asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the interest taken by the German Government in all matters concerning shipping, commerce, and trade, and of the expansion in German shipping, commerce, and trade; if he can state whether German Ministers and Consuls abroad, in matters relating to shipping, commerce, and trade, communicate with or through their Foreign Secretary, or the Minister occupying a similar position to that of our President of the Board of Trade; and whether, in the interests of British shipping, commerce, and trade, he will consider the desirability of arranging that British Ministers and Consuls abroad shall communicate direct with the President of the Board of Trade instead of with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs?

There are already means of direct communication between the Board of Trade and British Consuls. It would take some time to read an answer describing the existing practice by which information is received and distributed, but if the hon. Member will put an unstarred question on the Paper, I will have a fuller answer given. I have no reason to believe that German Consuls give more assistance or information than British Consuls afford.

asked whether the right hon. Baronet has yet received any formal complaints and particulars respecting the congestion of shipping at Buenos Ayres resulting in loss and injury to British shipping, commerce, and employment in this country; and, if he has, will he state what action he proposes to take with a view to remedying this state of affairs?

As the hon. Member is aware. I have received the information he himself sent me. His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Buenos Aires was recently approached by a deputation representing shipping interests, and has been authorised to make friendly and unofficial representations to the Argentine Government on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that the official Parliamentary Voters List for the North Louth division of the county of Louth was published on the 1st of last January; that that official list did not contain the name of Arthur McKevett; that a local government nomination was since rejected on the ground that he was not a registered voter; that a new list has now been published in which the name is written in; and will he say what official is responsible for this proceeding, seeing that the courts have decided that no court or official can add to or strike out a name on the list once the official list is published?

I understand that the facts are as stated in the question. I am informed by the Clerk of the Peace that the name of Mr. McKevett was included in the official list settled by the Revising Barrister, and it was also in the list furnished by the Clerk of the Peace to the printer, but was omitted by an error from the list as printed. The attention of the Clerk of the Peace was not directed to the omission until 26th April, and, I understand, he then called on the printer to furnish a corrected list with the name inserted, and, that being clone, he sent it to the Sheriff.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman could say whether, having regard to the promise repeatedly made by the Estates Commissioners to reinstate Mrs. O'Shaughnessy and Mrs. Hayes in the farms at Aughanish Island, in the county of Limerick, from which they were evicted considerably over twenty years ago by Edward Lane Joynt, he would state what is the cause of delay in their being reinstated and when may their reinstatement take place?

These lands have not yet been acquired by the Estates Commissioners, who have not been able to come to an agreement with the owner as regards the upkeep of the embankment which protects the estate against injury from floods in the Shannon and its tributaries Under the leases under which the former tenants held the lands they were liable to maintain the embankment, and the Commissioners understand that the owner is in communication with the tenants as to its future maintenance.

Does that mean that these evicted tenants who have been out of their holdings for considerably over twenty years are to have their reinstatement postponed indefinitely?

No, Sir; I think not. The arrangement for the maintenance of the banks is a matter of imperative necessity.

Is it not absolutely necessary that a certain proportion of the purchase money should be kept from the landlord to see that the banks are properly kept up?

I have already said that under the lease that obligation is upon the tenants and therefore I do not know that the landlord can be made to assume it while the negotiations are going on.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state why Mrs. O'Shaughnessy was ejected from her farm twenty years' ago?

No, I could not say.

I want to ask the Chief Secretary to communicate with the Estates Commissioners and tell them that if they do not bring about a settlement of this case I will bring about a settlement very quickly.

asked whether proceedings for the sale of the estate of Joseph Johnson, (continued in the name of Charlotte Johnson), owner Thomas Elliot, petitioner, are still pending; and, if so what is the cause of the delay in this case; and is he aware that the solicitor for the tenants was informed by the Estates Commissioners that they expected to be in a position in October last to serve the necessary notices to enable the sale to proceed?

The Registrar of the Land Judge's Court informs me that the grant in lieu of the lease for lives referred to in my reply to the hon. Member's question of 27th February last has not yet been executed owing to further difficulties as to title which are being dealt with. No sales in connection with this estate appear to be pending before the Estates Commissioners, who are unable, from the particulars available, to trace the communication with the tenants' solicitor referred to in the question.

Are proceedings now pending before the Land Judge?

Yes, Sir; they are.

asked when the negotiations for the purchase by the Congested Districts Board of the Ellis Estate at Bushfield and Ballymaglancy, in the county of Roscommon, commenced; and what was the cause of the delay in having the purchase completed?

This estate was offered under the Act of 1909 to the Congested Districts Board in February, 1910. The estate has been inspected, and an offer will soon be made to the landlord.

asked what was the present state of the negotiations for the purchase by the Congested Districts Board of the Bowen and White Estate at Ballymacurly, county Roscommon?

The Congested Districts Board inform me chat the owners have refused to negotiate for the sale of this estate.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have yet been able to ascertain the exact acreage and valuation of the holdings in the rural district of Glenamaddy, county Galway, surrendered by Messrs. John and James Payne, and the acreage and valuation of the fee simple holding given to them in exchange on the Crofton estate, in the county Roscommon; and whether he can explain the delay in ascertaining this information?

Messrs. Payne surrendered 523 acres of land on the Pollok Estate, county Galway, the poor law valuation being £326 10s., in exchange for 334 acres on the Crofton Estate, county Roscommon, with a valuation of £389. There has been no avoidable delay on the part of the Estates Commissioners in. obtaining this information.

May I ask whether it is not a fact the Commissioners could get this information by return of post from the County Council offices at Galway, but have delayed three months, and I have had to put seven questions in order to get it?

I do not know that I am to blame in the matter. If the hon. Member had put down a question since 13th April, the information could have been given at once, so the delay has not occurred since that date.

asked whether untenanted land on the Alexander estate, situate at Cruicestown, Nobber, county Meath, has been offered for sale to the Estates Commissioners; and with what result?

This estate is the subject of direct sale proceedings under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and the vendor has included for sale to the Estates Commissioners some 272 acres of the lands of Cruicestown. When the estate is being dealt with in order of priority the Commissioners will consider the question of purchasing these lands.

asked whether any progress had been made in the matter of the offer of Mr. James W. Bond, D.L., Farragh, to sell the untenanted lands of Coolcraff, county Longford, to the Estates Commissioners for the extension of uneconomic holdings in the parish of Abbeylara, North Longford?

The Estates Commissioners have directed an inspection to be made of these lands with a view to estimating the price which might be advanced for them, but they have not yet received their inspector's report.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have received an application from Hugh Carry, Monknewtown, Slane, county Meath, for a parcel of untenanted land; and whether they have any land purchased, or negotiating the acquisition of, in the immediate neighbourhood?

The Estates Commissioners are unable from the information in the question to identify the application of Hugh Carry for a parcel of untenanted land.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have considered the petition recently lodged with them to have the O'Grady Delmege estate at Glensharrold, county Limerick, declared a congested one; whether the turbary on the estate is being sold to outsiders, and hat, unless the Commissioners buy the estate at once there will be no turbary left for the tenants during the period of the repayment of the purchase annuities; and whether, under these circumstances, the Commissioners will buy the estate without further delay?

The petition referred to was received by the Estates Commissioners on 10th April, and they are at present in communication with the representatives of the tenants on the subject.

Who are the representatives of the tenants?

I will ascertain.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman had received a resolution from the Navan Rural Council protesting against the action of the Local Government Board in reducing the grants for medical and educational purposes; and if he would state what authority the Board had for its action?

also asked whether the Chief Secretary was aware that the Local Government Board for Ireland had recently issued a circular stating that the amount paid out of the Local Taxation (Ireland) Account in aid of the local rates would be reduced by one-half in the coming year; and, if so, whether, considering that Ireland is already overtaxed, and in view of the effect of this policy on the finances of boards of guardians and district councils, the matter would be reconsidered with a view to having this circular cancelled?

These two questions appear to be based on a misapprehension. The circular issued by the Local Government Board on 21st April, to which reference presumably is made, does not contain any statement that, the amount paid out of the Local Taxation Account in aid of the local rates will be reduced by one-half in the coming year, but merely gives effect to an administrative arrangement by which Clerks of Unions will be saved the trouble of rendering, as heretofore, at this period of the year, returns of expenditure for medical and educational purposes, other than for medicines and medical and surgical appliances, for the half-year ended 31st March. It is intended, if the money in the Local Taxation Account is sufficient for the purpose, to make to boards of guardians, in September or earlier, advances on account to the extent of one-half the fixed standard amount. The payment of the balance for the year ending 30th September will, when ascertained, be made as in former years, before the end of the financial year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman as President of the Local Government Board, consulted in these matters by the Local Government Board?

In this particular case I had no knowledge of the circular issued, and I quite agree it was expressed in a form which might easily give rise to misapprehension, which I hope I have now allayed.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the circular of the Local Government Board gave the impression to all readers of it in Ireland that only half would be paid in future?

That is quite a mistake. The intention was to relieve the clerks of unions from an obligation at the present moment to make a particular return. They are now told that they will get one, half of the advances at a particular date and the balance at the end of the financial year.

Does this mean any addition to local taxation?

None, whatever.

Will the right hon. Gentleman cause his reply to be circulated as the official action of the. Local Government Board on the matter?

My reply has been made, and will be circulated.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he received a petition signed by residents in Newcastle West and district complaining of the conduct of the district inspector, Royal Irish Constabulary, and police there; and whether he would grant a sworn inquiry to fully investigate the matter?

I have received the petition referred to, but I see no grounds for a sworn inquiry into the matter.

What objection can the right hon. Gentleman have to a sworn inquiry into the action of the police, in order that persons feeling aggrieved may be heard?

I can assure the hon. Member I have gone very carefully into this matter myself, and I am quite satisfied a sworn inquiry is out of the question.

asked whether any official inquiry, apart from the coroner's inquest, has been or will be made into the circumstances of the death of the late Constable Costelloe, of Clonbern, county Galway; whether he will take steps to provide for the constabulary authorities to determine whether a constable with twenty years' service is fit for promotion to the rank of sergeant without subjecting him to a further prolonged period of probation as an acting sergeant, and why this is the only force in the Kingdom where such a system exists; will he say why this constable was informed that he would have to revert to his former rank; what offence or offences had he committed; and when he applied for transfer elsewhere why was he refused?

The Inspector-General has directed an official investigation into the circumstances of the death of the late Constable Costelloe, and in the meantime it does not appear to be desirable to discuss the matters referred to in the question.

asked what was the amount of the cost to the county of Clare during the past twelve months on account of the extra police and the extra patrols employed in connection with the Kinlea farm; and whether, in view of the character that West Clare now enjoys in the comparative freedom from crime, the extra police may be removed, and the entire police force in the constituency reduced?

As I have already informed the hon. Member the cost of the police employed on this duty is £170 per annum. The responsible police authorities do not think that the time has yet come when any change in the police arrangements in West Clare can be safely recommended.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will take into consideration that this is a very onerous burden on the poor population of West Clare, which is black listed, whereas Judge Bodkin said in court it compared well with any county in Great Britain.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the amount of compensation for injuries given in West Clare at the last assizes?

I am afraid I cannot without notice. I can assure the hon. Member (Mr. Lynch) I am most anxious to relieve any portion of Clare from this expenditure, but at the present moment, in the exercise of my discretion, I cannot do so.

asked what was the date in each of the years 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1900 that the annual conference required by the Commissioners' regulations was held between the chief inspector of national schools and the various local inspectors of the Ballymena circuit?

also asked if the required annual conference was regularly held in the Galway circuit between the chief inspector of national schools and the various local inspectors during the years 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1906; and, if so, on what date in each of these years?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the question on this subject addressed to me by the hon. Member for South Wexford on the 6th March.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has considered the proposal of the National Education Board to establish higher grade schools in Ireland similar to those established in England, Scotland, and the Continent; whether, as stated in the Board's report, they have advocated this scheme for years without success; and whether, seeing the general dissatisfaction that prevails as regards higher education in Ireland, he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee to report on the whole question?

The Commissioners of National Education have recommended the establishment of higher grade schools in Ireland, but it was not found possible to make provision in the Estimates 1911–12 for this purpose. I do not think that it would be advisable at the present moment to appoint a committee to report upon the question of higher education in Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has any official information showing that several detectives were present at a council meeting of the Unionist clubs of Ireland, held in Belfast on 15th April; if so, by whose orders were they present and whether they were acting under official instructions?

No orders were issued for the attendance of police at the meeting referred to.

Were they there?

I do not know whether they were there or not. If they were they were not there in pursuance of any order.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry and find out?

Yes, if you like.

Why should they not be there as well as at meetings of the United Irish League?

The longer ears the police have the better.

How long is it since the Government got afraid of loyal institutions in Ireland?

When did you get afraid of the police?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a memorial signed by a number of representative residents of the postal district of Derryharney, county Fermanagh, with reference to a grievance existing in connection with the postal service there; and whether any and, if so, what reply has been sent to the memorial?

I have not received the memorial referred to.

asked whether the Local Government Board has issued to pension officers in Ireland a form on which the officers are required to state whether any member of the same household as an applicant is in receipt of, or has claimed, or is claiming, a pension, and what is the amount of the pension; whether any such form is issued in England, and, if so, on what date; whether there is any statutory authority for collecting such particulars; whether the fact of any other member of the household so claiming would disqualify the claimant; if not, what is the object of the circular; and whether this step has been taken with the knowledge or at the instance of the Treasury?

The Local Government Board for Ireland have asked pension officers to supply this information, as the particulars required in the investigation of an appeal may and often have been already furnished by another member of the same household. The fact that another member of the household is in receipt of a pension does not disqualify a claimant. The information has been asked for under the authority of Article 19 of the Old Age Pensions Regulations. I understand it has not been found necessary to ask for similar information in England, but the number of appeals to be dealt with is considerably greater in Ireland.

What is the object of the circular, if the information supplied cannot be used for the purpose of disqualifying applicants?

It is only information which is obtained over and over again.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any intelligent reason why they should ask for information which is of no conceivable use to them?

They certainly do not want any information which is not of use to them.

Why do they ask for it, then?

Because they think it is of use to them.

They have it already.

Why is this information not asked for in England?

I cannot say.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he was aware that Mrs. Elizabeth Croucher, a widow, aged 73, now residing at 19, May Road, Gillingham, in the county of Kent, had been refused an old age pension under the following circumstances: Mrs. Croucher has for upwards of fifty years resided in the parish of Gillingham; about two years ago her son, who is resident at Wellington, New Zealand, requested Mrs. Croucher to come out to Visit him; this she did, the son paying the passage money; whilst at Wellington, Mrs. Croucher was so unwell that she decided to return, and arrived in this country about February last; whether Mrs. Croucher is penniless, in bed, and in receipt of parish relief; whether Mrs. Croucher is in fact disqualified to receive an old age pension; and, if so, would he consider whether the Act or the regulations made thereunder can be amended so as to include her case?

I am enquiring into the fact s of this case, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member in due course.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the fact that there are a number of similar cases of hardship entailed on people who have temporarily lost domicile, and that this is a non-controversial matter, he will introduce an amending Bill to enable pensions to be paid in such cases?

I do not generally find that a Bill introduced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer is non-controversial. I will consider the point. There is no doubt that there are a few cases of hardship, but I cannot promise to propose legislation on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, having regard to the loss and inconvenience caused to traders and the public by the present regulation, he will advise a reduction of the quarantine imposed, as to store pigs intended for export, from twenty-eight to fourteen days?

I have no power to interfere with the operation of the regulation in question, which has force under an Order of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in England governing the landing in Great Britain of store swine from Ireland.

Will the right hon. Gentleman confer with the Board of Agriculture so as to have these restrictions taken off, and the time reduced by one-half?

Yes, I have no objection whatever, if the hon. Member will give me his information, to seeing the Board here in England.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the reason why military and civil pensions payable in respect of services in India are payable by the India Office in arrear, either monthly or quarterly; whether it would be possible to arrange that they should be payable in advance as is done in regard to pensions granted for similar services rendered in this country; and, if not, would he be prepared to favourably consider the case of particular persons to whom this facility, if temporarily granted, would be of great benefit?

The system of paying pensions in arrear is, I understand, followed also in the case of pensions granted for services rendered in this country. The Secretary of Stake does not think that the transient benefit to the pensioner involved in the hon. Member's suggestion is sufficient reason for a departure from this generally accepted principle.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question as to particular cases?

If the hon. Member will tell me the particular cases on which he has based his question I shall, of course, be glad to consider them. But it would be advisable to keep to the same practice as is adopted here, and I think the hon. Member is misinformed as to that practice.

asked if the case will be considered of officers of the Indian Army who accept civil employment as cantonment magistrates in that country, and who, while serving in a purely judicial capacity, are obliged, when they become eligible for promotion, to undergo a severe examination in military subjects, as well as a practical test in drill?

Under the regulations in force all officers of the Indian Army who are employed extra regimentally—whether in military or civil appointments—are required, so long as their names remain on the rolls of the regiment., and so long as they retain a right to revert to those regiments, to pass the ordinary professional examinations for promotion in Army rank. When the right, to revert ceases no further examination in military subjects are required. This rule appears reasonable, and the Secretary of State does not propose to alter it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that China is the only country in the world where officers acting in a civil capacity are subjected to a military examination?

I do not know if the hon. Member realises that these officers can at, any time become regimentally employed, and revert to the Army, and it therefore seems only reasonable that they should qualify for promotion in the ordinary way.

But is it not almost without precedent for any officer so employed to revert to regimental duty?

I cannot say. But the rule being that, they have the right to revert, they must, he examined in the ordinary way.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has any official information with regard to the administration of tele- phone services in the United States; and, if so, if he will place it at the disposal of the House?

I have a large body of information with regard to the administration of the telephone service by the various companies engaged in the business in the United States where there is no Government system of telegraphs or telephones. Much of the information is of a highly technical character, and a part of it was given on the understanding that it would be regarded as confidential. If the hon. Member will inform me on what particular points he desires information to be furnished, I shall be happy to consider his proposal.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the postman employed on the duties of a sorting clerk and telegraphist at Walsall was substituted by a boy messenger, whose duties were in turn covered by a lad employed temporarily, and that the duty is now being covered by an assistant postman at 17s. per week; and whether this particular devolution does not, prevent casual labour, but allows the Post Office to get such labour at the cheapest possible rate?

The duties of the postman substituting the sorting clerk and telegraphist are being performed by an assistant postman at wages of 18s. a week, the age-pay to which he is entitled. The latter's duty is being provided for by the employment of a temporary substitute, who receives the wages proper to the assistant postman's duty. This process of devolution obviates the necessity for employing casual labour on the more important duties of sorting clerks and telegraphists. I find that for one week it was necessary, owing to exceptional pressure, to employ a boy messenger on a postman's duty, and a temporary substitute was employed during that week on the boy messenger's work. The boy messenger is seventeen years of age and is being retained with a view to permanent employment as a postman.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in order to allay doubts which exist as to the right to receive telegrams within the three-mile limit free of charge, he will state if the delivering office is to measure the three miles by the nearest public road or lane-way to the house of the person to whom the telegram is to be delivered or if, in case there is a public passway across fields and ditches from the public road, the messenger is to use that pass without regard to the difficulties of cycling, especially in dark winter nights, such pass being usually only used by pedestrians and not for other purposes?

As stated in my reply to the hon. Member of 28th March, the distance is measured by the nearest route ordinarily available. I will gladly inquire into any specific case where doubt exists, but I am afraid I cannot, on the particulars given, answer the hon. Member's hypothetical question.

Does not the whole thing turn on the question what the word "route" means?

If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the case he has in his mind I will have inquiry made into that specific case.

I will.

asked when the new issue of George V. postage stamps will be made?

The new adhesive postage stamps of several denominations, including ½d. and 1d. and postcards and letter cards bearing the new stamps, will, I anticipate, be placed on sale on the day of His Majesty's Coronation. The new adhesive stamps of other denominations and other articles of stamped stationery will be issued as soon as possible afterwards.

Will the postcards be sold at face value?

Yes, both the penny and halfpenny cards will be sold at the face value of the stamps on them.

asked the Postmaster-General why the mails are now required to depart from Bruree, county Limerick, on Sundays at 11.30 a.m., whereas for the past thirty years they did not leave until 3.30 p.m., and some mails do not leave Kilmallock until 10 p.m.; and whether he will direct that the time as formerly be continued?

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

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will consider the possibility of making arrangements for the exchange into Home stamps at the district post offices of postage stamps sent to this country in payment of small sums from the dominions oversea, from India, and from the Crown Colonies?

I have already considered the question, and regret that it would not be practicable to arrange for the exchange of postage stamps suggested by the hon. Member. In most parts of the Empire Imperial postal orders and reply coupons are available for making small remittances.

May I ask whether, having regard to the great convenience this arrangement would afford to a large number of persons the right hon. Gentleman will confer with the Colonial Premiers on the subject with a view if possible of altering the decision?

There are difficulties arising in some cases through the different systems of currency. Besides that, it would necessitate considerable varieties of stamps being stocked at a great number of offices. I think the purpose the hon. Member has in view is really served by the system of Imperial postal orders and reply coupons throughout the Empire.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, whether he is aware that, in or about the year 1851, Her late Majesty signified her intention to give directions for the extinction or removal of the deer within the New Forest and to consent to the extinguishment of the right of the Crown to stock and keep the forest stocked with deer; that, in consideration of such consent and undertaking, it was agreed that in lieu of such right the Crown should be empowered to enclose land in the New Forest to the extent of 10,000 acres in addition to the 6,000 acres then already enclosed; that these terms were subsequently embodied in an Act of Parliament, by which it was directed that within two years from the passing thereof the Commissioners of Woods and Forests should cause to be removed all the deer within the New Forest, and if he will say whether such direction was ever in fact carried out; whether he is aware that deer, both red and fallow, are now preserved in the New Forest, contrary to the provisions of such Act, for the purposes of hunting and shooting; whether a number of red deer were recently imported into the forest by the Master of the Deer Hounds; and, if so, whether this was done with the knowledge of the Deputy Surveyor; and if he will state the number of deer now within the forest, both red and fallow deer, respectively, according to the latest report of the deputy surveyor; whether any steps have been taken to verify the figures given in such report with regard to the numbers of deer within the forest; whether any account is kept of the number of such deer annually shot or killed in hunting; and whether he will undertake either to see that the law is obeyed according to the provisions of the Act of Parliament or introduce legislation to repeal it?

I am aware of the provisions of the New Forest (Deer Removal) Act, 1851. An enquiry into the operation of that Act was made by a Select Committee of the House of Lords, and I refer the hon. Member to the Report, dated 9th July, 1868, of that Committee, where he will find it stated that the deer had accordingly been removed or destroyed. As regards the existence of deer in the Forest at the present day, it would be practically impossible to keep the Forest permanently free from deer, because the deer range over a vast area, much of which is in private ownership, and not controlled by the Crown, and they certainly move to and fro. It is, however, not the case that deer are preserved in the New Forest. On the contrary, they are killed down both by hunting and shooting. No red or other deer have been imported into the Forest with the Deputy Surveyor's knowledge. There are no means of estimating the number of deer in the Forest. Returns are kept of deer killed.

Will the advisers of the Crown consider the propriety of restoring to the forest the 10,000 acres that were enclosed, seeing that the consideration has failed, owing to the failure of the Crown to carry out its part of the contract?

I will convey that intimation to my right, hon. Friend.

Has any complaint been received from the inhabitants of the Forest as to the existence of the deer?

Not so far as I am aware.

Are not the 10,000 acres which have been enclosed available for afforestation?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Would it not destroy the amenities of the New Forest as a national playground to have these 10,000 acres enclosed?

Are licences issued every year for a pecuniary consideration for the hunting of the deer?

Not for hunting.

asked the amount of the capital sums invested to yield the Income Tax returns collected under each of the Schedules C and D as given in Sessional Paper 233 of year 1910, plus any sums under the same schedules outstanding at the close of the financial year 1909–10, and since collected for Great Britain and Ireland, respectively?

I am unable to furnish the hon. Member with the amount, of the capital sums for which he asks.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state the amount of taxes collected, and from what sources, in England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively, by Government officers and applied to local or other purposes without being paid into the Exchequer; the purposes to which they are applied in each country; whether there are any non-tax revenues similarly dealt with; and, if so, will he give a like return of their collection and application?

Apart from the local taxation licences in England and Wales referred to in Section 6 of the Finance Act, 1908 (as amended by the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and the Revenue Act, 1911) which in certain cases are collected by the Post Office on behalf of county councils, no Imperial taxes are now collected by Government officers and applied to local or other purposes without being paid into the Exchequer in any part of the United Kingdom. The amount collected by the Post Office on behalf of county councils in England and Wales in 1910–11 was £1,670,000. The expression "non-tax Revenue" is used to denote moneys paid into the Exchequer other than the proceeds of taxation. These receipts are of so Miscellaneous a character as to make a category of similar receipts not payable to the Exchequer incapable of definition, but, speaking generally, no moneys are received by Government officers and accounted for directly to local authorities except the proceeds of the local taxation licences to which I have already referred.

asked whether, according to the existing classification of Customs collectors, the thirty junior collectors would, in the ordinary course, unless debarred by age, advance in turn, and without further examination, to the highest grade of collector, on the occurrence of the necessary vacancies; and, whether in the classification fixed, or to he fixed, for the combined Customs and Excise service, steps have been, or will be, taken to ensure, so far as the junior Customs collectors are concerned, that their rank as collector shall be retained during any necessary period of redundancy; that they shall receive appointment to the vacancies, as they arise, in the new collector grade; and that, until their appointment to the new collector grade, they shall receive compensation for the retardation of their promotion?

Under the existing classification duly qualified junior Customs collectors are eligible for selection for promotion to higher collector-ships without examination. Pending the issue of the Report of the Customs and Excise Amalgamation Committee, I am unable to make any statement in regard to the points raised by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether the accounts and vouchers of returning officers at Parliamentary elections in Ireland are subject to audit by any public authority except a court; if he will explain why bogus accounts and vouchers are never disallowed except in an action; and whether the returning officer at the last Parliamentary election in North Westmeath will be required to produce his accounts and vouchers forthwith for examination?

Under the Parliamentary Elections (Returning Officers) Act, 1875 (38 and 39 Vic., c. 84) and amending Acts, there are abundant provisions at the instance of the person liable for payment, for the audit and taxation of returning officers' accounts, even including an appeal to the superior courts. So far as I know, there is no other audit. I have no information about the North Westmeath case referred to by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the proceedings at the licensing quarter sessions for the county of Longford on Monday, 24th April; whether he is aware that the licence application of Mrs. Maria Beglan was peremptorily adjourned on that day by the county court judge in defiance of the fact that six magistrates on the bench were in favour of granting the same; and whether in such cases in future the Clerk of the Crown and Peace will be directed, when it appears to him that a majority of the justices are in favour of granting the licence, to issue his certificate to that effect without further delay?

I am informed that there was an equity suit pending regarding the licensed house, and in order that the questions arising in that suit might first be determined, I understand the licensing application was adjourned for four days, from 24th April to 28th April. The magistrates sitting next to the judge, I am informed, left the matter in his hands, and it was not until the order was announced that one of the magistrates, whose presence until then the judge had not observed, made the objection referred to. The case was disposed of on 28th April, and the licence granted. It is the duty of the Clerk of the Crown and Peace to obey the court's orders, and the Government has no authority to give directions in the matter.

Is he aware that the county court judge who gave the licence four days later expressly said that he would not be worried by having magistrates on the bench with him?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the case of William Taylor, who was convicted at the Hull Police Court on or about 2nd May last of cruelty to a mare by causing it to be travelled in an unfit state; whether he is aware that evidence was then given that the animal was walking on her heels and was in the greatest pain, both feet being full of inflammation and there being a hole through one foot; whether, nevertheless, after the animal had been stopped by the inspector of the Hull and East Riding Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and before the hearing of the charge, the mare was passed by the inspector appointed by the Board of Agriculture under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1910, as fit to be sent abroad and was actually shipped to a foreign country; whether at the hearing of the case the stipendiary magistrate expressed the opinion that the inspection on behalf of the Board was practically worthless; and whether he will take steps to institute a proper system of inspection at this and other ports in order that the intention of the Legislature may be duly carried into effect?

The facts connected with the original prosecution are correct so far as they go, but are not complete, seeing that the stipendiary, after hearing the explanation of the veterinary inspector employed by the Board and of the shipment officer, stated in open court for the information of the Press that he was satisfied that the examination made by Colonel Longhurst was no perfunctory examination, but a careful one. There is now considerable doubt whether the mare examined by Colonel Longhurst and exported was in fact the same mare as that to which the legal proceedings related. Such evidence as is available goes to show that it cannot have been the same mare, but it is not probable that any absolute evidence of this will come to light.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can arrange with the Inland Revenue authorities to secure that the valuation figures made for the purposes of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, may be available for arriving at the proper valuation of properties required for small holdings?

I have been in communication with the Board of Inland Revenue, and I am informed by them that their policy hitherto has been to decline to disclose such value except to persons interested in the land or authorised by persons so interested.

Is it not obvious that those persons who are prospective buyers of small holdings are very much interested in the matter?

I think my hon. Friend will see that that is a question for Debate. I only informed him of the answer I have received from the Inland Revenue.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that milk-producers in the North of England are being continuously convicted under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act for selling milk below the standard of 3 per cent. of butter fat, in face of the most conclusive proof that such milk was the unadulterated produce of the cow; and whether, in view of this method of administering the Act and the sale of milk regulations, he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I believe there is such a feeling as that stated by the hon. Member and to which expression was given lately at a meeting of farmers at Darlington. I understand that the President of the Board will shortly receive a deputation from this meeting in regard to this matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the bee pest has spread to certain districts in Perthshire; and what steps he is prepared to take to deal with it?

I have seen in the Press that disease exists in Blair Atholl and elsewhere, but only one report has been made to the Board, and in that case the bees have been destroyed. If the other owners of diseased bees will communicate with the Board, their cases shall be investigated.

May I ask if it was last year that this disease spread in the districts he mentioned, and all hives were destroyed then, so that it is believed that the disease was stamped out, and the Board of Agriculture and the Scottish office have given every assistance in the matter?

I believe what the Noble Lord states is correct with reference to his district.

May I ask whether, owing to the increase of this disease all over the country, there is a very serious danger to fruit growers, owing to the lack of pollenation next year?

I ant aware that that is a very serious matter, and the Board are exercising all their powers to stamp out the disease as far as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he would enlarge the class of those eligible to qualify for the grade of interpreter under Section 9, Article 343 et seq., of the King's Admiralty Regulations, for example, by opening it up to naval writers; and whether he would confer upon classes other than those enumerated in Article 343 the benefits of Article 346 (b)?

This question has been considered by the Admiralty on previous occasions, when names were called for from the Fleet of any writers who had a knowledge of a foreign language, and their names were noted. The numbers affected were so small that it was not considered desirable to make any extension in the existing regulations for interpreters.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for any instances or occasions since let January, 1906, where British subjects, in the absence of a British warship, have received assistance or protection from foreign warships, and particulars of the same; whether he will state if there is any instance or occasion where a British Minister or consul has applied to the captain of a German warship for protection and assistance, and particulars of same; and whether he will state what provision is being made by the Admiralty for further cruisers to protect British subjects and interests in British Colonies, possessions, and Protectorates, and the great trade routes of our mercantile marine vessels?

As regards the first two parts of the question, the Admiralty have not got the information asked for by +he hon. Member; and as regards the third part, the present provision is considered adequate.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has never heard of Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Zanzibar?

Yes; on frequent occasions.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that those occasions were most injurious to British prestige?

asked the number of workmen employed upon the new dock works, Rosyth, on 8th April, 1911, mechanics, navvies, and labourers separately, and the number whose wages were 5d. per hour and under on that date?

The numbers were:—Mechanics, 365; navvies, 516; labourers, 150; total, 1,031. The number employed whose wages were 5d. per hour and under was 398; this includes boys. No man employed on the works is paid less than 5d. per hour.

asked the conditions governing the promotion of writers from the second grade to the first grade at the Admiralty and Royal dockyards?

Promotion from the second to the first grade is made after selection by the Board, but a writer cannot be promoted to the first grade at a home yard or at the Admiralty until he reaches the maximum of the second grade.

asked why no restriction was imposed as to the origin of the hydrogen contracted for the Navy by Messrs. Vickers and Company, whilst the Admiralty knew that a Wolverhampton company was prepared to supply all their requirements with British-made hydrogen?

This was an experimental airship, and it was desirable to give the contractors as free a hand as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman stipulate in future that all contracts for the supply of hydrogen for the Navy shall be of British manufacture?

Until I am acquainted with the extent and possibilities of the home supply I should be unwilling to give any undertaking of the sort asked for.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give encouragement to British manufacturers to undertake the necessary outlay to produce hydrogen by ensuring the necessary orders?

That must depend entirely upon various circumstances, including price. I am sure the hon. Gentleman does not wish to put up the price of hydrogen against the Admiralty.

asked if the hydrogen supplied from abroad for the Navy was contained in cylinders that did not comply with British regulations, and that, as a consequence, these foreign supplies have to be conveyed by road in motor vans, as the railways refuse to carry them?

The Admiralty have no official information on the subject referred to in the hon. Member's question; and I would refer him to the reply I gave to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on Monday last.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether 9,223 healthy children are still maintained in the workhouses; and whether he is taking any and, if so, what steps to induce those local authorities who have not adopted the scattered home or some similar system to bring their practice into accord with modern views?

The figure given by my hon. Friend relates to the 1st July, 1910. Since then, the question of removing children from the workhouse, which was pressed upon boards of guardians in the circular which I issued in June last, has been freely considered by them, and many proposals for the establishment of scattered homes have been submitted to and approved by my Department. I hope that the corresponding figure for this year may show a marked decrease.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of Chinese discharged from ships arriving in the Port of London in 1910; what provision is made for the reception of Chinese sailors; whether there is any receiving house for Asiatics employed on and about ships in or near the docks; and whether any of the Chinese so entering the country remain permanently in London?

No record has been kept of the number of Chinese discharged from ships arriving in the port of London in 1910. I am not aware that any special provision is made for the reception of Chinese sailors. There are, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, a number of boarding houses for Chinese, and there is also a Home for Asiatics. I am unable to say whether any of the Chinese discharged from ships in this country remain permanently in London.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on the last fair day of Kildare, 24th April, there were no railway wagons in Kildare until 10.40 a.m.; that over 600 pigs had to be kept waiting on the roadway leading to the railway station until 2 p.m. owing to the scarcity of wagons; that it was 5.30 p.m. before the special train started from Kildare; that the thirty miles journey to Dublin was not completed until 9 p.m., when it was too late to ship the pigs; and whether the Board of Trade will take steps to enforce compliance by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company with the regulations, and thus protect traders and the public from the loss and inconvenience arising from the negligence and default complained of?

The Board of Trade have asked for the company's observations on my hon. Friend's question, and I will communicate with him on receipt of their reply.

Will the hon. Gentleman also communicate with the inspectors of the Transit Department of the Board of Agriculture in Ireland and see if they are performing their duties?

I should like notice of that.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he can furnish any information as to the number of cases in Scotland in which costs have been incurred by payers of Income Tax who delayed payment until 30th April or earlier date when costs were exigible?

I am unable to furnish the hon. Member with the information he desires.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that costs have been incurred in Scotland, while in London payment of taxes is being postponed?

No, Sir.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has now increased the number of firemen on duty at the Abbey; and if he can now state what is the sum for which the building is insured against fire and tempest?

The number of firemen has been increased and four are now engaged, two by day and two by night. I am informed that the Dean and Chapter insure the Abbey and its contents for £50,000; and that the insurance office, being satisfied with the precautions taken, requires no extra premium in consequence of the works now proceeding. As no amount of insurance could compensate for the destruction of the Abbey, the precautions against fire are the essential point.

asked the Lord Advocate if ho will state in what counties in Scotland have committees been set up to assist the Lord Chancellor in the appointment of justices of the peace; were these committees chosen by the Lord Chancellor or by the lords-lieutenant of the counties, or by whom; of how many do these committes consist; and is it the intention of the Government that local Members of Parliament should make representations to these committees, who will put the representations before the Lord Chancellor?

The counties in which Committees have been set up are Clackmannan, Fife, Kirkcudbright, Nairn, Stirling, county of City of Edinburgh, county of city of Glasgow, and Inverness, which is, however, under reconsideration. The numbers vary from four to seven. The members of committees have been chosen by the Lord Chancellor, in a very few cases upon personal knowledge, in general upon communication both with the Lord-Lieutenant and others. Anyone can make representations to the committees, and the committees can make any representations to the Lord Chancellor.

Who are the "others," with whom, according to the right hon. Gentleman's answer, the Lord Chancellor has been in communication?

Other gentlemen.

Who are the clerks of the advisory committees to whom we are to make our communications?

Communications had better be addressed to the Lord Chancellor.

Shall we get the names of these advisory committees?

Yes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability, when the names of these advisory committees have been finally settled by the Lord Chancellor, of authorising their publication?

That will be considered.

Wilt the right hon. Gentleman ask if the Lord Chancellor's recommendation that Members of Parliament should not be allowed to recommend candidates for justices might be carried out?

I am not aware of that.

Would it not be possible to make all Radicals magistrates, and start a new order for administering justice in the country?

asked what are the figures showing the number of persons in Scotland employed as agricultural labourers and farm servants for each of the last five Census periods, including the recent Census, and indicating the increase or decrease for each period?

The reports of the Registrar-General for Scotland upon each Census give the particulars desired by my hon. Friend, but, so far as the recent Census is concerned, it is impossible to give them in anticipation of the general tabulation of the Returns, which will be embodied in due course in the final report.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that over three years ago a memorial was presented to the Secretary for Scotland by the Fife and Kinross Miners' Association praying for a rearrangement of the sheriff court districts in Fifeshire, in view of the fact that the present districts were fixed many years ago, but are now, and for many years have been, owing to the development of mining in Fife, out of date, causing loss of time and expense to the public, and particularly to the mining community; that this application was concurred in by the Fife and Kinross Coalowners' Association and by other public representative bodies; that certain inquiries were held by Lord Shaw, then Lord Advocate; that there was a further inquiry by the sheriff of the county, Sheriff Morison; will he say whether reports have been received as a result of these inquiries; if so, what is the substance of the reports; and whether the Secretary for Scotland proposes to do anything with a view to meeting the necessities of the cases?

Substantially the facts are as stated in the question. At the instance of the Secretary for Scotland an inquiry was held by the sheriff of the county, who has recently submitted a scheme for the rearrangement of the sheriff court districts in the county. The scheme proposed involves certain adjustments, the expediency and practicability of which are now receiving consideration.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to take action on the Report of the Depart- mental Committee appointed by the Secretary for Scotland to inquire into minor legal appointments in Scotland?

The Report is at present under consideration, but I am not as yet in a position to announce the intentions of the Government in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state when the Report of His Majesty's inspector under the Aliens Act for the year 1910 will be in the hands of Members?

The Report is in an advanced stage of preparation, and is being pressed forward with all possible speed. The inspector hopes to submit it to me very shortly, and I shall present it to Parliament without delay.

asked if there is any agreement or arrangement with the shipowners who bring alien emigrants into this country that they will take them back again at their own expense if the emigrants are for any reason rejected on arrival, even if such aliens have been allowed to land pending the decision as to their being undesirables or not?

Under the Aliens Act, 1905, in all cases in which an alien immigrant is refused leave to land it rests with the master of the ship which brought him to this country to dispose of him after such refusal.

Does that apply where they have been allowed to land?

I should like notice of that question.

asked if any search is now made in the baggage of aliens arriving in this country at scheduled ports for Mauser rifles, pistols, daggers, stilettos, and other weapons; whether they are confiscated if discovered; and if the aliens trying to introduce them are pronounced to be undesirable and are refused permission to land?

There is no power in the Aliens Act, 1905, for immigration officers to search the baggage of alien immigrants, and the possession of arms by any such aliens is not among the considerations which, under Section 1 (3) of the Act, may subject him to refusal of leave to land as an undesirable immigrant. I hope this matter may be dealt with when the law is amended.