asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the British Government had been consulted by the French Government in reference to the proposed military operations against Fez; and whether the British Government had in any way approved or made itself responsible for this attack on the independence of the empire of Morocco?

His Majesty's Government have been informed by the French Government of the measures which are being adopted for the succour of Europeans in Fez, and they understand that information has also been given to ether Governments. The action taken by France is not intended to alter the political status of Morocco, and His Majesty's Government cannot see why any objection should be taken to it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he would communicate to the House the terms of the proposed British loan through the Imperial Bank to the Persian Government, and any communications which have passed between the British and Persian Governments in relation to this loan; and whether the British agent in Teheran has exercised any pressure or influence on the Persian Government to accept this loan in preference to a loan from any other quarter?

As regards the first two points, the negotiations in respect of the proposed loan are being conducted exclusively between the Persian Government and the Imperial Bank of Persia, without any intervention on the part of His Majesty's Government. As regards the last point, Sir George Barclay Reports that he has never at any time pressed the Persian Government to accept a loan from the Imperial Bank of Persia in preference to others, nor has he used his influence in this sense. He has, however, informed the Persian Government that His Majesty's Government could not support a scheme which would be prejudicial to the interests or the Imperial Bank.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention had been called to the statement of the Persian Foreign Minister in Teheran, that the British expedition to the Persian Gulf had not been undertaken by arrangement with the Persian Government; that it would only act by sea; whether, as stated to the House, the expedition was undertaken in pursuance of an agreement with the Persian Government; if so, whether he would lay upon the Table the terms of that agreement; and whether it was intended that the expedition should land at two points on the coast of Persia, and undertake military operations in the interior of Persia?

I have seen in the papers the statement to which the hon. Member refers. The expedition was undertaken in pursuance of the authority given by the Persian Government some years ago to His Majesty's ships to police Persian waters in order to suppress the illicit traffic in arms. I do not propose to lay papers on the subject, nor can I undertake to make public the plan of operations; but I may state that it is only intended to land men when it is necessary in connection with those operations. The Persian Government were informed of the expedition.

May I ask whether the agreement with the Persian Government alluded to included provisions for the landing of troops and an expedition to the interior?

I think the question of actually landing troops was not included in the original arrangements which were made, but it is quite impossible for His Majesty's Government to remain absolutely passive in regard to the large illicit traffic which takes place.

asked whether the English lady recently imprisoned at Warsaw has yet been released; and, if not, what steps are being taken to hasten her liberation?

No information has yet been received of Miss Malecka's release. With regard to the steps taken, I beg to, refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Mid-Lanark on the 26th ultimo.

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct the Consul to see that the lady is represented by counsel at the trial when it takes place?

The difficulty at the present moment is as to whether she is not a Russian subject. I am in telegraphic communication with the Embassy on that point, which must be settled before I can take further steps.

Has permission yet been obtained for the lady's friends, to visit her?

I have already explained that the question whether she is a Russian subject legally must be settled before I can take any further steps.

asked' the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Local Gov-eminent Board inspector declared some months ago that the water supply at Ludgershall, the nearest town to Tidworth Barracks, and thus much frequented by soldiers, was impure; whether the War Office have taken any steps to come to an agreement with the local water company upon the subject; and, if so, what steps, and when?

I am informed that no case of sickness has occurred which can in any way be attributed to impurity of water at Ludgershall. It is understood that a Report has been made as stated, and that it is under the consideration of the Local Government Board.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether a large amount of bread is made with this impure water?

I do not know about that. A Report has been made to the Local Government Board, and of course every precaution will be taken to see that no sickness arises in consequence.

May I ask when an agreement with the Local Government Board is likely to take place? It is a good many months since this matter was brought to their notice.

I cannot say offhand. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question, I will inquire.

asked what are the latest figures available for 1911 giving the actual numbers of soldiers in the Regular Army in cavalry and infantry regiments at home; how many men included in such figures are fully trained and efficient soldiers undergoing continuous military training at the present time; and how many of such men are disqualified by reason of being under the age limit for immediate service abroad?

A Return (Cd. 5594) was presented to Parliament on the 30th March last, showing the numbers of men qualified for the Expeditionary Force on the 1st June, 1910, after the usual deductions on account of age, service, and sickness had been made. This return, and the General Annual Report for the year ending 30th September, 1910, which was issued on the 14th March last, will give the hon. Member approximate information on the subject of his question. These are the latest figures on the subject which have been compiled and published.

asked (1) what are the present numbers of men in the two cavalry regiments now stationed at Brighton and Colchester; what are the numbers of men in each of these two regiments who are under age for military service abroad at the present time; how many men in each regiment have been dismissed riding school and have undergone a due period of training with the squadron; and how many men in each regiment are now employed with the remounts and are thereby precluded from undergoing a continuous military training with their respective squadrons; (2) how many men in each regiment of cavalry at present stationed at Brighton and Colchester, respectively, and how many men in each battalion of the brigade of infantry now stationed at Colchester, who appear on paper to figure as numbering in the fighting strength in the ranks, would be employed on active service in staff, or extra-regimental duty as clerks signallers, pioneers, and with machine guns, and thus precluded from taking their place in the fighting strength in the ranks; and (3) what are the number of soldiers in each of the two cavalry regiments now stationed at Brighton and Colchester, respectively, and in each battalion of the brigade of infantry at Colchester, who are employed on the staff away from such regiments and battalions; the numbers in regimental employment who do not undergo continuous military training; and the numbers employed as servants with officers with such regiments and battalions, with officers seconded from such regiments and battalions, in the officers' mess in each regiment and battalion, and with the work of the sergeants' mess or in any other capacity than that of a regular soldier undergoing continuous military training?

These questions would require a full return from each of the units concerned, involving much time in compilation. The staff of the units are now fully employed in training, and I trust, therefore, the hon. Gentleman will not press for this information.

asked whether, in view of the number of regular soldiers who are now employed in regimental duties of a non-military character, and are thereby prevented from being trained on an equal footing with those who receive a continuous military training, the Secretary of State for War will take into consideration the desirability of employing Reserve men not only as officers' servants, but for any similar duties for which regular soldiers under the present system are obliged to neglect their continuous military training?

The whole question of employing men who have left the colours on the various duties referred to in lieu of serving soldiers has been fully considered on several occasions, and it has always been held that the cost would be too great.

asked if the new pattern bullets have now been manufactured in sufficient quantities to allow of their issue to the Regular troops; if so, whether the necessary experiments preliminary to the correct re-sighting of the present service rifles have yet been completed; whether any considerable number of rifles have already been re-sighted in accordance with the new requirements imposed by the new pattern bullet; how many rifles remain to be so altered; and when such alterations will be finished?

New pattern bullets have not yet been manufactured in sufficient quantities to admit of issue to the troops. I am not in a position to make a statement in reply to the latter part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in the case of Major and Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel Tasker, 11th County of London Battalion, the London Regiment, who was adversely Reported upon by his commanding officer in August, 1910, he was aware that Colonel Tasker asserts that he was not furnished with a copy of the adverse Report in accordance with the King's Regulations, and that the commanding officer stated that the Report in question was not made in order to stop Colonel Talker's promotion; and whether, in view of these facts, this officer is entitled under Section 42 of the Army Act to a further inquiry?

As regards the first part of the question, it appears from inquiries that have already been made, that the commanding officer forwarded a copy of the adverse Report to Major and Hon. Lieut.-Colonel Tasker on or about the 24th August, 1910. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that Infantry officers entered the Special Reserve under the regulations that they should serve for 12 months attached to a Regular unit, and that the War Office now will not allow them to serve for more than six months, he could say if the War Office has power to break its own regulations, under which officers agree to serve and to which they are bound by military law?

Under the provisions of the Royal Warrant of 3rd April, 1908, an officer appointed to the Special Reserve of officers was to be liable to undergo instruction with a unit for such period as might be laid down in the regulations. Paragraph 219 of the Special Reserve Regulations laid down that the normal duration of probationary training would be twelve months. In the interests of the public service as well as in order to attract a larger number of candidates it has been deemed desirable to shorten the period to six months.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Special Reserve Regular officers are not allowed to serve the full term of twelve months while others are allowed to do so?

I think I answered that last week when replying to a question put by the hon. Gentleman.

Can the War Office alter any regulation as it likes after officers have agreed to the regulations they are to serve under?

I think I explained in the reply I then gave that we were quite entitled to alter the regulations if we thought it in the public interest to do so.

asked whether the Government workers at Waltham Abbey and Enfield Lock will be granted a holiday on Coronation day, the same as in other Government factories?

Yes, Sir. They will be granted a holiday on Coronation Day.

May I ask whether Government workers all over the country who are compelled to take, or who are granted, a holiday on Coronation Day will be paid for it?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been directed to the fact that settlers in East Africa on the coast, which is leased from the Sultan of Zanzibar, experience great hardships from the unsatisfactory state of their titles to the land; and whether, in view of the rising importance of this district, the necessary surveys will be undertaken so that the country may be cultivated and opened out for settlement?

My attention has been called to the difficulties which exist in the coast strip of the East Africa Protectorate in connection with titles to land, and a considerable expenditure is being incurred by the Protectorate Government on operations, including survey, designed to clear the titles.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he can give the number of the gaol populations, and percentages of mortality among such populations, in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony, Cape Colony, and Natal, respectively?

No, Sir, I have not the information in any complete form.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will state the extent of the land that has been offered for small holdings within the Duchy; the dates on which such offers were made; whether these offers were made by advertisement s in the newspapers; and what the terms of the offers were?

The extent of the land which has been offered for small holdings within the Duchy since the passing of the Small Holdings Act, 1907, is 1,459 acres. The dates on which the offers were made were: (1) 360 acres to the County Council of the North Riding of Yorkshire in October, 1908, (2) 179 acres to the Lindsey County Council in Lincolnshire in December, 1908, (3) 119 acres to the North Riding County Council in March, 1909, (4) 221 acres to the Northamptonshire County Council in February, 1910, (5) 256 acres to the Staffordshire County Council in October, 1910, and (6) 324 acres to the Staffordshire County Council in December, 1910; the offers in every case except Lincolnshire were refused. None of these offers were made by advertisement in the newspapers, but all direct in writing to the respective councils; the rents asked were reasonable, as I think is proved by the fact that where the offers were refused, in every case the farms have since been let at the same or an increased rent.

Has the right hon. Gentleman no intention of lowering the rents so that these small holdings may be taken?

The rents I suggest are reasonable and are proved to have been reasonable, and of course I am not concerned with the reasons which influenced the Council Councils in rejecting the offers that have been submitted.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he would state whether he adheres, as regards compulsory school attendance, to the judgment of Mr. Justice Stephen that to assist family necessities was reasonable excuse for not attending school; and whether this judgment is in addition to the three by-laws conferred on local authorities in s. 74 of the Education Act of 1870.

The framing and administration of by-laws made under Section 74 of the Elementary Education Act, 1870, rests, with Local Education Authorities and not with the Board of Education, and their interpretation rests with the Courts of Law. In the case to which the hon. Member refers the magistrates held that, under the circumstances, the parents of the child had a reasonable excuse for not causing the child to attend school, the excuse being that his earnings were necessary for the support of his family. This decision was upheld by the Court of Queen's Bench. By the three by-laws mentioned in the latter part of the question, it is presumed that the hon. Member refers to the three reasons given in Section 74 as constituting a reasonable excuse. The courts have held that these three reasons are illustrative, and not exhaustive, and that other reasons which would be a reasonable excuse might arise. The question is one in each case for the court to decide, having regard to the circumstances.

Am I to understand that with addition to the three reasons already given, Mr. Justice Stephen's decision makes a fourth?

Each case has to be decided in court.

So that the working man would have to go to court to decide his case.

asked whether the Report and the papers read at the Imperial Education Conference, held at the Foreign Office, will be printed and circulated among the Members of the House?

Yes, Sir; they will be published as a Parliamentary Paper as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the regulations expressed in Article 29 (b), applicable to evening schools and classes for the year 1910–11, have proved a source of embarrassment to local authorities anxious to encourage evening school work; whether the Board have recently intimated that they propose to remodel these regulations, but will not do so for the year 1911–12; and if he can inform the House why, if the existing regulations are not satisfactory, they are to be imposed upon evening schools during yet another Session?

The Board have not yet received the returns for 1910–11 during which the Article referred to has been in operation, bat although they have received certain criticisms upon the Article, some at least of which have been based upon a misunderstanding of its intention, they have no reason to suppose that it has been the cause of any serious embarrassment to local authorities in whose areas evening school work is satisfactorily or- ganised. The Article is not an isolated regulation, but forms a part of the general body of regulations for evening schools. Its object is to lay down with more precision than has been the case in the past the distinction between those evening school courses known as "grouped courses," which are organised on the basis of concurrent instruction in a group of subjects, and courses which are organised on the basis of instruction in single subjects only. Courses which do not satisfy the requirements of the Article are not classed by the Board as "grouped courses," but they are not thereby debarred from grant, if they satisfy the requirements appropriate to single subject courses. I may add that an important object of this and similar regulations is to secure that public money shall not be wasted upon courses in which the amount of instruction given is not sufficient to be of educational value. With regard to the second part of the question, the Board have already announced that they hope to issue, in the course of the summer, a new body of Regulations to take the place of the existing Regulations for technical schools. This intention has nothing to do with the particular issue raised in the question. The operation of these new Regulations will be postponed for a year, in order to give due notice to Local Education authorities of the changes involved. The desirability of such notice has been repeatedly represented to the Board by the authorities, and this postponement is made primarily to meet their convenience. During the intervening year, 1911–12, it will clearly be simplest to keep the existing system unchanged, and not to modify its details pending the establishment of the new system for 1912–13.

Is it not the fact that many complaints have been received as to the working of these regulations from very important local authorities, such as Leeds, which were never accused of not properly organising their system?

I said that there had been certain criticisms, in a good many cases owing to misunderstanding.

Does the hon. Member maintain that these regulations have not entailed a large amount of clerical work on teachers and others?

It is quite possible that they may entail additional clerical work.

Does the hon. Member think that the trouble entailed has been worth while, in view of the benefit resulting?

Quite.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, under Article 14 of the Technical School Regulations, 1910, local education authorities have been required to register evening school students in registers and in accordance with rules furnished by the Board of Education; whether such regulations and registers have proved unfitted for their purpose; whether, in framing Article 14 and in constructing the registers, the Board consulted representatives of local authorities and skilled evening school teachers; and, if not, could he state why the Board failed to secure such co-operation?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. I may say that the regulation applies equally to evening schools not maintained by local education authorities. With regard to the second question, the issue of these registers and registration rules was found necessary to ensure accuracy in the record of attendances and thereby to secure proper control of the expenditure of public money and a uniform basis for the returns made to the Board. The returns and claims for grant made on the results of the first year of registration under this system have not yet been received by the Board, so that it is impossible at present to say how far the registers have proved fitted for their purpose; but I have every reason to think that, subject to certain modifications of detail, they will prove to be satisfactory, and that the accuracy and uniformity of the returns will both facilitate the payment of grant and furnish valuable and trustworthy information. The Board did not call local education authorities or evening school teachers into consultation before introducing a uniform system of registration, as the responsibility for securing a proper control of the expenditure of public money, which was one of the principal objects of the change, is a responsibility that they cannot share with other persons. They recognised that the system, when introduced, would need improvement, as far as its details were concerned, in the light of actual experience of its working, and on such points they have received during the last few months various suggestions from officers of authorities and from teachers in many cases upon the Board's own invitation, which are being carefully considered by them with a view to making the registration system at once as accurate and as elastic as possible.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what precautions are taken by his Department to ensure that only pure milk is imported from abroad?

Samples of imported milk have been obtained by inspectors of the Foods Department and examined for tubercle and dirt content. Arrangements have also been made for the examination of a further series of samples Perhaps I may also remind the hon. Member that imported milk is liable to examination by the Commissioners of Customs in pursuance of the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1899.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman adheres to the idea of causing cowsheds to be inspected while this foreign milk is coming in?

The hon. Member should not put the question in that way. Immediately milk was imported from France I sent two inspectors to look into the source of supply, and they made investigations as to its purity and freedom from dirt, and they were so satisfied that no complaint is to be made, if that should be what my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.

Does the French Government allow our inspectors to go anywhere to see the cowsheds at any time?

That is not material to the previous question.

Is the milk from foreign countries inspected for the amount of water and for its quality in the same way as here?

Yes; the Customs officers inspect the imported milk for quality, and the Local Government Board officers for tubercle or other diseases.

Is there uniformity of standard in this matter throughout the country?

Uniformity of standard is a very variable element. For details see some of the milk.

asked what amount was allocated by the Treasury in respect of the alteration in the status of the Local Government Board; and what proportion of such amount has been allocated to the second division and to the members of the staff above the rank of second division?

On the improvement of the status of my Department certain salaries of the permanent staff were advanced the increases amounting to £655. The second division clerks did not receive any portion of this amount as they are paid on a scale uniform throughout the Civil Service. I am, however, at the present moment in communication with the Treasury with a view to, obtaining some improvement in the prospects of the members of that division serving in my Department.

asked how many second-class clerks of the higher division, appointed under the Order in Council of the 15th August, 1890, have entered the Local Government Board since the date of such Order, and how many of them have been promoted to higher posts; how many second division clerks, appointed under the Order in Council of the 21st March, 1890, have entered the Local Government Board since the date of such Order, and how many of them have been promoted to the higher division and to other posts respectively; what was the average length of service and the average increase in salary respectively of the second-class clerks of the higher division and the second division clerks promoted; and what effect precisely had the alteration in 1910 of the status of the Local Government Board in the salaries of second-class clerks of the higher division and second division clerks respectively?

The number of second-class clerks of the higher division of the Board's staff who entered their service since 15th August, 1890, is forty-one of these, twenty have been promoted to higher posts. The corresponding number of second division clerks who entered the Board's service since 21st March, 1890, is 115, of whom one has been promoted to the higher division and two to staff posts. The average length of service of the second-class clerks and the average increase in their salaries on promotion were nine and a quarter years and £131 respectively. The average length of service of the promoted second division clerks was approximately fourteen years. In two cases only was there an immediate increase in salary; the average amount of the increase was £53. As regards the last part of my hon. Friend's question, perhaps I may refer him to my previous answer.

Are we to assume, then, from that reply that only one second division clerk has been promoted to the higher division in the last twenty-one years?

But that is to be qualified by another statement, that, out of the forty-two of the higher division named since 1890, twenty have been promoted to higher posts, and others who came in before 1890 have been promoted in considerable numbers.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been drawn to the serious lack of housing accommodation for railway, dock, and other workers at the new Immingham Dock, North Lincolnshire; and whether he will consider the advisability of sending down an inspector to the district to make inquiries into the conditions of housing in the immediate district of the dock works?

My attention has not been drawn to the existence of a lack of housing accommodation at Immingham. I have referred to the Reports for recent years of the medical officer of health of the rural district of Grimsby, in which this place is included, and find that he Reports very substantial building developments in Immingham and Little Coates in connection with the construction of the dock at Immingham. He also Reports that, with few exceptions, the inhabitants of the rural district are well housed. I will make inquiries into the matter, and, if I find it desirable, I will cause an inspection to be made by one of my officers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman forgetting that he has already sent an inspector there, and that he Reported upon the lack of sanitary conditions in connection with some of the dwellings of that locality?

I think my hon. Friend is mistaken in the matter.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he was aware that, by the maps sent out by the Road Board, the Orkney Islands are shown on a smaller scale than the rest of the United Kingdom; and if he would take the necessary steps to ensure that all maps issuing from public offices affecting Scotland shall be on the same scale?

I am informed that the fact is as stated, but that the scale of the map was immaterial for the purposes for which it was issued. I do not think that it would be advisable to direct that all maps of Scotland, or of parts of Scotland issuing from public departments, should be on the same scale.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman will see that Orkney does not suffer from this carelessness on the part of an official?

I can assure my hon. Friend that Orkney will not suffer on that account.

Why not have the scale of the map on the scale of the member for the constituency?

asked whether the hon. Gentleman can state the address at Mountain Ash at which Mr. Morgan, the collector and assessor of taxes, was to be found every Tuesday for meeting Income Tax payers and adjusting disputed Income Tax claims, the names of the persons whose claims were so adjusted by Mr. Morgan in his office or place of call at Mountain Ash this year, and the date upon which he called upon Mr. Thomas Davies, of Teifi Villa, Aberdare Road, Mountain Ash, in respect to his disputed Income Tax form?

The assessor in question has hitherto had no fixed office at Mountain Ash, but has seen many taxpayers, both at their private addresses and at the office of the assistant overseer and elsewhere. As previously stated by my right hon. Friend, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, an office will be taken for Mr. Morgan at the end of this month. Among the taxpayers seen by him, are Messrs. Richards, Langley, Jenkins, Morris, Edmunds, and Evans. The call referred to in the last part of the question took place in September, 1910.

asked if any of the valuers, assessors of Increment Duty, and collectors of the new Land Taxes are to be paid in any way by the results depending on the amount of the tax collected?

No, Sir.

Has inquiry been made at Somerset House as to the terms of payment?

I can only repeat the answer that I have already given.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the growing practice in the dockyards of employing Service risen in doing work, such as stage-making, etc., which was formerly done by civilian labour; and whether he can take action to prevent this subtraction from the volume of civilian labour, or at any rate to strictly limit and define the work to be done by Service men?

Both on grounds of economy and of familiarising naval ratings with this class of work so that ships' companies would be enabled to execute it in time of war, I am unable to agree with the suggestion contained in my hon. Friend's question.

asked whether the Admiralty, upon representations being made to them some years ago, discontinued the practice of putting Service men through a short course of training as sail-makers, and that the practice has again been started at Devonport and Chatham dockyards, constituting a competition with civilian sailmakers, who have served a long apprenticeship to the trade; and whether he will take steps to have the practice brought to an end?

Candidates for sail-maker class are taken from seamen who wish to transfer to that rating, and they receive such training as is necessary to fit them for their Service duties. The practice now in force at Chatham and Devon-port has been in existence for many years. I have no record of representations being made, as stated in the first part of my hon. Friend's question, and I am not aware that there has been any discontinuance of the courses of training, but I am making further inquiries on the point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman grant increased facilities to Service men to learn the trade so that they may obtain better situations on leaving the Service?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question without notice. I should have to examine into each case to see what opportunity there might be for service in the yard.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men, when they leave the Service accept employment at far less wages, because they are not qualified workmen?

I am not aware of that fact. If my hon. Friend will put down a question I will make inquiry.

asked whether, in view of the fact that, no obligation remains with the Admiralty with regard to hospital accommodation for the contractors workmen at Rosyth, and since it appears, from a reply on 25th April, that in, the contract no obligation is placed on the contractors to provide such accommodation, some more definite and satisfactory arrangement can be made to prevent neglect and to secure the proper treatment of accidents and sickness among men employed in a national undertaking for which the Government is primarly responsible?

In reply to my hon. Friend's question, I must point out that slight accidents are not ordinarily the subject of hospital treatment, and as regards accidents requiring such treatment my information is that there is no deficiency of hospital accommodation. In the case of Rosyth a peculiar difficulty arises from the fact that many of the workmen live in tenements of the nature of Rowton Houses, and that in the event of their suffering from a slight accident or sickness not requiring hospital treatment, there are no domestic facilities for their treatment in the tenement as would be the case if they were living in their own homes. I am at the present time in communication on the subject with the contractors.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists among chargemen of shipwrights in His Majesty's dockyards owing to the fact that chargemen are working side by side, at similar and equally responsible work, on different rates of pay; and if so, does he propose to take any steps to modify this arrangement?

Complaints have been made by the chargemen of shipwrights in respect to the subject of the question in connection with the annual petitions received from the dockyards employés, and the matter is under consideration.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the fact that out of over 2,400 workmen employed on the Admiralty works at Rosyth, less than 400 have housing accommodation for their wives and families, on what foundation the Scottish Local Government. Board based the statement in their Report of the 1st March that the navvies are accommodated in a satisfactory manner?

My hon. Friend is mistaken in supposing that the Local Government Board for Scotland has made any Report on the subject. The Report which my hon. Friend has in view is probably the Report of the county medical officer of Fife, referred to in the answer of the First Lord of the Admiralty on the 25th April in reply to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent. I may add that the Local Government Board for Scotland are conducting an inquiry by their own officers as regards the housing accommodation at Rosyth.

asked whether the Admiralty have considered how far the present allowances paid to Admiralty draughtsmen permanently employed in London are sufficient to meet the cost of rent and living in the metropolis; whether, although the dockyard draughtsmen are unwilling to volunteer for service at the Admiralty owing to the allowances paid, it has been made a condition of promotion that they should accept this liability for service at the Admiralty; and, if so, whether the Admiralty will modify these conditions?

The additional cost of living in London was the subject of very careful investigation by the Committee appointed to inquire into the writing staff of the dockyards, and their conclusion was that the present allowances paid to Admiralty draughtsmen employed in London are sufficient. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. I can hold out no hope that these conditions will be modified.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to assist Members of either House in their deliberations on the principles of the Referendum, he will obtain from the Governor-General of the Commonwealth or other person a Return showing the cost and general working of the Referenda recently submitted to the electors of the Commonwealth on the questions of state rights and nationalisation of private monopoly in manufacture?

I addressed a despatch to the Governor-General of Australia on 15th March, desiring him to request his Ministers to send me a Report on this subject. When the Report is received I shall be happy to lay it on the Table.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is of opinion that representative Government has been destroyed by this resort to the Referendum?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is in contemplation to appoint an Agricultural Adviser to the Scottish Office; if so, whether this appointment is being made with a view to establish a Scottish Department of Agriculture; and whether, in that event, the Department is to be placed under the Secretary for Scotland?

The answer is in the negative as regards the Scottish Office. It has, however, been thought desirable to provide the Scotch Education Department with professional assistance for the supervision of the Agricultural Colleges in Scotland and the more recent developments of their work. Treasury sanction has therefore been obtained to the appointment of an Agricultural Adviser to the Department who will give part of his time under the direction of the Congested Districts Board to the supervision of the work of that Board. The policy of the Government in regard to the establishment of a Department of Agriculture for Scotland has already been made known to Parliament by the legislative proposals recently submitted on behalf of the Government.

May I ask whether this Adviser is also to advise as to the Development Grant?

Perhaps the hon. Member would put down that question.

Will this afford another opportunity of employing an ex-Member of this House?

asked the hon. Member for the Stroud Division, as representing the Charity Commissioners, if he will state what was the total amount of agricultural land belonging to the Commission; and what portion of it was let in holdings of fifty acres or less in the years 1904, 1907, and 1910, respectively, with the percentage in each case?

There is no land belonging to the Charity Commission. Land belonging to charities is under the management of the various bodies of trustees of the charities.

have the Charity Commissioners any control over the management?

The powers and duties of the Commissioners are subject to so many complications of statute that I must ask the hon. Member to kindly give notice of the question. If he has any case in mind I shall be glad to inquire.

asked the Lord Advocate if he is aware that at a meeting of the Governors of George Heriot's Trust, Edinburgh, on the 10th instant, a Resolution was passed to make grants from the funds of the trust of £50 to the corporation coronation fund, and £50 for decorative purposes; that the clerk of the trust said there was no provision in the scheme for such contributions, but that he had no doubt the auditors would agree to the expenditure; and whether, in view of the diversion of trust funds to an illegal purpose, and in view of the declaration that the auditors will no doubt approve the illegality, he proposes to take any steps to stop this abuse of trust funds, and to inquire into the way in which the auditors have conducted the audit in the past?

I am informed that the statements with reference to the Resolution of the 10th April are substantially correct. It is for the Governors of the Trust, acting under the powers of the Trust, to determine what expenditure they shall or shall not incur. Such expenditure is subject to the review of an officially-appointed auditor acting in a judicial capacity. There is no power for any Government Department to determine beforehand what expenditure shall be or shall not be allowed. There is no justification for the suggestion that the auditor would approve expenditure which he considered to be illegal.

Are we to assume from that answer that the Treasury will be justified in using trust funds for the purpose specified in the question?

No.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in connection with the proposed superannuation scheme, he would consider the advisability of inserting clauses to ensure that no teacher will suffer by the introduction of the new scheme, a minimum pension of £52 per annum and a minimum breakdown allowance, and of extending the definition of service so as to include, for all existing teachers, active service in England, and of fixing the optional retiring age for female teachers at fifty-five years instead of sixty years?

The Department are prepared to consider the advisability of inserting a Clause in the new superannuation scheme or otherwise taking steps to ensure that no teacher who has contributed to the superannuation fund under the Elementary School Teachers Superannuation Act, 1898, will suffer by the introduction of the new scheme. As regards the other parts of the hon. Member's question, the answer is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when those proposals will be formally laid before Parliament?

Very soon.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he will state what is a fair estimate of the salary of male assistant teachers, including second masters, between the ages of fifty-five and sixty-five in Glasgow in a board school and in a Catholic school, respectively; what would be the corresponding retiring allowances at sixty-five after forty years' service for male assistants in Glasgow under the new draft scheme in a board school and in a Catholic school, respectively; and what is the retiring allowance at sixty-five after forty years' service for male assistants in Glasgow under the existing 1898 scheme in a board school and in a Catholic school, respectively?

The Department is not in possession of information which would enable them to make, with any satisfactory degree of accuracy, the various estimates asked for in the question of the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any action has been taken with regard to Margaret Kerrigan, who was sentenced on 1st February, 1911, at Lancaster Assizes to two years' imprisonment for attempted suicide?

I have been able, I am glad to say, to make arrangements for this woman's being, with her own consent, removed to an inebriate reformatory, a more suitable place for her than prison; and I have advised His Majesty to grant a conditional pardon for this purpose.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Commission set up to inquire into the statements of the London police in a recent murder trial was remunerated for its services; if so, will he say what was the amount of that remuneration and the other costs connected therewith; whether the Commission inquiring into the question of taxi-cabs will be similarly recompensed; and, if not, will he say why this distinction between the two is Made?

The hon. and learned Member for Kingston, who was good enough to hold the inquiry into statements of certain police witnesses at the trial of Stinie Morrison, has not received any remuneration for his valuable and laborious service to the public. The members of the Committee on London Taximeter Cabs are also giving their time and labour gratuitously. The other questions, therefore, do not arise.

asked when the Report of the Committee appointed to inquire into the question of ventilation and humidifying of cotton factories will be issued?

The Report is being issued in one volume with the appendices and minutes of evidence, and it is hoped that it will be in the hands of Members within a week.

asked the Home Secretary when he proposes to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee appointed to inquire into the dangers attending the use of lead in the china and earthenware trade; and whether the new code of statutory rules will modify the recommendations of the Committee in any particular?

I hope to issue Draft Regulations shortly. I have been requested to make certain modifications of minor points in the Regulations recommended by the Committee, and these points are now under my consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether any precautions are being taken to prevent the importation and distribution of horses suffering from infectious disease into this country; if so, what is the nature of such precautions; and whether any steps of a similar character have been taken in Ireland?

May I refer the Noble Lord to the answers I gave on the 20th and 27th of last month to similar questions asked by the Member for the Southern Division of Northampton.

asked whether the six new Small Holdings Commissioners will be appointed solely on the strength of their agricultural qualification, as in the case of the two present Commissioners; and, if not, what qualifications will they possess?

In order to comply with the Act, the Commissioners must be persons possessed of a knowledge of agriculture. Subject to this, the persons who appear to be best suited for the work will be appointed.

Does the expression "best suited for the work" include political qualifications?

Political qualifications are never taken into account as regards this service.

Will they be political, practical, or theoretical?

I have already said they will be the persons best suited for the work.

Will the duties of the Commissioners be in any way different from those of the two already appointed?

The difference wilt be that the country will be divided into so many areas, and in some cases they may be actually stationed in those areas or counties.

Is it not the case that this Government usually appoint Tories to remunerative offices?

asked what will he the salaries of the six new Small Holdings Commissioners, and to what pensions will they become entitled upon retirement and after how many years service in such capacity?

The scale of salary is £800 per annum. The Commissioners are eligible for pension under the conditions prescribed by the Superannuation Act 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 salary for each completed year of service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that this season's trade in pedigree stock with Argentina will not be lost if the Argentine ports are reopened to British stock prior to 1st June; and, if so, what steps are the Board taking to secure the removal of the present embargo in the interests of British stock-owners?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirma- tive. The Board have been in communication with the Argentine Legation on this matter, further, they have asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to bring to the notice of the Argentine Government the isolated character of the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and to request them to consider the propriety of withdrawing at the earliest possible moment the existing prohibition on the importation of animals from England and Wales.

Will the Board press the Foreign Office to move in this matter as quickly as possible in the interest of a very important agricultural industry?

Of course, Sir.

asked whether the Argentine Government has been officially notified that foot-and-mouth disease has been effectually stamped out in this country and requested, with a view to the revival of trade in live stock between the two countries, to remove all restrictions upon their importation without delay, and, if so, whether the request has been refused?

Yes, Sir, but sufficient time has not elapsed to allow of any reply being yet received.

May I ask whether the Argentine Government has been informed that there is no such thing as foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland?

That is a question which ought to be addressed to the Chief Secretary for Ireland.

May I ask if the case of foot-and-mouth disease is now declared over, and that the premises are declared free?

Yes, some time ago—last month.

Is it not the fact that no embargo is placed by the Argentine on Irish stock?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention had been directed to difficulties arising from the absence of recognised and definite rules for arriving at the value of land required for small holdings; and whether, in order to facilitate the acquisition of small holdings at fair values, he would consider the issue of rules and directions for valuation, such as had been issued by the Irish Land Commission?

No, Sir. The value-of land is arrived at in accordance with the procedure indicated in the Act. The Board have no authority under the Act to issue rules and directions of the kind suggested.

Do the Government intend to alter in any way their system of appointing valuers under this Act?

I do not understand to what my hon. Friend refers.

In future will separate valuers be appointed for each transaction, or will there be valuers representing the Board for each district?

The hon. Member ought to give notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he was aware that the Wiltshire County Council, in order to provide small holdings in the parish of-Avon, had been obliged to deprive four labourers of the houses which they occupied; and that the Wiltshire County Council and the Calne Rural District Council had both failed to secure fresh cottages for the displaced tenants; and whether the Board would see that, in all schemes in which the acquisition of cottages was involved, conditions were inserted as to the provision of fresh houses for the families displaced?

The labourers referred to received notice to quit from the late owner for the purpose of the sale. The Board have no power to take the-action suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention had been called to the case of Joseph Parkins, of Priors Hardwick, who applied in 1907 to the Warwick County Council for a small holding, and was approved of as a suitable applicant, but who, after nearly three years' delay, was now informed by the county council that they could not provide him with a holding; and what steps the Board proposed to take?

Yes, Sir, I am, having further enquiry made into thin case.

Does that imply that some real steps will be taken to give this applicant some land?

I cannot tell my hon. Friend what is to take place until After we have heard the results of the inquiry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he was aware that Mr. Spinks, the manager of the Lincoln Labour Exchange, was frequently seen walking round the engineering works of Messrs. Rushton and Proctor, Lincoln; if he could state whether it was part of the duty of a labour exchange manager to visit any industrial establishment; and if he intends taking action in the matter?

It is part of the duties of a labour exchange manager to keep in touch with representatives of employers and of workmen in his district in order that he may be able to carry on the work of the exchange efficiently. I am satisfied, from inquiries which I have caused to be made, that the visits paid to the firm in question by the manager of the Lincoln Exchange were proper and necessary in the ordinary course of business.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners would, in the cases of evicted tenants who had been reinstated under the provisions of the Evicted Tenants Act of 1907 and had no means of subsistence, give a temporary grant to enable them to keep their homes until the estates on which they live were being dealt with in order of priority?

The Estates Commissioners make grants to evicted tenants reinstated under the provisions of the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907, for the purchase of stock or erection of buildings and other purposes in all cases where they consider it, desirable to do so, but save for these purposes they have no power of making grants.

asked what had been the cost of the police force in the county Leitrim during the years 1908, 1909, and 1910 respectively; what was the cost of the extra police during the said years; and whether it was intended to reduce the numbers of the force and stations?

The constabulary accounts are not kept by counties; it is therefore not possible to give the exact figures asked for. It has been estimated, however, that the average cost of the county Leitrim force for the three years mentioned is about £17,500 per annum. The charges made against the county for extra police were: 1908–9, £620; 1909–10, 2178; and 1910–11, nil. There is no intention at present to reduce the force in the county or the number of police stations.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board or the Department of Agriculture would send inspectors to see and inquire into the working of the following mines in North Leitrim, with a view of further developing their resources, giving employment, and relieving congestion: the Creenelea iron mine, Arrigna coal mine, Benba copper and lead mines, Glenfarne coal mine, and Ballintrillic spar mine?

Neither the Department of Agriculture nor the Congested Districts Board undertake the work of prospecting, that being a matter for private enterprise, but the Department of Agriculture will afford all available information to inquirers respecting the occurrence of mineral deposits in Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he could state the number of Catholics and non-Catholics, respectively, holding the commission of the peace in the county of Leitrim, exclusive of ex-officio magistrates, and the percentage of Catholics and of non-Catholics of the total population of the county according to the Census of 1901; and whether he would state if, and when, the vacancies which had occurred through magistrates leaving the county and through deaths would be filled, as the public and Government officials were being put to inconvenience?

Seventy-four persons at present hold the ordinary commission of the peace for county Leitrim, of whom twenty-three are believed to be Roman Catholics, and fifty-one to belong to other religious denominations. According to the Census of 1901, 90 per cent. of the population of the county were Roman Catholics. The Lord Chancellor is always prepared to consider the names of suitable candidates with a view to meeting local requirements, and he has at present under consideration the names of several persons submitted to him for the County Leitrim Bench.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he would state the number of national teachers in county Meath and give the names and addresses of those who held certificates of competency to teach the Irish language; and how many of them were teaching it at present?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that there are 193 principal and assistant teachers, and forty-seven junior assistant mistresses employed in national schools in the county of Meath. The Commissioners are unable to give the names of all those holding certificates in Irish, but I will forward to the hon. Member a list of the names of teachers giving instruction in Irish as an extra subject during the present school year 1910–11 who possess certificates of competency from the Commissioners or from a recognised college for the teaching of Irish.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he would state the number and location of schools in county Meath in which Irish was taught in the years 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, and 1909, respectively?

The information asked for is not available, and could not be procured without an expenditure of time and labour out of all proportion to its public utility.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board had approached the landlords of the parish of Achill, county Mayo, or any of them, with a view to the purchase of their congested estates; and, if so, with what result?

The Congested Districts Board have approached the landlords of the parish of Achill, county Mayo, but so far none of them have agreed to negotiate for the sale of their estates.

asked whether at the election of petty sessions clerk for the district of Falcarragh, county Donegal, held on 25th instant, it was urged upon the magistrates on behalf of one of the candidates that the person elected to the office should have a knowledge of the Irish language, as a great number of the people of the district who had business at the petty sessions court were Irish speakers and did not know English; whether the person elected to the office had no knowledge of the Irish language and did tot, speak it; and whether, in future elections of petty sessions clerks in Irish-speaking districts, instructions would be issued to the magistrates that they should give preference to candidates with a knowledge of Irish?

It was urged on the magistrates that the person elected to the office of petty sessions clerk at Falcarragh should have a knowledge of the Irish language, but they did not consider this essential. The person elected cannot speak Irish. I understand that there are very few people in the district who cannot speak English. The election of a petty sessions clerk is in the hands of the magistrates alone, and I have no power to issue the instructions suggested.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he knew of any promises given to cattle drivers in 1907 that, if they gave a chance by desisting from their practice, Parliament would give the Estates Commissioners compulsory power to acquire and distribute grass ranches, where necessary, for the relief of congestion?

As I have already stated, no such promises were given.

asked how many officers of the air battalion were now in possession of pilot's certificates; and what proportion of the battalion was stationed at Farnborough and Salisbury Plain, respectively?

Two officers on the strength of the air battalion hold pilot's certificates and four officers attached on probation also held certificates. No portion of the air battalion is at present stationed on Salisbury Plain, but during this month some portion may be in camp there.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where these officers obtained their certificates, and whether they obtained them at their own cost or at the cost of the War Office?

I cannot answer that off hand. I believe they are the ordinary international certificates. I will inquire.

asked what sum of the total of £133,000 provided for aeronautics in the Estimates was to be allocated to the purchase or construction of aeroplanes; whether the additional rate of pay granted to officers engaged in aeroplane work commenced only after a probationary period of from three to six months; and whether officers who had already obtained pilot's certificates were entitled to the increased rate of pay without the probationary period?

The total provision in Vote IX. for the manufacture, purchase, and repair of aircraft is £85,300. Purchase or construction of aeroplanes will be provided from this item, but it is premature to say at present to what amounts. The additional rate of pay for officers will commence on appointment to the air battalion after the probationary period. This applies to all officers, whether they have obtained pilot's certificates or not.

asked whether all officers who go up as passengers in æroplanes for the purpose of making observations belonged to the air battalion, or whether other officers were also being trained for this work?

It is proposed to train staff officers as observers to be carried as passengers in æroplanes. Such officers will not belong to the air battalion.

Will these officers be insured against accidents?

I will consider that.

Will the æroplanes be insured also?

asked how much revenue had been produced up to date by the taxes on the actual land itself, and how much by the royalties on minerals?

I will ask the hon. Member to await the Budget statement of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who will be in a position to review the yield of these, as of other, taxes at that time.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when that is likely to be?

I have no doubt the Prime Minister will make a statement on the subject in good time.

What possible objection is there to the publication of information of this character from time to time?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any rebate was allowed in Ireland to registered veterinary medical practitioners in Ireland on motor car or petrol taxes; and, if so, would he see that the same privilege was given in Scotland?

The law does not provide for the payment of rebate to registered veterinary medical practitioners in any part of the United Kingdom in respect of Motor Spirit Duty or of Motorcar Licence Duty.

Will it be possible for the Prime Minister or the Chancellor of the Exchequer to state tomorrow when the Budget will be taken?

It would be more convenient for the Prime Minister to make a statement on Thursday unless the right hon. Gentleman presses the matter.

moved, "That the Proceedings on the Parliament Bill, if under discussion at Eleven o'clock this night, be not interrupted under the Standing Order (Sittings of the House)."