In 1905 the Government of India accepted all of these recommendations, and my hon. Friend may take it that police work in India is no longer judged by statistical results.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, before legal proceedings are instituted against persons in Ireland for breach of the peace or riot, the county inspector in charge calls for written reports from the police present on the occasion; whether all reports tending to extenuation of the offence or acquittal of the accused are carefully withheld from the court, and only such evidence as may lead to conviction used; whether he has any official information showing that the adoption of these methods leads to the conviction of innocent men; and whether it is the duty of the Crown, in the interest of justice, to place all the facts before the court?

I am aware that before legal proceedings are instituted against persons in Ireland for breach of the peace or riot the county inspector, with a view to examining the evidence available, calls for reports as stated. It is the duty of the Crown in the interest of justice to place all the facts before the court, and there is no ground for the suggestion that evidence of any kind is withheld. All the evidence is truthfully and fairly given so far as the police are concerned.

Would the right hon. Gentleman confer with the Attorney-General for Ireland, who acted as Crown Prosecutor, as to whether evidence was suppressed? I can give him evidence of it myself.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will ask the Congested Districts Board to communicate direct with Mr. Denny, of Tralee, who is the receiver over the unsold portion of the John Sands estate, in North Kerry, with a view to immediate purchase of the same?

The Congested Districts Board will make further inquiries about the estate referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state if there is any provision in the Labourers (Ireland) Acts, or in the proposed Labourers Bill, which will permit agricultural labourers to acquire an additional acre of land, so as to supply milk for use of their family; and whether there is any provision which will give, through the rural district councils or otherwise, turbary as a fuel for the use of the labourers' cottages?