asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Welshmen who give evidence in Welsh in the Law Courts have to pay the interpreter's fee; whether he is aware that on 12th May last a number of colliers were fined at Pontardawe Police Court 4s. 6d. each for leaving their work in order to attend a funeral; that the said fines were deducted in accordance with the magistrate's order by the colliery company from the men's wages; and that three of the colliers who had given their evidence in Welsh had the interpreter's fee of 2s. 6d. each deducted in addition to the fine; and will he say under which statute such a deduction is authorised; and whether he will take steps so to amend the law as to enable Welshmen to give evidence in their own language in Wales without being called upon to pay for doing so?

My attention had not been previously drawn to the matter. I have communicated with the magistrates, and am in- formed that the magistrates, having awarded damages and costs to the employers, proceeded, in accordance with the decision in the case Keates v. Lewis Merthyr Consolidated Colliery Company, to ascertain the amount of wages due to the workman, and to make an order under the Employers and Workmen Act, 1875, authorising the deduction of the damages and costs from such wages. As regards the interpreter's fee, I am informed that it is the regular practice at the Pontardawe Court for such interpreting as is found necessary to be done by a police officer without charge to the parties, but that on the occasion in question the officer ordinarily employed as interpreter was absent through illness, and no other officer competent to discharge the duty was present. In these circumstances it was agreed between the parties that an interpreter should be employed, and that his fee should be paid by the losing party, along with the other costs in the case. The interpreter's fee was accordingly included in the costs payable by the defendants.

Can the right lion. Gentleman not promise some legislation or order to put this thing right in future, as a case has happened in North Wales recently?

No, Sir. I am not aware that a case has been made out for legislation.

asked whether, in the case of a man who joined the Metropolitan Police in the year 1862, after the 17th March, and who served for 26½ years and left prior to the passing of the Superannuation Act of 1890, he will have contributed 7d. a week during the whole period of his services and would receive 18s. 7½d. per week superannuation allowance, whereas if he had joined the force either before the 17th March, 1862, or after 1865, or if he had retired after 1890, in either case he would have received 20s. a week superannuation allowance, and if he had joined before the passing of the 1862 Act he would have paid only 5d. a week, and for that smaller contribution he would receive a larger superannuation allowance; and whether, in these circumstances, he will arrange that men who joined the force between 1862 and 1865 shall draw the same superannuation allowance as those who joined before and after those dates?

There has been no time to verify the details quoted by the hon. Member, but I can say at once that all police officers have been pensioned in accordance with the statutory provisions in force at the date of their retirement, and they have in no case received less pension, and in many cases more than that they agreed to accept in their conditions of service. It would obviously be impossible to review pensions which have been enjoyed for more than twenty years.

Will the right lion. Gentleman inquire how many, or, rather, how few, ex-police officers there are whose services date from between 1862 and 1865 and who are receiving less pension for larger contributions than those whose services commenced earlier or later than those dates?

asked the Home Secretary if he will direct the police authorities to pay more heed to the regulation of the motor traffic in crowded thoroughfares, especially at cross streets and turnings, instead of constantly detecting in the uncrowded parks small differences of speed, the highest of which as a rule is well below the 20-mile limit?

I do not think any directions are necessary. The police give constant attention to the regulation of motor traffic in crowded thoroughfares. They have prosecuted in only twenty cases since the beginning of this year for exceeding the speed limit in Royal Parks.

asked the Home Secretary if he will consider the question of the necessity of making further provision for the protection of the general public, both on the pavements and in vehicles, from the dangers they run from the excessive speed of the meter omnibuses; and whether he will consider the desirability of requiring speedometers with large dials to be fixed to the sides of them, so that the police may be able to prosecute whenever the maximum speed of twelve miles an hour is exceeded?

The question of the speed of motor vehicles in the streets of London is receiving my attention, but I am advised that the suggestion made in the question is impracticable.

What is the difficulty in having a speedometer visible to the public on motor buses?

The general question of speedometers of a proper character has often been considered. Everybody is agreed in principle that it is desirable to have them, but I cannot now go into this matter which is a very complex one.

Would it not be possible to do something to prevent taxi-cabs in particular, from exceeding the speed limit?

Much is done by the control of the police, but I am not aware that the law is broken to any great extent since the Act has come into operation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state how many applications have been received by his Department for limitation of speed of motor vehicles and how they have been dealt with?

The Local Government Board have received since the Motor Car Act, 1903, came into force forty-four applications under Section 8 for restriction of speed or prohibition and 230 applications under Section 9 for imposition of a ten-mile limit. Regulations have been issued in respect of fifteen applications under Section 8 and 102 applications under Section 9, and regulations have been promised in respect of eleven under Section 9. In seven cases under Section 8 and thirty-under Section 9 regulations have been refused. Three applications under Section 8 and twenty-seven under Section 9 are still under consideration. The remaining applications have either been definitely withdrawn or have been allowed to fall in abeyance.

asked the Home Secretary how many local authorities have made by-laws in pursuance of the powers conferred upon them by Section 1 of The Employment of Children Act, 1903, and how many of these have been confirmed by the Home Office with and without amendment, respectively; and whether that section has in fact had any appreciable effect in reducing below the statutory limits the hours of labour worked by school children?

By-laws under Section 1 of the Act have been made and confirmed in the case of seventy-seven local authorities in England and Wales. The Home Office has no power to amend bylaws when confirming them, but the usual practice is for by-laws to be submitted in draft in the first instance so that the details can be discussed between the Home Office and the local authority before the latter finally adopt them. The by-laws are enforced by the local authorities, and not by the Home Office, and it would be very difficult to obtain definite information as to the actual reduction in the amount of child labour which has been effected; but it is certain that in many towns there has been a considerable improvement as a result of the by-laws on the conditions existing before the Act was passed.

Having regard to the importance of the subject, and the recommendations of the Street Betting Committee, and also having regard to the intimate connection of this question with the Bill introduced by the President of the Board of Education, will the right hon. Gentleman have further inquiry made into this question?

I fully agree with my hon. Friend as to the importance of this subject, but I do not think I can deal with a question, which has so many considerations attached to it as have just been enumerated, and leads up to the decision to hold a special enquiry, without much more notice than my hon. Friend has afforded me.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what is the estimated cost of the official history of the Russian-Japanese War; and what amount thereof has already been expended?

It is impossible to give absolutely accurate figures, but the total cost is not expected to exceed £13,000. Up to 31st March, 1910, £5,703 12s. l0d. had been spent.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what has been the cost of producing the official history of the Boer War; and whether any estimate was made beforehand, and if the cost is within the estimate?

The total cost of the Combined History up to 31st March, 1910, was £34,706 18s. l0d. (see for details page 110 of the Civil Services Appropriation Accounts for 1909ߝ10) (H.C. 7 of 1911). The only future expenditure anticipated will be for copies for the public service, taut against this must be set the receipts for royalties and for sales to the public, which have amounted to £600 between 31st March, 1910, and the present date. The total cost is considerably greater than was anticipated when the history was taken in hand in 1900, though no exact estimate of the cost was then framed.

May I ask what was the supposed estimate of the cost of this book, and what is the difference between that supposed estimate and the £31,000 that the thing has cost?

As I have already explained no estimate was taken in 1900— which was when neither I nor anyone on this Bench was responsible.

Guess-work!

asked what areas of land in the county of Roxburgh have been provided by the county council as small holdings and allotments during the present century?

(Mr. Ure): I understand that no such areas have been provided, the view taken being that the response to invitations for applications was not such as to warrant the council in applying the Acts.

asked whether it is intended at an early date to give effect to the Report of a Departmental Committee issued in 1910 anent the working of the bankruptcy laws in Scotland?

It is intended to introduce legislation on the lines of the Report referred to by my hon. Friend, but I cannot at present say when the Bill will be introduced.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he can state whether the workmen employed upon Government work are to be paid their wages for the two days' holiday during Coronation week?

Two days' leave without deduction of pay will be allowed, in the county of London, to park-keepers, workmen in the direct employment of the Board, and workmen employed on day work. Outside the county of London one day's leave only will be allowed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether arrangements will be made for the clerical staffs of the Expense Accounts Department at the dockyards to be granted a full day's holiday on Coronation Day without being called upon to work up the time either before or after 22nd June?

The Expense Accounts Department staff will be granted a full day's holiday on Coronation Day. It will, however, be necessary in order to have pay sheets ready one day earlier than usual, for a certain amount of extra time to be worked, but this will be reduced to the lowest possible limit and will be paid for.

I beg to ask the Home Secretary a question of which I have not been able to give him private notice, although, as it is urgent, I hope he may be able to give an answer. It is: By what common law or statutory authority the Metropolitan Police have erected a number of barriers on the public highways, in the county of London?

It is quite clear I cannot answer a question of law such as that on a few minutes' notice.

I will raise the question to-morrow on the Motion for the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Bill.

asked the Home Secretary whether, before authorising the construction of the huge wooden barricades which shut out access to the route of the Coronation Procession, he considered the grave probability of persons anxious to see the Procession, and especially young children, being crushed and seriously injured against them or in passing through the narrow doorways in the same; whether he is aware that the fear of this possibility is deterring many loyal subjects of the King from being present on this auspicious occasion and whether he or the Chief Commissioner of Police have received any complaints in regard to these barriers from the general public or from elsewhere?

The police have received no complaints regarding these barriers, as the public, for the most part, realise that they have been erected for their protection. There is no reason whatever to apprehend any risk of persons being injured in being forced through them, as a crowd would have no object in remaining formed up behind a structure which cuts off their vision. The force of police and military told off for each barrier gate will be adequate effectively to control access to it and it will not be closed until the necessity for doing so arises.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these barriers will be in existence on the following day. Last night there were crushes against the barriers, and I heard women screaming while being pushed against them. If they are left in existence on the following day they may cause a serious catastrophe.

They were put up on the occasion of the last Coronation and then the crowds were not nearly so large as it is anticipated they will be on the present occasion. The Commissioner of Police informs me that the force of police at his disposal will not enable him to prevent pressure of an extrordinary character being created by the crowds without some such means as the erection of barriers. These barriers are put up for the protection of the public, and I believe the reasons for them are extremely well founded.

May I ask whether, as the Coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey does not start till eleven o'clock, and in view of the fact that a clear passage can be kept between the Abbey and the House of Commons it can be arranged for the door leading into the Abbey to be kept open till ten o'clock?

I have no authority, of course, to give any direct answer to this question, but I will indicate what appears to be the general wish of the House to the proper authorities.

I wish to ask a question of the Home Secretary of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether the police have issued an order forbidding the placing of chairs inside the railings of St. James's Park alongside the Mall, and will he consider whether this order cannot be withdrawn, as it will deprive many of the opportunity of seeing the procession and lead to overcrowding on the roadside?

I received the note of the hon. Gentleman a few minutes ago, and I will consult with the Chief Commissioner and see what are the reasons for the order which I understand has been issued. I am quite sure that there is no wish to inconvenience persons in any way. I will communicate privately with the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Postmaster-General when the revision at the General Post Office parcel office, stated to be under consideration on 6th July, 1909, will be brought into effect; and will he give the number of hours' overtime performed at this office, by all classes, during the week ending 27th May, and the cost of same?

The revision of the force of the General Post Office parcel office has now been sanctioned and is being carried out. The full effect will, of course, not be felt for some time, as the additional officers have to be obtained and trained. During the week ended the 27th ultimo 5,138½ hours' overtime were performed at a cost of £290 2s. These figures do not include Sunday duty and provision for the work of officers taking holidays in lieu of Bank holidays, which accounted for 1,241½ more hours at a cost of £88 0s. 8½d.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that, in addition to the 1,911 days that the twenty-four sorters attached to the East Central section of the General Post Office performed the duties of acting overseers for the year ending 31st March, they were frequently employed as extra overseers, during which time no record was kept or substitution allowance paid for such service; whether, notwithstanding that a large increase of force has been made and a considerable amount of extra duty incurred since the removal to King Edward building, no increase has been made in the supervising force; and whether, in view of the discontent among the supervising officers, owing to their additional responsibility, he will consider the advisability of increasing the supervising staff in this section?

I am assured that it is not the case that the twenty-four sorters referred to by the hon. Member were frequently employed as extra over- seers as suggested in the question. A few of the sorters have been employed on part-time supervision during brief periods of emergency or pressure and other sorters have been under tuition; but the figures given in my previous reply are not affected thereby. Since the occupation of King Edward's building the question of a revision of the staff has been taken up. An interim addition to the rank and file has already been sanctioned, and I hope that the complete scheme will soon be ready The question of adjusting the supervising force to meet the requirements will not be overlooked.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, if he will state whether it is the intention of the Government to grant the sum of £200,000 to enable the various distress committees in different parts of the country to assist unemployed workpeople under the Unemployed Workmen Act of 1905?

No decision has yet been arrived at in this matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that a number of families have been evicted at West Mailing, Kent, on account of their houses being unfit for habitation; whether the local authority, before evicting the people, had taken any steps to re house them under the Housing and Town-Planning Act; and whether proper housing accommodation will be provided for the labourers of West Mailing and their families?

My attention has been drawn to the matter referred to, and I am in communication with the Rural District Council of Mailing on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, on Tuesday, 13th June, the trains leaving Aldgate East station on the Metropolitan District Railway, at 6.21 and 6.29 p.m., were excessively overcrowded on arrival at the station, and at least 300 people were left upon the platform after the trains had left the station; and if he intends taking action to prevent this state of things?

The railway company informs me that on the evening in question delays of trains on another part of their system led to some irregularity in the working of the traffic at Aldgate East station, and that under normal conditions there is no delay to passengers at that station. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the company's letter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that Messrs. Varian and Company, Dublin, whose tender for the supply of brushes to the Irish Lights Board has received the sanction of the Board of Trade, do not pay to the workmen in their employment the standard rate of wages recognised by the trade society in the district where such men are employed; if the contractors have made it a condition of employment that their workmen shall not be members of the trade union known as the United Society of Brushmakers, and will not allow any of the present employés to join the Brush-makers' Trade Union; and whether he will cause a full inquiry to be made into these allegations in order to secure compliance with the Resolution of the House of Commons of 10th March, 1909, as to rates of wages and proper conditions of labour prevailing in respect of the particular trade in question?

Messrs. Varian and Company have obtained the contract with the Commissioners of Irish Lights for the supply of brushes during the year ending 31st March, 1912, subject to the usual conditions as to hours of labour and rates of wages, and I have no doubt the Commissioners will take any steps that may be necessary to see that these conditions are fulfilled.

The hon. Gentleman has not answered the question as to whether the Board of Trade will make inquiry into the allegations contained in the question—that these contractors do not pay the fair rates of wages?

I am not aware that the company has departed from their usual custom, but if the hon. Gentleman will give me a case I will have inquiry made into it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether the firm of Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold is on the lists of Admiralty contractors; and, if so, whether he will inquire into the grievances of the moulders on strike at their Dowlais works, and, if satisfied that the firm is not complying with the fair wages conditions of the Admiralty, whether he will remove the name of the firm from the Admiralty lists?

The firm in question are on the Admiralty list. No complaint has been received in respect of the wages paid by them under the Fair-Wages Clause of Admiralty contracts. Current Admiralty contracts with the firm do not include moulders' work. Questions relating to grievances of workmen on strike would more properly be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade.

Is the First Lord aware that this particular firm is the worst wage-paying firm there is in the country?

I am not aware that that is so. As a matter of fact on Admiralty contracts no complaints have reached me.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman suspect that perhaps other wages paid are on a par with these, and will he not inquire?

Until I have had complaint there is no ground for inquiry. If the hon. Gentleman will give me grounds for making representations and inquiries I shall do so.

Is it the practice of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to recognise a firm as fair provided that on Government work they pay the recognised rate of wages, though not in other Departments?

We have no knowledge of the rates of pay that firms pay for work except our own. We have no general right to go and inspect the whole of the contractor's works except so far as they do work for us and upon our work. I have no knowledge of what affairs outside are. On our work I understand they have been paying a fair wage.

Did not the Government give us a promise when the Fair- Wage Clause was before the House that any firm that did not habitually pay the standard rate of wages would be struck off the Government list?

I am not aware that that statement was made. The statement was the payment of fair wages upon Government work. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh."]

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, in addition to the accident at Postlethwaite's Iron Ore Mine, Moor Row, of which his Department is cognisant, three other accidents have occurred, namely, on 8th March Robert Maxwell sustained a poisoned arm through fall of ore, on 19th April Jonathan Barrie sustained blood poisoning through bogie accident, and on 23rd May the wrist of J. Payne was sprained through defective platform; if he will state why the provisions of the Metalliferous Mines Act were not complied with by these accidents being reported; whether he is aware that a former employé in the mine, a trade union delegate, has been victimised for reporting accidents in order that compensation might be secured; and whether he is aware that, as the district inspector resides over 100 miles distant from Moor Row, he is not in a position to make himself effectively acquainted with the management of the mine?

I have received particulars of these accidents from the inspector of mines, who informs me that in his opinion they were not accidents of the class which, under the Act, have to be reported immediately on their occurrence. Maxwell was injured through a piece of ore catching him on the hand while dressing the roof. He was off work for a fortnight. Barrie had a finger jammed between a bogie and prop. The accident was not in itself serious; but subsequently, as the injury did not heal properly, the finger had to be amputated. Payne slipped off a plank, and sprained his wrist; but has now recovered. All the accidents will be included in the return which the owner is required to make under the Notice of Accidents Act at the end of the year. The inspector cannot ascertain that any employé has been victimised for reporting accidents, but he finds that a trade union dele- gate who considered himself unfairly treated as to his working place left of his own accord some weeks ago. It is the case that the district inspector lives over 100 miles from this mine, but that does not prevent him making himself well acquainted with the management of the mine. As a matter of fact, an assistant inspector specially assigned to metalliferous mines and quarries resides within three miles of the mine, and reports regularly to the district inspector.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the decision of a Marlborough Street magistrate, on 2nd June, dismissing an information laid by a factory inspector against a master tailor under Section 116 (Particulars Section) of The Factory Act, 1901, on the ground that only men were employed by the giver-out of work; whether he is aware that if the magistrate's ruling is sustained it will place the majority of out-workers in the wearing apparel, boot and shoe, and other trades outside the scope and protection of the Particulars Section; and what steps, either administrative or legislative, he proposes to take in the matter?

Yes, Sir. My attention has been called to the decision in question which raises a very important point, and by my instructions application is being made to the magistrate to state a case for the decision of the High Court on the point.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, if his attention has been called to the consignment of Chinese pork which has recently arrived at Liverpool, and which is to be cured into bacon and in that form is to be sold to persons in the United Kingdom who will be kept in ignorance of the source from which it has come; and if he has power to insist that such bacon shall be sold under its proper description and stamped or marked with the name of the country of origin?

I have no official information as to the consignment to which the hon. Member refers, but in any case the Board have no power to take the course suggested.

Is the hon. Baronet aware that this stuff is being sold as home cured bacon, and under these circumstances will the Board take some steps in the matter?

I am afraid the Board has no power in the matter, but I will make further inquiries if the hon. Member likes.

I should be very pleased if the hon. Baronet will make further inquiries.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will state when he expects that the Register of Licence Annual Values to be compiled under Section 44(2) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, will be completed; and what proportion of the whole is already completed?

The register is practically complete in the case of hotels, and of public-houses and beer-houses over £500 annual value, in which cases the annual licence value is an element in the calculation of the licence duty under the exsting law. I am not yet in a position to say when the Register as a whole will be completed.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that no reply has been received by the Admiralty and Outport Clerical Federation to the petition forwarded to the Admiralty in January, 1908, on behalf of the writing staff at the Admiralty and Royal dockyards; and whether, in view of the fact that the reply to this petition was included in the recommendations of the Macnamara Staffing Committee, which made its report in September, 1909, and that an announcement cannot be made pending the decision of the Government on the matter, he can fix a date by which the decision of the Government on the Committee's recommendations will be communicated to the petitioners?

Certain proposals were made by the Admiralty in the course of last year which, having regard to the conditions of service of similar classes in other Departments, the Treasury did not feel able to sanction. Pending further communications on the subject, I am unable to fix a date for the announcement of the decision.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will grant the necessary facilities for the passage of the Bill introduced by the hon. Member for West Bradford to legalise the feeding of necessitous children during holidays, in view of the simple character of the Bill and the measure of support behind it in this House?

No, Sir, I am afraid that, in existing circumstances, I cannot promise facilities for this or any other private Member's Bill.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman proposes on Tuesday to again move that the Debate on the Motion for Adjournment over the Coronation Recess be not restricted by the rule against anticipation?

The answer is in the negative.

Would it be possible to do this?

No, Sir; there is not the faintest reason for it. Last week we had a discussion on the Vote on Account in Committee and on Report and on the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill. To-morrow the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill is down for discussion.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the fall in values of what are known as gilt-edged securities; and if, between 1st January, 1906, and 14th June, 1911, Consols have fallen 9¾ points and Irish Land Stock 10 points; and if he is aware that the necessity of writing down the values of the holdings of these stocks is diminishing the profits and taxing the resources of many sound financial concerns; and if he proposes to confer on the subject with the high financial authorities to obtain their opinion on the causes of the depreciation and the remedies to be taken to counteract them?

The answer to the first three questions is in the affirmative. As regards the fourth, I may say that I have kept in constant touch with the best-informed opinion on the subject, and I find that there is general agreement amongst those most competent to judge that the decline which has taken place in these and other gilt-edged securities during the period in question arises in the main from the continued operation of the same causes which brought about the still heavier and more rapid fall that took place in the prices of similar securities in the preceding period—e.g., between 1898 and 1906, when Consols fell 23 points, or an average of nearly three points a year, against an average of about 1½ points a year since 1906, and the old type of 2¾ per cent. Guaranteed Land Stock 22 points, or an average of 2¾ points a year against an average of about 1½ points for the new type (which only came into existence in 1904) since 1906. These causes were: (1) The general rise in the value of money, due to the enormous absorption of capital in warlike operations—more particularly the South African and Russo-Japanese wars; (2) Competition of Colonial Securities for Trustee Funds, resulting from the admission of these securities to the category of Trustee Investments by the Colonial Stock Act, 1900; (3) Heavy Government borrowing for Irish Land Purchase and (prior to 1906) for warlike operations, and also for other so-called "capital expenditure." The first cause affected gilt-edged securities throughout the world. The second and third affected our own stocks more particularly. The second is very important, since (prior to 1900) home securities had the monopoly of trustee funds, under all trusts not specifically providing for investment otherwise. As regards remedial measures, I am advised that, so far as State action is concerned, the most important are the maintenance of adequate provision for the redemption of debt and the avoidance, as far as possible, of new borrowing. That steps have already been taken in these directions will be seen by comparison of the figures relating to debt reduction since the present Government came into power, and up to 31st March last, with those of the previous five years. From 1st April, 1906, to 31st March, 1911, there was a net redemption of debt amounting to £55,918,000, as compared with a net increase in the previous five years of £85,056,000. Even excluding that portion of the South African war debt created in the former period (namely, £92,000,000), the net decrease in that period was only £6,944,000. As regards new borrowing for services for which the Exchequer is directly responsible, the comparison is even more striking, namely, a reduction from £128,293,000 (or leaving War Debt out of account, from £36,293,000) in the first five-year period, to £13,500,000 in the second five-year period.

I will not attempt to cover the ground which the right hon. Gentleman has traversed in his answer, because it would be impossible for me to do so. I do not complain of the statement, but clearly it would not be becoming of me to argue it now. I wish to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman thinks it quite right to omit from his reasons for the fall in the price of Consols in the earlier period he has chosen for comparison with the later period, the final reduction of interest under Lord Goschen's conversion scheme, about which he did not say one word?

I have heard that statement made before, but surely everybody purchasing securities at that time would know perfectly well that he was purchasing with the knowledge that in a year or so his interest would be reduced to 2½ per cent. Consequently all that would be discounted, and the mere fact that for a year or two, or for two or three years at the outside, he would be receiving 2¾ per cent. interest as against 2½ per cent. would not make any appreciable difference in the price of the security.

Is that not precisely the reason why the price was falling in the earlier years?

No; the right hon. Gentleman is perfectly wrong. That would not affect the price during the years to which I have referred. Those are years when it was very well known that the interest was to be reduced to 2½ per cent.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman take as the beginning of his period the year 1898, and does he mean to say that the price of Consols at that time was not being affected and did not continue to be affected by the knowledge that there was to be a reduction of interest?

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can see no way of preventing this continuous drop in Consols and other gilt-edged securities which he says has taken place, considering all the steps he has taken have been in operation for some time and have had no effect?

The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well the Colonial Trustee Investment Act is still in operation, and that is the really one substantial difference between our gilt-edged security and gilt-edged securities abroad. Prior to that Act British Trust Funds had to be invested in British securities, tout since then it has been possible to invest them in other securities. That is a continuing operation, and it must have an effect at the present time.

May I ask whether—

I think this is a subject more suitable for Debate.

asked whether under the National Insurance Bill any additional benefits received by an insured person from an approved society would be taken into account when calculating the means of that person's income under the Old Age Pensions Act?

There are nine classes of additional benefits specified in Part II. of Schedule 4, and I fear I cannot pronounce upon the interpretation of the Means Clauses of the Old Age Pensions Act in relation to each of the nine within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question.

Is it possible for the right hon. Gentleman to say whether any single one of these additional benefits will be excluded from the means of a person in calculating whether he is entitled to an old age pension or not?

If the hon. Gentleman will put a question down in reference to any one I shall be very happy to give him an answer.

asked if the Local Government Board have taken away from. Mrs. Margaret M'Gowan, of Gortnadrung, parish of Rossinver, barony of Cartbury, county Sligo, the old age pension allowed to her by the local pension committee, and which has been paid to her from 1st January, 1909, until the 21st May, 1911; and on what evidence the Local Government Board proceeded in annulling the decision of the pension committee?

A question was raised by the pension officer concerning the pensioner's age and the Local Government Board on appeal decided that she had not attained the age of seventy years. The pensioner did not know the date of her birth, and could furnish no evidence of age. Her name did not appear in the return of her family in the Census of 1841 and her family could not be traced in the Census of 1851.

asked upon what grounds the Local Government Board stopped payment of the pension awarded to John Healy, of Carnamodda, county Sligo?

In this case a question as to the pensioner's age was raised by the pension officer, and on appeal the Local Government Board decided that Healy had not yet attained the age of seventy years. Healy was unable to furnish any evidence that he had reached the statutory age. His name did not appear in the return of his parents' family in the Census of 1841, while in the return of 1851 his age was given as nine years.

asked the total amount of the depreciation on the stocks and shares which the Birkbeck Bank held on 28th April, 1909, and which it continued to hold on the date of its closing, the stocks and shares on both dates being respectively valued at current market rates?

I have made inquiries of the Board of Trade, and I am informed that the Birkbeek Bank, at the date of its closing, held a very large number of different stocks and shares; and to ascertain the total amount of depreciation on the stocks and shares which the Bank held on the 28th April, 1909, and which it continued to hold on the date of its closing, would entail a very considerable amount of labour. It is consequently impossible for me to give the answer to the hon. Member to-day. All the members of the Official Receiver's staff and all the officials of the Birkbeck Bank are at the present moment working at the highest pressure, but if the hon. Member will repeat his question on a future day, with ample notice, I shall be very glad to give him the information he desires.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sum is estimated in the assets of the Birkbeck Bank and Building Society as being invested in land, buildings, and mortgages, and what sum in Consols?

Speaking in round figures, the sum estimated in the assets of the Birkbeck Bank and Building Society as being invested in land, buildings and mortgages is £1,430,000. This includes the bank premises. The Official Receiver reports to the Board of Trade that he hopes the whole of this sum will be realised in full, without any loss whatever. With regard to the amount of Consols held at the present time by the bank, I am informed that delicate negotiations for the sale of the whole of the securities of the bank are actually in progress, and both the Official Receiver and the special manager appointed by the Court think that it is undesirable, in the interest of the depositors, that the figures of any particular holding should be made public at the present moment.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether any change of status has been effected in regard to the Maharaja of Benares and his relations with the Government of India; whether any territories have been constituted a native State and placed under his control; whether any change has been so operated in the status of the inhabitants of such territories; and whether legislation will be necessary?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this and the following questions. The Maharaja of Benares has been established as a ruling chief, with full powers, subject to the suzerainty of his Majesty. Certain districts previously administered by the British Government have been constituted as a State and granted to his Highness under the restrictions and conditions necessary for safeguarding to their residents the rights and privileges which they have enjoyed under British administration. The residents in question have thereby become subjects of the State of Benares. The Secretary of State is advised that no legislation is necessary for these purposes.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is the theory of the Government of India that such cessions of territory involving such change of status can be made without the authority of legislation in ordinary times of peace, I mean, when there is no question of actual war, or of the termination of war?

I am afraid I can hardly reply to a broad question of policy of that kind. I will tell my hon. Friend a question has been put, and no doubt he will give an answer.

asked the number of deaths of human beings from starvation in India in each of the last ten years and in the whole period?

The information asked for by the hon. Member is not forthcoming from the mortality returns of British India, as they do not show "starvation" as a separate cause of death. In times of famine special efforts have been made to secure a correct record of all deaths attributable directly to want of food, but without much success. In the 1907–8 famine in the United Provinces not more than eleven deaths were thus recorded. Famine mortality is due to the consequences of insufficient food, not to entire want of it.

asked of the six-and-a-half millions of human beings known to have died of plague in India within the last ten years, how many died of bubonic plague and how many of pneumonic plague; and whether the Government propose to convene an international medical conference in India next winter to devise means of counteracting this scourge?

The returns of plague seizures in India do not distinguish cases where the symptoms are bubonic from those that take septicaemic or pneumonic forms. But it may be said that more than 90 per cent. of the cases take the bubonic form. There is no intention of convening an international medical conference in India to deal with the question of plague prevention. The scientific problems have already been elucidated by the Joint Commission organised by the Royal Society and the Lister Institute, and the practical application of the Commission's discoveries is a matter for the Indian Government.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the proposed adoption of an official brand for Irish-cured herrings and mackerel, the Department will take the necessary steps to utilise the Irish national trade mark for this purpose?

The Irish national trade mark has not been utilised for the purpose referred to. While the national trade mark indicates origin, the official brands for Irish-cured herrings are mainly required to indicate quality, size, and packing. The Department of Agriculture are taking advantage of Section 62 of the Trade Marks Act, 1905, to register their proposed brands.

Would it not be possible to incorporate in the proposed brand the Irish national trade mark?

I do not think it is a question of patriotism, but of business. It is much better herrings should have a mark, not of their origin, but of their quality, size, and packing.

asked whether in the recently issued rules of the Intermediate Board, any and, if so, what changes have been made from those issued last year, in which the Irish language was penalised and preference was given to German; and whether, in the awarding of exhibitions, any discrimination is now made against those students who elect to be examined In Irish?

The division of the modern literary course into two sections, to which the hon. Member and others objected as unfair to Irish, will cease to exist under the new rules. In the year 1912 students may present themselves for exhibitions in a group of four honour subjects, two at least of which shall be selected from French, German, Irish, or Latin. The maximum marks allotted to each of these honour subjects is the same.

Can I take it, therefore, that any discrimination against Irish is now being removed?

Certainly, there is no discrimination. The candidates will have their selection from French, German, Irish, or Latin.

asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been called to the violation of Rules 105 (a) and 108 (b) of the National Commissioners of Education, whereby teachers are deprived of increases of salary to which they are entitled on promotion to a higher grade; if he is aware that the National Commissioners are in favour of the abolition of the standard numbers test, which has been applied in these cases; and if he will represent to the Treasury the hardship of the present arrangement and urge them to provide the small sum per annum to enable this grievance to be removed?

My attention has been frequently called to this matter. In the case of a considerable number of teachers promoted to the First Class it is impossible to give a corresponding increase of salary at once as the number of teachers receiving the higher rate of salary is limited. The Commissioners of National Education have more than once suggested such a re-adjustment as would permit of promoted teachers receiving the higher salaries at once, but this might ultimately entail a very considerable charge, and I am not prepared to press it upon the Treasury at present having regard to the concessions which I have recently obtained from them for the benefit of Irish Education.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a farmer named Richard Kingston, residing at Curraclough, Lissarda, county Cork, who, with his family and servants, has been boycotted at the instigation of the local branch of the United Irish League for the past eighteen months, the reason alleged for the boycott being that Kingston refuses to surrender a farm which he has occupied for thirty years, and which he has recently purchased outright under the Land Act of 1903; and, seeing that Kingston is now under permanent police protection and unable to purchase the necessaries of life for himself and his family, will he state what action he proposes to take?

Summonses have been issued against a number of persons for intimidation and assault in connection with this matter and are to be heard tomorrow. It is not desirable to discuss the case while these summonses are pending.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is a fact that the petty sessions court before which the case will be tried contains at least two members of the United Irish League?

I really cannot tell what may foe the relations of all the members of these petty sessions. All I know is the court is sitting to-morrow.

asked whether it has come to the knowledge of the Congested Districts Board, in connection with the estate of the late Colonel Parke, Dunally, county Sligo, that Mr. Hewson, the agent, has been endeavouring to dispose of part of this estate to a tenant farmer named Armstrong, who already owns an economic holding; whether the part of the estate which the agent is endeavouring to dispose of is at present, as well as a house situated upon it, in the occupation of J. Hever, who has occupied a house on this estate for over fifty years; and whether, in view of the nature of the proposed sale, which would necessitate the ejectment of Hever and his family, the Congested Districts Board will take steps to prevent the proposed sale, and to secure the whole of this estate for the relief of congestion?

I am informed by the Congested Districts Board that Mr. Parke contemplates selling one detached field of about twelve acres to an adjoining farmer, but they have no information as to the name of this farmer or the nature of his holding. As the proposed sale is not under the Land Purchase Acts the Board have no power to interfere. The Board have under consideration the question of purchasing this estate.

In view of the fact that the estate is situated in a congested area will the right hon. Gentleman represent the facts to the Congested Districts Board and ask them to take means to compulsorily acquire the whole of this estate, including that portion which the landlord desires to sell privately?

The Congested Districts Board have full knowledge of all the details of this estate.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have made offers for the purchase of the Jones estate and the Hippsley-Sullivan estate, situated at Grange, county Sligo; whether the offers have been accepted; and, if not accepted, what steps the Board propose to take for the acquisition of these estates?

The Congested Districts Board have decided to make an offer for the estate of Captain H. H. Jones, comprising certain townlands in the parish of Easky. The Hippsley and Sullivan estate has been offered for sale to the Board, and a decision will be come to regarding the purchase of the property as soon as practicable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, notwithstanding the decision of Mr. Justice Barton in Lynders estate (Irish Reports (1) 1910, page 231) that the signing of an. agreement under the Land Purchase Acts does not determine the tenancy, nevertheless the Commissioners of Inland Revenue in Ireland are valuing the farms of deceased farmers who have signed agreements to purchase, but who have not had their farms vested before their death, on the basis of a purchased farm instead of being valued in accordance with Sub-section(l)of Section 61 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910; and, seeing that though valuing the farm on the basis of a purchased farm they decline to give the representatives of the deceased the benefits of Sub-section (3) of Section 61 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, relating to the payment of duty by instalments owing to the vesting order not having been made and the purchase completed, will he state what action he will take?

The Commissioners of Inland Revenue hold that a farmer, who has signed an agreement to purchase under the Land Purchase Acts, although he remains the legal tenant, is nevertheless, in addition, equitable owner of the fee of the purchased farm, subject to the tenancy. He is the real beneficial owner, and the case, therefore, does not fall within Sub-section (1) of Section 61 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. The benefits of Sub-section (2) of that section would, however, be given to such a case.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Irish Local Government Board took any action on the public notice given them to secure the secrecy of the ballot at the recent local government elections; whether they are now convinced of the impropriety of appointing as returning officers county officials interested in the return of particular candidates; whether the Board still sustain those officials unless an action is brought; how many complaints have been received within the last three weeks, notwithstanding this attitude of the Board; and if he will state the result of the complaint relating to the county council election in the Cooraclare Division of Clare?

The Local Government Board have no jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the Ballot Act with regard to the preservation of the secrecy of the ballot. The appointment of returning officers is vested in the county councils, who are at liberty to appoint either their own officials or such other persons as they desire. It is customary during the progress of each election for the Board to receive complaints from persons who are dissatisfied with the conduct of the elections, and this year has been no exception. The Board have, however, no jurisdiction to inquire into such complaints, as the conduct of the elections can only be questioned on election petition, and they replied to this effect in the case of the complaints made to them as to the proceedings in connection with the election of county councillors for the County Electoral Division of Cooraclare.

asked the Irish Secretary if the amount leviable in Belfast under the Public Libraries Acts exceeds annually the sum of £11,900; whether the total amount leviable in Dublin is about £3,750 annually; and what steps he proposes to take to place on terms of equality the reading citizens of Dublin and Belfast?

I understand that the figures mentioned in the question are approximately correct. I am informed that the Library rate for the City of Belfast in the current year amounts to l½d. in the pound. The Libraries Bill at present before the House empowers Dublin and other county boroughs to levy a rate of like amount.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the standard of education in Belfast is much higher than in other parts of Ireland?

No, Sir.

asked the Irish Secretary whether the Corporation of Belfast is empowered for the purposes of the Public Libraries Acts to make a levy of 2d. in the £; whether the Corporation of Dublin is limited to a levy of 1d. in the £; and whether he will take steps to remove the disparity in the provisions for the reading public in the two cities, having regard to the desire of the citizens of Dublin in favour of enlarged powers and extended facilities exceeding even those of Belfast?

In the case of Belfast the extension to 2d. was authorised by a local Act, and I am not aware that there is any desire on the part of the Corporation of Dublin to have any further extension of the limit beyond that provided by the Bill at present before the House.

asked whether in the Local Government Bill, 1908, power was given to corporations, town commissioners, and urban and rural district councils to levy an additional 1d. in the £ for the purposes of public libraries; and whether in any legislation relating to public libraries those bodies will be empowered to make a minimum levy of 1d. in the £?

The Bill of 1908 authorised an increase of 1d. in the rate leviable for the purposes of public libraries, subject to the approval of the Local Government Board. As regards the latter part of the question the authorities referred to have general powers to levy a maximum rate of 1d. in the £, but there is no intention of making this rate a minimum rate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if Peter Williams was discharged from the Hampshire Regiment in 1888 after over twenty-one years' service, character very good, and a pension of 1s. 1d. per diem; that he then in 1889 entered the Army Ordnance Department at Tipnor, and was discharged in 1909 without receiving the bonus he considered due to him after twenty years' service; and if he will consider Williams's claim to this bonus?

I find on inquiry that Peter Williams is not entitled to receive any gratuity under the Superannuation Acts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the question of the legality of the conversion of merchantmen into warships on the high seas is left unsettled by the Declaration of London, the International Prize Court, when established, would not, under the Hague Conference of 1907, be entitled and bound to decide all questions relating to such conversion in accordance with what the majority of that Court might conceive to be the general principles of justice and equity; and whether such decisions of the International Prize Court would not be binding upon and enforced against British subjects; and whether His Majesty's Government still adhere to their expressed views that, in the event of an International Prize Court being established and the Declaration of London being ratified, our position as regards questions left unsettled by the Declaration will be the same as it has hitherto been?

It is impossible to discuss these complicated matters within the limits of the reply to a question, but the subject will be dealt with fully in debate within a very short time.

In view of the forthcoming debate on the Naval Prize Bill and the Declaration of London, is it not right that Parliament and the country should know the views of the Government before the debate comes on?

The views of the Government will be clearly expressed on that occasion.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give an answer to a comparatively simple question?

No discourtesy was intended in my reply. I have tried to give an answer, but I could not reply to the question in less than ten minutes.

Do not the Government change their views from day to day?

No, Sir.

Is it not worth while spending ten minutes in order to elucidate the views of the Government?

asked which, if any, of the Powers represented at the London Naval Conference have up to the present time ratified the Declaration?

The Declaration has not yet been ratified by any Power.

Have any other Powers acceded to the Declaration?

All the Powers that were parties to the International Conference have signed the Declaration.

But have any of the Powers not party to the International Conference acceded to the Declaration?

I must ask for notice of that.

How many years will have to elapse before the Declaration can be amended?

That is a question of which notice should be given.