asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has received from the British Consul any particulars of his recent interview with Miss Malecka in the prison at Warsaw; whether lunder the regulations of the Russian Government the conversation at this interview had to be in German; and whether the Foreign Office have yet obtained from the Russian Government any particulars of the charge upon which Miss Malecka is imprisoned?

The reply to the first question is in the affirmative. The Consul received permission to make the visit in his private capacity. In the course of the interview Miss Malecka gave the Consul certain information as to her birth and parentage. She also stated that the food given her was good, but that the quantity was small. Her friends had, however, supplemented the diet sufficiently, and that, with the remittances which the Consul had transmitted to her, was enough at present for her wants. She asked the Consul to reimburse her friends who had sent her food. She also made a few requests about her clothing and effects, the details of which are not reported. The charge is that of conspiring against the Russian Government; no further details are yet forthcoming so far as I am aware. It was stipulated that the conversation at the interview should be in German, but I am not certain from the Consul's Report whether this condition was imposed by the regulations of the Russian Government or by the local authorities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether the Government have yet demanded, or asked for, particulars of the charge against this lady?

There is another question for Thursday. If the hon. Member will ask his question on Thursday I will answer the two.

Can the right hon. Gentleman also explain whether the visit of the British Consul to this lady was or was not unofficial?

Yes, Sir, because the Russian Government has not yet admitted that she has ceased to be a Russian subject and under Russian law.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me, if no definite charges are soon forthcoming, the Foreign Office will be prepared to ask for the release of this lady?

The charge is a definite one—that of conspiracy against the Russian Government. What ought to be given are the particulars of the acts complained of in order that she may be in a position, when brought to trial, to answer those distinct charges. That is the point now raised.

Is it a fact that her counsel is in ignorance of the particulars, and that she herself does not know the occasion she was said to have conspired against the Russian Government?

I cannot answer that question definitely. As I said, if the hon. Member will put a question on Thursday I will then say actually what I have said to the Russian Government?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say on whom the burden of proof as to nationality in regard to a person in possession of a British passport rests?

That is a matter between, the two Governments. I cannot say where the burden of proof actually rests. The position is this: So far as English law is concerned she is undoubtedly a British subject, but it is possible for a person to have a double nationality, and for a foreign Government to claim that a person, although a British subject according to English law, is none the less of the nationality of the country of her origin when she is in it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign. Affairs whether he had yet satisfied himself as to the status of Miss Malecka in Russian law; whether he was aware that the marriage between this lady's parents, which took place at St. Jude's Church, Southwark, in the year 1860, was a marriage between a Catholic and a Protestant performed in a Protestant church; whether such a marriage would be invalid under Russian law without special licence from the Russian authorities; and whether any such licence was obtained?

I have no reason to suppose that a marriage such as that described in the question would not be recognised as valid under Russian law. The assumption contained in the question would only apply, so far as I am aware, in the case of some one who was a member of the Orthodox Greek Church.

Is the foreign Office doing all that it would do if the lady was recognised as a British subject?

We are doing all we can in the matter. But, of course, we could do much more, and be on much firmer ground, if it were quite clear that under Russian law she had ceased to be a Russian subject in Russia itself.

Has the Russian Government furnished any evidence that she is the legal daughter of a Russian subject?

Under the Russian law, as I understand it, unless her father left Russia with permission from the Russian Government, she would in Russia be a Russian subject.

If the legal daughter of the marriage?

I have answered that question as to legal marriage. It is a most complicated question. So far as I am aware, under Russian law the marriage would not be invalid unless one of the parties was a member of the Orthodox Church.

Are we to understand that the Foreign Office have not yet satisfied themselves as to whether under Russian law this lady is a Russian subject or not? Can the right hon. Gentleman say when they are likely to satisfy themselves on that point?

If I could clear away the legal and technical complications I would willingly do so. I have done my best to cut away the thicket of legal complications. If the hon. Member had seen all the various points referred to he would realise how exceedingly difficult the matter is.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to secure that the conversation between the British Consul and this British subject shall be held in English and not in German?

That, of course, must depend to some extent as to whether the question of nationality in Russia is definitely settled.

Is it denied that this lady went to Russia with a British passport?

Yes, Sir. As I have explained, she is in contemplation of English law a British subject, therefore a passport would be issued. That does not necessarily imply that she has ceased to be a Russian subject when actually in Russia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date the English lady imprisoned at Warsaw was arrested, and on what date the British Consul at Warsaw was informed of her arrest?

His Majesty's Consul at Warsaw reported that Miss Malecka had been arrested on 5th April. It is not clear from his despatch on what date he received notice of the fact, but he reported it on 12th April.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what length of time elapsed between the arrest and the message of the Consul?

No, Sir, I cannot.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Lieutenant-Governor of Burmah has recently sanctioned the quartering of an increased force of military police in ten villages in the Sagaing district for a period of two years at a cost to the inhabitants of nearly 60,000 rupees; and, if so, whether he can state what offence has been committed by these villagers; and whether they have had an opportunity of answering the charge made against them before being punished?

The Lieutenant-Governor of Burmah has sanctioned the quartering for two years of an additional force of military police on forty-seven villages in the Sagaing, Shwabo, and Lower Chindwin districts, which were shown to have been concerned in an attack made last November by 800 men on the village of Myinma. The leaders of the insurgents are being prosecuted. The procedure is regulated by the Indian Police Act, which empowers a local Government to take this action when any area has been found to be in a disturbed or dangerous state, or when the conduct of the inhabitants or any class or section of them renders it expedient to increae the number of police. The local Government has power to exempt from liability to bear the cost of any inhabitants of such area.

Can I have access to the information as to what offence those people committed. Was sedition shown? Are not these people extremely poor, and do not these villages consist of very poor people and how can they pay 60,000 rupees?

When the hon. Member gets a copy of this question he will see I deal with these points. From this district 800 men attacked another village.

Have they to bear the cost?

In accordance with practice, when a district has been disturbed and the inhabitants cannot keep the peace they have to bear the responsibility of their acts.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether he is now in a position to give the House any further information regarding the allegation that Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold are not paying fair wages to moulders employed on making sleepers for Indian State railways?

As I informed the junior Member for Merthyr on Monday week, no order for sleepers has been placed by the Secretary of State for India with Messrs. Guest, Keen and Nettlefold; in fact no sleepers, iron or steel, have been supplied by this or any other firm for Indian State Railways for many years, if they ever were at all, as wooden sleepers are used. I may add that the junior Member for Merthyr acknowledged that his information was incorrect when he withdrew his question on the subject on Thursday last.

Would the same reply be given with regard to rails?

No; the same reply would not be given with regard to rails because we have rails on order. With regard to wages the Secretary of State has sent to the Director-General for a report.

Then, I take it, we shall be able to raise the question with regard to rails. My question was about rails and not about sleepers?

Yes; I promised to give the House information as soon as the Director-General reported.

Will it relate to labourers as well?

Yes; labourers only are employed at this work in the making of railways.

asked what is the result of the appeal by the sub-inspector against the sentence imposed upon him in connection with the case of alleged police torture at Shahdara?

The Chief Court allowed the appeal and acquitted the sub-inspector of the charge of torture brought against him. Medical evidence was given to show that the marks on the deceased's body were probably bed-sores.

Does that apply to the other convicted person?

The person referred to in the question is the sub-inspector; but I think it does so apply. If the hon. Gentleman will put a question down I will answer it.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman—

The hon. Member has been invited to put down a further question. We must get on with the questions; it is already very late, and there are altogether seventy-one questions on the Paper. I call upon the next question in the name of Mr. Morrell.

May I appeal to you, Sir—

I called upon the hon. Member for Burnley.

I wish to ask you, Sir—

The hon. Member must not interrupt. If he has any further point to raise he must raise it at the end of Question time, and allow other Members to ask their questions first.

On a point of Order—

The hon. Member must raise his Question of Order at the end of Question time.

This is a question of life and death to Indian British subjects.

asked whether, in the case in which three policemen were tried at Birbhum for the torture of an Indian called Bhola, it was stated by the prosecution that the man was tied up to a tamarind tree and then submitted to such severe torture that when untied he was on the point of death; that he was afterwards strangled by the police, who asserted that he had committed suicide; whether he can state on what grounds the police were acquitted on the charge of murder; and whether he has received from the Government of India a full report of the case?

A full report has not yet been received, but the Secretary of State understands that the Sessions Judge found that the evidence adduced to support the charge of strangulation was insufficient and inconclusive. Disagreeing with the assessors who were in favour of acquittal on all counts, he convicted the police of voluntarily causing hurt to extort confession.

Will the full report be sent to the Government, and will it be published and laid upon the Table of the House?

I cannot promise to lay papers on the Table without consulting my Noble Friend, the Secretary of State.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether all troops who were on duty at the Coronation will receive the Coronation medal?

Representatives of each unit which was present or sent a detachment to London for the Coronation will receive the medal. I am not yet in a position to state the exact allotment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that this distribution of medals will apply to the troops in Dublin and Edinburgh?

That is another question which I could not answer without notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to secure that these officers and soldiers will get the medals?

Which officers?

In Dublin.

I will inquire about it. No doubt some medals will be distributed.

asked the Undersecretary whether his attention has been drawn to War Office Memorandum, No. 344, under which county associations are instructed to obtain land in the immediate vicinity of the headquarters of horse, field, and heavy Artillery for the purpose of teaching men laying drill and, further, a field of from ten to fifteen acres within reasonable distance of their headquarters either free of charge or at nominal rental; and whether he can indicate the method by which this result can be obtained?

It is expected that in many cases associations will be able to make use of their knowledge of local conditions. It has been found possible to obtain common land without expense in the past, and on frequent occasions private owners are good enough to provide facilities gratuitously, or at a nominal charge, but when it is necessary to hire on ordinary terms the question is to be referred to the War Office.

asked whether a new Army biplane has been designed and con- structed under the direction of the superintendent of the aircraft factory; and, if so, whether it has been tested and proved satisfactory?

Certain experiments in aeroplane construction are being made at the aircraft factory for the Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, but it is not desirable to give any particulars at present.

asked the Undersecretary whether he would consider the desirability of giving some recognition in the "Gazette" and Army List to officers not belonging to the Air Battalion who have obtained pilots' certificates?

This and other points of a similar nature are at present engaging the attention of the Army Council, and I hope to be able to make an announcement of the general policy in regard to aviation early next week.

Can the right hon. Gentleman do anything to stimulate the production of British engines for air ships?

When I reply on Tuesday week I shall indicate the direction in which we propose to proceed.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think this is a case in which the offer of prizes might be of some assistance.

Yes, Sir.

asked whether it is proposed to introduce a system of mileage pay for officers of the Air Battalion?

The question of the remuneration of officers of the Air Battalion is at present under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary whether it is to be understood that he will not permit the case of the 7th Hussars under any circumstances to be re-opened?

I can only refer the hon. and gallant Member to my answer of the 5th inst and to previous answers on the same subject.

asked whether the transport and supply columns of the Territorial Force are mounted troops; if they are not mounted troops, what steps are taken to enable them to perform their duties efficiently; and, if they are mounted troops, why are they debarred from training for eighteen days excepting as a special concession by the general officer commanding, Territorial Division, to which they belong?

The transport and supply columns of the Territorial Force are mounted troops, but it was decided after full consideration that the power under the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act to train the mounted branch for eighteen days should for the present be confined to the Yeomanry.

asked whether, having regard to the service that the Veteran Reserve should be able to render to the country in the event of war, as, for instance, in the garrisoning of fortified places, and the setting free of the Territorial Forces for mobile service, who would otherwise be locked up in those posts, he would consider the advisability of providing all members of the Veteran Reserve with the distinctive badges and other qualifications necessary to enable them to be recognised as combatants?

Paragraph 36 of the Regulations for the Veteran Reserve, issued with the Special Army Order of 21st May, 1910, provide for the supply of distinguishing badges in time of war, as required by the Hague Convention.

Has the right hon. Gentleman got the assurance of the various Powers that badges are sufficient?

The matter is rather important, and, as I was asked a question about it the other day I promised to tell the House. I have here the regulations respecting the laws and customs of war referred to in the Hague Convention. In order that Militia, Volunteers, and other troops fulfilling the conditions should be recognised as belligerents they should be:—

"(1.) Commanded by a person responsible for his subordinates;

"(2.) To have a fixed distinctive emblem recognisable at a distance;

"(3.) To carry arms openly; and

"(4.) To conduct their operations in accordance with the laws and customs of war.

"In countries where militia or volunteer corps constitute the Army, or form part of it, they are included under the denomination 'Army.'

"The population of a territory which has not been occupied who, on the enemy's approach, spontaneously take up arms to resist the invading troops without having time to organise themselves in accordance with Article I., shall be regarded as belligerent, if they respect the laws and customs of war."

May I ask if Germany agreed to that Convention?

Oh, yes. I understand it was agreed to by all the Powers at the Hague Convention.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the question of national service is one of the matters open to discussion in the "Army Review," referred to in the introduction on page 4 of the July number?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the ante-penultimate paragraph, together with the preceding three lines of the introduction to the "Army Review," to be found in the first number on page 5. The purposes of the "Review" and the limits of discussion are there clearly defined.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware he is giving me a very general answer to a particular question? I asked him whether, in view of the discussion that has taken place recently on the subject of national service, he would consider the desirability of allowing one of these matters to come up for discussion.

It is hoped that the discussion of matters of military interest in the pages of this "Review" may not only be of educative value, but also conduce to the unity of doctrine and the intelligent application of the principles laid down by superior authority, which are essential to systematic training in peace and successful action in the field.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman would state why the staff of the Land Valuation Department are employed in counting the trees in the hedgerows and plantations in the rural districts; and what will be the total cost to the nation of this operation?

The valuation is being made in accordance with the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and its total cost was indicated by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, on the 11th of August, 1909.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is anything in the evidence required which necessitates the counting of the trees in the hedgerows and plantations?

I am not aware that they are doing that. I see the assertion in the question, but no information has been conveyed to me that the statement is accurate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether my information is accurate or not, and does he not think it would have been better to have made the inquiry when notice of the question was given four or five days ago? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the House will want to know whether this statement is accurate or not?

I have not only no information, which leads me to believe that the information is accurate, but I cannot believe that the Treasury staff, who are so extremely well acquainted with valuations, would do anything so foolish as that stated in the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to direct his attention to the north part of Lincolnshire, in order that he may make inquiries in that district? If he does he will find that this operation is going on there.

Certainly, and if I find that it is being done I shall acquaint the House with great pleasure.

Is it not a fact that this has recently been done upon an estate in Dorsetshire upon which Death Duties have been paid?

There are many estates on which Death Duties have been paid in Dorsetshire, I am happy to say. If the hon. Member will inform me which particular estate he alludes to I will make inquiries.

I shall be pleased to do so.

asked whether, seeing, that the Crown have now accepted the judgment in the case of Burghes v. the Attorney-General, the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to defray the plaintiff's costs in the action?

Notice of appeal has been, served in the case referred to, which has been, set down for hearing; and, consequently, pending the result of such appeal, my right hon. Friend is unable to give any undertaking as to the payment of costs.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Commissioners of Inland Revenue contend that, in calculating the amount to be deducted from gross value to arrive at the total value of any land subject to tithe, the deductions should only be an amount equal to twenty-five years' purchase of the present value of the tithe, whereas owners contend that it should be twenty-five years' purchase of the commuted value of the tithe plus the costs of redemption; also that the Commissioners refuse to allow any deduction for Land Tax; that they refuse to make deductions for land appropriated to roads on the ground that the owner still retains the soil; that they contend that total value and assessable site value are the same in the case of agricultural land where there are no buildings or timber; that their method of acertaining the site value of agricultural land is the opposite of that they adopt in ascertaining the site value of urban land; that on all these points owners have offered to refer cases but cannot induce the Commissioners to move in the matter; that meantime the Commissioners are settling valuations and making claims on the basis of their own interpretation of the law, which they are imposing on private owners who cannot afford to employ professional advice; and whether, in view of the fact that it is of the greatest importance that in a national valuation of this sort all property should be valued on the same basis, he will at once issue instructions to bring these matters before the referees and, where necessary, before the courts; and whether he will undertake that no valuation upon which these or other debateable points arise shall be treated as final until the correct interpretation of the law has been decided by the referees or by the courts?

The Commissioners of Inland Revenue have neither the wish nor the power to interfere with the action of any owner who may desire to submit any point of law, arising in connection with the valuation of his land, to the decision of a referee or other legal tribunal appointed under the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to give any such undertaking as that indicated in the concluding paragraph of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Department has every power of delaying these matters being brought before the referees by deferring their claims?

Certainly, I suppose it is in the power of any Department to defer a claim which may be brought to the notice of the Department. From the observation I have been able to make of the working of the Revenue Department for nearly four years I do not think there has been any unnecessary delay.

Has this Act been in operation four years?

No, Sir; it has only been in operation two years, thanks to the action of another Chamber.

Arising out of his former answer and not the last, will the right hon. Gentleman have inquiry made, and if he finds the suggestion, which is made here in all earnestness, is borne out—namely, that there is great delay on the part of the Revenue Department in bringing these cases forward—will he see that the earliest possible opportunity is given for bringing these matters before the referees?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that all the assistants at the port of Dundee are permanently and wholly employed on the duties of the grade above them; and, if so, will he make inquiries and state what action he proposes to take?

The suggestion in the question is not accurate. Five of the assistants have been perfoming, for a part of each day, more responsible duties than are ordinarily assigned to their grade, but the Board of Customs and Excise last month sanctioned the appointment of an additional examining officer for the express purpose of relieving the assistants of their responsibility, and he is already on duty.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can state the cost of reporting and publishing Parliamentary Debates; and how the present system compares with the former system in cost And efficiency?

In the Session of 1908, the last of the old system, the actual cost of reporting the Debates in both Houses was £13,194. The length of the Session was 171 days. The average cost per diem was £77 3s. In the Session of 1909, the first year of the new system, the cost of producing the Parliamentary Debates was £14,279. The Session lasted 179 days, and the average cost per diem was £79 15s. In the case of the Commons, the Daily Reports are now issued on the morning after the Debate, and not as under the old system eight days afterwards, and the cost of the printing alone is by reason of this almost twice the amount which would have to be paid for the day work. The reporting staff has been augmented, and the individual salaries have been substantially increased and put upon an annual basis. Notwithstanding these outlays the improved service has on the whole been obtained for a similar expenditure. The increased facilities under the new system produced a largely increased demand from Members, which, under the old arrangement, would have been very costly to meet. There were supplied in 1909 134 additional sets of volumes, and 701 additional copies daily of the House of Commons OFFICIAL REPORT. If what is now received by the Members and for the public service had been purchased from the contractors on the terms of the old contract—not allowing anything extra for the production of the REPORT by next morning—the cost would have been £24,000, instead of £14,279.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman could say why Patrick Delaney, old age pensioner, Misteren, Adamstown, South Wexford, having fulfilled the statutory conditions, did not receive his pension, until the 14th April, 1911, although he was entitled to receive it on the 3rd March, which was the first Friday following the meeting of the committee at which the pension was granted; and whether the sum of £l 10s., to which Patrick Delaney is entitled, will be forwarded to him?

The delay in the payment of this pension (which was caused by a clerical error) has already been brought to my notice by the Board of Customs and Excise, and the Treasury has sanctioned an extra-statutory grant of £1 10s. in respect of the six Fridays, 3rd March to 7th April, both included.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Central Chamber of Agriculture made application to the Development Commissioners for a grant to establish the sugar-beet industry in Great Britain; whether the Commissioners have carefully considered the matter; and if they have yet arrived at any decision?

No application from the Central Chamber of Agriculture for a grant to establish the sugar-beet industry in England has reached the Commissioners at present, but the Commissioners have been considering the possibilities of beet sugar manufacture in England and have been in consultation with some of the Government Departments concerned in some preliminary questions of difficulty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the manager of the Greenock Labour Exchange has brought a number of boys from the West Highlands to the lower reaches of the Clyde; that they have been apprenticed to certain trades in the shipyards there; that there were already in the immediate vicinity of those yards any number of lads ready and willing to become apprentices in those yards; and whether the imported lads are under the control and jurisdiction of the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, whether any public money is being used for their upkeep and maintenance?

As I have stated in reply to previous questions, lads from the West Highlands have recently been apprenticed to shipbuilding firms on the Clyde through the medium of the Greenock Labour Exchange. No steps, however, were taken to approach these lads until every effort had been made without success to find suitable apprentices in the neighbourhood of the yards. I am informed that none of the boys referred to are in any way under the control of the Congested Districts Board.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a labour dispute has taken place at the Clay Cross Coal and Iron Works, Chesterfield, the company being contractors to the Post Office for the supply of telephone pipes; and that the company is not carrying out the Fair-Wages Clause for Post Office contracts of 10th March, 1909; and, if so, what action will he take in the matter?

No complaint has been made to my right hon. Friend of any failure of this company to tarry out the Fair-Wages Clause of its contracts. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars, I will have enquiry made.

Thank you. I will. I have them in my hand.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Wexford County Council recently passed a resolution protesting against the employment of the military on any of the duties that can be performed by the staff of the National Telephone Company on the transfer of the property of that company to the State, and if he is prepared to give effect to the resolution?

I fear I can only repeat what I said in answer to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Dublin, St. Stephen's Green, on the 25th of May last I am still not, in a position to make any statement on this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether a number of young certificated teachers, who are at present engaged on temporary supply duty by the London County Council education committee, are likely to be again unemployed through their places being taken by less experienced teachers about to leave the training colleges; whether the displaced teachers and many others who have been unemployed for months past will have increased difficulty in securing appointments in competition with several thousands of certificated teachers about to leave the training colleges; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have no information as to the ages of the teachers employed by the London County Council on temporary supply duty, nor have I any information, which would enable me to judge or the probabilities referred to in the question. On the facts at present before me I am afraid that I cannot usefully take any action.

The age is not the difficulty. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the certificated teachers referred to are those who left the training colleges some little time ago, that they were taken on temporarily, and that now it is proposed to cease to employ them and to take on younger certificated teachers?

No, Sir, I have no means of knowing what are the intentions of the London County Council with reference to their supply of teachers.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been directed to the reports of the last meeting of the Durham County Council education committee, in which the chairman on behalf of his-committee repudiated the paragraph in the E. Memorandum 21, relating to the inspectors employed by the county council education committee; whether he will state the authority on which the writer of the memorandum bases his statements respecting the Durham education committee, and especially that the education committee is beginning to wonder what use it can make of the three inspectors they appointed with undue haste; and what action he proposes to take to secure that an explanation and apology shall be tendered to the county council education committee and the inspectors to whom reference is made in the memorandum?

I have seen the-newspaper reports of the meeting. I am not aware of the authority on which the-particular statements referred to in the question were based by the writer of the Memorandum, who is no longer in the Board's service. As the document was intended solely for confidential perusal and was made public without the knowledge and consent of the Board, I do not think that the Board is called upon to take the course suggested in the last paragraph of the question.

asked why the Board of Education have ceased to give consent to charity and other trustees under their control to invest funds in freehold ground rents, even when the ground rent is, as happened in one case, nearly five times secured and has been proposed by the trustees under competent professional advice?

The Board have not adopted any general practice to refuse consent to the investment of charity funds in freehold ground rents where such an investment is shown to be properly secured and to give an adequate return to the charity. I an; not aware what particular case the hon. Member may have in mind, but if he will give me particulars of any such case I will have the matter looked into.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he has yet considered the report of the Departmental Committee on the working of the bankruptcy laws of Scotland; and whether any steps will be taken in the matter?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. It is hoped to introduce a Bill based on the recommendations of the Committee, but I am not yet in a position to say when the Bill will be introduced.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the cause of the return for repairs of a number of torpedo destroyers lately manœuvring off the South-West Coast of Ireland; if they were not strong enough to be driven at full speed against a head sea; and if this class of torpedo-beat is considered to be fit for use in the North Sea?

I have nothing to add to the reply given yesterday to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Down.

May I point out that the last part of the question has not been answered. Is this class of torpedo assigned for use in the North Sea?

The last part of the question was answered in the sense that until I receive the Report it is impossible for me to say what is the matter with the torpedo-boat destroyers, or if anything is the matter with them. All I say is I must wait until I get the Report.

Is this class of boat assigned for use in the North Sea?

Yes, these destroyers are built especially for use in any sea.

In view of the very serious character of this Report, will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that as soon as he is in possession of the facts he will communicate them to the House?

I would remind the hon. Gentleman the Report has not yet been received, but as soon as it is received, if a question is put down, I will of course answer it as fully as I can.

If a question is put down a week hence?

Well, if I had the report.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can see his way to grant some extra pay and extra leave to the crews of tugs who went to Portsmouth from other dockyards to assist at the Naval Review, more especially in view of the fact that these men were employed on some days for a period of eighteen hours?

Extra pay has been, or is being, granted by the respective superintendents in accordance with the regulations. It is not usual to grant extra leave as well as extra pay in cases of this kind, and there is no intention to depart from the customary practice on the present occasion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether in former years Admiralty draughtsmen used to receive £50 a year as an allowance for extra expenses while resident in London; that in 1902 this allowance was reduced to £40, and has recently been further reduced to £25; and whether he will take into consideration the fact of the extra expenses incurred and allow the draughtsmen while resident in London, as formerly, an allowance of £50 a year?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative; the last part of the question is under the consideration of the Board.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether during the last three weeks some seventy men have been discharged from the works department at Devonport Dockyard; and whether he will so arrange the Government contract work as to give more employment in the dockyards?

I am aware of the discharges in question, which are unavoidable and due to work nearing completion. The reduction is being made at the longest intervals possible to minimise hardship to the men. The amount of work of this kind to be done in any particular locality and the proportion of it to be given out to contract is dependent on the requirements of the Service.

asked the number of workers, exclusive of boys, employed upon the new dock works on 29th June, 1911, and the number receiving 5d. per hour or loss upon that date?

The number of workmen employed on the 29th June, exclusive of boys, was 1,800; the number receiving 5d. per hour was 975. No man received less than 5d.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the agent of the estate of the late Major Mahony, at Dooks, county Kerry, has now furnished the necessary maps and documents in connection with the negotiations for the sale of the property; and when the final decision will be come to and communicated to the tenants?

The Congested Districts Board have not yet been furnished with the maps and other documents in connection with the proposed sale of this estate.

asked what further steps, if any, have been taken to secure the consent of Mr. Myles O'Mahony for the sale of his estate in the parish of Tuogh, county Kerry; and whether, in the event of the landlord declining to enter into any negotiations, steps will be taken to put into operation the compulsory powers of the Congested Districts Board?

The Congested Districts Board have recently received a memorial from the tenants on this estate asking them to use their compulsory powers for the purpose of acquiring the estate. The memorial will be submitted to the Board at their meeting on the 18th instant.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners received copies of resolutions passed at a meeting of the tenants on the estate of Sir Algernon Coote, at Kyle, Queen's County, held on the 6th October, 1907, calling attention to the existence of uneconomic holdings on the estate, and directing their attention to certain estates which might be purchased for improvement of such holdings; whether the secretary to the tenant's organisation has, at the request of the Commissioners, furnished particulars of the names and addresses of the following landowners having estates in the district, namely, Miss White, Alexandria College, Dublin, the Reverend William Stone, Algoa, Foxrock, county Dublin, and Robert White, Woodview, Stillorgan, county Dublin; and whether those owners have been approached with a view to purchase; and, if so, how much land has been purchased and how many holdings on this estate have been enlarged?

The reply to the first and second paragraphs of the question is in the affirmative. The Estates Commissioners have purchased 411 acres of un-tenanted land on the estate of Miss Henrietta White and others, and 490 acres of untenanted land on the estate of Robert Vicars White, Queen's county, and have allotted same. The Commissioners were in communication with Dean Stone's solicitor, but he has not instituted proceedings for the sale of his lands to the Commissioners under the Land Purchase Acts. Twenty tenants on the Coote estate have received allotments on the estate of Miss White.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet made an offer for the purchase of the Clanricarde estate; and, if not, when may they be expected to do so?

The Congested Districts Board have not yet made an offer for the purchase of this estate and they cannot at present say when they expect to do so. A complete survey and valuation of the estate has to be made and the work will occupy a considerable time.

asked whether any steps have been taken by the Congested Districts Board to acquire the estate of John C. Bagot, known as the Bagot estate, Ballyturin, Gort, and with what result?

The Congested Districts Board communicated with Mr. John C. Bagot regarding the 3ale of his estate, but so far no definite reply has been received.

asked whether the tenants on the Bagot estate, Ballyturin, Gort, have repeatedly approached the landlord with a view to purchase; whether the estate is one consisting mainly of congested holdings, forty-three out of fifty-four holdings being uneconomic; whether the tenants requisitioned the Congested Districts Board to open negotiations with the landlord; and, seeing that he seems to be indisposed to sell, will the Congested Districts Board take steps to apply the compulsory power vested in them in respect to this estate?

The Congested Districts Board have no information as to the circumstances of the Bagot estate referred to other than what has been furnished to them in a memorial received from the tenants. On receipt of the memorial the Board communicated with the owner regarding the sale of his estate through them, but so far no definite reply has been received. The question of applying the compulsory Clauses of the Land Act in this case has not been considered by the Board.

asked whether the tenants on the Bagot estate, Ballyturin, Gort, in the townlands of Derreen, Ballyturin, Knockourane, Lisbrine, Bunnaglass, and Doonally prepared affidavits, maps, etc., in connection with the purchase of their holdings so long ago as January, 1910, and had them served on the Congested Districts Board through their solicitors; and whether any steps have been taken to give effect to the petition of the tenants, and with what result result?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that the tenants of the townlands of Derreen on the Bagot Estate, county Galway, furnished a map and verified schedule of areas and schedule of tenancies in February, 1910, but no maps have been lodged in respect of the other townlands referred to. The Board communicated with the owner regarding a sale of his property in May, 1910, and also in April last, but no definite reply has so far been received from him.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners received applications for reinstatement from Patrick Davis, who, on 6th November, 1907, was evicted from his holding in Doughrock, parish of Drumkecran, county Fermanagh, on the estate of Major Irvine; and what decision the Commisioners have arrived at in the case?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from Patrick Davis for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by him on the estate of Major Irvine. Davis does not come within the class of persons mentioned in Section 1 (2) (a) of the Evicted Tenants Act of 1907, and his ease cannot therefore be dealt with under that Act.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the opinion of His Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople as to an increased grant to the British school at that place has yet been received; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The matter is still under consideration with the Treasury.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a complaint regarding the action of the superintendent of the mercantile marine at Barry in handing clearance forms to captains of vessels before the crews have signed on; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I received a complaint of the nature described by my hon. Friend, but found, on inquiry of the superintendent of mercantile marine at Barry, that there was no foundation for the statement.