asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give further information about the atrocities perpetrated on natives in the Putumayo district of Peru; and particularly whether any persons have been apprehended, charged, tried, or punished for these offences?

I have nothing to add to the replies to the questions put on 31st May by the hon. Member for Norfolk, North, and on 4th July by the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the publication of the Consul's report upon this matter?

I answered two or three questions on that point the day before yesterday. I have nothing to add to the answers I then gave.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that on Sundays, when Cornish fishermen do not go to sea, French fisher-men, when they think they can do so without being seen, lift the crab-pots which are laid at Handeeps, near the Eddy-stone; whether he would cause inquiries to be made; and, if necessary, would he be prepared to take steps for the adequate protection of the Cornish fishermen.

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am not aware that the facts are as stated in the question, but I will make inquiries into the matter and, if necessary, consider what action can usefully be taken.

asked whether Lord Kitchener is to be appointed Consul-General in Egypt, or to any other post of authority there; on what terms and conditions he has been appointed; whether his work there will involve an increase in the work done by or an increase on the salary received by the present holder of the post; and does the appointment of Lord Kitchener involve any change in the policy of this country towards either the Egyptian people or the Soudan?

I would take this opportunity of expressing the very great regret of His Majesty's Government that the serious illness of Sir Eldon Gorst prevents any chance of his being able to return to Egypt, and has made his resignation necessary. We are deeply sensible of the high value of the public service which he has rendered at Cairo, and of the great loss which his retirement entails. Beyond that, I cannot make any further announcement at the present moment.

asked whether, in view of the fact that an agreement of arbitration between Great Britain and the United States of America would require the deliberate and deciding sanction of Parliament, he will inform the House when such an agreement is likely to be ready for the sanction of Parliament?

I believe the two Governments to be now in substantial agreement about the details of the draft Treaty, and that there is every prospect of its being signed very soon. It will then be presented to Parliament before ratification has taken place.

asked, with regard to the action of Germany in Morocco, whether, in view of the fact that under the Act of Algeciras, Article 8, the Inspector-General is to report to the diplomatic body as to effective measures for the security of persons and the property of foreigners, and under Article 9, in the event of complaints, the diplomatic body may request the Inspector-General to make an inquiry and draw up a report, whether the Power named has made such complaint?

We have not heard of any such complaint.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if no complaint has been made what justification there is for the action of Germany?

The whole question is of much too serious importance to be dealt with by question and answer on particular points. I understand that the Prime Minister will make an announcement later on in regard to the general question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make any further statement as to the situation in Northern Albania and any action taken or contemplated by the Powers in reference thereto?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to a question of the hon. Member for the Northern Division of Norfolk on the 3rd instant. I am not in a position to make any further statement.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Roman Catholic Bishop of Waterford, speaking in St. John's Church, Waterford, on Sunday, 25th June, denounced a certain married couple as living sinful lives because, one of them being a Protestant, they had not been married in a Roman Catholic church; and whether he will consult his law officers as to whether the Roman Catholic bishop can be prosecuted for criminal libel for thus holding up to public contumely a man and woman who have been married according to the laws of the country?

Since the hon. Gentleman's question was put on the Paper, I have seen a newspaper report, from which it appears that the bishop did, in the course of a sermon, on the occasion mentioned, expound the views of the Catholic Church, in relation to mixed marriages. The bishop made no reference whatever to the position of the parties in such cases under the civil law, and in no way impeached the validity of such marriages under the civil law. The law of criminal libel has no application whatever to such a statement.

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman advise the Government to bring in some Bill into the House which would allow all marriages to have equal validity in Ireland, and so remove the power of the ministry in Ireland to make statements in Ireland about Protestants and Roman Catholics that they are living together in open sin?

The civil validity of this marriage is in no sense in question, and the bishop's references have concern with the view that Catholics take in such cases.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is not the fact that in Ireland a great deal of importance is attached to this matter, and how it is that Roman Catholic clergymen are permitted over and over again to say that the contracting parties, Roman Catholic and, Protestant, are living in open sin?

gave a reply which was inaudible.

Do I understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that, although the Prelate did not denounce these people for a contravention of the civil law he continually denounced this Protestant over whom he had no control and the Roman Catholic for living in open sin according to the Church canon law; and if that is not a grievous interference with the rights of the ordinary subjects of His Majesty to be denounced by any Prelate in the country in which he lives?

I cannot for the life of me see what objection there is to a Bishop of a Catholic church or any other church, stating his religious beliefs-and convictions in regard to any matter.

Does it not amount to an incitement by this rev. gentleman that his congregation are to consider this Protestant and Roman Catholic are living in open sin, and will they not be treated accordingly?

May I ask whether this action of the Catholic Bishops differs in any respect from the action of the. Church of England, who have "made similar denunciations with regard to persons legally married to a deceased wife's sister?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the intolerable wrong to this Protestant because he has married a Roman Catholic, whether it is the intention of the Government to place the liberties and whole interests of the Protestants at the disposal of the Roman Catholic prelates in the forthcoming legislation?

Keep that for the 12th July.

It is not all a question of the interests of Protestants; it is a question whether or not Catholics are to be entitled to claim freedom for their own religious beliefs.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is not quite as well aware as everybody else in His Majesty's Government that questions like these are always agitated a week before the 12th July?

It is not because of the 12th July—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order."]

That is a long way from the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a man named Colman M'Donagh was, until a few weeks ago, employed by the Congested Districts Board on board their ice boat at Arran Island, county Galway; that the Rev. Mr. Farragher, the president of the United Irish League in Arran Island, and the leader of the boycott against a certain family on the island, threatened M'Donagh that if he continued speaking to certain persons who were obnoxious to the League he would lose his job; that two days later M'Donagh received a telegram from the Board dismissing him, and that his position was given to the treasurer of the local branch of the United Irish League; and what steps he intends to take to have M'Donagh reinstated and to prevent the United Irish League interfering in the appointment and dismissal of the Congested Districts Board's officials?

M'Donagh was employed by the Congested Districts Board during the spring mackerel fishing of 1910, but the Board did not renew his engagement in 1911. He was not dismissed. The Board have no knowledge of the threats said to have been used by Father Farragher. They cannot say whether the present caretaker is connected with the United Irish League, but that body had nothing to do with their decision not to re-employ M'Donagh.

May I ask how it is when it suits His Majesty's Government to know occasionally when the United Irish League are at work in these matters they are able to inform the House of the fact, and when it does not suit them they know nothing about it?

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what is the difference between dismissing a man and not renewing his employment?

Is there a shadow of foundation for the question by the hon. Gentleman in respect of the reverend gentleman, Father Farragher?

May I ask if there is a shadow of foundation—

I would point out to hon. Members that we have got over a hundred questions on the Paper.

On the point of Order, may I ask whether you consider it is in order to put into a question such as this a serious charge against this reverend gentleman, that he is the leader of a boycott of a certain family, when there is no proof whatever to sustain it?

I have known serious charges put in questions not only above the Gangway but below the Gangway. When a question appears it is perfectly impossible to say whether the charge JS well founded or not. It is only when we get the answer that we are able to arrive at a judgment upon it.

May I ask you very respectfully, on the point of Order, whether it is within the competence of any Member of this House, without any proof to sustain it, to place in a question a serious charge against any person, much less a reverend gentleman; and whether that charge is to remain on the Paper of the House until such time as it may be dispelled by the answer given by a Minister?

May I ask on that point of Order whether the very fact that this question is asked by me and appears in the name of the hon. Member for South Antrim makes him responsible for the facts, and I accept full responsibility on his behalf for what appears on the Paper?

You will not repeat it outside the House.

I give a similar answer. My business is to strike out every question that is improper, but it is impossible for me, until I have heard the answer, to know whether a charge is well founded or not.

He will not repeat it outside the House.

I would appeal to hon. Members to let us get on with the questions, as it is now ten minutes past Three o'clock.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Local Government Board for Ireland has authorised the Enniskillen District council to erect sixty labourers' cottages; that the Enniskillen District Council gave the contract two years ago; and that, owing to a dispute between the contractor and his engineer, only eight of these sixty labourers' cottages have so far been built; and whether the Irish Local Government Board will authorise the cancelling of the contract by the Enniskillen District Council and its entrance upon a new contract that will enable the building of these cottages to proceed?

The facts are as stated, but the dispute was between the contractor and the council's engineer. On the 13th June the council decided to instruct their architect to give the contractor the legal notice required by his contract to proceed within seven days with the work where unnecessary delay has occurred. He was further directed to notify the council of every case of non-compliance, with a view to their taking over the works and procuring a new contractor. The sanction of the Local Government Board to this course is not necessary.

Will a new engineer be appointed?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that James M'Aroe, labourer, of Ballylucas, county Fermanagh, whose dwelling had been condemned by the local sanitary authority as unfit for human habitation, was awarded a labourer's cottage by the Enniskillen Rural District Council over two and a-half years ago, and that the owner and occupier of the selected site and plot were paid compensation for the same two years ago; and will he state why the cottage has not yet been erected on the plot fenced off, and through whose neglect or default M'Aroe with his wife and six grown-up children are still obliged to live in a thatched hovel measuring 16 feet by 14 feet?

James M'Aroe's house was condemned as stated, and the cottage authorised to replace it is one of those which has not yet been built owing to some friction between the contractor and the engineer of the Rural District Council. The Local Government Board are informed that the council have decided that if the work is not proceeded with at once they will, at their next meeting, take over the building from the contractor.

Is it not the fact that the engineer is employed by the county surveyor at a yearly salary, and therefore how can he give his attention to the erection of sixty cottages?

I think the answer explains. The work is to be proceeded with at once. The council are to take the land over at the next meeting.

To ask the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners had received an application from Myles Byrne, son of Laurence Byrne, for reinstatement in his father's holding on the estate of the Earl of Meath, in the county of Wicklow, and whether this application has been refused; and why was it so refused, as it was entirely in order and the case was a bond fide case of eviction?"

Can a Gentleman who is not a Member of this House put a question. This Gentleman has accepted an office of profit with the Chiltern Hundreds?

asked whether the Estates Commissioners intend to take any steps to reinstate Mr. James Sheehy, of Buncurrig, Ballyheigue, in his farm at Ballygoughlan, Glin, county Limerick, which his father purchased in the year 1877 for £3,000; and whether the present occupant of the said farm, Mr. Lenehan, is willing to give up possession of the said farm on getting compensation?

The holding to which James Sheehy seeks reinstatement is in the occupation of a tenant who acquired it from the assignees in bankruptcy of Sheehy's father and has since purchased it under the Land Purchase Acts. The Estates Commissioners, after inquiry and consideration, decided to take no action in the matter of Sheehy's application for reinstatement.

Will the right hon, and learned Gentleman make representations to the Estates Commissioners and ask them to deal with the case and give this man another farm, as the farm which was occupied by his father is no longer available?

I do not think that arises out of the question on the Paper. The question was confined to the farm which it appears has been sold under the Land Purchase Acts to the present holder.

asked the Chief Secretary whether ho can say if the Congested Districts Board have communicated with Mr. W. T. Huggard, Denny Street, Tralee, who is the receiver on the J. P. Stock estate, at Mucknaugh, Lixnaw, North Kerry, with a view to purchase the estate, which is mainly composed of small holdings; and, if not, will they do so immediately, with the view of enlarging the uneconomic holdings on the estate by an addition of the cutaway bog on the property?

The Congested Districts Board have not communicated with Mr. Huggard regarding the estate referred to, but will do so now.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can say what is the cause of delay in completing the sale of the untenanted lands at Mount Henry, Coolcappa, in the county of Limerick, between Miss Delmege, the vendor, and the Estates Commissioners; and whether, in view of the necessity for betterment of the condition of a number of small holders and labourers in the district, they will without further delay complete the sale without waiting for a sale of the tenanted portion of the estate?

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to a question by the hon. Member on this subject on the 19th April, 1910.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the existence of shops for the sale of opium to the coolies employed in certain of the tea gardens in Assam and of the growth of the opium habit among them, especially at the Dejoo Company's Garden, opposite Joyhing, and the gardens of the Jokia (Assam) Tea Company, Limited, at Pathahpam and Derpai; whether he is aware that a new opium shop has recently been opened at or close to Panitola; and whether, either upon the information he has or the result of any inquiries confirming the above matters, he will cause the Government of India to take speedy measures to deal with the subject?

The Secretary of State has no reason to believe that the opium habit is on the increase among the coolie population of the tea gardens in Assam. During the last four years the number of licences for retailing opium has been reduced from 632 to 381 in the five Assam Valley districts and the issue price of opium raised. The consumption of opium has also fallen. As regards the location of particular shops, the Secretary of State does not interfere with the discretion of the Local Government.

Has the hon. Gentleman not reason to know that the report of this particular company mentioned in the question shows a considerably increasing consumption of opium?

I have given the hon. Member the information at my disposal, which I think completely answers his question.

Will he make inquiries?

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he has any knowledge of any harm ever done in this district from the sale and consumption of opium?

Of course, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, another and more deleterious plant grows wild in Assam and some other districts, and therefore the question of the restriction of the consumption of opium is a very difficult matter in these districts, and you have to proceed very cautiously.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether his attention has been drawn to the case of one Charu Chunder Ghose, who, although he was in a bad state of health, was arrested on 20th March, 1910, on the charge of being implicated in the Hourah gang case and detained in gaol, bail being refused; who-was released on bail on the report of the medical officer of the gaol on the 19th May; who was again taken into custody on the 20th July, but was released on bail by order of the High Court on the 24th September; who was placed on trial before the special tribunal of the High Court on the 2nd December; who was so ill during the trial that the judges, notwithstanding the objection of the counsel for the Crown, exempted him from personal attendance; who died on the 17th April, 1911, and regarding whom the Chief Justice, in a judgment recorded on the 19th April, stated that a very careful consideration of the evidence had led him to the clear conclusion that Ghose was innocent of the charge brought against him; and whether, having regard to these facts and the further fact that Charu Chunder Ghose was the bread-winner of his family and has left two young children and a mother who were dependent on him for support, he will take his case into favourable consideration and grant some compassionate allowance for the maintenance of his family?

The Secretary of State is awaiting fuller papers from the Government of India, and has now telegraphed to expedite them. In the meantime I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to his question of the 18th May. The suggestion that the failure of a Crown prosecution imposes a duty on the State to compensate the person acquitted is, I think, a novel proposition.

asked whether the attention of the Secretary of State has been called to the fact that, owing to the increased cost of living in India, due to the rise of prices, wages, and house rent, the position of members of the Indian Civil Service has greatly deteriorated, and that this has been aggravated by block of promotion due to irregular recruitment; and whether, as the increased cost of living has rendered necessary an improvement in the pay of other services in India, e.g., the Army, the Public Works Department, the Police, and the Forest Department, the Secretary of State proposes to take any action to effect a corresponding improvement in the conditions of the Indian Civil Service?

The Secretary of State in Council accepted last year the conclusions at which the Government of India had arrived as the result of their second quinquennial examination of the state and prospects of the Indian Civil Service. They concluded that, on the whole, their present system of recruitment had, so far, proved satisfactory. In the case of two provinces they recommended certain improvements, which were sanctioned, and they have under consideration the case of a third. They have made no further proposal in the, direction suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary for India if he can state the date when the Indian Budget is to be taken?

This question should be addressed to the Prime Minister, who replied on Tuesday to a similar question from the hon. Member for West Staffordshire.

asked the Undersecretary for India whether he is aware that many of the workmen employed by Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold on the rail-bank at their Dowlais works in connection with the firm's contract with the India Office for rails for the Indian State railways are earning less than 20s. a week, some being paid as low as 1s. l0d. a day, whilst neighbouring competing firms pay wages from 25 per cent. to 50 per cent. higher; and what action he proposes taking to compel this firm to pay fair wages to their workmen under the provisions of the Fair-Wages Clause?

My hon. Friend has been kind enough to supply me with the detailed information on which he bases his allegations, and inquiry will at once be made into the matter. Perhaps my hon. Friend will repeat his question next week.

Will the hon. Member ask the Secretary of State to send down an inspector to see all the persons concerned, as it is very difficult to get at the truth by correspondence, and we may be in the same position as we have been up to the present?

I think something-more than correspondence will be necessary; but the Secretary of State has received very full information from the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil (Mr. Keir Hardie).

had given notice of the following question: To ask the Undersecretary of State for India whether he can explain the circumstances under which the firm of Guest, Keen, and Nettle-fold are allowed to stamp iron sleepers with the words: Indian State Railways; whether these sleepers are for the use of the Government of India, or for what purpose are they made? I do not propose to ask this question. I have received information that this contract is for a private firm, and not for the Government.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India (1) whether he is aware that the standards and rolls for turning out rails for the India Office rails contract with Guest, Keen and Nettlefold at their Dowlais works are made by moulders, and that without these the rails could not be made; whether, under these circumstances, he will insist upon the firm complying with the provisions of the Fair-Wages Clause and pay their moulders 6s. per day, as is done by other works in the district for the same class of work; and (2) whether he is aware that the moulders now on strike at Dowlais, and who were employed at wages ranging from 2s. l1d. to 3s. 8d. per day, were performing work connected with the making of steel rails for the Indian Government; and whether he will inform the firm of Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold that unless the terms of the Fair-Wages Clause in respect to wages and conditions of employment are complied with he will have their name removed from the list of Government contractors?

The Fair-Wages Resolution as interpreted by the Government Departments concerned does not extend to the manufacture of plant or tools used only partly in fulfilling Government contracts. If my hon. Friend dissents from this interpretation I will undertake to lay his contention before the Fair-Wages Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he could now make any further statements as to the increase in the duty on kola nuts imported into Southern Nigeria?

I informed my hon. Friend on the 14th of June that there had been no recent increase in the duty, and I have no further statement to make.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that the duty was not raised on January last; will he further explain his reply so as to cover that point?

Yes, I can assure my hon. Friend that the duty was not raised in January last, nor at any time in the last two-and-a-half years.

asked whether, in view of the increasing strategical importance of Ceylon and of the small proportion of its revenue at present contributed by that colony for defence, he would consider the advisability of taking steps to secure a substantial increase in the normal garrison of the island; and whether, in view of the rumours of reductions to be brought about in the Indian Army at an early date, the Imperial Government would consider whether any surplus of troops in India might, instead of being reduced, be made available, with advantage to both India and Ceylon, for increase in the Ceylon garrison?

The garrison of Ceylon is fixed and will be maintained at the strength which is considered necessary by the expert advisers of His Majesty s Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the progress that is being made with the scheme for railway connection between Ceylon and India, and details of the estimated cost of construction, and the results anticipated from it as a commercial undertaking; and whether, in view of the strategical advantage to the Empire that would result from the connection by railway of the Ceylon harbours with the Indian mainland, the Imperial Government would consider the advisability of giving some financial assistance or guarantee, if needed to cover any anticipated loss from a commercial point of view during the first years after construction.

I have no detailed report, but I understand that very satisfactory progress has been made with the work and that the connection will probably be effected in the course of next year. The cost of the Ceylon works will be about 6½ million rupees. I have no information as to the cost of the Indian works. So far as Ceylon is concerned it is confidently expected that the line will pay its way from the first.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether, in view of the opinions expressed by some of the representatives at the Imperial Conference, the Government propose to take steps and, if so, what steps to establish a decimal system of coinage and a metric system of weights and measures simultaneously in the United Kingdom and in His Majesty's Dominions overseas?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question so far as it relates to weights and measures. Some of the representatives of the Dominions expressed themselves as theoretically in favour of a change, but recognised the practical difficulties which would attend it, and the resolution put forward was withdrawn by its proposer. The Government do not propose to take any steps in the matter. As regards the question of coinage, perhaps the hon. Member will address the Treasury on the subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether his Department will bear the matter in mind?

We had a discussion on the matter at the Imperial Conference which I attended and a Motion was moved. On behalf of my Department I made a general statement with regard to our conviction of what appeared to be the insuperable difficulties in the way. I will not say in consequence of my speech, but, after discussion of the matter, the resolution was withdrawn.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will lay upon the Table a copy of the existing regulations of the Board of Education governing the retirement of members of the staff?

I shall be happy to give my hon. Friend a copy, and to put one in the Library of the House.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will give the names of the persons of the staff of the Board of Education who have been retired since the appointment of the present permanent secretary before reaching the age of sixty-five or becoming qualified for the full pension of two-thirds of their salaries?

My hon. Friend will find the information he asks for in both parts of his question in the details of Vote 1 of Class VI. of the Estimates for Civil Services annually published.

asked the President of the Board of Education what were the number of officials with expert knowledge employed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1907, and what is the number at present?

I do not know to what particular grades or types of officials the hon. Member is referring when he speaks of "officials with expert knowledge." Apart from the director and deputy-director the number of keepers, assistant Keepers, and assistants employed in 1907 and now are the same, except that one of these posts which became vacant a few weeks ago is not yet filled up. The number of technical assistants is one more than in 1907.

asked if it is intended to provide catalogues, such as are published in the British Museum, for the use of the public in the Victoria and Albert Museum, and, if so, when?

In speaking of catalogues in his question, I imagine the hon. Member refers rather to handbooks and guides than to the exhaustive and expensive catalogues compiled mainly for students. In reply, I would refer him to the published list of the various publications of the Victoria and Albert Museum, of which I will send him a copy. These publications comprise various guides and handbooks both to the collections as a whole and to particular sections. It is hoped gradually to increase the number of these, but their compilation has of late years been somewhat hindered by the large amount of work involved in the complete rearrangement of the whole of the collections necessitated by the removal of the exhibits into the large new premises of the museum

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, under Section 30, Subsection (2), of the Finance Act, 1910, any person interested for any purpose; whether statistical, commercial, or any other, in knowing the value of any land, will now be informed on application to the Commissioners the values fixed on by the valuers under the Act?

to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse): The answer is in the negative. The right conferred by Section 30 (2) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, does not extend to persons whose interest is merely academic.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that most of the text-books on this Act, edited by competent lawyers, take the opposite view?

I am not responsible for the text-books, and I do not profess to be a competent lawyer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of acting upon their legal advice?

No, Sir, I prefer to act upon the legal advice of our legal advisers.

We have been informed on several occasions by representatives of the Government that the Government would consider the propriety of making that valuation public; are we to understand that that promise is withdrawn?

No, Sir, you are not to understand that. If my hon. Friend will look at the question he will see that it is not what may be in the future, but what is law at present.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state when the Committee on the Customs and Excise Amalgamation will report?

I am afraid I can only refer the hon. Member to my previous answer on the 16th ultimo.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Committee has been appointed something like two years and a-half, and will he expedite the Report?

I have been giving a good deal of consideration myself to the Report, and the amalgamation of the various classes is extremely difficult, and cannot be dealt with hurriedly.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state whether, in accordance with the former practice, six months' stock of halfpenny and penny postage stamps is now held at Somerset House, including both old and new designs, or what period of consumption the total stock represents; and can he say for what period the existing stock of new George V. penny and halfpenny stamps is sufficient to supply the requirements of the United Kingdom?

The stock of halfpenny and penny postage stamps now held represents about seven weeks' consumption. The existing stock of new George V. stamps is sufficient for the requirements of a few days.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether either Messrs. De la Rue or Messrs. Harrison object to a disclosure of the difference between their tenders for the manufacture of adhesive postage stamps; if so, will he approach them with a view to their assent being obtained to his informing the House as to the amount of the saving effected by giving the contract to Messrs. Harrison; or, if neither of these firms object, will he state on what grounds he does not feel justified in communicating this information to the House?

Objection is taken by both the firms to the disclosure of the figures of their tenders, though not for identical reasons.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when it is proposed to proceed with the Committee stage of the Trade Union (No. 2) Bill?

I am not able to give a definite reply at present to the hon. Member. It will shortly be necessary for me to give an outline of the business that remains to be taken until the end of the Session.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state definitely what time he can allot for the discussion of magisterial appointments?

Friday the 14th being found to be an inconvenient day, I hope that we may be able to take the discusssion on Friday the 21st.

asked whether the Scottish Education Estimates will be taken on an early day, so as to give an opportunity for discussing the action of the Department in withdrawing the scheme of superannuation, which has been published in fulfilment of the provisions of the Education Act of 1908?

asked the Lord Advocate when the Scottish Education Vote will be taken; and whether an early opportunity will be given for the discussion of the threatened postponement of the superannuation scheme for Scottish teachers?

I will consider the hon. Member's request.

the Prime Minister when he intends to proceed with the Finance Bill?

I am unable to fix a date as yet.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he thinks the taxation of the people is a proper subject to be relegated to the dog days?

Are we to understand from the Prime Minister that the business of the control of finance by this House is to become a purely secondary matter?

No, Sir.

Is there any foundation for the rumour that the right hon. Gentleman intends to withdraw the Finance Bill?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of discharging the order for committing the Naval Prize Bill to a Standing Committee and of taking the Bill in Committee of the whole House?

No, Sir.

Have not the Government sent the Bill upstairs so that the people may not learn and realise their danger?

Nothing of the kind. The proper moment to move to commit the Bill to the Whole House was when the Second Heading was taken. No Motion was made, and the ordinary consequences followed.

Cannot you do what we ask now?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state when it is proposed to take the Education Vote?

I am making my usual statement on business at the end of Questions, and I will then reply to my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state what steps, if any, His Majesty's Government have taken, or propose to take, to give effect to the recommendations contained in the Report of the Royal Commission on Trade Relations between Canada and the West Indies, issued in September, 1910?

His Majesty's Government have been in communication with the West Indian Colonies with regard to such of the recommendations of the Royal Commission as involve action to be taken by those Colonies. With one exception, the Legislatures of the Colonies directly concerned have passed resolutions indicating their adherence to the recommendations of the Royal Commission in regard to reciprocity, and it will now be for His Majesty's Government to communicate the result to the Government of Canada for their consideration. As regards other matters dealt with by the Royal Commission, the decision of his Majesty's Government with regard to the Imperial Department of Agriculture has already been announced, and the hon. Member is no doubt aware of the action taken as regards the renewal of the contract providing for mail communication with the Antilles. I am not yet in a position to announce the decision of the Government in regard to telegraphic communication.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the number of wooden barriers erected across streets adjoining the route of the recent royal processions in London; how many of such barriers were closed on the days of the processions; and what was the total cost of their construction and erection?

Eighty-three wooden barriers were erected. Of these it was found necessary to close ten for a longer or shorter period. As the accounts have not yet been made up, it is not possible to specify the exact cost—but the cost of these gates is estimated not to exceed by much the amount (£6,276) expended on similar gates in 1902.

Is it not a fact that the barriers were perfectly useless, and had the effect of frightening away a great many of the loyal inhabitants of London who wished to view the Coronation?

They might not have been useless if they had not been there.

Were these barriers an innovation, or were similar barriers erected ten years ago in anticipation of the Coronation of King Edward?

Yes, Sir, they were similar.

How many were used? Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question?

Ten.

Has the right hon. Gentleman assured himself that he had legal warrant for the erection of these barriers?

No, I have not.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do so?

Well, Sir, I am rather doubtful about the law.

Questions of that sort, involving some legal research, should be put down on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that it is becoming common for medical referees under the Workmen's Compensation Act to accept fees from and to appear as witnesses for insurance companies in cases arising in the courts to which such referees are attached; whether his attention has been drawn to a case at Gloucester, on the 20th of May last, where the judge stated that, although it was a case which he naturally would have referred to a medical referee of the court, he could not do so because the referee had given evidence, and there being no power to appoint another referee he would have to act as doctor himself; and whether he can take any steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and secure a more impartial standing on the part of the medical referees?

The Home Office regulations forbid medical referees from acting for the employer or insurance company in any case in which the workman is receiving a weekly payment for compensation or which is otherwise likely to come before them as referees; and I believe these instructions are generally observed. In the Gloucester case, I find on inquiry that the workman was sent to the medical referee under a mistaken impression on the part of the applicant's solicitor that Stroud was outside his district. I will consider whether an additional referee should be appointed; but it is in the power of the judge in such a case to call in a medical referee from an adjoining district.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the question of the appointment of medical referees to devote the whole of their time to the duties, and may I ask whether he will make such appointments in accordance with the promise made by Lord Gladstone when he was Home Secretary?

I have not had the opportunity of studying the Reports of my predecessor, but I will take steps to look into the matter if the hon. Gentleman will put a question on the Paper.

asked the Postmaster-General if he was aware that, owing to various revisions, nearly 30 per cent. of the present staff of third class clerks are now receiving less than they would be receiving if they had not successfully undergone the competitive examination for that grade; that they are refused permission to revert to their former division; and that the number of appointments open to third class clerks have been reduced by over 9 per cent.; will he explain why the new scale of remuneration for third class clerks, which restores the former minimum of £100 and gives increases of £7 10s. for four years and £10 annually thereafter, has been applied so that an officer with four years' service in the third class, who joined during the temporary minimum of £80 per annum, receives only £110 per annum, whereas the new scale provides that, when an officer has had four years' service in the class, he should receive £130; and will he consider the application of the new scale in such a way as to give all officers the position which they would have received if they had entered at the minimum salary which formerly existed and has now been restored, or otherwise give to each clerk such salary as he would have attained had the new scale been applicable to him when he commenced service in accordance with the principle recognised in the case of the second division clerks, or will he appoint a committee to investigate the claims of third class clerks?

I am aware that certain third class clerks employed in the different departments of the Post Office in London are in receipt for the time being of slightly lower salaries than they would be receiving if they had not obtained appointment to their present class, and if, remaining second division clerks, they had accepted the new scale of pay for second division clerks. They have, however, better prospects for the future than the members of that class. All officers who accept transfer to other classes, whether by competitive examination or by other means, are aware that in doing so they accept all the advantages and disadvantages of their new position. The part of the hon. Member's question dealing with the new scale of remuneration suggests that this scale should be made retrospective in the case of certain clerks. This would not be in accordance with the usual practice in the Civil Service, and I do not see my way to adopt the suggestion. In the case of the second-division clerks to which the hon. Member refers, the officers concerned were given the opportunity of exchanging a maximum of £350, with a slow rate of progress, for a maximum of £300 with a quicker rate of progress; and I cannot admit that the circumstances as regards the third class clerks, who have not had their maximum reduced, are such as to warrant analogous treatment. I have received a deputation from the staff on the subject, and the whole matter has received my most careful consideration. I do not deem it necessary or advisable to appoint a committee of investigation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the inquiry into the organisation of the Accountant-General's department of the Admiralty, which was commenced in May, 1909, has been completed; and whether he is in a position to communicate to the House the result of the inquiry?

The matter is still under consideration between the Admiralty and the Treasury.

asked (1) whether the Naval Prize Bill has ever been submitted for consideration to a full meeting of the Board of Admiralty; if so, was it approved at the full meeting, and what was the date; (2) whether Sir Francis Bridgeman, now Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet, was consulted at all regarding the Declaration of London; (3) what is the date, or what were the dates, of any full meeting, or full meetings, of the Board of Admiralty at which the Declaration of London was discussed and approved; (4) whether the Declaration of London was discussed and approved by any full meeting of the Board of Admiralty after its signature by Lord Desart; (5) if so, was such full meeting held prior to the signature of the Declaration by Lord Desart on the 26th of February, 1909; and (6) whether, on the occasion when the Declaration of London was approved by the Board of Admiralty, only two members of that Board were present; and, if so, were these two the First Lord of the Admiralty and one Sea Lord?

I will answer the hon. Member's questions, Nos. 60 to 65, together. The Naval Prize Bill was not submitted for consideration to a full meeting of the Board of Admiralty. Sir Francis Bridgeman did not become Second Sea Lord till March, 1909, after the Declaration of London was signed. As Second Sea Lord, questions affecting the Declaration of London would not come before him in the ordinary course, except when acting for the First Sea Lord, and I am not aware that any important points came before him officially when so acting. The approval of the Declaration of London was given on the Papers circulated to those members of the Board to whom it appertained in the distribution of business.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many Naval Lords were at the meeting, and are we to understand that the Admiral chiefly responsible for the safety of the country from starvation and invasion has not approved the Declaration of London at all?

No, Sir. The hon. Gentleman does not quite appreciate, if I may say so, the point that in the distribution of business the question affecting the Declaration of London would come before the First Sea Lord for the time being, and, as I stated in my speech, both the First Sea Lords before whom the business came have approved the Declaration of London?

Are we to understand that Admiral Bridgeman, who is responsible for the safety of the country, has not been consulted and does not approve?

No, Sir. The hon Member is not in the least entitled to understand anything of the sort. I explained, in answer to questions by the hon. Member, that Admiral Bridgeman was not at the Board of Admiralty at the time the Declaration of London was approved. I further remind him that all the matters the hon. Member has addressed to me in his questions have already been answered by mo some months ago.

At the time the Declaration of London was considered by the Board of Admiralty was formal notice given to the members of the Board that the subject would be considered so that they could have an opportunity of attending?

No, Sir. As I stated there was no formal Board meeting but every member of the Board had full knowledge of what occurred and every member of the Board has full opportunity of asking me to call a Board meeting on any subject.

Was any member asked to attend except the First Sea Lord and the right hon. Gentleman?

I have explained more than once that the Sea Lord with whom the matter rests is the First Sea Lord; he came to me, and it was approved by the First Sea Lord and myself.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he will take steps to extend the benefits of the Public Trustee Office to Scotland?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question is in the negative for the reasons stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for the College Division of Glasgow on the 2nd March.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he will take steps to limit the liability of trustees to six years in Scotland, as was done in England by the Act of Victoria, 1888?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state what is the average rate of remuneration of agricultural labourers throughout Great Britain; and, if so, whether such remuneration includes cottage accommodation and perquisites or not; also if he can state what is the average remuneration over the same area of. workmen other than agricultural labourers?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a Report which gives information as to the average weekly earnings of agricultural labourers in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. No one figure can be given as representing the average earnings of all other workmen, but I can give the hon. Member information as to the average earnings in particular trades if he will be so good as to communicate with me.

Is that a recent Return?

I think so, but I have not got the date.

Would the right hon. Gentleman circulate this information for the general use of the House? Many of us are interested.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would allow me to consider in what way I should circulate it. If he puts a question down I will answer it.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will communicate with me.

Was not this information available in the Vote Office at the time?

Yes; the Report -was issued, but I thought the right hon. Gentleman wanted it in different form.

What Report is that?

The Average Weekly Wages of Agricultural Labourers in. England, Ireland, and Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that the R.M.S. "Viper" crossed from Belfast to Ardrossan on 26th June, 1911, with a full complement of passengers on board, and her deck crew consisted of two boys only; whether he will state how many competent hands constitute the deck manning of this passenger and mail steamer; and whether the Board of Trade surveyors of Glasgow are paying special attention to the manning of all passenger vessels, coast or otherwise, sailing from the port of Glasgow; and (2), if he is aware that there are passenger vessels sailing from Leith manned with incompetent crews and some of the vessels short-handed; whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the manning of the passenger boats before they leave the port, and cause all vessels to be detained which have an inadequate or incompetent crew; whether he can state if he has any reports from the local officials as to the, manning of the passenger boats; and whether he will cause such reports; if any, to be laid on the Table of the House?

I am making inquiries on the points raised by my hon. Friend, and will communicate the result to him.

asked how many deck hands were signed on the passenger steamer "Minnewaska" on her last outward voyage from London to New York; how many of them were qualified A.B.'s; whether he can state how many men were signed as firemen and trimmers; how many had had previous sea service; and how many gave Leeds or other inland towns as their place of birth or residence?

I find that twenty-seven deck hands were engaged on the s.s. "Minnewaska" on her last outward voyage from London to New York, of whom twelve were rated as "A.B." Seventy-five men were signed as firemen and trimmers. Of these forty-nine claimed to have had previous sea service. Thirty-four of the men gave their home address as Leeds or other inland town, but several of the men giving this address claimed to have had previous sea service.

asked how many deck hands were signed on the passenger steamer "Minneapolis" on her last outward voyage from London to New York; how many of them were qualified A.B.'s; whether he can state how many men were signed as firemen and trimmers; how many had had previous sea service; and how many gave Leeds or other inland towns as their place of birth or residence?

I find that twenty-eight deck hands were engaged on the S.S. "Minneapolis" on her last outward voyage, of whom fourteen were rated as A.B.s. The number of firemen and trimmers engaged in all was sixty-eight, of whom thirty-two claimed to have previous sea service. Thirty-four of the men gave their address as Leeds, but several of the men giving this address claimed to have previous sea service.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes increasing the grant to tropical diseases investigation; and, if so, by what amount?

The Treasury have recently sanctioned the appointment of a special Commission, under Sir D. Bruce, and including at the outset the services of Professor Newstead, to make further investigations into trypanosome diseases, the cost of which, amounting for this year alone to about £5,000, will ultimately fall on the Exchequer. In view of this large provision of money, my right hon. Friend does not see his way to increase the amount of the grants provided in the Estimates for tropical diseases investigation, as Sir D. Bruce's Commission will be carrying out this very work with great prospects of successful results.