asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state whether Patrick Doyle, No. 3557, at present an inmate of Cavan union infirmary, was granted a pension; if so, when was the first payment due; and will he say why this pensioner has not yet got his book, or when he is likely to receive the same?

I am inquiring as to the facts of this case and will communicate the result to the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, respecting the case of Thomas McHale, William Street, Miles Platting, Manchester, who in July, 1908, duly applied for an old age pension, giving the necessary information to the local pension officer, whether he is aware that the pension was withheld from McHale for over two years, though it is proved he was entitled to it; whether he is aware that the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have now given a decision which deprives-this man of about £30 to which he was legally entitled; and whether the case can be further considered, with a view to a payment being made to him in place of the sum he would have received had his original claim been allowed?

The decision of the Treasury in this case was arrived at after full consideration of the facts relating to McHale's first claim to a pension (which was made in January, 1909, not in July, 1908, as stated in the question). The disallowance of this claim was due, not to any fault on the part of the pension officer, but to the insufficiency of the particulars furnished by McHale for for the purpose of inquiry as to his age. I cannot, in the circumstances, see my way to any modification of the decision.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what decision has been arrived at in reference to the claim of Miss Elizabeth Berry, who resides in Brighton, and whose case was submitted last year for the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown?

On the information before me, the claimant does not appear to be, entitled to a pension, but, before finally, deciding the case, I have addressed a further communication to her.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state, for each year since 1855 and for the whole period, the amount of tax revenue contributed by Great Britain and by Ireland respectively; the one-twenty-first part of the former, being the British estimate of Ireland's taxable capacity; the amount by which the taxes actually drawn from Ireland exceeded this; and the total excessive taxes of that period, of which the Treaty of Union and the findings of the Financial Relations Commission entitle Ireland to claim restitution?

The respective contributions of Great Britain and Ireland to the tax revenue for the years in respect of which calculations have been made are given in the Financial Relations Returns presented to Parliament. These calculations have been made for every financial year since 1889–90, and for the period between the Act of Union and 1889–90 for single years at decennial intervals. The making of calculations for the intermediate years of the earlier period would involve very great labour, and I am not in a position to furnish the figures asked for in the question. As regards the latter part of the question I may point out that the Financial Relations Commission did not commit itself to any precise estimate of the comparative taxable capacity of Ireland and Great. Britain, but their Report contains a statement that whilst the acual tax revenue of Ireland was about one-eleventh of that of Great Britain the relative taxable capacity of Ireland was very much smaller and was not estimated by any of the members of the Commission as exceeding one-twentieth (namely, one-twenty-first of the taxable capacity of the United Kingdom.)

asked the gross amount of local taxation raised in Ireland each year from 1890 to the latest year for which the information is available?

The total amount raised as local taxation in Ireland in each year from 1890 to 1910 will be found in column six of the Table on Page 10 of the Returns of Local Taxation in Ireland for the year 1909–10 presented to Parliament (Cd. 5564).

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it was intended to extend the benefits of the unemployment insurance scheme to those employed in the mining industry and other important industries; and whether he would be prepared to consider the immediate inclusion in his scheme of the workmen engaged in those industries upon the footing of their being prepared to make the necessary contributions?

My right. hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Associations which provide unemployment benefit for persons employed in mining or other industries not included in the compulsory part of the scheme will be entitled under the Bill to a State grant not exceeding one-sixth of their total expenditure on that object. This grant is calculated at a rate which is approximately equivalent to the proportionate rate of State contribution towards unemployment insurance within the trades to which the compulsory part of the scheme will apply after allowing for the expenses of management, so that the members of associations within and without the scope of the compulsory scheme will, roughly speaking, be on a similar footing as regards the State contribution. I do not think it is desirable at the outset to extend to any material extent the scope of the compulsory portion of the scheme, but ample machinery is provided for future extension as need is shown.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his estimate of the cost of the State of the National Insurance Bill will be considerably modified if Home Rule is granted to Ireland?

I fear I cannot forecast the provisions of a Home Rule Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether all slate clubs and other unregistered benefit societies will necessarily be wound up as having no public utility after the national sickness insurance scheme comes into operation; and, if so, what steps should their members take to secure the full benefits obtainable under the scheme?

I hope that practically all organisations which already exist for giving the benefits provided for by the National Insurance Bill and which cannot be recognised, as they stand, as approved societies, may be utilised with more or less adaptation, either by embodiment in approved societies or by affiliation to such societies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether governesses are included within the compulsory branch of the scheme of national insurance against sickness and invalidity?

Governesses below the income limit of £160 a year are compulsorily insured. Those above that limit could be voluntarily insured.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, under the national scheme for compulsory insurance against sickness, a poor agricultural labourer receiving 12s. a week only will be compelled to contribute a premium of 4d. a week, owing to the annual value of a rent-free cottage, however dilapidated, or the difference between its actual and an economic rent being taken into account; and, if so, whether the proposed flat rate of premium will affect the rural population adversely by comparison with the higher-paid industrial workers in the towns?

An agricultural labourer whose wages or other remuneration exceed 2s. but do not exceed 2s. 6d. a day, and who is not provided with board and lodging by his employer, would contribute 3d. a week.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many magistrates there are in the Parliamentary division of South Armagh, and how many of them are Roman Catholics; and how many of the population of the division are Catholic and how many Protestant?

The number of persons in the Parliamentary Division of South Armagh at present holding the ordinary Commission of the Peace is forty-six, of whom nine are believed to be Roman Catholics. According to the Census of 1901, 67 per cent, of the population of the division were Roman Catholic.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the coal mine at Coalisland, county Tyrone, was closed in 1898 in consequence of an explosion by which three lives were lost; that there is a considerable number of skilled miners in the district still and a strong local desire that the mine should be re-opened and set working; and whether he will use his influence to have an expert from the Department of Agriculture and Industry sent to examine the Coalisland mine and to report as to its conditions and possibilities?

The facts are as stated regarding the Annagher Coal Mine, Coal-island. The mineral expert of the Department of Agriculture will make an inspection of this mine as soon as other engagements admit of his doing so.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Michael Sheehan was evicted from a farm near Glin, county Limerick, on the Knight of Glin's estate, in the year 1888, that it was derelict for three years and was then taken by Mrs. J. Lynch, who is now willing to give to Michael Sheehan, provided she receives compensation for the same from the Estates Commissioners; whether, in order to restore Michael Sheehan to his holding, they will give her compensation; or, in the alternative, whether they acquire for him untenanted land equivalent in value to the holding from which he was evicted?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 24th November last, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that petty officers and men of the Royal Navy who travel by train on service, and obtain their food at the railway refreshment rooms by means of Admiralty vouchers, are not allowed to eat their food in the refreshment rooms in a proper manner by having knives, forks, and plates provided; and whether he will at once take steps to have a stop put to men wearing His Majesty's naval uniform being treated with such discourtesy by the employés of these refreshment contractors?

In those cases where the necessary twenty-four hours' notice cannot be given, or—through the lack of accommodation—a "sit-down" meal can- not be provided, arrangements have been made with the contractors to supply the Standard Meal packed in separate bags, so as to ensure the party travelling obtaining their meals en route with a minimum of delay. The contractors and their employés have worked loyally to assist the Admiralty in the successful working of this meal system, and in ensuring that the men receive every consideration that circumstances will permit.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now inform the House as to the total number of men and boys actually entered into the Royal Navy and Royal Marines between 31st March, 1910, and 31st March, 1911, giving the numbers of each rating joined?

The number of men and boys recruited for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines between 31st March, 1910, and 31st March, 1911, were as follows:—

Boys and youths (seaman class)	3,977
Seamen, special service	345
Stokers, second-class	5,717
Engine-room artificers	122
Electricians	83
Carpenter's crew	87
Armourer's crew	26
Blacksmith's mates	5
Painters, second-class	12
Cooper's crew	1
Sick Berth attendants	144
Second cook's mates	342
Officers' stewards and cooks	633
Miscellaneous ratings	70
Royal Marines	987
Royal Marine Band	104
Total	12,655

In addition to the above, the following ratings were entered after competitive examination:—

Boy artificers	161
Boy shipwrights	12
Third writers	44
Ship's steward's assistants	47
Ship's steward's boys	27
Total	291

Grand total, 12,946.The figures must be taken as approximate pending verification from particulars contained in returns from the Fleet.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any men of the Royal Navy of the necessary good character, who have applied for their discharge by purchase, and had their applications approved by their captains and commanders-in-chief, have had their applications refused by the Admiralty?

The rules governing discharge by purchase are given in Article 597 of the King's Regulations, and it will be seen that on foreign stations and under certain conditions at home, authority to approve discharges of men from the service by purchase is vested in the commanders-in-chief and senior officers without reference to the Admiralty. In all other cases at home, applications for discharge by purchase are submitted for the consideration of the Admiralty, who decide each case on its merits.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that on the 1st March, 1911, it was estimated that the improvements in the electrical fittings for the gun-mountings of His Majesty's Ship "Invincible" would be completed in three months, he will say if he sees any reason for modifying that estimate; and, if so, on what date will the ship be ready for re-commissioning?

There is no reason to modify the original estimate. The date for the ship being out of dockyard hands is the 20th May.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the quantities of coal shipped coastwise to ports where the Admiralty is in the habit of receiving amounted for the first three months of 1909 to 157,000 tons, for the first three months of 1910 to 227,000 tons, and for the first three months of 1911 to 162,000 tons; how much of this coal was for trading purposes; whether, on and after 15th March last, no reports of any Admiralty chartering came out for a considerable time; whether, since the beginning of April, 1911, nine colliers between them loaded 29,100 tons of coal and 4,000 tons of patent fuel for consumption at Mauritius, Malta, Gibraltar, and Ascension; and whether the Board of Admiralty are satisfied that this will replace the consumption abroad during the period covered?

The Admiralty has no information of coal shipped coastwise for trading purposes. It is not considered to be in the interests of the service to supply information as to the number of colliers chartered and the quantities of coal shipped for naval purposes; but the Admiralty are satisfied that the shipments which have been made or arranged are sufficient to replace expenditure and to maintain reserves, which are now at a much higher level than at either of the dates quoted by the Noble Lord.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he would state the number of cadets borne for training at Dartmouth to the 31st March, 1910; the number of cadets for whom the authorised scale of annual payments—namely, £40, was allowed on that date; and the number of the latter who are sons of officers of the Navy, Marines, Army, and Admiralty civil servants respectively; the rank of the father, and, if not living, the last rank he held?

The number of cadets borne for training at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, up to the 31st March, 1910, was 886. The number of cadets at Osborne and Dartmouth on the reduced scale on that date was forty-nine, twenty-five being sons of Naval^* and Marine† officers, and twenty-four of Army‡ officers.

^* Three captains, five commanders, two lieutenants, two fleet-surgeons, three engineer-commanders, three paymasters-in-chief, one paymaster, four chaplains, one inspector of machinery.

† One lieutenant-colonel. R.M.L.I.

‡ Two major-generals (deceased), four colonels, six lieutenant-colonels, seven majors (one deceased), four captains (one deceased), one chaplain.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that a pensioned sergeant receiving less than 14s. a week is not eligible for an old age pension, whereas a pensioned private soldier on 7s. a week is eligible, thus making a pensioned sergeant hardly better off than a private, he can see his way to equalising matters by allowing a sergeant slightly more?

The reply is in the negative. The pensioned sergeant has been in a much better financial position than the private from the date of his discharge until he attained seventy years of age. It is not considered that the circumstances stated by the hon. and gallant Member would justify a complete revision of the scales of pensions.

asked the Under Secretary of State for War the length of time during the last twelve months each of the bands of the following regiments have been absent from regimental duties on account of private engagements: the whole brigade of Guards, the Black Watch, the 16th Lancers, Scots Greys, 18th Hussars, the 87th Royal Irish Fusiliers, the 1st Battalion Buffs, and the Green Howards (York)?

No regimental duties have been avoided during last twelve months owing to private engagements. It is the practice for a bandmaster accepting an engagement to arrange with another bandmaster of the brigade for the performance of any duty which may interfere with that engagement. The number of exchanges of band duties were:—

Grenadier Guards	15
Coldstream Guards	19
Scots and Irish Guards	None.
Royal Highlanders	49 days.

A small proportion only of band away on these occasions.

16th Lancers	19 days.
2nd Dragoons	71 days.

Including thirty-six days at Japan Exhibition. The engagements at this place were accorded to the band as a mark of courtesy to His Royal Highness Prince Arthur of Connaught, President of the Exhibition Committee, and an officer of the regiment, and must, therefore, be regarded as exceptional.

18th Hussars	26 days.
1st Royal Irish Fusiliers	53 days.
1st East Kent	36 days.
2nd Yorks	15 days.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many officers serving with the air battalion belong to the Cavalry, Artillery, Guards, Infantry, and Engineers, respectively; and whether Engineer officers serving with the air battalion and engaged on aeroplane or dirigible work receive any additional pay?

The numbers are as follow:—

Cavalry	…	…	0
Artillery	…	…	1
Guards	…	…	1
Infantry	…	…	2
Army Service Corps	…	…	1
Royal Engineers	…	…	7

Engineer officers serving with the air battalion receive no extra pay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, if he will state for how long a period the band of the 1st Royal Berkshire Regiment was engaged last year at Laxey Glen Gardens, Isle of Man, and whether the remuneration received was at a price undercutting civilian bands?

This band was engaged from 15th July to September 13th. The remuneration received for their services was in accordance with the usual fees charged by military bands, and was, as usual, arranged with the intention of in no way undercutting civilian prices.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are a number of labourers in the Army Ordnance Department at the Woolwich Arsenal and Dockyard employed on clerical duties who have not received the increase in pay lately granted; and if he will state whether the case of the store-men and acting storemen is being considered?

No labourers at Woolwich Arsenal or Dockyard are receiving less than the minimum wage lately granted. The question of additional rates for clerical duties is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether a day will be granted before Whitsuntide for the discussion of the Report of the Pilotage Committee; and whether it is the intention of the Government to bring in a Bill dealing with pilotage during this Session?

I am afraid that the reply to the first part of the question must be in the negative. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to an answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade to my hon. Friend the Member for Somerset North on 27th April.

asked the Postmaster-General whether all the officers in the Brighton office who perform duty on Bank Holidays are allowed a day in lieu, in every case, for each Bank Holiday according to the terms of the Select Committee's Report?

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what schemes have been submitted to the Board during the past two years by the special small holdings commissioner in Lancashire, with the total number of acres and applicants involved; how many of these schemes were approved by the Board and forwarded to the county council concerned, and how many of them have been carried out?

Fourteen Reports recommending the acquisition of 1,029 acres for 119 applicants. All these Reports, with the exception of one dealing with one applicant for six acres, have been sent to the county council. The county council have purchased ninety acres, and leased 195 acres. They also obtained a compulsory order for the hiring of 181 acres, but were unable to take the land owing to the high rent fixed by the valuers.

asked the Lord Advocate if he will state the numbers of emigrants from the following districts, respectively, in the years 1908, 1909, 1910, specifying in each case how many were agriculturists, Orkney, Shetland, Caithness, Ross, Sutherland, Inverness, Argyll, Forfar, Perth, Haddington, Midlothian?

The information collected by the Board of Trade for the purpose of emigration returns does not include the particulars desired by the hon. Member, but the Secretary for Scotland is informed by the President of the Board of Trade that he is considering whether further particulars can be obtained in the future.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of his repeated declarations that reduction in licences should be accompanied by compensation, his attention has been directed to the action of the magistrates in Scotland, and especially in Glasgow, at the recent licensing courts, in putting into force a policy of confiscation of licences against which there has been no police or other complaint, the holders of which will not have the benefits of the compensation proposals advocated in the declarations referred to; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My attention has been directed to the action of the magistrates in Scotland referred to in the hon. Member's question. The magistrates appear to have been acting entirely within their statutory powers; and their action cannot, in my judgment, be characterised as confiscatory. I have never at any time declared that reduction of licences by the magistrates acting in the performance of their statutory duty should be accompanied by compensation. I have, on the contrary, frequently declared that no compensation was due, or should be paid, under such circumstances.