asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention had been drawn to a statement by Lord Desart, on 13th March last, in which, referring to the general report of the drafting committee to the recent Naval Conference, generally known as M. Renault's report, and so referred to in the letter of the British delegates to Sir Edward Grey of 1st March, 1909, Lord Desart stated that this report would, according to the practice of Continental courts, be accepted as an authoritative commentary, but in English and American courts such a document might not be accepted as authoritative; whether His Majesty's Government agreed with this. statement of Lord Desart; or whether they considered that the report in question must be accepted by the English and American courts as an authoritative interpretation of the text of the Declaration of London?

The question asked by the hon. and learned Member is the same as the question he asked last Monday, with a slight difference of phraseology. The hon. and learned Member is again asking me to discuss matters of argument and opinion which, I venture to think, are not suitably dealt with at Question time. The hon. and learned Member will have full opportunity for raising any such question he desires to raise when the matter is debated in the House.

Does His Majesty's Government agree with the statement by Lord Desart, mentioned in the question?

That again is a matter of argument. I do not think the statement quoted by the hon. and learned Member represents very accurately the views of Lord Desart. I am not aware that there is any difference of opinion between His Majesty's Government and Lord Desart on the question.

How soon are we likely to have an opportunity of discussing the matter in the House?

I am afraid I cannot reply to that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he was in possession of further information as to the English lady recently imprisioned in Warsaw; and what steps were being taken to ensure. her safety?

I have received a report from His Majesty's Consul at Warsaw stating that he has inquired of the Russian authorities as to the probability of Miss Malecka obtaining her release, and that he has renewed his request to be allowed to visit her. His Majesty's Ambassador at St. Petersburg has again requested permission for the Consul to visit her.

May we assume that she is a British subject?

We are assuming that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would cable to His Majesty's Ambassador at. Washington for a verbatim report of President Taft's speech at a banquet given to the Associated Press and American Newspaper Publishing Associa- tion, on the 26th April, when certain statements were then made with reference to the British Empire.

I am not prepared to take the course suggested by the hon. Member.

Are not the American papers containing a verbatim report already to hand, seeing that the speech was delivered more than a week ago?

I cannot say whether there is a verbatim report.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the Commercial Treaty between Great Britain and Japan, recently negotiated, had been definitely signed; whether he would issue a full copy of the Treaty to the Members of this House; whether in the Treaty there was any clause, provision, condition, obligation, or implied understanding that. Great Britain should maintain a policy of Free Trade or preventing or limiting the imposition of duties on merchandise or goods imported from Japan; if there was any such clause or condition for what period was that clause or condition to continue; and, if such clause or condition had been entered into with Japan, whether the Most-favoured-Nation Clause or understanding would compel this country to extend to other countries the same privileges or advantages conferred upon Japan?

The Treaty was signed on 3rd April, and was laid before Parliament on the 5th April. Most of the information desired by the hon. Member will be found in the text of the document itself. As regards the last part of the question, any privilege or advantage conceded to Japan could be claimed by any other country having a Treaty with Great Britain which contains a Most-favoured Nation Clause.

asked what was the valuation placed on the roll this year by the Greenock assessor on the slipyard already on the foreshore at Battery Point, Cardwell Bay, Firth of Clyde; what was the number of square yards of ground in that yard; and how many square yards were in the land reclaimed from the sea there in the last five years?

The annual value of the land in question, as entered in the Valuation Roll, is in addition to which the assessor has entered in the Roll £30 as the annual value of the structures. The Valuation Roll does not specify the area of the several subjects, and I have no information as regards either the area of the property in question or the area reclaimed from the ea there during the last five years.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain the value of Phis yard?

It is a small matter. I dare ay the Assessment will give the information.

Is it not in this, as in most cases, a mere matter of opinion on the part of the valuers?

Yes; all valuation is matter of opinion.

Is the Scottish Office aware that, the reclaimed land is three or four times the size of the land valued in the Assessment Roll at, £12?

That. I cannot tell.

Will you measure it?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he was aware of the disability under which a Royal Marine suffers in the matter of reduced railway fares; that he is unable to get a reduced fare on production of a pass available for six days, whereas any man in the Navy who wants leave for 48 hours can obtain a liberty ticket, on production of which at any railway station he is only called upon to pay half the ordinary fare; and whether he would consider the advisability of placing the Marine and the able seaman on an equality in this respect?

The concession of half-fare rates for short leave is granted by the railway companies to petty officers, seamen, and Marines of His Majesty's ships only. It is not granted to soldiers, and is therefore not applicable to Marines on shore strength, who for this purpose are governed by Army regulations.

Do I understand that it is applicable to Marines on ships?

Yes.

Is it applicable to blue-coats who are not actually serving on ships, but are in Naval barracks?

If they are on the ships' books, I imagine it is applicable; but I should like notice of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether the organising dele gate of the United Operative Masons' Association of Scotland has been refused permission to enter the new works in course of erection at Greenock and at Rosyth; whether he was aware that it was the established custom in Scotland for the organiser of that association to have access to all work where operative masons are employed, with the object of seeing the conditions of employment; and whether, in view of the fact that the War Office grants permission to visit all new work, he would in future permit the visits of the association's representative?

It has not been possible to grant the general permission asked for, having in view the nature of the works at Greenock. With regard to Rosyth, the matter appears to be one for the contract ors. I am not aware that the custom in Scotland is as alleged in the question. With regard to the allegation concerning the War Office, I understand that that Department has refused to grant similar requests in regard to their works in Scotland.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he could state the number of workmen employed upon t he new dock works at Rosyth on 9th April, 1911, mechanics, navvies, and labourers separately; and the number whose wages were 5d. per hour and under on that date?

The numbers were:—

Surely, there must be some mistake as to the number of men employed at the new dock works at Rosyth?

The particular date which my hon. Friend has chosen happens to be Sunday.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he had received any communication from the Scottish Navvy Mission Society with reference to the necessity of building decent house accommodation for the workmen employed upon the new dock works at Rosyth in the shape of huts built upon the English system; and whether he has satisfied himself that the Scottish Navvy Mission Society is not opposed to this principle of housing men engaged upon public works?

A newspaper cutting which gives an account of the meeting of Rosyth workmen held at the beginning of April to consider huts and hut-life, contains the statement that in the course of an address, the General Superintendent of the Scottish. Navvy Mission Society declared that. he would welcome a number of huts in connection with the Rosyth contract, if such huts were built upon the English system, but he felt it would be a misfortune to the contractors, to the men themselves, and to the district, if the huts of the class known as "shanties" were put up. I have received no official information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will say when it is pro posed to answer the petitions presented by the workmen in His Majesty's dockyards?

It is expected that the decision will be promulgated early next month.

Does that mean before Whitsuntide?

I hope so. I cannot be certain, because more than one Department may be involved in answering these questions. I hope it will be before Whitsuntide.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty have endeavoured to obtain 300 fishermen at Grimsby to man the minesweeping trawlers for special war service; whether only twelve men have volunteered for this service, one of these twelve having been rejected for defective eyesight; and, if so, what steps the Admiralty intend to take to get the necessary number of men to efficiently man these trawlers for this service?

As recruiting for the trawler Reserve has only recently been commenced at Grimsby, and the vessels which carry out the training of this section of the Royal Naval Reserve have not yet arrived there, it is not possible to say what number of entries will be obtained from that fishing port. Should the entries at Grimsby fall short of the number expected, it is anticipated that the full numbers required can be obtained front other fishing ports, and there is no necessity for any special measures to be taken at. the present time.

Can the First Lord say how many have volunteered up to date?

I have not any definite information upon the subject, but I have not disputed the accuracy of the figures given in the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he, can now inform the House if a pledge was given to the engineer-commanders of the Royal Navy that they should receive pay at the rate of 24s. a day on promotion to that rank; whether he is aware that the Admiralty circular letter of the 12th October, 1902, reads to this effect, and that the breaking of this pledge was a distinct breach of faith to the engineer-commanders; and, seeing that this breach of faith has created a feeling of injustice detrimental to one of the branches of His Majesty's naval service, will he say what action ho proposes to take?

I assume that the Noble Lord refers to the circular letter of 19th December, 1902, and not to that, of 12th October, 1902, as stated in the question. On this assumption the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There has not, however, been any breach of faith, as suggested in the second part of the question. The rate of pay laid down in the circular letter quoted has reference solely to engineer-officers advanced to the rank of engineer-commander under the regulations for advancement then in force. Accelerated promotion was introduced temporarily by circular letter No. 187 of 1st November, 1903, but, as was clearly stated at the time, was not intended to carry with it any benefit as regards full pay. The qualification for advancement of engineer-lieutenants to the rank of engineer-commander required by the circular letter of 19th December, 1902, was eight years on the senior list, and, consequently, those engineer-lieutenants who have been or may be advanced after less than eight years on the senior list will not receive pay at the rate of 24s. a day until they have completed eight years on the lists of engineer-lieutenant (senior) and engineer-commander combined.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether hydrogen for filling Admiralty balloons is being supplied by a foreign firm on the Continent; and, if so, will he explain the reason?

Hydrogen is being supplied at present by the builders of the airship, and no restriction has been placed on the source of supply. I am informed that it is in fact being supplied partly from Holland and partly from home. The subject of future supplies is receiving consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state when the "Amethyst" sailed from Bahia, and where she was on the 4th instant, or his latest advice of her whereabouts; where the "Glasgow" was on the 4th instant, or his latest advice of her whereabouts; and whether the "Kent" and "Challenger" are stationed at Callao or on the west coast of South America, or are only visiting those waters?

The "Amethyst" left Bahia on the 1st May for St. Vincent. The "Glasgow" was at Portsmouth on the 4th instant, and leaves to-day. The "Kent" and "Challenger" are visiting (see page 7 of Parliamentary Paper, Command No. 5547).

Are we to understand that there is no British man-of-war between Bahia, on the east coast of Brazil, and Callao on the west coast of South America?

Yes.

And that this great trade route is absolutely undefended?

No, Sir. I have just stated that the "Amethyst" left Bahia on 1st May for St. Vincent.

But that is a great way from the west coast?

We are not dealing with the west coast.

I was dealing with the east and west coasts.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state from what other source than the British mercantile marine the Admiralty, in time of war, would be able to draw men for His Majesty's ships of war; whether he would be dependent upon the British mercantile marine, in time of war, to supply wastage and fully man His Majesty's warships; whether he is aware of the very great percentage of foreigners, including Asiatics, employed on board vessels of the British mercantile marine; and whether he proposes to take any steps by which a greater number of Britishers shall be employed on board British vessels?

In reply to the first part of the question, the men will he drawn from the Royal Navy and the various Naval Reserves, consisting of Royal Fleet Reserve, pensioners, Royal Naval Reserve, and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. As regards the second part of the question, the demands on the mercantile marine for this purpose, so far as can be foreseen, will be limited to such men as belong to the Reserve. In reply to the last part of the question, it is not considered necessary, so far as the requirements of the Royal Navy are concerned, to take any steps in this direction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the necessity of having the waiting rooms of stations between Killarney and Valentia kept in a tidy and sanitary condition; and whether steps will be taken to secure continued supervision in this matter?

The railway company to whom my hon. Friend's question refers was communicated with, and states that the waiting rooms in question are kept in a tidy and sanitary condition. The matter is not one over which I have any control.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number of vessels which arrived in British ports during the year ending 31st March, 1911, on which Chinese were members of their crews; how many Chinese were paid off, discharged, or deserted from these ships in British ports during the said period; how many ships signed on Chinese as members of their crews in British ports during the same period, and the numbers of these Chinese; and will he state what became of the balance, if any?

I am making inquiries with regard to the matters referred to by the hon. Member. I shall not, I fear, be able to give him all the figures he asks for, but such information as I can obtain shall be communicated to him.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make special inquiry as to the accommodation and provision for Chinese sailors at the Port of London?

That hardly arises out of the question. I do not want to confuse I he two subjects; perhaps the hon. Member will put a question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total amount of light dues collected from shipowners or agents during the year ending 30th December, 1910; the amount expended on lighthouses and lightships round the coast of Great Britain and Ireland during the said year; the balance remaining; and what has become of it?

The accounts of the General Lighthouse Authorities are made up to 31st March in each year. The total amount of light dues in respect of the United Kingdom received during the financial year 1910–11 was £460,810, but it is not possible to state what the expenditure was until the accounts have been received and audited. The hon. Member will see from the accounts of the General Lighthouse Fund for the year 1909–10, which were presented to Parliament on 24th November last, that the receipts from light dues in respect of the United Kingdom for that year were £453,249 1s. 9d., and the expenditure £509,581 0s. 2d., the deficit having been met by the sale of securities and the reduction of the balance in hand.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the grievances of the outdoor and transmission staff of the mercantile marine offices in being called upon by the Board to work on Sundays and overtime without extra pay; whether he is aware that during the course of a year many thousands of pounds of seamen's wages pass through the hands of these men; that in some instances the wages paid to these men are only 24s. per week, and in the majority of cases not more than 30s. per week; whether he can see his way to pay them for Sunday work and overtime or, alternately, increase their wages; and whether, out of the balance remaining out of the light dues imposed upon shipowners, a portion of which is not expended on lighting our coasts, he will pay increased wages to these men?

The question of the wages and Sunday duty of the outdoor and transmission staff of the mercantile marine offices is already receiving my careful consideration. The wages of this staff, however, are borne on the votes for the Civil Services, and no portion can legally be paid out of the General Lighthouse Fund.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the overcrowding which prevails in the workmen's trains on the Caledonian Railway from Rutherglen to Clydebank and Dalmuir; and whether he proposes to take any action to obviate the inconvenience suffered by the passengers in these trains?

I received a complaint on this subject in January last, and communicated with the company, who arranged to put on an additional train leaving Anderston Cross, Glasgow, for Dalmuir, at 5.0 a.m., and returning from Dalmuir at 5.30 p.m. daily, except on Saturdays, when an additional train leaving Dalmuir for Rutherglen at 12.25 p.m. was provided. I have received no complaint since.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he was aware that employés in his Department are dissatisfied with the procedure adopted by the Board of Trade when new public services are established, by which nearly all the better-paid positions are filled by patronage, to the exclusion of civil servants, many of whom have made sacrifices to enter the service; whether he would now pledge himself that in all future appointments inquiries should be made and capable men selected from amongst men in the employ of the Board; and (2) if he would furnish the House with a table showing the precise nature of the duties performed by those members of the staff of the central office of Labour Exchanges who were not appointed as a result of competitive examination under the auspices of the Civil Service Commissioners; and also state what was the previous experience which entitled these men to be selected and prevented the selection of men from the ordinary Civil Service?

I do not admit at all the correctness of the statements made on the question, and I do not think that I can usefully add to my previous replies on this subject—namely, that I am carefully considering the question of the method of appointment to posts under the Labour Exchanges Act.

Would the right hon. Gentleman support the idea of a Royal Commission to inquire into the promotion of these Civil Servants?

That is a question for the Prime Minister.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House the name of the official who is responsible for the appointments to the Labour Exchanges?

In what way?

Who is responsible for the appointment of those gentlemen who have been appointed to offices without any examination?

Yes, I can tell the name: it is the President of the Board of Trade.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether in these appointments to the Central Office any inquiries were made as to whether there were any men available within the service—I am referring to the Central Office only, not the sub-offices?

I am making full inquiry, and on in communication with the various authorities concerned as to the best method of appointment for the future. The matter will receive full consideration.

asked the number of persons who emigrated from Ireland during the years 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, and 1910, and also during the first four months of the present year?

The number of persons (natives of Ireland) who emigrated from Ireland during each of the years mentioned is as follows:—

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how many of these persons went to the United States and how many went to Canada?

I have not got that information.

Would not the return of the Registrar-General in Ireland give the information the hon. Gentleman asks for?

The particulars I have given are from the Registrar-General's returns.

Do not the returns issued the other day show that the emigration from Ireland since 1851 was four millions, and that of that number 81 per cent. had gone to the United States of America?

I suppose that is so.

asked if it is part of the official duties of Mr. Hamilton Wickes, British Trade Commissioner to Australia, and Mr. Richard Grigg, British Trade Commissioner to Canada, to publicly advocate Protection and Imperial preference?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department is taking any action to prevent or reduce the use of dazzling headlights on motor cars, which lead to so many accidents to pedestrians and others; and, if so, whether he will say what has been done?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The subject is receiving consideration, and I am in communication with the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis with respect to it.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his Department had received an application out of the Development Fund towards the bridge at Fosdyke; and, if so, whether he can state the decision of the Commissioners with regard to it?

The Holland County Council were informed on the 17th March that the Road Board were unable to make any grant to the cost. of erecting the proposed new swing bridge over the River Welland at Fosdyke.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will instruct the local pension committee concerned to reconsider its decision to refuse an old age pension in the case of Mrs. Boland, of the Stables, Oak Hill Park, New Southgate, who forty-nine years ago married a German subject, but who has never been out of England, has brought up five children on her earnings from her employment as a charwoman, and is in need of the assistance that the pension would supply?

I have no authority to instruct the local pension committee as to the decision to be given on any claim which comes before them. I understand that Mrs. Boland's case is now before the Local Government Board on appeal.

asked the Chief Secretary whether an old age pension granted by the local sub-committee to Mrs. Mary M'Bride, of Derrybrick, county Fermanagh, was disallowed by the Local Government Board on appeal on the grounds that they were not satisfied with the evidence that she was of the statutory age; and whether, having regard to the statutory declaration made by John Brown before Mr. John M'Hugh, J.P., that to his certain knowledge Mrs. Brown is seventy-four year old, he will ask the Local Government Board to reconsider their decision?

I am aware that the Local Government Board upheld the appeal of the pension officer on the ground that the evidence submitted was not sufficient to prove that Mrs. McBride had reached the statutory age. The Board have no knowledge of the statutory declaration now referred to, and in any event, they have no authority to reconsider their decision. If Mrs. McBride considers she has now sufficient evidence to prove that she has attained the statutory age it is open to her to make a fresh claim.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether any specific complaints have been received from solicitors or law stationers respecting the delay and inefficiency in dealing with the Estate Duty Office work; whether he is aware that unchecked assessments may mean demands for duties on executors years hence, after estates have been wound up, when funds will not be available; whether the functions of the Accountant General of Inland Revenue up to 1906 extended to the checking of estate duty assessments; and, if so, what saving resulted during the last two years of that check?

No complaints have been received as to delay or want of efficiency in the Estate Duty office, and no assessments of death duties are sent out unchecked. Prior to 1908, a check, chiefly arithmetical, of such assessments was made in the Department of the Accountant General of Inland Revenue; but since then, an expert and more effective system of checking has been established in the Estate Duty Office, with considerable benefit to the revenue. No net saving resulted during the last two years of the former check, but a substantial gain has resulted from the change of system.

asked to what the increased cost of the Estate Duty Office of £23,000 in eight years is due; if it was due to additional work, when did the increase occur; and what was the number of posts created with maximum salaries over £500?

The increased cost of the Estate Duty Office was incurred owing to the necessity of providing a larger staff on the work connected with the Death Duties. The cost has increased in the eight years by 24 per cent., and the receipts of duty by 34 per cent. The number of posts created with maximum salaries over £500 was twenty-one.

asked why special consideration has been given to boys educated at public schools for entering the Civil Service by lowering the age for the intermediate examination; what objection there is to a second division clerk competing up to 24½ years of age if he is studious enough to do so; and, in view of the fact that the average age of second division clerks on entrance is 19, should not more than one and a half years be allowed them to prepare for the intermediate examination, extending, as it does, over a period of twelve days?

The limits of age fixed for the examination—18 to 19½—have not been lowered, but a special exception allowed to persons already in the public service has been restricted, solely in the public interest, because it was found that its operation tended to prejudice the chances of the younger candidates. I see no reason why special arrangements should be made to allow second division clerks or other persons in the public service to compete at this examination at an age much above the normal limits.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state how much of the Estimate for the Coronation expenses, namely, £185,000, is estimated to be spent under each of the following heads:—The Civil List, the Earl Marshal, the Office of Works, and the Colonial Office?

Civil List, £90,000; Earl Marshal, £3,500; Office of Works, £33,000; Colonial Office, £15,000. Total, £141,500. The remainder is made up of expenses of Indian guests, £37,600; and miscellaneous expenditure, £5,900.

May I ask whether the £20,000 allowed each year for the entertainment of foreign visitors is excluded?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state upon what basis the Estimate of the Coronation expenses—namely, £185,000 has been framed, inasmuch as the Estimate for the expenses of the Coronation of His late Majesty was only £125,000, and the actual expenditure £124,750.

The Estimate has been framed upon the basis of probable requirements, including provision for the Indian Coronation guests for whom a separate Vote of £70,000 was taken in 1903. The total Estimates for the Coronation expenses of His late Majesty amounted to £195,000, and the actual expenditure to about £193,000.

Does His Majesty's Government consider this is doing a thing of this sort economically?

Certainly.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will have a circular of instructions drawn up for the guidance of the. advisory committees now being appointed to advise the Lords Lieutenant in the selection of magistrates, so that the committees may in all cases be clear as to their duties and powers, and so that there may be some uniformity in their actions?

This is a matter entirely within the province of the Lord Chancellor, and he is of opinion that the best course would be to send to each member of the committee a copy of the Royal Commission's Report, which touches every point, together with a short memorandum referring to the portions which deal with the functions of the committees. He will cause this to be done.

Will it be made perfectly clear in the instructions that politics will have nothing whatever to do with the appointments?

I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman has read the Report of the Royal Commission.

asked the Prime Minister whether there will be an advisory committee as to the appointment of justices of the peace for the whole of the county of London or one for each of the boroughs of London?

A single committee would not suffice for London, and it is proposed to have a number of committees. The case of London has been for some time under consideration, and probably the best course will be to divide the committees in the manner suggested by the hon. Gentleman.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which principle will apply to other large cities, such as Glasgow and Manchester?

I cannot answer these questions without notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the petty sessions divisions do not correspond with the areas of the boroughs?

I cannot say that. No doubt that will be taken into consideration.

asked whether, in view of the dissatisfaction caused by the memorandum of the Board of Education known as the Holmes' circular, he would grant any form of inquiry into the circumstances under which such circular came to be issued, and into the conditions under which promotions and appointments to school inspectorships, and promotions and appointments in the Civil Service generally, are made?

In reply to the first part of his question, I would refer the lion. Gentleman to the answer which I gave on 10th April to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham West, and in reply to the second part of his question I would refer him to the answer I gave on the same day to the hon. Member for Blackburn. I can add nothing to the answers then given.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is intended to abolish the open competition examination for male sorters in the service of the General Post Office?

I am endeavouring to reduce to a minimum the number of boy-messengers who are dismissed from the service of the Post Office with no definite prospect of permanent employment, and with that object in view, to increase, so far as possible, the number of posts within the Department available for those boys. A large proportion of these boys attain a, satisfactory standard of education, and I have decided, with the concurrence of the Treasury and the Civil Service Commissioners, that the class of male sorters shall in future be recruited mainly from the boy-messenger class by means of limited competitive examination. The open competitions will be discontinued, but a proportion of the vacancies will still be reserved for competition among postmen and other adults already in the Post Office service.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he is prepared to advise the Government to advance to those boys who are unable to take advantage of the Post Office a sum sufficient to enable them to pay their emigration expenses to over-sea Dominions?

That does not arise out of the question, but one of my colleagues has lately stated that the Government does not intend to subsidise emigration.

Is there any reason why those boys who are retained after they have attained the age of sixteen years should not enlist in the Army, and after they have done their service be given appointments in the Post Office?

If the hon. Member will be good enough to refer to the Report of the Departmental Committee which I appointed on this subject he will find that question fully discussed there, and certain proposals are made in respect of it.

asked whether, in view of the fact that no examination for third-class supplementary clerkships has been held for over two years, the right hon. Gentleman will recommend an extension of the age limit, as was done under similar circumstances for the Excise and Customs examination?

There are serious objections to the course proposed, and the extension of the age limit beyond twenty-one for one Customs and Excise examination does not, in my opinion, constitute a precedent which it is necessary to follow in the case of the examination for third-class supplementary clerks in which the age-limit is twenty-six.

asked if about the year 1890 the Education Department, on the suggestion of the National Union of Teachers, put a stop to the practice of issuing secret circulars on matters affecting the teachers as a body; if since the appointment of the present Permanent Secretary the Board has reverted to the old practice; and, if so, having regard to the public indignation aroused by the issue of the Holmes circular, he will give instructions to the Permanent Secretary to return to the practice which prevailed under his predecessor, so that every circular affecting the teachers as a body shall be open to those whom it affects?

No, Sir, I cannot find that any such changes of practice as are described in the question ever took place. A document called Instructions to Inspectors was issued at least as early as 1882, and was published annually until 1902. I find that at the same time confidential memoranda and circulars on various matters were sent out to the Department's inspectors whenever they were considered necessary, both before 1890, and between 1890 and 1902, as they have been from 1903 until now. In 1905 practically the whole of the Revised Instructions of 1902 was incorporated, with much additional matter, in the prefatory memorandum to the code, and in the volume called Suggestions for the Consideration of Teachers, both of which were then published, for the first time, to replace those Instructions as well as for other purposes. There have always been confidential circulars addressed to the inspectors of the Department and of the Board under every regime, but no policy affecting the teachers as a body is adopted by the Board, nor any instructions issued to inspectors thereon without being publicly stated and explained by circular or otherwise.

Do I understand that the document of 1882 was issued without the knowledge of the teachers?

The fact of the issue of the document must have been known to the teachers, because the Department published it as a Parliamentary Paper. The instructions were published for the consideration of the teachers as well as the inspectors. Those instructions published for the guidance of teachers, as well as inspectors, were published as a Parliamentary Paper.

Would there have been any objection to a similar practice to that adopted with regard to the first Circular being adopted in regard to the notorious Holmes' Circular?

What is called the "notorious Holmes Circular" did not contain any instructions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me how often these secret circulars are issued by the Education Department?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "secret circulars." Private instructions are given to the inspectors and other officers of the Board from day to day, and must continue.

asked whether a circular or memorandum had been issued to inspectors of the Board dealing with the question of conferences with groups or associations of teachers in elementary schools; and whether inspectors had been discouraged by the Board from participating in such conferences?

No, Sir. The Board consider that it is most useful for inspectors to take part in conferences with the teachers in their districts, provided that their so doing does not infringe the general rule, to which I attach great importance, discouraging the making of public speeches by such officers.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can give the names of those local authorities who have intimated to the Board of Education, either by deputation or by letter, their objections to certain of the existing regulations with regard to evening schools; or, if the labour of preparing such return would be excessive, would he give the names of those authorities who have protested against the regulation respecting grants for courses of instruction or registration or both?

No such return would be of any value. Representations have been made to the Board with reference to their regulations, in some cases by local authorities, and in some cases by associations representing local authorities. The regulations, to which I understand the hon. Member to refer in the second part of his question, are needed to safeguard the expenditure of public money, and to obtain the information necessary for a complete revision of the regulations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform me whether the number of local authorities that have made representations is large?

I do not know what representations the hon. Member is referring to, but representations are made from time to time with regard to the regulations of the Board, and I cannot distinguish between them.

I mean these particular regulations.

I think the hon. Member must be misinformed. A great many of the regulations at present in force have been in force for many years.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the regulations of the Board and the conditions of registration in evening classes have involved so much extra work that a local education authority has abandoned the idea of a course of instruction in all its evening schools, and only in the school of arts and crafts is there now any attempt to establish them; whether he is aware that the policy of the Board of Education, in issuing new and important regulations at very short notice, is most harassing to local authorities and teachers, and therefore detrimental to good work; and can he give the House an assurance that the regulations which he has stated he proposes to issue will be founded upon expert advice, and issued in sufficient time to enable local authorities to indicate to the Board of Education whether they are workable or not before the time comes for opening the classes at which such registers have to be used?

So far as can be ascertained the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In reply to the other portions of the question, I have nothing to add to the answers given on 20th April and 2nd May, and to Circular 765.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of my question?

Yes, Sir. We have been giving ample notice to the local authorities, and quite recently we have communicated with some of the local authorities informing them that some of their regulations must be deferred for a year owing to insufficiency of notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, acting on the instructions of His Majesty's Government, a law was passed by the Trinidad Government forbidding the granting of oil licences for the working of oil in that island to any one not a British subject; whether his attention has been drawn to the composition of the New Trinidad Lake Asphalt Company, which, while registered as British, is in reality an American venture, and to the fact that out of a total of 50,000 £10 shares 49,880 were held by American financiers on 30th June, 1910; whether the late Attorney - General of Trinidad, Mr. E. Agostini, is now in the employment of Mr. John M. Mack, of Philadelphia, who is one of the shareholders of the New Trinidad Lake Asphalt Company; will he say whether Mr. Agostini has approached the Colonial Office in regard to oil concessions, and, if so, with what result; and whether careful inquiry has been made, or will be made, as to these allegations?

No law of the kind described in the first part of my hon. Friend's question has been passed in Trinidad, but the Land Regulations provide for the British character of the grantee of a licence to search for oil in the Crown lands to which they apply. I dare-say my lion. Friend's information with regard to the composition of the New Trinidad Lake Asphalt Company is correct, but. I am not in a position to make any official statement on the subject. Mr. E. Agostini resigned his appointment as Attorney-General of Trinidad to resume private practice and take up the position of legal adviser in Trinidad to this company and the companies connected with it. Mr. Agostini has not approached the Colonial Office in regard to oil concessions. I do not think that further inquiry would add any useful knowledge.

asked if the right lion. Gentleman will explain the reasons for which, upon the revision of the Southern Nigerian Customs Tariff in January last, all duty was taken off enamelled ware and glass ware, articles generally manufactured abroad, whilst the duty was maintained on competing articles, namely, chinaware and earthenware, which are manufactured almost entirely in the United Kingdom; and whether such preference of the foreign manufacturer over his British competitor has the sanction of His Majesty's Govern-mentment; and, if not, whether he will institute a measure of Tariff Reform in Southern Nigeria, with a view to putting British manufacturers on a footing at least of equality with their foreign competitors?

Before the revision of the tariff most of the goods imported into Southern Nigeria were subject to an ad valorem duty of 10 per cent. In accordance with the repeatedly expressed wishes of a large section of West African merchants, these ad valorem duties have been abolished except in a few cases, the free list has been greatly extended, and the loss of revenue made good by certain increases in the specific duties. Glass ware and enamel ware are among the goods placed on the free list (the amount of duty received from their importation being small), along with about twenty-five other classes of goods. Earthenware (which includes chinaware) is one of the few classes retained on the ad valorem list, the local committee which discussed the matter having held that it could not conveniently be subjected to a specific duty, and the Governor not being prepared to recommend its transference to the free list, no doubt on account of the loss of revenue which would have been entailed. The fact that out of twenty-six classes of goods put on the free list only three are imported in greater quantities from foreign countries than from the United Kingdom is sufficient to show that no complaint can be made on the ground of unfair preference to foreign goods.

Is it not a fact that on the alteration of the duty in January last the ad valorem duty was taken off the articles manufactured abroad and left upon similar articles competing with those articles manufactured here in this country? I understand the right hon. Gentleman admits that.

I have stated the facts as they are within my knowledge in my answer to the hon. Member's question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps with a view to removing this burden from the British manufacturers?

If the hon. Member will put down a question I will endeavour to answer it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if Southern Nigeria will follow the example of Northern Nigeria by putting earthenware and china ware on the free list?

May I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that my question includes the specific point he has asked me to put down.

I think I have answered it. I will send the hon. Member a copy of my answer.

asked the Secretary of the Treasury whether there were tens of thousands of repayments of Income Tax made last year, not only without efficient examination, but in some respects knowingly inaccurate, in order to get rid of the arrears; whether this system is to be continued; if not, what is the nature of the examination to be adopted; and whether the delay and inefficiency could be avoided by local repayments?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part does not therefore arise. Full examination of all claims will be made. As regards the last part of the question, I may remind the hon. Member that in 1904 the Ritchie Committee on Income Tax reported against the localisation of repayments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention had been called to the delay in paying in for collection cheques in payment of Income Tax due last year, and which were handed to the collectors of Income Tax in the month of March; if he had made inquiry into the matter; and if the collectors acted in this manner on their own initiative or acting under instructions?

I am not aware of any delay of the nature suggested by the hon. Member. But, if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of a specific case, I will cause inquiry to be made.

Have the collectors instructions to pay the cheques in on the day they are received, as in ordinary business transactions?

All I can say about that is no special instructions have been given within my knowledge. If the hon. Gentleman will give me any case, I will certainly cause inquiries to be made.

asked how the cheques which were paid to the collectors of Income Tax some days prior to the 31st March, but which were not paid in and cashed before the 31st March, will be treated in the accounts; and will they be included in the Income Tax received in the past year under the heading of money received but cheques not yet cleared, or in what other way will the error of the collectors be put straight in the accounts?

In accordance with the usual practice, money paid into the Exchequer is treated as Revenue of the year in which such payment is made. I am not aware of any error on the part of collectors of taxes, as suggested in the concluding part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that in many cases the demand for payment of Super-tax for the year ending 31st March, 1911, was not sent out till on or after 31st March, 1911, although the Returns on which the assessment of the tax was made were sent to the Special Commissioners some considerable time before that date; whether this was done by the special commissioners on their own responsibility and initiative, or in pursuance of instructions issued or suggestions made to them; and, if this was done in pursuance of any instructions or suggestions, whether he will inform the House by whom such instructions were issued or suggestions were made; and whether the same were issued or made at the instigation, or with the approval or sanction of, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue, or any Member of that Board?

Owing to the-exceptional circumstances attending the passing of the Finance Act of 1909 there was a considerable delay in the issue of the demands for payment of Super-tax, and at the present time the effect of those exceptional circumstances is still being felt in this connection and is likely to continue for some time longer. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that every step is being taken to expedite the issue of these demands.

asked whether valuers appointed under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, in making valuations for the purpose of arriving at assessable site value, while allowing a deduction for a perpetual rent issuing out of the land, will not allow as a deduction a rent of a similar amount issuing out of the land and payable for a term of 999 years; and, if so, what are the reasons for the distinction?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. I am considering whether the law should be altered.

asked if valuers appointed under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, in valuing agricultural land, while allowing a deduction for the purpose of arriving at site value for live fences, will not allow as a deduction any value attributable to stone walls, dykes, wood or dead fencing; and, if so, what is the reason for the distinction?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to Section 25, Sub-section (2), of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, which enumerates the things of which land is assumed to be divested when ascertaining full site value. That Sub-section restricts the definition of structures to those which are appurtenant to, or used in connection with, any building. Live fences are assumed to be removed, as they come within the category of things growing on the land.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an undertaking that all appointments made in connection with the Bill to provide national insurance against sickness and unemployment shall be given to persons who have passed a Civil Service examination?

It would be premature to make any arrangements at the present time. But I may say that I should be very sorry to give any pledge which would preclude me from utilising, if need be, the experience and special aptitudes of medical men or of persons outside the Government service who have been engaged upon friendly society and insurance work.

May I ask whether due consideration will be given to the servants at present employed by insurance companies?

That is the purport of my answer. It would be a very great mistake in appointing these officers not to consider those who have a lifelong experience of insurance work.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he proposes, in connection with his scheme of invalidity insurance, to make any provision if or widows who are left with young children for whom no provision has been made by the husband and father?

I regret that it has not been found possible to include any such provision in the scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will in his scheme of invalidity insurance in some way include those who through blindness and other physical and mental defects can never earn their own living?

A person who has paid the number of contributions entitling him to disablement benefit, and who through blindness becomes unfit to provide his own maintenance will, of course, get the benefit of the Insurance scheme, unless entitled to an allowance under the Workmen's Compensation Act or some similar provision. I fear it would be impossible consistently with the contributory character of the scheme to include persons who, through defects contracted in childhood, never become self-supporting.

asked what is the estimated cost to the State for the National Insurance Bill for the year 1913; and what is the estimated total reduction in the cost of Poor Law administration for the same period?

The estimated cost for the year 1913–14 is about £4,100,000. The effect on Poor Law expenditure, especially when added to the saving attribut- able to old age pensions is bound to be very considerable, but it is very difficult to estimate in figures. I hope, however, to be able to give a well considered estimate later on.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Bill is likely to be circulated?

I think it will be circulated to-morrow.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he could lay upon the Table, for the guidance and information of Members, a memorandum on the actuarial calculations which determined the scales of payments proposed in the Industrial Insurance Bill in respect both to the invalidity and sickness and unemployment sections of the Bill?

Full information on this subject will be laid before the House.

Will the, information to be laid before the House include points other than those referred to in this question?

What points?

A few of the many points which could not be fully explained in the right hon. Gentleman's speech. Will the right hon. Gentleman issue a full memorandum with regard to both parts of the Bill before the Second Reading?

I hope to lay on the Table of the House the actuary's report in time to enable it to be carefully considered before the Second Reading. I shall also lay on the Table of the House papers dealing with the German scheme, and, I think, a paper of the replies received from a number of German employers as to the way in which the insurance scheme has worked in their country in the interests of the employers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any estimate has been made of the protective character of the existing cocoa duties; if so, whether an estimate can be given of the amount of the protection granted to British cocoa manufacturers; and whether he will take this matter into consideration in framing his forthcoming Budget?

I cannot make any statement with regard to existing taxes in anticipation of the financial statement which I shall make next week.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the resolutions passed at the meeting on Monday last of traders in dutiable goods, representing an annual trade of £25,000,000, protesting against the dislocation of business caused by the annually recurring uncertainty as to the date of the Budget, and asking that, by mutual arrangement between the Government and the Opposition, a definite date should for future years be fixed before which the Budget should be introduced; and whether he will take steps accordingly?

I have received copies of the resolutions referred to, and I will consider the suggestion put forward.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has made any investigation into the loss caused to importers of dutiable goods when reductions of duty are effected by the Budget without granting a full rebate upon goods which have paid the higher rate of duty; whether he is aware that upon the reduction of the sugar duty in 1907 the sugar importers of the United Kingdom incurred losses originally estimated at some £40,000, but subsequently ascertained to reach nearly £80,000, through being obliged to sell sugar which had paid the higher rate in competition against sugar which only paid the lower rate; and whether, in the event of any reduction upon any dutiable import being made in the forthcoming Budget, he will provide for such a full rebate?

I believe that the only occasion in recent years when a rebate was allowed on stocks of dutiable goods was on the repeal of the Corn Duty in 1904. The more usual practice, which is at least equally effective, is to give sufficient notice of a reduction of duty to prevent loss being incurred. In some cases special arrangements have been made for granting temporary bonding facilities.

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that on the last occasion, in 1907, the number of days allowed for realisation of stocks was only ten, of which two were Sundays, and that the trade at the time said at least from six to eight weeks were necessary.

I cannot quite recall. I received several deputations from them at the time, but I could not tell the hon. Gentleman at the present time whether his statement gives a fair account of what occurred.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the matter from that point of view?

Well, yes, I will.

asked whether the appointment of Sir Francis Hopwood as Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, for the purposes of the meeting of the Imperial Conference, involves a discontinuance of his Vice-Chairmanship of the Development Commission; if so, who will take his place on the Development Commission; and, if not, whether the work of the Commission will be suspended until after the Conference?

The appointment referred to is a temporary one, and does not involve a discontinuance of Sir Francis Hopwood's Vice-Chairmanship of the Development Commission. The work of the Commission will proceed as usual.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the following estates have been offered to the Congested Districts Board, namely: Captain M`Ternan's and Colonel Molloy's; whether the following large ranches: Cleen farm, held by Mrs. Bridges, Lyonstown farm, held by Mrs. Devine, Corderry farm, held by Mrs. M`Keon, Derrytowvey farm, held by Mrs. Lynn, Derrycashel farm, held by Mr. N. Johnston, and Clooncluffer farm held by Lord Kingston, have also been offered for purchase; and whether the Congested Districts Board will secure the ranches for enlarging the small holdings in the parish of Ardcarne?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that Captain McTernan is willing to negotiate for the sale of his property to the Board, but that the necessary forms and maps have not yet been lodged by him. The Board have communicated with Colonel Molloy, but no reply has been received from him. Mrs. Bridges is understood to be a tenant purchaser. Mrs. Devine, Mrs. McKeon and Mrs. Lynn have not been asked to negotiate for sale, as from the representations made it did not appear that they were owners in fee. The Board have no information as to the estate of Mr. N. Johnston. The lands of Clooncruffer are not included in the lands for the sale of which Lord Kingston has instituted direct sale proceedings before the Estates Commissioners under the Irish Land Act, 1903.

Is there any other district in the whole of the United Kingdom where the population is so sparse?

asked whether any, and, if so, what reply has been received by the Congested Districts Board from the owner or agent of the estate of Mr. Myles O'Mahony, in the parish of Tuogh, county Kerry, with reference to purchase negotiations?

No reply has yet been received by the Congested Districts Board in this case.