asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the approximate sum in connection with the 1910–11 programme to be expended after 31st March, 1912, when the present year's provision comes to an end?

The amount is £3,683,711.

asked the total number of 18-inch torpedo tubes fitted in all classes of vessels in the Royal Navy considered to be possessed of war value; and how many torpedoes there are in existence for this size tube, excluding practice projectiles?

It is not in the public interest to give the numbers asked for, but the authorised number is complete.

asked whether the suggested proposals to incorporate a certain number of steam trawlers or drifters has broken down; if so, what is the reason; and will the Admiralty, in view of the interests involved, endeavour to meet the objections put forward?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative.

asked whether it is proposed to issue an official guide to the Naval Review for the use of the Members of both Houses of Parliament?

A chart and list of ships will be issued for the use of visitors in the ships taken up by the Admiralty.

asked if stands are being erected for the Coronation for members of the Civil Service; if so, on what plan the seats will be allotted; and what steps will be taken to secure that only members of the Civil Service occupy these seats?

The reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. The seats are allotted in proportion to the number of applications received from each Department. It is left to the heads of the various Departments to secure that the tickets for the seats are properly allotted to the members of their respective Departments, and it is impossible for the First Commissioner to interfere with the discretion of the heads of the various Departments.

Are the stands being erected at the public expense, and if so, are they to be charged for?

No, Sir, they are not erected at the public expense. A charge is made which will cover the cost of the erection of the stand.

asked whether private persons, corporations, or local authorities would be allowed to hoist the Royal Standard on the day of His Majesty's coronation?

The answer is in the negative.

asked (1) whether the naval Lords of the Admiralty now approve of the ratification of the Declaration of London; and (2) whether the naval Lords were, or were not, given a voice in the matter of the Hague Conference before Sir Edward Fry consented to the Declaration of London?

It would be contrary to practice to refer to the action of individual members of the Board in matters upon which the Board has come to a conclusion. I would point out, however, that Sir Edward Fry was not concerned with the Declaration of London of 1909, but only with the Hague Conference of 1907.

Is it the case that the Board, as a Board, have come to a definite conclusion with regard to the Declaration of London?

Yes; certainly, the Board have come to a conclusion.

Has the fully constituted Board, as distinguished from the technical Board, composed of the First Lord of the Admiralty and one other member?

There is no distinction between the full Board and the technical Board. All questions do not necessarily go before the full Board at all times, but documents and matters of detail, when a member of the Board wishes, go before the whole Board. All papers, as the hon. Gentleman knows, are ordinarily dealt with under the Minute laid down by the First Lord of the Admiralty and by the Naval Lord concerned in the particular branch of business.

That means that it is not dealt with at a full Board meeting?

From memory I could not say.

May I ask whether the full Board do approve of the Declaration of London?

The Board have approved of the Declaration of London.

Not the full Board?

We do not distinguish. If the hon. Gentleman by "full Board" means whether every member of the Board has agreed, it would be contrary to the public interest to state what the opinion of individual members of the Board may be, and I do not know what they may be, but the members of the Board, as a Board, have agreed.

asked whether the First Lord of the Admiralty is now in a position to state the result of his full inquiry regarding the punishment by warrant, at Parkeston, of leading signalman Thomas Black; whether the punishment then inflicted was after due trial as laid down in the regulations; whether Black's request to be allowed to lay his case before the commodore was refused; what has been the position of Thomas Black in the service during the progress of the inquiry; and what further steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

After full investigation the Admiralty have directed the punishment awarded to be cancelled, as the original cause of the offence was not substantiated. His good conduct badge and the rating of leading signalman, which he previously held, have been restored to Black, and he has been drafted to another ship.

Has Black lost any money as the result of these proceedings and the long delay?

I cannot say that there was any long delay. During the period his case was being tried he was rated as signalman, and not as leading signalman, and no doubt he would lose a certain amount of money. I must add that when Black asked to have his case submitted to the common law he did so in a very disrespectful manner, and his request at that time, in consequence of his disrespect, was refused, and properly refused.

Is not this man to have compensation? Surely if a man is not found guilty he is entitled to some compensation?

I am afraid that everybody who is wrongly charged suffers some loss.

Not if he is an officer. He gets compensation.

asked whether the First Lord of the Admiralty's attention has been called to an advertisement in the "Dunfermline Courier" of 9th May, for navvies at Mithall Dock, Fife, wages 5½d; and whether this rate, recognised as a fair minimum by the best employers in the district, will be enforced upon the contractors for the ammunition stores at Crombie?

I am unable to trace any such advertisement in a paper called the "Dunfermline Courier." I have, how- ever, seen an advertisement in the "Dundee Advertiser" stating that men are required at Methil, but its terms do not agree with the suggestion contained in the hon. Member's question as regards the minimum rate of pay.

Does the advertisement say that the wages for navvies are 5½d. an hour?

No; the advertisement is for navvies at wages ranging from 5d. to 5½d. The minimum wage is 5d.

Am I to understand that under the Fair-Wages Clause the lower rate is that which has been decided upon by the Board of Admiralty?

We have not a flat rate of 5d. either. It is not a lower rate than that mentioned in the advertisement referred to by the hon. Gentleman. The advertisement to which I refer puts the wages at from 5d. to 5½d., and I understand that is the rate which at the present time is being paid by the contractors at Rosyth.

May I show the right hon. Gentleman presently my advertisement? There is no such thing as 5d. That is a pure piece of imagination.

And I shall be very glad to show my hon. Friend the advertisement in the "Dundee Advertiser."

asked the number of men employed upon the works at Rosyth on the day and night shifts separately on. 16th May, stating how many of the men working in the day shift worked through the night shift also?

The figures asked for are as follows:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, if he is aware that the current rates of wages for young journeymen and the current rates for overtime are not being paid at the Gourock Torpedo Factory; and if he will give instructions for compliance in future with the fair-wages conditions?

All men who are fully qualified mechanics are paid full rates. A limited number of young men qualifying for the special work of the torpedo factory are paid lower rates according to their ability. It has already been approved that the current rates for overtime shall be paid to the men of the torpedo factory for all time worked beyond fifty-four hours per week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these young men are paid full rate by other firms in the district, and is there any valid reason why the Government should not pay a similar rate?

I have inquired, and I understand the facts are not so. These young men who are being taught are not paid any where the full rate of wages. The moment they qualify they are paid the full rates.

asked whether there is any shortage of carpenters, Royal Navy; and, if so, whence this shortage arises and what steps he intends to take to meet it?

There is no shortage of carpenters in the Royal Navy.

Is it not the fact that at the present time acting carpenters are filling positions which should be filled by carpenters?

No. The hon. Gentleman is referring to a state of things which existed some little while ago. Additional carpenters have been employed and there is no shortage of carpenters.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he has any information as to contracts having been entered into for the construction of capital ships for Turkey in this country; and, if so, whether he can give any particulars of the type of ship to be built, when they are to be commenced, and when completed?

Contracts have been provisionally entered into for the construction of two capital ships for Turkey in this country. I am unable to give any particulars of these ships, or to state when they are to be commenced or completed.

asked if the Government can hold out any hope of finding employment for the 606 men discharged from the Devonport Dockyard during the month of April; and, with a view to prevent injury to the working classes in the towns of Plymouth, Devon-port, and Stonehouse, if they will take steps to prevent in the future the discharge in one month of such a large number of workers?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question. I should like your ruling, Sir, as to whether it is in order for one hon. Member to ask questions in regard to another hon. Member's constituency?

Might we have the number of Conservatives who have asked questions about Woolwich?

There is no such rule.

The men in question were entered for temporary duty on specific jobs on the completion of which their services were dispensed with. Whenever circumstances permit arrangements are made for discharges of workmen to be carried out gradually. It cannot be said at present when the services of these men will again be required.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the need of a telegraph office at Reenard, Valentia Harbour; and whether, in view of the fact that. this is an important fish-curing centre and is the terminus of the railway, he will take steps to provide a telegraph office during the present fishing season?

I am making inquiries on the subject, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked whether any further progress has been made with the negotiations for the establishment of penny postage between this country and France?

The answer is in the negative.

asked if it is the intention to allow the members of the National Telephone Company's staff to count their service in that company as service with the State on the transfer of the undertaking?

In accordance with the undertaking given in the Memorandum read in this House on the 9th August, 1905, by the then Postmaster-General, persons who were in the National Telephone Company's employment on the 1st January, 1910, will be entitled to count the last two years of service with the company as service under the Crown.

When the right hon. Gentleman brings the matter forward for transfer will there be a full opportunity for discussing it?

Yes. The question is dealt with in the Telephone Transfer Bill, which I hope to introduce shortly after Whitsuntide.

Shall we have full opportunity of discussing it?

I understand so.

asked who is responsible for the administration of the telephone service in London aid Westminster; and whether the Government has assumed control of what was known as the national service?

Telephone exchange service in London and Westminster is provided both by the National Telephone Company and by the Post Office. Under the agreement made in 1905 the company's exchanges are to be purchased by the Post Office at the end of this year.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will say what proportion of the vacancies on the sorting staff of the General Post Office it is proposed in future to allot to boy messengers; and what proportion of the vacancies on the sorting staff has for the last five years been allotted to ex-soldiers and ex-sailors?

Broadly speaking, two-thirds of the vacancies for male sorters will in future be allotted for competition among boy messengers and one-third for competition among postmen and porters. The postmen and porter classes are now recruited half from ex-soldiers and ex-sailors, and though no proportion of sorter vacancies is allotted to these men they have equal chances with the postmen and porters otherwise recruited of obtaining the appointments as sorters not reserved for boy messengers.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will not reconsider that decision as to one-half to boy messengers and one-half to ex-soldiers and ex-sailors?

It is not a question of one-half for ex-soldiers or ex-sailors. It would be a question of one-half for the postmen and porters who may or may not be ex-soldiers or ex-sailors. That decision has been arrived at after very careful consideration, and I see no reason for altering it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Bournemouth post office is a second-class office; and whether, having regard to the growth of the population of Bournemouth, he can now see his way to make it a first-class office?

I am aware that Bournemouth is placed in Class II. The units of work are considerably below the point which would justify transfer to Class I.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the staff have to go extreme distances to get any house at all at a reasonable rent?

The cost of living generally in the Bournemouth post-office service is somewhat above the normal, but even when that is taken into account the office is not nearly qualified yet to go into Class I. The units of work will have to be increased by 50 per cent. before it can be placed in the higher class, even when allowance is made for cost of living.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that the town of Winton has only a sub-office; and whether, having regard to the fact that the postmen of Winton live under practically the same conditions, with the same cost of living and rents, as the postmen of Bournemouth, he can see his way to make the Winton office a branch office instead of a sub-office; and (2), whether his attention has been called to the fact that there is no assistant inspector of postmen at West-bourne; and whether, having regard to the staff of postmen at that office, he will consider the appointment of a head postman to supervise the work?

I will have enquiry made into these matters, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of Sara Ann Meekins, who was arrested on 29th January last by a police-constable in Dublin on a charge gravely affecting her character; whether he is aware that the constable produced at the police court a number of constables and a few women of disreputable character to support the charge; that the accused submitted to a medical examination which completely refuted the charge, which was dismissed; that the girl charges that there was a conspiracy to injure her and to substantiate this foul accusation against her; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?

My attention has been called to the case mentioned by the hon. Gentleman. It would not be desirable that I should discuss the facts in any detail. Police witnesses were examined in support of the charge, and likewise some women, but it is right to point out that the latter were examined, as I am informed, in consequence of a challenge by the solicitor for the defence to produce these women in court. The girl did submit to a medical examination, and, I am informed, the magistrate dismissed the charge because of the doubts raised in his mind by the medical evidence. I myself have carefully examined the depositions in the case, and have come to the conclusion that the police action was bonâ fide, and that there is no ground for the suggestion of a conspiracy.

:May I ask, seeing that this girl has no money with which to fight the right hon. Gentleman's police, what remedy she has under this foul charge that has been made against her

I do not think myself it is a case where there is a remedy in question. It is a case in which the police bonâ fide brought a charge which the magistrate dismissed. The action of the police was bonâ fide.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the medical evidence was in itself a complete refutation of the charge, and therefore the only thing left is that six or seven policemen must have entered into a conspiracy to commit perjury in the case; and does he think under those circumstances the matter can be left where it now is?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Customs Watchers are among the worst paid of Civil servants; and, seeing that these men receive only 24s. per week for carrying out important duties, will he deal with the matter as he has repeatedly promised to do during the last two and a-half years?

I regret that I cannot undertake to deal with this question pending the issue of the Report of the Committee on the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments.

When are we likely to have the Report issued?

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has yet arrived at any decision as to the increase of the rate of overtime paid to Customs Watchers in reference to which matter he gave a promise to a deputation on 1st December, 1908, that it should have his earnest consideration; and if he is aware that overtime is worked for the convenience of firms importing goods, and that in practice the overtime is paid by those firms, and that this act of justice to a useful body of public servants could be carried out practically without cost to the Treasury?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Rotherhithe on the 25th April, 1910.

asked what was the status of Land Tax and Income Tax Commissioners appointed in 1909, but who have as yet never been summoned to act, and whether these Commissioners so appointed cannot be summoned to act until all the Commissioners previously appointed have either died or resigned?

No Act appointing Land Tax Commissioners has been passed since 1906. There is nothing to preclude persons who have since that date become ex officio Land Tax Commissioners from acting as such. Income Tax Commissioners are selected from among the Land Tax Commissioners under the provisions of Sections 4 to 8 of the Income Tax Act, 1842. Their numbers are limited, and fresh appointments can only be made as vacancies occur.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state when the committee on the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments was appointed, and when it is expected to submit its report?

The Committee was appointed on 30th March, 1909. I regret that I am still unable to fix a date for the presentation of the report to the Treasury, but the report is now in a forward state.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, having regard to the reply of the Financial Secretary in the House of Commons on 24th March, 1896, and the statement of the Board of Customs in their minute of 1902, to the effect that officers already in the collector line, although they have no exclusive right, have the priority of claims for the higher posts in the collectorate, steps will be taken in fixing the new classification for the amalgamated Customs and Excise service to ensure that this priority of claim shall not be injuriously affected, and that any of the junior collectors who may be considered qualified for promotion but who cannot be at once absorbed in the new collectorate may be allowed to retain their title and be absorbed in the new classes of collectors as vacancies occur?

I am unable to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on the 11th instant.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the matter dealt with in this question and in the question to which he has referred will be brought to the notice of and amply considered by the Amalgamation Committee, over which I believe the right hon. Gentleman presides?

I cannot say from recollection whether we have had the matter before us, but I think we have. If so, it will be dealt with in the Report.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he could say approximately how soon the first broad results of the Census for England and Wales would be made public; and if he would consider the inadvisability of withholding them until details and analyses were ready?

Some population figures will, it is expected, be ready for publication by the end of the present week. There is no question of withholding them until details and analyses are ready.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he was aware that the Central (Unemployed) Body for London had decided to close the women's workrooms during the summer months in consequence of the fact that the Local Government Board declined to grant the £250 needed to keep the rooms open; if he was aware that this was the first year these rooms had been closed since they were opened some years ago; and that, at the present moment, there were 376 women eligible for work in addition to 103 at work, all of whom would be thrown out of employment if the rooms were closed; and if, under these circumstances, he would reconsider his decision in the matter?

I understand that, on the recommendation of the Women's Work Committee, the workrooms referred to will be closed during the month of June. The money voted by Parliament for the purposes of the Unemployed Workmen Act was for the services of the financial year ended 31st March last, and I am not now in a position to make any further payment.

Has there been any difficulty in disposing of the product of the workrooms?

The hon. Member is probably aware that there has been consider- able difficulty in disposing of the product of the workrooms. £26,000 has been expended, and the sales have realised £8,000, only.

Is it not a fact that in previous years the right hon. Gentleman has made a grant for the purposes of the women's workrooms out of the current year in which the money was used; and is there any reason why the same should not be done this year?

I have given £750 of the last instalment of £1,000 asked for. It was never intended that the work should be permanently continuous. The Committee itself states that it is disadvantageous to the women themselves that they should be induced to look upon the relief work as continuous work throughout the year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary to the Central (Unemployed) Body gave a very different answer to a member of that Body? The reply to a question as to what were the reasons for closing the workroom was to this effect: firstly, that it was in response to the wishes of the Local Government Board; that the Board did not think that the Parliamentary grant could be properly applied to the maintenance of the workrooms throughout the whole of the summer months; and, secondly, because the grant of £750 made such action necessary. The Committee would have been able to scrape through on the balance of £250 if it had been granted by the Board.

The hon. Member must read on. Here is the letter addressed to me, signed by the Secretary of the Central (Unemployed) Body:—

The Committee also think that the fact of closing the workrooms will to some extent throw the women on their own resources and have the advantage of testing those really desirous of obtaining outside employment as a result of the facilities afforded by the workroom system."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the quotation I made is from the answer given to a member of the Central (Unemployed) Body, and that that letter was written after the answer of the Local Government Board?

I think the hon. Member and myself ought not to rely on intermediaries. It is sufficient that we should read the correspondence official between the Secretary and the Local Government Board.

asked the Prime Minister whether he would make it a condition to the granting of Crown land, either in Hyde Park or elsewhere, for a site for the memorial to King Edward VII., that the plans or the designs of the proposed memorial shall be selected after open competition, and that the greatest possible portion of the work shall be British; and that upon the committee of selection the Government or the House of Commons shall be represented?

This memorial was initiated as th4 London memorial to his late Majesty, and His Majesty's Government have made no contribution to it. The subscribers have elected a committee, of which the Lord Mayor is chairman, to make recommendations with regard to the site and the form of the memorial. It would be difficult for His Majesty's Government to interfere with the work of the committee unless or until the committee bring forward some proposal which may affect the property of the Crown or of His Majesty's Government.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he was aware that, in September, 1910, the Local Government Board sent an inspector to Horsham to view a property designated as suitable for the erection of scattered homes, who reported favourably upon this property, and that, as a result of representations by the Horsham Chamber of Trade and other local bodies adversely to the report, an inquiry was held in March last to hear the objectors at which the same inspector who had originally reported favourably upon the project presided; would he say if this was the usual practice of the Local Government Board; and, if so, whether the regulations would be so altered as to obviate this state of affairs and provide that in future the same individual who made the original report should not subsequently hold an inquiry into his own finding?

In November last the Guardians of the Horsham Union, wishing, in accordance with the practice now generally followed, to remove children from the workhouse, Consulted my inspector as to the suitability of two houses in Horsham for the accommodation of the children. The inspector visited the houses, and they appeared to him gene- rally suitable for the purpose. Subsequently some of the owners and occupiers of premises near the two houses wrote to the Board, protesting against the proposal of the guardians, mainly on the ground that their property would be depreciated by the use of these houses for the accommodation of Poor Law children. The Horsham Chamber of Trade also protested against the proposal. On receiving these objections I instructed the inspector to confer with the objectors. The inspector was in no sense called upon to inquire into his own finding. He was merely instructed to discuss with the opponents their objections to a scheme which was otherwise a desirable one.

Who is the Horsham Chamber of Trade?

In this case it is inclined to usurp the functions of the board of guardians.

asked the President Of the Local Government Board whether his attention had been called to the dangerous fire which occurred recently in a film shop, near Charing Cross; and whether any steps would be taken to prevent such shops being placed on the ground floor beneath rooms where people sleep or are employed in large numbers?

I will communicate with the London County Council in this matter. The Home Office has more than once suggested that it would be desirable that the council should obtain power to deal with this danger; and I have no doubt the council will consider the question of applying to Parliament for the necessary amendment of the London Building Acts.

Can anything be done meanwhile to prevent such fires? I understand that the flames went across the road in a very few seconds.

Every precaution possible will be taken, but further legisla7 tion is necessary.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention had been called to a letter sent by the Metropolitan Asylums Board to the Camberwell Board of Guardians, in which it was stated that unless the board of guardians consented to the vaccination of children under its control, but now residing in schools under the charge of the Metro- politan Asylums Board, such children would not be retained in the schools; and whether he proposed to take any action in the matter?

I learn that the Metropolitan Asylum managers have been in communication with the Camberwell Board of Guardians with regard to the vaccination of certain children chargeable to Camberwell who were in special institutions for children under the managers, and whose vaccination was recommended to the managers by their medical advisers. The managers appear to have requested the guardians to obtain the consent of the parents of the children to the vaccination taking place. After some correspondence the guardians have, I am informed, agreed to ascertain the wishes of the parents in the matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the value to farmers of the peewit or lapwing in reducing the number of snails, wireworms, beetles, aphides, and the larwe of various insects destructive of roots, cereal crops, and pasture, and of the large and increasing exportation from this country to the United States of the eggs of these birds, he would encourage all the county councils to follow the example of the Gloucester-shire County Council in issuing an order for the protection of this rapidly decreasing bird and its eggs throughout the year?

The President of the Local Government Board has asked me to reply to this question. I have recently received a numerously signed petition representing that a large trade is done in the exportation of lapwings to the United States, and I am consulting the Board of Agriculture in the matter. I have not received any similar representations as to the exportation of the eggs of the lapwing. Inquiries instituted by the Board of Agriculture in 1909 as to the alleged diminution in the numbers of the lapwing in this country did not show any very marked decrease, and in some districts an increase was reported. It rests with the respective county councils to apply to me for an Order protecting the bird and its eggs if they consider that such an Order is called for in their area. Orders for this purpose have been made in several counties, and any application will receive careful and sympathetic consideration.

Is it not the fact that within the last few years this trade in peewit and lapwing eggs has immensely increased?

I hope the publicity given to the subject by the question and answer will lead county councils to apply the Order. The power rests with them.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, if he was aware of the growing extent to which the poultry-raising industry in this country way handicapped owing to the depredations of foxes; and whether the Board proposed to introduce legislation?

I have no information which would indicate that the depredations of foxes are increasing. No complaints have been received by the Board.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that in the cases where the owners succeed in getting compensation the compensation is only adding insult to injury?

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

No, Sir; I cannot do so, having regard to the report of the Departmental Committee on Swine Fever.

How, may I ask, is it possible any longer to justify the twenty-eight days' period of quarantine, in view of the finding by the Departmental. Committee as to the lack of knowledge on the part of the experts as to the latency of the disease?

I do not admit that that is a proper construction to put on the Report.

asked whether, in view of the rapidly growing importance of the egg and poultry industry, as evidenced by the papers and discussions at the recent United Kingdom Poultry Conference at Dublin, and of the decreased importation of those products from Italy, Siberia, and other foreign countries, the Board has applied or supported an application to the Development Commissioners for a grant out of the Development Fund towards the creation of a national poultry institute for the conduct of research and experiment in relation to the above industry; and, if so, what has been the result of such application?

Investigations bearing on the poultry industry have been provided for in the Board's general scheme for aiding research which is now under the consideration of the Development Commissioners. The Development Commissioners have approved the payment by the Board of an interim grant to the University of Cambridge in aid of breeding investigations conducted on poultry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he can say when the final Report of the Coast Erosion Committee will be presented?

I understand that the final Report of the Royal Commission on Coast Erosion and Afforestation will be submitted to his Majesty in the course of a few days. It will then be presented to Parliament without delay.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the impending trouble in the shipping industry and to the letter addressed to the secretary of the International Shipping Federation by the International Committee of Seafarers' Unions; and whether, in view of the present situation, it is in contemplation to take some action with a view of bringing the parties together?

My attention has been drawn to statements which have been made from time to time indicating the possibility of a strike of seamen taking place; and I have seen a copy of the letter to which my hon. Friend refers. I fear that I cannot usefully take any further action at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state who made the application to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, on behalf of the master of the British ship "Earl of Dunmore," for a remission of a portion of the fines imposed by the naval court for having wilfully and wrongfully left behind at Calete Caloso four seamen from the same vessel; and under what section of the Merchant Shipping Act the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury have power to refund any fines imposed by a naval court properly constituted in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Act?

I understand that the application to the Treasury was made by the general manager of the Shipping Federation, Limited, on behalf of the owners of the vessel. I am not aware of any section in the Merchant Shipping Act empowering the Treasury to refund fines imposed by a naval court, but I understand that the Treasury acted under their general powers in consenting on the recommendation of the Board of Trade to the repayment in this case of a sum which had not reached the Exchequer.

Is. it not the case that under Section 68 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1903, an appeal can only be made to the courts for the remission of a fine?

Will the hon. Gentleman give me notice of that question? With regard to this case I shall be very glad to look further into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any progress has been made with the negotiations for the future working of the Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway; and if he will endeavour to prevent the line being closed for traffic at the conclusion of the present agreement?

The Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway Company inform me there is at present an arrangement to carry on the working of the line until 31st July next, but that no arrangement has been made to continue the working beyond that date. The company also point out that since the railway was opened for traffic it has cost several of the shareholders practically £1,000 per annum to meet the loss on working and maintenance, and that these shareholders are not now in a position to contribute towards this loss. It is, therefore, feared that unless assistance is received to meet the loss in future, it will not be possible to continue the working of the line after the date named above. The Board of Trade can take no steps to prevent the closing of the line for traffic, and it would seem to be for those interested locally to see whether some arrangement cannot be come to for the continuance of the working.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local committee in charge of this matter has already raised a considerable sum, £1,000, I think, from the local small holders and others, and that this has exhausted their present resources; that they have also exhausted their resources of negotiation because the negotiations are between unwilling buyers and unwilling sellers; and, whether he is aware or not, will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to use a little friendly negotiation, and perhaps secure a little assistance from the Development Fund to carry on the railway?

I shall be very glad to do all I can in a friendly way, but as I have pointed out, I have no powers in the matter. I shall be very sorry indeed if the negotiations break down. I shall be glad if my hon. Friend will communicate anything further to me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of facts recently disclosed in the Law Courts relating to the affairs of the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society, Limited, he will reconsider the question of taking the necessary steps to secure a compulsory winding-up and a public investigation into the affairs of that company?

Before this question was put down the matter referred to was receiving my careful consideration. As at present advised, I doubt whether the position is altered by the evidence given in the recent proceedings. As I have repeatedly stated, the statute provides that the Court shall not make a winding-up order on the petition of the Official Receiver unless it is staisfied that the voluntary winding-up cannot be continued with due regard to the interests of the creditors or contributories. I have, however, given instructions that a further case to advise should be laid before the Law Officers of the Crown.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lord Chief Justice has expressed the opinion that there is a strong case for searching investigation into the affairs of this company? Is he also aware that with regard to the affairs of a company of which I happened to be chairman, and which accidentally went into liquidation, there was not this reticence on the part of the authorities to investigate matters?

There has been no reticence on the part of the Board of Trade. So far as the specific case is concerned, I took the advice of the Law Officers some time ago, and it was against our taking any action. I have asked them again to give me further advice in consequence of what occurred the other day in the Law Courts.

I shall put the question down again.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Mr. James Graham, of the Greenock Labour Exchange, has been in the West Highlands securing the service of young Highlanders for local shipyards; whether, in the course of his tour he visited Tobermory, Tiree, Islay, Jura, and other places; by whose authority he undertook the recruiting; and under what Subsection of the Labour Exchanges Act is he authorised to spend money for such a purpose?

There are at present no branch offices of Labour Exchanges in the West Highlands, and, consequently, an officer of the Greenock Labour Exchange has visited various places in this district with a view to registering applicants desirous of obtaining employment in connection with vacancies which have been notified. The travelling expenses of officers engaged on official duty form a normal part of the expenditure authorised under the Labour Exchanges Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for those yards for which these men were obtained, other men were being dismissed every week?

No; I have not heard that. I understand that there was a great demand for men at the Labour Exchange, and in view of this the Exchange sent an officer into the West Highlands.

Did the Labour Exchange at Greenock communicate with other Labour Exchanges to see if they had a surplus of labour there?

I have no doubt they did.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is a condition of the appointment of the trade commissioners for the Dominions that they shall submit a report on the trade of their areas at the end of each year; whether such reports have been received relating to South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand for the year 1909; and, if so, what is the date when they were received and when will they be published?

A collection of reports by His Majesty's Trade Commissioners in the Self-Governing Dominions, covering the period from the dates of their appointment to the end of 1910, will be published within the next day or two. Instructions have been given for annual reports to be furnished in future.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, (1) whether the First Commissioner would change the regulations as to Hyde Park so as to exclude private motor-cars from those roads on which taxi-cabs are not 'allowed, and thus give the same access to the parks o people of moderate means as to the rich; (2) whether, in view of the number of Colonials who will be in London in connection with the Coronation, the First Commissioner would consider the advisability of abolishing distinctions in the regulations concerning Hyde Park, so as to put our Colonial visitors on the same terms as to Hyde Park as rich men able to keep their own motor-cars; and (3) whether, in view of the danger to pedestrians and horse-drawn conveyances caused by large and heavy private motor-cars with high horse-power in Hyde Park, the First Commissioner would consider the advisability of restricting private motorcars to the same roads on which taxi-cabs are now allowed to travel?

The First Commissioner is not prepared to exclude private motor cars from any roads in Hyde Park to which they are admitted at present. He will be prepared to make any temporary changes in the admission of motors to the park which may be recommended by the police authorities to secure the safety of the public. The reply to the third question is in the negative.

asked the right hon. Member for the Epping Division, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committeee, whether, in view of the changed conditions which must necessarily follow the payment of Members of this House, he will, as Chairman, recommend to the Kitchen Committee that the time has now come when it is desirable to place the present inadequate charges for the is. luncheons and dinners upon a more businesslike footing; and whether, as these so-called 1s. luncheons and dinners actually cost the Committee from 1s. 3d. to is. 4d., he will recommend that the future payment for a luncheon or dinner of this value shall be ls. 3d., so that the Committee may not only be in a sound position to cater on a basis of the highest standard for all, but that they may be thus empowered to remove any grounds of legitimate complaint against either the food itself or its preparation and cooking?

I am not at all prepared to admit that the hon. Gentleman's figures as to the so-called shilling luncheon and dinners are correct. When the changed conditions alluded to by the hon. Member become law I will endeavour to find out whether Members of the House desire to spend an increased portion of their income in food. I am afraid the Kitchen Committee will never be able to remove all cause for complaint from the food itself, or its preparation, whatever be the price charged.

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Government that it would be more in the spirit of the payment of Members to provide them with free lunches in order to render their services —[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh."]

In order to improve the decoration of the tables in the dining-room will the right hon. Gentleman the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee secure the return of the Dublin Crown Jewels?

In reply to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Westminster, I have to say that any representations that bring money into my pocket will be gladly made to His Majesty's Government.

asked the Lord Advocate whether the chaplaincies of His Majesty's prisons in Scotland can be held by clergymen of any denomination; and whether, if clergymen of the non-established churches are not legally eligible for these positions, he is prepared to remove the disability?

The statutory requirement is that to each prison there must be appointed a chaplain being a minister or licentiate of the Church of Scotland. Where, however, the number of prisoners belonging to some church or religious persuasion differing from the Church of Scotland is so great as to require the ministrations of a minister of their own church or persuasion, there is power to appoint and pay such a minister, and this provision is carried out in practice. There is no present intention to legislate in the matter.

asked when emigration statistics analogous to those published in Command Paper No. 5607 with respect to Ireland will be published for Scotland?

The question of obtaining and publishing additional particulars with regard to emigrants is at present under consideration, but I cannot at present name a date for the purpose.

Has not the time now arrived when it would be convenient to publish a Paper giving the emigration statistics both for England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales all in one?

No, Sir.

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the generally expressed desire that the Public Trustee Act should be so widened as to enable beneficiaries to compel their trustees to resign in favour of the Public Trustee, he can see his way to introduce legislation embodying such a proposal?

This matter is under consideration, but in any event it is not proposed to introduce legislation during the present Session.

asked the President of the Board of Education when the Board propose to sanction the scheme prepared by the governors of Newcomen's Foundation, Southwark, which was sanctioned by the London County Council so long ago as July, 1910; and, if, in view of the fact that only a small proportion of the income of the foundation will be derived from grants from the Board of Education, the former decision of the Board to do nothing until after the settling of the new regulations for technical schools will be revised?

The Board are now prepared to consider the question of framing a scheme for this foundation following the lines of the proposals of the governors, and I hope that it may be possible to deal with the matter before very long. A deputation from the governors is being invited to discuss the proposals with officers of the Board at an early date. I must not be taken to accept, without reserve, the assumptions underlying the second part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that it is customary amongst a certain class of solicitors and moneylenders in South Wales to compel mortgagees to pay Income Tax on their mortgage, and to threaten to foreclose the bond unless they do so; and what steps he proposes taking to put an end to this practice?

I assume the word mortgagee is a misprint. I beg. to refer the hon. Member to Section 103 of the Income Tax Act, 1842, and to Section 40 of the Income Tax Act, 1853, which provide for the payment of tax by the mortgagee through the instrumentality of a deduction of the amount by the mortgagor from the interest which he pays.

The misprint was due to my bad handwriting.

asked whether, in spite. of Subsection 7 (3) of Section 19 of the Finance Act, 1907, which defines earned income as including any income from any property which is attached to or forms part of the emoluments of any office or employment of profit held by the individual, clergymen are still charged at the unearned income rate of 1s. 2d. in the £ upon their rectories and manses, although the enjoyment of the house is part of their earned income; and whether he can see his way to remedy this grievance?

Where a clergyman's total income from all sources, estimated according to the several rules and directions of the Income Tax Acts, does not exceed £2,000, and a claim for relief in respect of earned income is made in due time, the tax on the rectory or manse is charged at the rate of 9d. in the £, if the value of the house is part of such income.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will approach the railway companies with a view to finding out whether all Members could obtain free passes over the railways of Great Britain and Ireland by the sacrifice of £100 out of their £400 salary; and, if so, whether he will consider making this change in the provision proposed in the Budget for Members?

The Government do not at the present time intend to introduce legislation providing for free passes over the railways for Members of Parliament.

Do not railway directors get free passes over all the railways of the country?

I believe so, but that is quite a different matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries from the Railway Clearing House or in any other way whether he can secure this without legislation?

I should like, first of all, to know whether that is the wish of the House of Commons before making any inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Australia and other countries like that the first thing done is to supply free passes?

I know, but there is this essential difference: In Australia the railways are State railways, and the same thing applies in Germany. In France they have passes over the State railways, but they form a very small proportion of the whole.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that though Canada only possesses one State railway, free passes are granted to legislators on all the railways of Canada?

The hon. Gentleman knows Canada very well, and he knows that the conditions of the railways in Canada are very different from those in this country. In Canada great grants of land have been made to the railways by the State, and I can understand the State in that case have some kind of call it would not have in this country.

Is there any material difference between sacrificing part of the profits that would otherwise accrue to, the State through State railways and paying a part of the Revenue of the country for free passes?

There is no difference at all. If Members of Parliament prefer to take their payment partly in the form of railway passes, it is rather a matter for themselves. The railway companies would be only too glad, I am sure.

As the right hon. Gentleman leaves it to the House, may I ask him, if we desire to have our salaries doubled, will he agree to it?

After all, the responsibility for the control of finance, as I have tried to impress upon the House, is entirely in the hands of the House, and if Members wish to take that responsibility it is theirs, and not mine.

Arising out of that answer—

Hon. Members must defer the rest of this discussion until the Motion for the payment of Members.

asked if, as no attendance at the House of Commons will be necessary, the only qualification for Members to draw their £400 a year will be the taking of the oath and the signing of the roll at the beginning of each Parliament; and if, after doing that, the Member will receive his salary each year until the end of that Parliament unless he resigns his seat or dies?

I will refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on this subject last Thursday.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any application to extend the payment of Members to Members of the House of Lords, and, if so, will he consider the advisability of doing so on the condition that these gentlemen go away quietly and propose to lead better lives in the future?

asked whether, before the Estimate for the payment of Members is passed, it is the intention of the Government to repeal that portion of the Succession to the Crown Act, 1707, which provides that any person having a new place of profit under the Crown is incapable of being elected, or sitting, or voting in the House of Commons, in order to protect Members from liability to the penalty of £500 provided by the Act?

The statute referred to applies only to places or offices which are in the gift of the Crown, and can have no application to a seat in the House of Commons.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware it was held by a Select Committee in 1839, that the fact that an office was created by Parliament, and not by Royal authority, did not withdraw the office from the operation of the statute?

The seat of a Member of this House is not created by Act of Parliament.

asked whether the increase of the Tobacco Duty imposed two years ago has adversely affected the smaller manufacturers of the United Kingdom as against the Imperial Tobacco Company?

:I regret that the information at my disposal does not enable me to pronounce upon this point.

asked whether domestic servants will be entitled, in return for their contributions under the National Insurance Bill, to receive any weekly payments during sickness or disablement so long as they are provided by their employer with board and lodging; and whether, in order to entitle domestic servants to receive weekly payments during sickness or disablement, it would be necessary for their employer to refuse to provide them with board and lodging?

I will refer the hon. and learned Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for the Colne Valley division on Thursday.

asked what rate of contribution will be required from apprentices and articled pupils under twenty-one who are paid nominal wages under the National Insurance scheme?

Employed contributors under the age of twenty-one will pay, in the case of males 4d., in the case of females 3d. per week, whatever their rate of wages may be.

Will these special arrangements be made for apprentices?

The only special arrangement that could be made would be to involve a heavier charge upon the employer, and I do not think it would be fair to do that in the case of boys under twenty-one years of age. Another suggestion is you could put the burden on the State, but it would be hardly fair that a State burden should be put upon the fund for young people when we want all the money to insure old people.

asked whether it will be possible for an association not now established on a friendly society basis to qualify for recognition as an approved society under the National Insurance Bill?

Yes, Sir; if it registers itself under any Act of Parliament.

asked if any assurances have been given on behalf of the Government that, in the financial adjustment in connection with the framing of a Home Rule Bill, the State contribution towards the cost of national insurance will be treated as an Imperial charge, and that Ireland shall not be made specifically re. sponsible for any part of that contribution?

No such assurance has been given. I may remind the hon. Member, however, that in Germany the insurance scheme is under the control of the Empire, not of the separate States