asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to take any steps for the re-arrangement of the diplomatic and consular service, so that British commercial interests should receive more active support from British legations in foreign countries than they have done in the past?

I am afraid that I do not understand the first suggestion contained in the question; and I do not admit the second suggestion. If the hon. Member will give me a specific case of want of proper support, it shall be enquired into.

The question was put with a view to seeing in what way our commercial position with foreign countries—

The hon. Member is entitled to ask a question, but not to make any statement.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (1) if he had any information as to an intention of the German Government to appoint technical advisers to their diplomatic service abroad; and, if so, whether he would consider the advisability of making similar appointments in the interests of British trade, and (2) if he would prepare for discussion at the Imperial Conference the question of the appointment of technical advisers to be attached to British legations abroad in the interests of the trade of the British Empire?

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention had been called to the determination of Germany to employ trade diplomatists in foreign capitals; and whether it is proposed to make similar appointments at the British Embassies and Legations?

I would point out to hon. Members that there are at present six Commercial Attaches for Europe, one for Japan, and one for China. Moreover, certain of the Dominions already possess their own trade agents. It is therefore not proposed to submit this question to the Imperial Conference.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, whether he had yet come to any decision as to the possibility of allowing the working hours of the junior clerks in the Foreign Office to terminate, except in cases of emergency, at two o'clock, instead of at four o'clock, on Saturday afternoon?

No decision has yet been reached, but the Secretary of State is at present of opinion that the general state of business in his Department is not such as will readily admit of a reduction of working hours.

Is the question still under consideration?

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if any negotiations have taken place between the Congested Districts Board and Mr. Chichester Constable for the sale by the latter of his property at Runamoat, in the county Roscommon; if so, when did these negotiations commence; what is the present condition of them; and whether there is any likelihood in the near future of this property being acquired?

The Congested Districts Board were in negotiation with Mr. Chichester Constable as to the sale of this estate from 1899 up to February, 1910. He then informed the Board that he would not sell unless he was paid the price he asked in cash, and in these circumstances the Board do not consider it probable that the estate can be acquired in the near future.

asked what has been the result, if any, of the request addressed to the Trinity College authorities to expedite the sale of their estate in and around Cahirciveen?

I have communicated, as I promised, with the Congested Districts Board, who inform me that the rental and maps in the case of this estate have not yet been furnished. The preparation of such documents necessarily involves considerable time.

asked whether the owners of the Lady Mossman and Miss Nicholson estates, situate in the Lakeview electoral division of the Sligo union, have been recently approached by the Congested Districts Board with a view to purchase; and, if so, can he say what has been the result of the negotiation?

The owners of both these estates have recently been asked by the Congested Districts Board if they were willing to negotiate for the sale of their property, but so far no reply has been received.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet approached Palmer M'Loghry, Esquire, Rusheen, Riverstown, county Sligo, with the view to the purchase of his estate, situate in the Templeranny electoral divivion, Boyle (No. 2) union, county Sligo; and, if so, with what result?

The Congested Districts Board have communicated with the owner of the estate referred to, but so far without any result. They will again write to him.

asked whether, in case the Congested Districts Board decide to purchase the estate of Miss Nicholson, which estate is situated in Leitrim North and rural district of Tubbercurry, county Sligo, the non-residential grazing farm on this estate would also be purchased and utilised for the enlargement of the small holdings in the district?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 10th April.

asked whether agreements have been made between Sir Gilbert King and his tenants in the parish of Kilmore, county Roscommon, for direct sale by the former of their holdings to the tenants; whether these agreements have yet been considered by the Estates Commissioners and the holdings defined to be an estate; and, if not, whether, before coming to a decision on this question, the Estates Commissioners will consider the necessity of including within the property to be sold the large amount of untenanted land, which comprises a portion of this property, which is needed for the enlargement of uneconomic holdings?

Agreements have been entered into as stated in the question. When the estate is reached in order of priority the matter referred to in the concluding paragraph will be duly considered by the Estates Commissioners.

asked why the Board of Works refused to sell John Rourke, Cloneyheniogue, Lusmagh, King's County, his farm under the Land Purchase Acts; and, in view of the fact that all the surrounding lands have been sold off, will something be done to compel the Board of Works to treat the man fairly, and not keep him outside the Act of Parliament, which has been availed of by every tenant for miles around him?

The Board of Works are advised that the Land Purchase Acts do not apply to these lands, which are held on an agreement terminable at any time on three months' notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of his statement that the claim for an opportunity of discussing the present position of land purchase in Ireland is a most reasonable one and that he appreciated the importance and urgency of the question as much as the senior Member for the City of Cork, he will arrange that the vote for the Chief Secretary's salary or for the Land Commission shall be put down for the first day of Irish Supply, so as to enable the subject to be discussed?

I have already agreed that the question of Irish education shall be put down for the first day of Irish Supply, but I will arrange that a later opportunity shall be given for the discussion for which the hon. Member asks.

asked what sums of money have been taken out of the Royal Irish Constabulary canteen fund, Phoenix Park depot, for the last ten years, and to what purposes they are allocated; who constitute the committee in charge of the Royal Irish Constabulary canteen; and by whom is the appointment or election of the committee made?

As regards the first paragraph of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 27th March. The canteen is managed by a committee consisting of three officers serving at the depot, who are selected by the commandant quarterly. A sub-committee is also formed by the commandant monthly in such a way that each company and troop will be represented by one man. The sub-committee consists of one head constable, one sergeant, one acting sergeant, and two constables, and at least one of its members must be a married man.

asked whether money has been provided out of the Royal Irish Constabulary canteen fund at the depoôt for the erection of a cricket pavilion in the Phœnix Park, and also for the construction of a gymnasium at the depoôt; if so, how much in each case; and whether he will consider the desirability of providing the cost of the pavilion and the gymnasium by the State instead of taking it out of a private fund belonging to the police?

Six hundred and twenty-five pounds were paid in 1885 for the erection of a cricket pavilion, and £698 was paid in 1898 for the erection and equipment of a gymnasium. Both sums were provided from the Canteen Fund. Since 1905 the upkeep of the gymnasium has been paid out of public funds, but it was decided in that year that the question of recovering from the State the original outlay on the gymnasium could not be considered, and I see no reason to depart from that decision.

asked the number of policemen who were in the parish of Kilmore, county Roscommon, on Sunday the 23rd April; how many of these were specially drafted in for that day; from what stations they were imported; what was the expense incurred, and by whom it would be paid; further, whether there was any call for an extra force of police from any of the people of the parish, except that made by the agent of a property consisting of untenanted land in the district which he considered might be discussed at a public meeting held that day in Kilmore and addressed by two Members of Parliament; and whether this is sufficient reason for the introduction of a large extra force of police?

On the 23rd April, twenty-three police were on duty in Kilmore, of whom eighteen were drafted in from Strokestown, Elphin, Hillstreet, and Gillstown. The expense incurred will be defrayed from the Constabulary Vote. The police authorities, who are responsible for the preservation of the peace, considered that the force mentioned was necessary on the occasion in question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the declaration of Judge Bodkin at the opening of the Ennis quarter sessions on 20th April, that county Clare deserved congratulations that there were so few crimes in it, and that compared with English counties of the same size and population the contrast would be strikingly in favour of county Clare; and whether he will now take steps to reduce the police force in county Clare to the proportions corresponding to the most favourably reputed English counties?

I have seen a newspaper report of Judge Bodkin's address referred to. The responsible police authorities are not prepared at present to recommend a reduction in the police force in county Clare.

Is it not the fact that at the last Assizes the judge commented upon the improved condition of the county, and will the right hon. Gentleman consider if it is possible to make some reduction in the extremely large force of police which is a great burden upon the ratepayers and which is really unnecessary?

It will be in the recollection of the right hon. Gentleman that the judge also stated at the same time that the state of affairs in the county of Clare is most unsatisfactory.

May I ask whether it is not the fact that the right hon. Gentleman could not possibly recollect that because the judge never said it?

I am very glad to know that the state of Clare is improved, and we all look forward to the period when it will improve even more than it has done, but the police have within their knowledge quite recently occurrences in that admirable county which make it impossible for me at present to recommend any reduction of the police force.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, as this is a serious matter affecting the credit of a great county, whether it is not the fact that judged by statistics by any test, there is far less crime of any kind in the county of Clare than in any British town?

I have no doubt that there is a great deal of substance in the observation of the hon. Member. At the same time, there have been within the last few days instances of firing and wounding in Clare, which make it impossible for me to give it that clean bill of health which it wishes me to declare.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is more crime in the city of Bristol than in the whole county of Clare?

asked whether the securities to the credit of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction in Ireland, representing capital and unexpended balances, on the 31st March, 1910, amounted to £276,446, plus £35,000 to credit in the Bank of Ireland, making a total of £311,416; at what subsequent dates, respectively, during the financial year 1910–11 were the various endowments under the Agriculture and Technical Acts, and other Acts, and under the Ireland Development Grant, due and payable to the Department; if there is at all times a sum well over £200,000 to the credit of the Department; and, under the circumstances, would it be a proper application of a small part of the above fund to carry out the drainage scheme of the Barrow recommended by the Viceregal Commission on Arterial Draiange (Ireland), which reported in 1907?

The cash value of the securities referred to was £246,759 on the 31st March, 1910. Adding the £35,000 then on deposit in the Bank of Ireland, the total cash value was £281,759, the whole of which sum is hypothecated. The liabilities on this sum are set forth on pages 8 to 10 of the last Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture. The several items of income under the Agriculture and Technical Instruction Act and other Acts and from the Ireland Development Grant are received at various dates, mostly towards the end of the financial year. The funds of the Department are applied under Statute for the purposes of agriculture, technical instruction, and fisheries, and could not be properly diverted to a scheme of arterial drainage.

Does not Section 16 of the Act creating the Board say that any surplus remaining shall be applied to agriculture and other rural industries; and is not the drainage of the country an agricultural purpose?

I do not think it was in the contemplation of Parliament when it appropriated these by no means excessive sums for the promotion of agriculture and rural industries that any large portion of the money should be diverted to such expensive schemes as arterial drainage. I think at any rate other schemes have predominant claims.

What are the Board of Works going to do seeing they have received authority from the Treasury to proceed with the drainage?

I am afraid I must ask for notice as that Department is not under control.

Is there not a sum of £200,000 or thereabouts already to the credit of this Department?

Yes, but the income is hypothecated by Statute to certain purposes.

asked whether two evicted tenants named, respectively, John Lawrence and James Cassidy, both of Rathmore, Portarlington, King's County, have been reinstated in their old holdings on the Warburton estate, Garryhinch, which has been sold to the tenants through the Land Judge's Court; and, in view of the fact that those tenants have been out of possession for the past six years, that their houses have fallen into dilapidation, and that they are bereft of any means, what provision, if any, has been made enable them to work their farms?

The Estates Commissioners cannot trace the receipt of any applications from John Lawrence or James Cassidy.

asked whether it is the intention of the Estates Commissioners to provide James Kennedy, evicted tenant, Army Hill, Moneygall, King's County, with an equivalent to the holding he was evicted from twenty-three years ago; and, in view of the fact that the untenanted lands on the estate known as Adamstown Upper are to be distributed among the deserving applicants in the district, will Kennedy's claim be considered?

An application was received from James Kennedy for reinstatement in a holding on the estate of Colonel Blackett, King's County, the greater part of which is now in the occupation of another tenant. Kennedy was offered a holding on another estate which he refused. His application will be further considered when the estate upon which his former holding is situate comes before the Estates Commissioners to be dealt, with under the Land Purchase Acts.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners were aware that the farm from which John Sullivan was evicted at Richfordstown, near Clonakilty, county Cork is derelict and on the hands of the landlord, Mr. Jasper Lucas; and what steps, if any, had been taken by them to reinstate the evicted tenant?

The Estates Commissioners have been informed by the owner that Sullivan's former holding is intermixed with other lands which are worked by him and which are his only means of livelihood, and he is not prepared to sell the holding. Sullivan's name has been noted for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land which may be acquired by the Commissioners

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the Census enumerator at Banagher, who is a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary, has refused to accept the Census return filled up by Mr. C. J. O'Riordan on the ground that it is filled up exclusively in Irish; and whether, in view of the arrangements made by the Registrar-General for the acceptance of Census returns filled up in Irish, he would state what steps he proposed to take in the matter?

The facts are as stated. Information in Irish can only be accepted from those who speak Irish only, and arrangements have been made to facilitate all such persons. The Census forms provide for a full return of the number of persons who speak Irish only and Irish and English. In the event of English-speaking persons, such as Mr. O'Riordan, refusing to fill the form in any language but Irish, the practice is that the form is translated at the central office and the translation is verified by the enumerator.

Is this the only person in Ireland who has filled up the Census return in Irish?

I have not the particulars before me at present.

asked why the Estates Commissioners refused to purchase the untenanted land on the estate of O'Hara Trench, near Banagher, King's County; and whether this land has now been taken over by eleven months' graziers, amongst the latter being Mr. Burdett, a landlord who is letting his own land on the eleven months' system?

The Estates Commissioners have purchased and distributed the untenanted land on the estate referred to. They refused to purchase the holding held by Captain Burdett as tenant unless it was sold to them as untenanted land for the purpose of distribution. The Commissioners have been informed that the vendors received a higher offer for the lands than that named by the Commissioners, and that, being trustees for sale, they had accepted the higher offer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. R. G. Rogerson, who is mentioned in a prospectus issued by the Werompi (Ashanti) Rubber and Gold Concessions Company, Limited, as having surveyed certain gold mines in West Africa, was formely a surveyor to the Crown Agents for the Colonies?

No, Sir.

asked the Lord Advocate whether the new draft scheme of superannuation for teachers has been issued to the school boards of Scotland; and if he will cause a similar copy to be issued to the Members of Parliament for Scotland?

The answer to both parts of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a pension officer is authorised to stop or revoke a pension duly granted by a pension committee without the instructions of the Board of Customs?

Pension officers have no power, either with or without the authority of the Board of Customs and Excise, of revoking pensions granted by the pension authority. In cases in which it is clear that disqualification has arisen, payment of pension is provisionally stopped pending the decision of the pension authority, but pension officers have instructions not to make such provisional stoppages without previous reference to the Board, except in certain clearly defined classes of cases, and where the evidence of disqualification is conclusive.

asked the names of Scottish railway companies that were required to pay Income Tax by the statutory date this year, and the names of those for whom the time was extended?

Under Statute Income Tax is payable by railway companies in Scotland on or before the 1st January, and application for the payment of the tax was made to them, as to other taxpayers, in the ordinary course.

In view of the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has stated that this temporary remission of Income Tax is the regular practice in former years, may I ask that the Scottish companies may for the sake of fairness have priority in future years in the same circumstances of over budgetting?

It is rather a long question, and I should like to see it before I can answer it. It seems to me entirely not in accordance with any facts known to me.

I was quoting the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

I do not recognise the quotation.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the amount of Income Tax due in respect of the year 1910–11, exclusive of Super-tax, which was not paid into the Exchequer on 31st March, 1911; what was the approximate percentage which this sum bears to the total amount of Income Tax, exclusive of Super-tax, due for the same year; and what were the similar percentages for the years ending 31st March, 1905, 1906, and 1907?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Baronet, the Member for the City of London, on the 18th instant, by which he will see that we cannot give the information desired in the two first parts of the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the distinction between my question and that of the hon. Baronet the Member for the City of London (Sir F. Banbury), who inquired the proportion of money received by the Income Tax Commissioners, whereas I have asked for the amount which was not paid into the Exchequer—two separate things.

The hon. Gentleman asks me "the amount of Income Tax due in respect of the year 1910–11, exclusive of super-tax which was not paid into the Exchequer." First of all, I should have to find out what was the amount of Income Tax which was due.

Will he give me the best approximate percentage which this sum bears to the total amount of Income Tax, exclusive of Super-tax due for the same year—the word approximate being put in the question for the purpose.

It it is quite clear what the difference between his question and that of the hon. Baronet is, but when you deal with figures at the Treasury it is better not to deal with approximate figures. As soon as I have the actual figures I will give them, but until then I will not give approximate figures.

Will he give us these approximate figures before the question of Income Tax is discussed in Committee?

No; I have already said I will not give approximate figures.

Will he give us the actual figures before the matter is discussed in Committee?

Yes, if that is possible, but it depends upon the date at which the figures are discussed in Committee.

asked at what dates in the years 1905, 1906, 1907, and 1908 Income Tax was received by the Inland Revenue from each of the eight railway companies already announced; and on what dates were these sums, or their approximate equivalent, paid into the Exchequer in each of those years?

The second moiety of the Income Tax payable by the companies in question was received from them by the Inland Revenue in the four years specified between the 20th and the 30th March, except in two cases, where the dates were 31st March and 1st April. Payment to the Exchequer was made on the following day. For the year 1909–10, the second moiety was not paid by the railway companies nor by the taxpayers generally until after the close of the financial year, except in one case, where payment was made on 29th March.

Was the money paid into the Exchequer before the end of the financial year in those cases for the years stated in my question, and not for the subsequent year that the right hon. Gentleman mentioned?

Yes, wherever it was received in time to do so.

asked whether there were any companies, firms, or persons, other than the eight railway companies already announced, to whom requests have been made not to pay Income Tax till after 31st March?

I beg to refer to my reply to the hon. Member for the Brent-ford Division of Middlesex on the 20th instant?

Has the right hon. Gentleman not received any further information since that date, or made any further inquiry?

No. There was no need to make any further inquiry and I have received no further information.

asked why persons who have failed to pay small sums of Income Tax have had their goods distrained while at the same time large and wealthy companies have been advised that they might delay payment; and if this differentiation of treatment was adopted with the knowledge or under the instructions of the Treasury?

If the hon. Member will consult my reply of the 20th instant to the hon. Member for the Kingswinford Division he will see that there is no justification whatever for the suggestion contained in the question.

Is it not a fact that small Income Tax-payers for some weeks past have been and are now being distrained upon?

I do not know of any actual instances, but I am willing to assume that certain small payers who have not paid have been distrained upon, and that has been done in every year that I know of. In no case that I know of, though I have heard of them, have any such proceedings been taken until a period of grace was given long in excess of the period mentioned in connection with the railway companies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware, from the proof furnished to him, that there has been exceptional severity in many districts this year?

No, I am not aware of it. The hon. Member sent me five cases, in one of which there was absolute refusal to pay any Income Tax at all. These were sedulously collected from an area containing some millions of people.

Is it not a fact that at the time these small Income Tax-payers were distrained upon the Income Tax due from the railway companies had not been paid, and no distraint was made on the property of the railway companies for it?

No, it is not true. What happened was this. In the case of the railway companies, as I have repeatedly explained, their payments were due on 20th March. Collection was ordered by an officer of the Inland Revenue to make them by 30th March, ten days after the date when it was due. That was by an accident delayed until three or four days after that date, making fourteen days in all. In no case that I know of has distraint been made upon any person until more than two months has elapsed after the date when it was due.

Has the right hon. Gentleman the smallest warrant for saying the cases to which he refers were sedulously collected from several millions of people, and if so, what?

My warrant for saying it is this. The hon. Member stated the fact to the House. I asked him to collect and send me any cases he had. He sent me five cases, one of which was a point-blank refusal to pay. There were four other cases, which represented, I suppose, all that he could collect out of not merely the Mile End district, which he represents, but a large portion of the East End of London.

As the statement has been made—

This is rather a subject matter for debate than for question and answer.

asked on what system are the periodic instalments of their remuneration paid to collectors of Income Tax?

Provided the collector's duties are satisfactorily performed, an advance of half of his normal remuneration is made on 1st of Febraury, when the date of closing the collection is 28th February; of one-third on 1st February and one-third on 1st March, when the date of closing is 31st March; and of one-fourth on 1st February, 1st March, and 1st April respectively, when the date of closing is 30th of April.

Have not the sums withheld from the full payments in usual years been withheld in the same proportion this year?

I do not quite understand the question. No departure has been made this year from the practice of former years.

asked (1) what were the reasons for postponing the appointment of Assistant-Comptroller of the National Debt Office from the 30th July of last year until the present month; whether the duties of the Assistant-Comptroller have been efficiently performed by the office staff during the last 10 months; and what were the grounds for ultimately making the appointment outside the ranks of the Civil Service; (2) at what date was the post of Assistant-Comptroller of the National Debt Office offered to Mr. Soares; what were the qualifications of the late Government Whip for the appointment; what is the salary attached to the office; at what date will Mr. Soares become eligible for pension; what will be the amount of pension to which he will be entitled; and (3), whether the appointment of Assistant-Comptroller of the National Debt Office was conferred on Mr. Soares, a Junior Lord of the Treasury, because there was no one eligible for promotion in the National Debt Office or in any other department of the Civil Service; and, if not, on what grounds this appointment was made from outside the Civil Service?

asked on what grounds the late Member for the Barnstaple Division was appointed to the position of Assistant-Comptroller of the National Debt Office; whether the late Assistant-Comptroller had actuarial qualifications and long experience in the office; whether such qualifications and experience are essential for the discharge of the duties; whether the new Assistant-Comptroller has any actuarial qualifications or any experience for the office; whether he gave ill-health as the reason for the resignation of his position as a Liberal Whip; whether, in his new office, he will be expected to keep office hours as the late Assistant-Comptroller did, and what these office hours are; whether this position of Assistant-Comptroller has been almost invariably filled in the past by the promotion of some qualified person serving in the office; if he is aware that, of the thirty-three officials in this office, no less than fourteen have put themselves to the labour and expense of qualifying as associates or fellows of the Institute of Actuaries; and whether it is now the settled policy of the Treasury to discourage ability and good service by the introduction into an office of unqualified outsiders over the heads of the qualified men of long service in the office?

Sir Ernest Soares was appointed to the post of Assistant-Comptroller of the National Debt Office on the ground that he would bring to that post a ripe legal knowledge and training which would be of advantage to the office. The late Assistant-Comptroller had actuarial qualifications, which are a requisite in the subordinate posts he had previously held in the Department, but which are not an essential in the two highest positions. Sir Ernest did not resign his appointment as Whip owing to ill-health, and will be expected to keep the ordinary office hours, which are from 10–5 legally, but by custom in the higher posts of much longer duration. This position has been filled by appointment from outside as often as it has been filled from inside the office. The Treasury will always be willing to encourage ability wherever discoverable, but good service in subordinate appointments does not necessarily indicate ability or capacity to fill the higher positions in the Civil Service. The salary attached to the office of Assistant - Comptroller of the National Debt Office is £800 a year, rising by annual increments of £50 to £1,000 a year. Under the Superannuation Acts the holder is eligible for pension after completion of ten years' service if retired on the ground of age or ill-health. In such event the amount of the pension would be one-eightieth of his retiring salary for each completed year of service.

Is there no one in the National Debt Office of sufficient ability to entitle him to this promotion?

I have already said in my opinion there is no one suited to fill this post.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my first question, none of the points of which have been touched?

The reason for postponing the appointment of Assistant-Comptroller was that there was at the time no one in the office, and there is now no one in our judgment, who is fitted to do the work which is required of the second officer in the Department. It is responsible and difficult work, and it is not easy for some time to find persons exactly suited to it. The duties have not been performed by the staff during the last ten months, but by the Secretary to the Comptroller-General, who has been doing double duty.

If it be necessary now that the person should have legal qualifications for this position, how is it that that qualification was not necessary when the appointment was last made, seeing that the late Assistant-Comptroller had not legal but actuarial qualifications? May I ask further, seeing that the appointment is under Civil Service conditions, if the ordinary Civil Service conditions in regard to examination has been complied with in this case?

May I ask whether it is not the fact that Sir E. Soares informed the Government that he could not hope to hold his seat in Devonshire while the Government intended to proceed with the Home Rule Bill for Ireland?

Is it not the fact that this particular practice of dumping politicians on the National Debt Office will prevent competent persons from joining that office and rising to the higher positions, and, further, is it not the fact that Sir E. Soares's legal knowledge must have become rather rusty while acting as a Government Whip?

We cannot have a Debate on this question now.

I understand that, as regards the numerous questions which have been put to me, opportunity for discussion will arise on the Motion for getting the Speaker out of the Chair on the Civil Service Estimates. That will be a very suitable opportunity for answering the questions which have been addressed to me from all parts of the House. With regard to the question of the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr. Snowden), I cannot say, without inquiry, whether or not a medical certificate has been given to Sir E. Soares, but from the information in my possession I can say that it would be not at all difficult for him to get one, if he has not already obtained one.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having in view the dissatisfaction and mistrust felt concerning the present method of appointing persons to serve as justices of the peace, he will consider the advisability of affording to the Members of this House an early opportunity for the discussion of the whole question?

To ask the Prime Minister whether he contemplates any change in regard to the appointment of justices of the peace?

To ask the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement as to the future appointments to the county bench?

To ask the Prime Minister what definite steps had been taken during the past year to secure a more satisfactory method of selecting justices of the peace?

To ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which has been expressed for years past with the composition and decisions of many benches of magistrates, he would either modify the existing magistracy by a large number of new appointments or would introduce legislation by which magistrates should retain office only for a limited period, subject to possible reappointment?

To ask the Prime Minister whether he would give a day for the discussion of the appointments of justices of the peace?

To ask the Prime Minister in how many counties advisory committees have been appointed to help the Lord Lieutenants and the Lord Chancellor in the selection of magistrates; whether these committees have proved successful; and whether they have tended to reduce political bias as a factor in the selection of the magistrates?

While I am quite prepared to deal with most of the points involved in the questions, there are still one or two matters on which I am completing my information, and I should therefore prefer to postpone my reply till Monday.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government intends to obtain the opinion of the Imperial Conference with reference to the question of subsidies and contracts for the conveyance of mails between this country and the Dominions?

The general question of postal communications will be discussed at the Conference.

asked the Prime Minister if he contemplates giving the House an opportunity of discussing the question of the appointment of a Minister of Commerce?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the fact that strong objections are entertained by those interested in the more effective control of refreshment houses in Scotland to the passage of the Shops Bill, in its present form, unless the Burgh Police (Scotland) Bill is also passed into law; and if, in view of the non-contentious character of the latter Bill, time can be taken for the Second Beading stage before the Shops Bill passes through Committee?

I quite concur with my hon. Friend's view, and I will do my best to meet his wishes.

asked the Prime Minister if he can say when the Budget will be presented; what is the reason for the delay; and why it was not presented at the ordinary interval after the close of the last financial year?

There is no fixed or usual date for the presentation of the Budget. I cannot name the precise date for its introduction at present, but I hope that it will be as soon as the Parliament Bill is disposed of in this House.

May I ask whether any assurance can be given by the Prime Minister that when the Budget is brought in it will be passed in the usual way, and not piecemeal in three portions, as in the case of the Budget of last year?

We have only just got rid of last year's Budget, and I should not like to venture to give any assurance as to the future in view of our experience in the past.

asked the Prune Minister whether his attention had been called to the fact that, under existing conditions, men summoned to act as common jurors in criminal cases not only receive no remuneration for their services, but, if living at a distance, have to pay their own travelling expenses, and are in consequence losers of both time and money; and whether he will undertake to give Members of Parliament an opportunity, before voting for salaries for themselves, for work voluntarily undertaken, to vote for fair remuneration for those working men who are compelled to serve the State as common jurors?

Upon the subject of the status and remuneration of jurors—which has, in my opinion, no connection with the question of payment of Members—I must refer the hon. Gentleman to answers given by the Home Secretary on 6th and 20th March.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, as the opportunities for discussion of questions raised by private Members are now practically nil the Government will take care to hold a preliminary inquiry before legislation is introduced?

While not satisfied with the existing state of the law in regard to the conditions under which common jurors serve in criminal cases, we think there should be some preliminary inquiry before any change is proposed.

May I ask if the inquiry will take place at an early date?

I have had some communications on this subject. I think that there should be an inquiry either by a Departmental Committee or possibly by a Royal Commission, but I have not finally decided either upon the form of the inquiry or the terms of reference.

May I ask whether the inquiry should not be by a Select Committee of the House?

I am quite willing to consider that suggestion.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what is the amount of money which has been advanced by the Road Board to local bodies for the purpose of making improvements in roads; and what is the estimated cost of carrying out the improvements by such local bodies towards which the Roads Board contributed?

The total grants made by the Road Board with the approval of the Treasury to highway authorities towards works of road improvement amount to £141,568. In addition, grants amounting to about £425,000 have been indicated, and the details are now in course of settlement between various authorities and the Board. The estimated cost of carrying out the improvements to which the Board have contributed £141,568 is £246,231.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, in accordance with Section 8 of the Education Act more than ten rate-payers in the area affected have signed a petition against the transfer of the Alderley Edge School to the Cheshire county authority; and whether he will make further inquiry before agreeing to the transfer?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Very careful consideration was given to the proposal in all its bearings and, as my right hon. Friend has stated in reply to a question addressed to him by the hon. Member for the Holmfirth Division of Yorkshire on the 10th April, the transfer has already received the approval of the Board. My hon. Friend is perhaps not aware that the proposal, which was estimated to effect a saving of some £2,000 to the rates, was supported by a petition signed by 270 ratepayers.

May I ask if the ratepayers who petitioned against the transfer were accorded a proper opportunity of stating their views to the Board of Education independently of the local authority?

They had lull opportunity of stating their views to the Board, and their views were very carefully considered.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will state what accommodation is provided in Capel Curig, Carnarvonshire, Council school; whether such accommodation has been found suitable and adequate; how many children are attending the school and what is the teaching staff; whether any changes have recently been made by the local education authority in the staff; whether such change has been carried out with the concurrence of the managers; whether all the conditions have been fulfilled which entitled the school to a grant; and whether such grant was paid last year?

The school has recognised accommodation for forty-six infants and eighty-four older children. The accommodation is considered quite satisfactory. The average number of children on the books in the year ended 80th June, 1910, was forty-two, and the average attendance was thirty-nine; and the teaching staff consisted at that time of a certificated head-master and one supplementary teacher. The Board have not been informed of any changes in the staff. The managers failed to comply with the requirement of Article 49 of the code. It is understood that their refusal to sign the usual form certifying that the school had been conducted as a public elementary school and so forth was intended as a protest against the refusal of the local education authority, who provide the school, to substitute an uncertificated teacher for the supplementary teacher on the staff. As all other conditions of grant had been fulfilled, the Board, in the exercise of the general powers inherent in their jurisdiction, dispensed with the formality of the signature by the managers of the usual forms of certificate and paid the grant in full.

Does that giving of the grant mean that the Board agree with the local education authority that a certificated teacher is not required there?

Yes, Sir, the Board are satisfied that the school is being adequately kept up.

asked what opportunity, if any, after the publication of the circular, was given to Mr. Holmes to explain the reasons which induced him to send it out, and the circumstances under which it was written?

The Noble Lord's question is not quite clear. Mr. Holmes has been in Italy for some time. The circumstances under which Mr. Holmes wrote his confidential Memorandum, and his views as to the extent of the distribution of the Memorandum amongst his colleagues, are shown on the papers in the possession of the Board, and nothing would be gained by inviting him now, after an interval of a year, to furnish further explanations.

Are we to understand that it is the practice of Ministers to shift the responsibility which ought to rest on their shoulders on to those of subordinates who are no longer in office?

No, Sir, it is not.

asked the President of the Local Government Board under what conditions regarding rebuilding the Doncaster Corporation pulled down a large number of slum dwellings in 1908, and if these conditions have been complied with; and if he can give the House any information respecting the housing conditions of Doncaster?

Under the powers given by their Local Acts of 1904 and 1908 the Doncaster Corporation acquired and demolished numerous houses for the purpose of effecting street and other improvements, thereby displacing a considerable number of persons of the working classes. It was their duty under the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1903, before entering on those houses, to submit proposals to the Board in regard to the provision of accommodation for the persons displaced, and I communicated with them, requiring a housing scheme to be submitted. I ascertained that the Corporation had erected a number of wooden dwellings to house temporarily persons displaced under the Act of 1908, and I have received a very unsatisfactory report of these dwellings, and have written to the Corporation on the subject. The Corporation submitted a scheme for the erection of houses on a site which appeared to be unsuitable, and I have refused to sanction the proposals. They are now reconsidering the matter with a view to the submission of amended proposals without delay. As regards housing conditions generally in Doncaster, I find that the medical officer of health, in his report for 1910, gives some indication of overcrowding, but I understand that the general question of housing is prominently before the Corporation at the present time.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received any notification from the Union Government of South Africa with reference to a Bill, which has been read a third time by the Union Parliament, by which such Government will have the power of offering the carriage of British mails to foreign shipping lines in competition with British shipping?

A Minute has been received from the Union Ministers containing the text of a clause in the Bill referred to, to which an amendment had been proposed in the Union Parliament confining mail contracts to British ships. This amendment was rejected, and the Bill as passed contains no differential provisions against British ships. On the 17th March the Union Minister of Posts and Telegraphs stated in the Union Parliament that the Union Government had never contemplated any but a British company, and never would entertain any contract with a company other than a British one.

asked the Prime Minister if he would state what countries, other than the United States and Germany, have a Minister of Commerce; and if he has any information to give the House as to the effect such appointments have had on the commercial prosperity of any such countries?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Parliamentary Paper Commercial No. 3 (1904). The Board of Trade performs the functions of a Ministry of Commerce in this country. He can form his own opinion of the effect of such offices on commercial prosperity.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can grant the same facilities for monthly journals, irrespective of weight, to be sent through the post for one halfpenny as are given to weekly newspapers?

The rate fixed by the Act of 1870 at which registered newspapers printed and published in the United Kingdom at intervals of not more than seven days are conveyed through the post is un-remunerative, and I am not prepared to extend it to matter not privileged by the Act.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give such instructions as may be necessary to prevent the use by vessels holding no warrant from the Admiralty of ensigns other than the red ensign?

Whenever it comes to the knowledge of the Admiralty that a vessel is using an unauthorised ensign, steps are taken to stop such use. No special instructions on the subject appear to be necessary at the present time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the maximum additional sum that will become chargeable to any future Navy Estimates by reason of the increased scale of salary that it is proposed to pay the Class 1 clerks of the secretariat of the Admiralty; and whether, seeing that the only reason assigned for the increased scale is that the Class 1 clerks of the Board of Trade and the Local Government Board have been placed on the higher scale, he will see his way to withdraw the concession, and so relieve the future Navy Estimates of an entirely unnecessary charge?

It would be impossible to forecast with any exactness what would be the figure asked for by my hon. Friend in the first part of the question, but it is found that on present numbers the increased expense will gradually rise from about £190 in the current financial year to about £850 in 1926–27. The reason assigned by my hon. Friend was the occasion rather than the cause for the change, and was so intended in the answer given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on the 19th April. The reply to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that although gun deafness does not cause many cases of invalidity from the Navy there are many cases of officers and men whose hearing has been impaired from this cause; whether he is aware that the use of cotton wool as a preventative is considered by the medical profession to be of little use; whether he is aware that a mixture of plasticine and cotton wool is recommended by the Home Office in workshops and factories where noise deafness is prevalent; and whether he will see that similar material is issued by the Admiralty for use on board ship by officers and men?

I am aware that there are many cases of officers and men whose hearing has been impaired for the reason given, without resulting in their being invalided from the Navy. Tests have been carried out upon various preventatives, but opinions differ very widely as to their relative efficiency. An ear paste is already prepared and issued where demanded.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the conditions under which certain assistant engineers for temporary service were entered in the Royal Navy in 1901 and 1902, were similar, as regards promotion, to the conditions under which assistant engineers on the permanent list were entered; whether ho is aware that in 1903 engineer officers' titles were changed and the promotion of those on the permanent staff accelerated, and that such acceleration was withheld from the temporary service officers, who thereby found many junior officers promoted over their heads through no fault of their own; and whether, seeing that such temporary service officers have now become engineer lieutenants on the permanent list, but are more than two years further down in the seniority list than those with whom they were originally of equal seniority, he will consider the position of such officers, and take steps for the purpose of restoring to them the seniority that they have lost?

Assistant engineers for temporary service who entered the Royal Navy in 1901 and 1902, had to serve for six years before being eligible for transfer to the permanent list, and, if then accepted for transfer, were promoted to the rank of engineer lieutenant. Assistant engineers on the permanent list were eligible at that time for promotion after five to six years' service from date of entry, according to the results of their examinations on entry. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The subject raised in the third part of the question was carefully considered by the Board in 1903, but it was decided that no alteration should be made in the regulation requiring six years' service before transfer to the permanent list with promotion. This decision obviously affected not only the seniority of the assistant engineers entered for temporary service, but also the relative seniority of their contemporaries on the permanent list; and I fear that for this reason it is not practicable to reconsider the decision after this lapse of time.

asked the Secretary of Stale for the Home Department if he can say approximately how many additional stipendiary magistrates would be required in order to establish in England and Wales a complete system of stipendiaries?

It would be impossible to estimate beforehand the number of stipendiary magistrates who would be required to do the work now done by the unpaid justices. Much would depend on how far country cases and cases from small towns could be brought into the larger towns; but in any case the number would amount to several hundreds.

In view of the difficulty of obtaining justice at some of these local benches, would not it be well for the Government to make inquiry as to the cost of appointing stipendiary magistrates?

I do not think I should like to commit myself to further inquiries on a subject of this sort on such short notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he is aware that the twelve or thirteen hours during which he has stated that the police were on duty in the recent disturbance in Sidney Street involved a fast ranging from twelve to twenty-one hours, and whether he intends to make arrangements to cope with such emergencies; and (2) whether he is aware that a charge against his Department has been publicly made by the Rev. Lionel Lewis to the effect that the truth about the privations of the police during the recent disturbance in Sidney Street has been deliberately concealed; and whether he will take steps to refute that charge, either by personal inspection of evidence or by public inquiry?

I have nothing to add to the answers I gave the Noble Lord on the 20th instant with regard to this matter. There is not, of course, the slightest foundation for the suggestion that anything has been concealed.

asked when the Minutes of Evidence of the Accident Committee will be published?

They have now been issued.

asked the Attorney General whether he can advise Members as to the power or otherwise of the Development Commissioners to make advances for industrial development in the United Kingdom under Part I. of the Development Act of 1909?

In answer to my hon. Friend I cannot advise Members of this House as to the power of the Development Commissioners. My duty is to advise the Crown.

asked the Attorney-General what steps would be necessary in order to constitute the court for the trial of Election Petitions a court of three judges instead of two?

The constitution of the court for the trial of Election Petitions is now regulated by Section 2 of the Parliamentary Elections and Corrupt Practices Act, 1879, which provides that the trial of Election Petitions should be conducted before two judges instead of one. Legislation would be necessary to constitute the court for trial of Election Petitions a court of three judges.

Will the Government also consider the propriety of going back to the old plan by which this House had control?

Will the learned Attorney-General take steps to discourage the view which is prevalent in some quarters that the decisions of the Election Petitions are not impartial?

asked whether it is intended to embody in legislation any or all of the recommendations of the Report of the Departmental Committee on Pilotage; and, if so, when a Bill is likely to be introduced?

The Report is receiving consideration, and I may be able to introduce a Bill dealing with pilotage in the course of the present Session, but I cannot at present make any definite promise on the subject.

asked whether the policy holders in the Irish Provident Assurance Company, which is now before the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice in Ireland on petition for its formal winding up, will be returned the premiums paid by them to the company on their policies, or whether, without forfeiting their premiums, they will be bound to continue as policy holders in a new company which it is understood is being formed to take over the engagements of the old company; and whether, in the interval, till a scheme was prepared, the policy holders will be bound to pay their premiums?

The first part of the hon. Member's question depends on the amount of the assets possessed by the Irish Provident Assurance Company and the contract between the company and its policy-holders. Both these questions will be ascertained by the Court in the event of the Court making an order for winding-up. With regard to the second part of the question, a transfer of policies from one assurance company to another company may be effected either by order of the Court, after hearing policy-holders desiring to object, or by means of agreements made with the policy-holders individually. If the scheme of arrangement, the preparation of which has been approved by Mr. Justice Barton, is proceeded with, it cannot, as I have already pointed out, become binding on the policy-holders unless agreed to by a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the policy-holders present, either in person or by proxy, at the meeting, and it must be approved by the Court. In no case has the Board of Trade any power of control or of supervision, nor is the Board of Trade in a position to give advice to policy-holders with regard to the payment of their premiums.

If the company be transfered, will the three-fourths majority bind the one-fourth?

I would like to have notice of that.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the first Commissioner of Works, whether he can explain the cause of delay in the matter of the new post office at Devonport; and whether he is aware that the present structure is in a most dilapidated condition, and that the promised new building is long overdue?

The commencement of the work has been delayed in order to provide for additional requirements and modifications desired by the Post Office. All necessary precautions have been taken to render the present structure secure. Provision has been made in this year's Estimates to begin the work.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor in office informed me that it was anticipated, when I asked for information, that the work would be commenced at the end of last year, and that the premises would be ready for occupation early in this year?

Four or five modifications have been made and this has delayed the work.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been drawn to the statement of Mr. W. P. Byrne, the Assistant Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office, before the committee appointed to inquire into taxi-cab fares and other matters, to the effect that the cost of administering the Acts in Loudon exceed the receipts from the duties and licences by several thousands a year; if he can state how it is that the costs of collection are so great; and whether he will endeavour to make such arrangements that these charges shall become remunerative to the State?

The statement made by Mr. Byrne related only to the revenue which is derived from the police licences granted to the proprietors, drivers, and conductors of public vehicles, and which is paid into the Metropolitan Police Fund; and I have been aware of the fact that this, revenue falls short of the expenditure which is necessitated by the licensing and regulation of these vehicles. The cost of collection of this revenue is very small. Mr. Byrne's observations had no reference to those duties on vehicles which are imposed under the Finance Acts for general revenue purposes.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether Messrs Harper Brothers, of Eccleshill, Yorkshire, claim to be allowed to pay a differential rate of wages for willeyers and fettlers; if he is aware that, where rates of wages are arranged between employers and work people, the rates for both are alike; if, therefore, the latter mode of payment is one which in practice prevails among good employers within the meaning of the Fair Wages Clause; and, if it is, whether he will take steps to enforce it; and (2) if the right hon. Gentleman will state in what respect the general industrial circumstances prevailing in Leeds, the nearest district to Messrs. Harper's, where a rate of wages for willeying and fettling is recognised between employers' and workpeople's associations, differ so as to justify him in allowing Messrs. Harper to tender as complying with the Fair Wages Clause although they only pay 5½d. per hour for fettling and 5¼d. for willeying, whilst Leeds firms have to pay 6d. per hour for ordinary time for both jobs?

The hon. Member's questions no doubt refer to Messrs. T. and H. Harper, of Apperley Bridge. Perhaps he will allow me to answer both questions together. After very full enquiry and consideration I am satisfied that the rate of wages paid by this firm to willeyers compares favourably with that which in practice prevails among good employers in the district, and that in that district it is not customary to pay identical rates for willeying and fettling. In these circumstances it does not appear that the firm are infringing the Fair Wages Clause in not adopting the higher rate recognised for Leeds, or in paying willeyers at a lower rate than fettlers.

asked whether the Under-Secretary is aware of the effect of the competition of Army bands on the chances of livelihood of civilian bandsmen; whether Army bands are allowed by the commanding officers to be away from duty for long intervals, sometimes amounting to six months in the year, during which time they are in receipt of Army pay and qualifying for pensions; and, if so, under what authority the commanding officers grant such facilities?

The whole question of the competition of Army bands has been very fully considered, and explicit instructions have been issued on the subject. I am not aware of any cases in which bands have been engaged for prolonged periods, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with any particular case or cases I will make inquiries into them.

asked whether the Under-Secretary's attention has been called to the case of suicide of Sergeant Stokes, R.A.M.C., dispenser at Parkhurst Barracks; and, taking into consideration the fact that complaints have already been made on account of the shortage in the medical staff there, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the circumstances?

asked (1) if the hon. Gentleman can state how many officers and men are in charge of the Royal Military Hospital, Parkhurst, and what is the average number of patients undergoing treatment; whether the officer commanding the medical staff at Parkhurst has frequently reported officially on the paucity of his staff; if so, why no additions have been made; (2) whether the average hours of duty for non-commissioned officers at the Royal Military Hospital, Parkhurst, are from seven in the morning until eleven at night; whether during the past nine months two sergeants belonging to this hospital have committed suicide; and whether the Under-Secretary is aware that the jury returned a verdict that the last suicide was caused by ill-health and long hours of duty?

asked whether the Under-Secretary's attention had been called to the inquest held at Wroxall, Isle of Wight, on 24th April, 1911, on Sergeant Ethelbert Robert Stokes, R.A.M.C, the dispenser at Parkhurst barracks, and the suggestion of the jury that representations should be made to the War Office with a view to an inquiry being instituted regarding the conditions of employment of the medical staff at Parkhurst; whether this is the second case of suicide at Parkhurst within twelve months traceable to overwork; whether any report was made by the colonel that he was under-staffed; and, if so, when such report was received, and what action was taken thereon?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention had been called to an inquest on Sergeant E.R. Stokes, R.A.M.C, dispenser at the military hospital, Parkhurst, on 24th April, when the jury's verdict was suicide while of unsound mind, the result of prolonged hours of duty; whether he is aware that Colonel Donegan, the chief of Parkhurst medical staff, stated that he had repeatedly reported the paucity of his staff without effect, and other evidence was given that men did regular duty from 7 a.m. till 11 p.m. daily; whether this is the second suicide of a hospital sergeant within nine months; and what action, if any, he proposes to take to prevent these occurrences?

asked whether the Under-Secretary's attention had been called to the evidence given at an inquest held at Wroxall, Isle of Wight, on Monday last, upon the body of Sergeant Stokes, R.A.M.C, whose death was found to be due to continued overwork; whether Lieutenant-Colonel Donegan had previously reported his staff to be inadequate; whether he was aware that two non-commissioned officers, who also gave evidence, stated that their hours of duty were from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for seven days per week; whether he was aware that this was the second suicide in connection with the medical staff at Parkhurst in twelve months; and whether he proposes to take immediate action in securing the necessary addition to the staff which shall ensure a more reasonable period of hours of duty?

I will reply at the same time to these questions, all on the same subject. No information on this case beyond what has appeared in the public Press has yet reached the War Office, but orders have already been issued to the general officer commanding-in-chief for a searching inquiry. There was a suicide at Parkhurst on 29th August last, which was clearly a case of insanity, and was not apparently due in any way to overwork. The hospital is equipped for twenty-five beds, with a personnel of one officer and eight non-commissioned officers and men. The average constantly sick for the last six months was from nine to ten, and during March was fifteen; but in the latter month the ailments were mostly slight. No demand for an increase of personnel for this station has reached the War Office.

Is it not the fact that in his sworn testimony the commanding officer gave evidence to the effect that he had made repeated official applications for extra assistance and extra staff, and does the hon. Gentleman suggest that the commanding officer was committing perjury when he gave that evidence?

In light of the fact that no complaint whatever has reached the War Office, the matter is difficult to understand, and this is why we are making a full inquiry into it.

asked whether the strength of the Royal Army Medical Corps has been reduced since 1906 by 488?

The establishment of the Royal Army Medical Corps, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men in 1906 was 4,189, and the present establishment is 3,947, showing a decrease of 242. Of these 190 were men specially enlisted for one year in 1906 to augment the reserve and thirty-eight were reduced from South Africa in 1907, leaving a balance of fourteen for reduction in various stations since 1906.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has noticed that my question is not as to the establishment but the actual strength, and on reference to the Army (Annual) Report I find that in 1906 the strength was 5,372—