asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was able to make any statement as to the new circumstances that have arisen in Persia consequent on the return of the ex-Shah?

I have no particulars on the sub- ject of a more detailed nature than those which have appeared in the daily Press. It is as yet too early to say what the result of the ex-Shah's return and the unfortunate renewal of civil strife will be.

asked whether the Anglo-Japanese alliance relates to Persia or any part of Persia; whether the territorial rights referred to in Sub-section (c) of the Preamble include the British rights in the portion of South-Eastern Persia delimitated in the Anglo-Russian agreement of 1907 as the British sphere; and whether the geographical area to which the alliance relates has been in any way affected by the omission of Article 4 of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty, 1905?

The answer to the points raised in this question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he could give any further information as to whether the Albanian refugees in Montenegro were receiving adequate subsistence in food, shelter, and clothing; and whether His Majesty's Minister at Cetinje would give assistance in the distribution of funds if money is sent to him from England for the purpose of relieving the refugees?

I have no information in regard to the condition of the Albanian refugees in Montenegro other than that given in my reply to the question addressed to me on the 18th instant by the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow. In regard to the second portion of the hon. Member's question, I have already stated that His. Majesty's Government would do their best to obtain facilities from the Montenegrin Government for any private and independent organisation that desired to collect and distribute relief among the Albanian refugees and non-combatants. His Majesty's representative at Cetinje could not himself undertake the distribution of money forwarded from this country, but he would give all proper assistance to any agent of such organisations who may be sent to Montenegro for the purpose.

With regard to Albania, have we not some responsibilities and treaty obligations?

I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he would keep in. view the advantages which the port of Agadir possesses for the shipment of the produce of the Suss region of South Morocco, and will try in any pourparlers or conversations which may be taking place to arrange that the port of Agadir shall be opened to the commerce of all countries?

His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the importance of an open port at Agadir, and they will lose no opportunity of urging this upon the Treaty Powers.

May I ask whether His Majesty's Government have protested against the Germans' presence at this place?

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether inquiries were made as to whether the firm of Messrs. R. Tozer and Sons, contractors for the cartage of coal, were violating the Fair-Wage Clause in the payment of the wheelwrights and painters in their employ; and, if so, with what results?

The contract between the Commissioners of Works and Messrs. R. Tozer and Sons relates solely to cartage; and the First Commissioner is not in a position to extend his enquiries to the employés of this firm who are not concerned in the cartage contract. The First Commissioner is satisfied that in this respect the conditions of the Fair Wages Clause are observed.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will say when he will submit the detailed plans for the suggested King Edward memorial in the Green Park, so that the House may decide whether it wishes to ask for a discussion on the matter, in accordance with the Prime Minister's undertaking to grant a discussion if desired by the House?

The First Commissioner will be glad to lay the plans as soon as possible; but as the sculptor is only now being appointed, he fears that it is quite impossible for him to fix any definite date?

May I ask whether a plan cannot be at once submitted showing the exact site of the memorial?

I think there is one already.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, would he consider, having regard to the convenience of Members of this House, members of the Press Gallery, and others, the advantage or practicability of constructing a passenger lift from the Terrace floor to the Committee floor, in the well of the staircase outside the newspaper room, up and down which there is such continuous traffic?

The First Commissioner of Works will be happy to consider this proposal in the light of the expenditure involved, and of the possibility of devising suitable plans.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the number of men now employed on the Government docks at Rosyth?

The numbers asked for ire as follows:—Staff, 119; workmen, 1,871.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he can now give a date when the petition from the Royal dockyards will be answered; and whether he will see that a reasonable time is allowed to elapse before; he petitions for this year are required to be sent in?

Replies to the petitions lave now been issued, and reasonable time will be allowed for the presenting of new petitions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what he regards as a reasonable time?

At least a month.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that complaints are being made that the order allowing hired men in the Royal dockyards when they reach the age of sixty to be medically examined year by year until they are sixty-five, and if found fit and recommended by their respective foremen and inspectors to remain at work until they reach the latter age, is not being carried out by the engineer manager and constructive manager at Devonport; whether he can say if these complaints are well founded; and, if so, why the usual course is being departed from?

The Admiralty instructions in regard to the discharge of workmen on account of age are as follows: "Workmen and other employés, whether established or hired, are, as a general rule, and except in the cases mentioned below, to be discharged on arriving at the age of sixty years. In special cases, in which the employés are certified by the leads of their departments to be fully efficient and particularly eligible, and are certified by the medical officer of the yard to be physically fit to perform their duties, they may, with the approval of the superintendent, be retained beyond the age of sixty. Each case of retention is to be reviewed every year, and continued retention will be subject to re-certification and approval, but in no case is an employé to be retained after reaching the age of sixty-five." It will be seen from the foregoing that the Order referred to by the hon. Member is permissive. The Admiralty instructions are that, as a general rule, workmen are to be discharged at the age of sixty; such discharge is, therefore, not regarded as a departure from the usual course.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, "Whether he can say if those complaints are well founded?"

I have explained that there is no ground for any complaint being made; and I have given the hon. Member all the information I have on the subject.

asked whether, in view of the revolutionary trouble in Haiti, any British warship has been sent to protect British interests?

It has not been considered necessary to send a ship up to the present, but one will be sent if the situation requires it.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board can devise a more equitable basis for the salaries of teachers in elementary schools than that of the average attendance at such schools; and, if not, whether the Board will direct all local education authorities to follow the course already adopted in Gloucestershire of not reducing a teacher's salary owing to a reduction of attendance over which he has no control, unless such teacher can obtain a post elsewhere under the same authority at not less than his existing salary?

It is satisfactory to know that several local education authorities have recently modified their regulations in the direction Suggested by the hon. Member, and I hope their example will be widely followed. I have, however, no authority to take the step suggested in the second part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, in consequence of the Memorandum issued by the Board in September, 1909, local education authorities have caused to be excluded from school all children coming from infected homes, or suspected of being infectious, with the result that a serious loss in the Government grant has been incurred in consequence of the diminution in the average attendance at the schools thereby affected; whether it is proposed that local education authorities should suffer financially in consequence of action taken in the best interests of their schools and of public health; and, if not, whether the Board will take steps to ensure that in such cases no loss of grant shall be incurred?

The object of the exclusion from school of children from infected or suspected homes is to prevent a greater number of children from becoming affected. The achievement of this object will avert a further loss of grant on children who would otherwise in all probability have required to be excluded for actual sickness. I am unable to hold out any prospect of any new grant regulations pending the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on the relations between Imperial and local finance.

asked the right hon. Gentleman, whether he is aware of the effect of the system of basing the Government grant for elementary education upon the average attendance at individual schools upon education authorities and their ratepayers in all areas where the produce of a penny rate for children in. average attendance is comparatively small owing to the poverty of such area, and also upon progressive authorities which expend considerable sums in the provision of instruction in handicraft, gardening, domestic science, and other like subjects, or in a more liberal staffing of their schools; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of substituting an arrangement for the appropriation of Government grants under which an estimate of the total expenditure of such authorities shall be made by such authorities and submitted to and approved by the Board at the beginning of each school year, and the annual expenditure of the authority as shown, by such estimate shall, subject to the imposition of a county rate of 9d. in the £, be borne as to the balance in equal shares by the Exchequer and the rates?

I think a very strong case can be made out for a reconstruction of the present system of distributing grants for elementary education, and I hope it may be practicable to take such a reconstruction into consideration after the Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on the relations between Imperial and Local Taxation. It is not clear whether the scheme outlined in paragraph (2) of the question is intended to apply to all local education authorities, but, if so, it would apparently involve a reduction in the Exchequer Grants-in-Aid of elementary education by some three and a-half million pounds. I am afraid, therefore, that the proposal, which would no doubt be received with acclamation by the Treasury, would be likely to meet with a hostile reception in the country.

asked if the standing committee of advice for art education superseded the advisory committee for the Victoria and Albert Museum; and, if so, did the secretary of the new committee receive the salary in the estimates for the secretary to the advisory committee of the museum?

No, Sir, the new committee-will not advise as to museum pur- chases. The answer to the second paragraph is in the negative.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether, in view of the fact that the present stock of stamps appeared to be sufficient for only seven weeks, whereas it was formerly the practice to keep a six months' stock, and that the present contractors found it necessary to work overtime to accumulate necessary reserve stocks, he would say what precautions had been taken to guard against the risk of shortage of supplies in the event of a strike or fire on the contractors' premises?

Precautions have been taken to guard against the risk of shortage of supplies in the event of a strike or fire on the contractors' premises-by reserving the right to the State in that event to obtain supplies of stamps elsewhere.

asked whether the contractors for the supply of King George V. postage stamps had experienced any difficulties with the plates manufactured by the Mint?

The answer is in the negative.

asked if an essential condition of the contract for the supply of postage stamps insisted on by a late controller of stamps was the maintenance by the contractors of a complete duplicate equipment of stamp-producing machinery in a fireproof place; and if this condition had been required from the new contractors?

The late contractors were required by the terms of their agreement to maintain reserve gumming and perforating machinery in a fireproof strong-room. It was not thought necessary to-insert this condition in the new contract in view of the provisions to which I have already referred.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury to what extent the Mint Estimates would be increased to provide plates for stamps, the cost of which was included in the late contractors' old prices for stamp production; and could he say what the actual saving, if any, was, having regard to the simultaneous tenders of the past and present contractors, after allowing for the increased estimates for the Mint for plate production, for the additional cost of control due to working by night and day, and for the waste of paper while the present contractors gained manufacturing experience?

The annual cost of manufacture at the Royal Mint of printing plates for the ½d. and Id. stamps is estimated at £400; and the Mint Estimates for this service will, therefore, be increased to that extent. It is not the case, however, as suggested by the hon. Member's question, that the late contractors' old prices for stamp production were free of all charges for plate making. I regret that I do not feel able to state what is the estimated saving as between the simultaneous tenders of the past and present contractors. No additional cost of control is incurred by reason of the present contractors working overtime; and, after making all due allowances, including the cost of plate making at the Mint, it is anticipated that the actual saving will be very considerable.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the suggestions for the help of women emigrants published under the signatures of so many lady presidents of women's aid societies, and of the fact that there was now an excess of 1,330,399 females over males in the population of the United Kingdom, and that this excess was steadily increasing, he would consider the question of co-operating with those women's aid societies in their efforts to promote the cause of female emigration?

I do not think I can usefully add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member's question on the 12th instant.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he proposed to make regulations under Section 6 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896, prohibiting motorists in London from driving with open cut-outs?

Before coming to a decision I am making some inquiry into the matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he would state the number of auditors and assistant auditors appointed under the Local Government Board since 1906, and the number of such appointments given to chartered or incorporated accountants?

The number of auditors and assistant auditors appointed by the Local Government Board since 1906 is twenty-six. Of these five are chartered accountants.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware that there was an increase of 18 per cent. in the number of members-of trades unions returned as unemployed at the end of June, 1911, as compared with the number so returned at the end of May, 1911; and whether he could state what particular trades were more immediately concerned?

As stated in the July "Labour Gazette," the percentage unemployed among the members of trades unions making returns was 3.0 at the end of June compared with 2.5 at the end of May and 3.7 at the end of June, 1910. Full particulars of the trades that contributed to the increase may be found in the Board of Trade Labour Gazette of this month. I may add that the percentage unemployed for June is lower than that for the corresponding month of any year since 1901.

Is the building trade one of those trades? It has been greatly affected by the land taxes of the Government.

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put the question on the Paper. I do not admit his suggested explanation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention had been called to the paper on swine fever read by Professor Paul Uhlenhuth, the director of the bacteriological department of the Kaiserliches Gesundheitsamt, in Berlin, at the Royal Institute of Public Health on Wednesday last; whether the veterinary experts of the Board shared the views expressed in the paper as to the nature of the disease, the means of its transmission, and the methods of destroying its germs and so preventing its spread; and whether the employment of an immunisation serum, as advocated by the lecturer, was considered practicable by the Board's veterinary advisers?

No. Sir, but I will make myself acquainted with the paper to which the hon. Member refers.

I cannot hear a word.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he had made inquiry into the facts of the Increment Value Duty case at Richmond, Yorkshire; and whether he could make a statement on the subject?

Notice of appeal against the assessment to Increment Value Duty has been given, and, pending the result of such appeal, my right hon. Friend is unable to make any statement on the matter.

I will call attention to the matter to-morrow.

asked, as regards the computation of income for the purpose of the Super-tax on dividend paid by a limited company free of Income Tax, whether the computation was only on the sum so paid over or on that sum plus the amount already paid by the company to the Inland Revenue as Income Tax; and whether any instructions had been issued for dealing with such cases?

For purposes of the Income Tax (including Super-tax), income, whether taxable directly or at the source, is calculable in its full amount before payment of the tax, and dividends stated to be paid "free of Income Tax" form no exception.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he had made inquiries as to the alleged counting of hedgerow trees by the staff of the Valuation Department; and whether he could now give the House any information on the subject?

As I explained in answer to the hon. Member on the 11th instant, the valuers follow the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act. In so doing they adopt, of course, the ordinary methods of valuation. No doubt it may often be convenient, without embarking upon the census of trees which the hon. Member appears to imagine is taking place, to note the number of trees in a hedgerow.

Are we to understand that as the result of this inquiry the Treasury admits what the Chancellor of the Exchequer denies?

I promised a particular inquiry into this matter, and I find the practice has been that in the case of extensive woodlands they have taken a sample acre or two and the number of trees have been counted, and they have taken the remaining acres on that basis.

We are not talking about acres of trees, but about hedgerow trees.

I thought I had made it clear that what takes place in the case of an average acre takes place in the case of an average hedgerow.

asked how many estates are now awaiting valuation for probate; and how many have been waiting for more than twelve months?

I am not aware of the number of estates awaiting valuation for probate. In estates in which probate has been granted, a valuation of the realty is made for the purposes of Death Duty claims thereon, and investigations which fail to be made in the course of such valuation must necessarily take time. I understand that the number of cases awaiting valuation is somewhat above the normal; but now that the Valuation Department is better equipped and in working order, it is hoped that the valuations will be made expeditiously.

Is it not possible to give a specific answer. If I put the question down again will the right hon. Gentleman answer it as to how many cases are now waiting and how many have been waiting for twelve months?

I will endeavour to obtain the information for the hon. Gentleman if he will put the question down for the day after to-morrow.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to a suggestion that the valuation of land, under the Budget of 1909, might be utilised for the purpose of a land registry; and whether he sees any objection to such a course?

His Majesty's Government have this suggestion under consideration.

asked the Lord Advocate what was the cause of the delay in the publication of the Congested Districts Board Report, and when would it be issued?

The adjustment of certain matters of detail has unfortunately necessitated some delay in the publication of this report but I hope that it will be in the hands of hon. Members in the course of next week.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention had been called to the fact that at the central police court, Glasgow, on Saturday, 15th July, John Carmichael, a member of the National Sailors' and Firemen's Union, was found guilty of an assault upon Police-Lieutenant Crawford, and that the stipendiary refused to pass sentence till 12th August; and whether, in view of the hardship involved by this delay, whereby the man was prevented from pursuing his avocation at sea, he would take steps to secure that the sentence was imposed at once?

had also given notice of the following question:—To ask the Lord Advocate if his attention has been directed to the case of John Cruikshank, who, in connection with the existing labour dispute in Glasgow, has been found guilty of assault on Police-Lieutenant Crawford and upon whom the stipendiary has refused to pass sentence till 12th August; if he is aware that Cruickshank desires to go to sea, and that the holding over of his case deprives him of the opportunity of earning his living; and if he can have the sentence declared at once or, otherwise, deferred till a later date?

I have made inquiry into the cases referred to in these two questions, but I have no authority to direct the stipendiary in a matter of procedure of this nature. I may, however, observe that in the circumstances stated it is open to Carmichael to apply to the stipendiary for a continuation of the case during his absence at sea.

asked whether any steps were being taken by His Majesty's Government to improve the land or water communications with Nyasaland in the interests of cotton growing?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in the House on 20th July when he raised the point in the Debate on the Colonial Office Vote.

asked when the construction of the Stann Creek Railway in British Honduras was begun; what was the original estimate of the cost of the railway; what had been the actual cost to date; and who were responsible for the work of constructing the line?

It is somewhat difficult to answer the first part of the hon. Member's question since it was originally proposed that the Stann Creek Railway should have a smaller gauge than the 36-inch gauge which was finally adopted. The original estimate for twenty miles of this gauge was £62,877, but the length of the line was subsequently increased to twenty-five miles. Construction commenced in 1907, and up to the 31st March, 1911 (the latest date for which figures are available) the amount actually expended was $598,002, roughly £123,000. Considerable difficulties were met with in the course of construction. The work was carried out by a resident engineer under the supervision of consulting engineers in England.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any further report on the measures adopted for the suppression of sleeping sickness in Uganda (in continuation of Cd. 4990, of 1909) was in course of preparation, and, if so, when it would be presented; whether the report of the Government entomologist for Uganda, 1909–10, had yet been printed; and, if so, whether he would lay it before Parliament?

No further report is being prepared for presentation to Parliament, as information on all matters in connection with sleeping sickness is now made accessible to the public through the bulletin which is issued monthly by the Sleeping Sickness Bureau. The report of the Government entomologist for Uganda, 1909–10, has been printed in the Protectorate, and I shall be glad to send a copy of it to the Library of the House.

asked whether an owner who is unable to develop his land owing to the Local Government Board's delay in approving a sewerage scheme is still chargeable with Undeveloped Land Duty, or whether he can be relieved from that duty until a scheme is approved?

There is no provision for relieving an owner from any specific charge of Undeveloped Land Duty which may arise by reason of the circumstance alluded to. Such a circumstance, however, if it reduces the market value of the land, may equally operate to reduce or even, to extinguish the liability to duty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any posts in the higher grade of the medical service of India, hitherto reserved for military doctors, are now set apart for Indian civil doctors; if so, how many of them have been actually filled so far; and for what reasons are the other posts still closed to Indian medical practitioners?

The answer to the first part of the question is no; the rest, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is yet able to state the annual cost to the Indian Treasury for the upkeep and education of Europeans and Eurasians for the military assistant-surgeon grade; and whether these ranks, are still closed to Indian doctors with university and registerable qualifications obtained at their own cost?

The answer to the first part of the question is no; to the second part, yes.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners would reconsider the application of John Farrell, of Gubanumera, on behalf of his wife, who was evicted on the Massey Estate, Darlery, county Leitrim, in 1897, for a grant to enable him to rebuild his house and stock his farm?

The Estates Commissioners are not prepared to depart from the decision they have already come to in this case not to sanction a grant.

asked whether the Marquess of Sligo intimated to the Congested Districts Board his willingness to sell his West Mayo estate to the Board under the Land Act of 1909, and that with a view to a sale he was having the necessary maps, etc., prepared for lodgment with the Board; what was the date of such intimation; have the maps and papers been lodged accordingly, or has any information been received from the landlord as to when they may be lodged; and can he state when the Board hope to be able to complete the purchase of this congested estate?

The Marquis of Sligo intimated on 16th August, 1910, his willingness to sell his estate in county Mayo to the Congested Districts Board. The maps and other documents required have not been lodged, but the Board were informed in January last by the agent that considerable progress had been made in their preparation. The estate is a very large one, and the survey and preparation of maps and other documents must necessarily take some time. Negotiations for purchase cannot be opened pending the receipt by the Board of the maps and other documents.

asked if the O'Brien Bradshaw and Amos representatives, Healy Estate, Johnstown and Folkscourt, county Kilkenny, is about being vested in the tenants; is he aware of the congestion on this estate, by reason of which a number of uneconomic landholders were debarred of the right of purchase because of inadequate security for the money to be advanced; is he aware that legal proceedings have been taken and judgment granted for possession of the holdings of some of those tenants which, if executed, will create discontent in this district; is he aware that upwards of 600 acres of untenanted land is in the occupation of the owners, let on the eleven months' system; and will he impress on the Estates Commissioners the desirability of acquiring this land for distribution amongst those uneconomic landholders and others entitled to portions thereof?

The hon. Member pro sumably refers to the estate of Louisa Amos and another, in resepct of which the owners have instituted proceedings for direct sale to their tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903. The estate has not yet been reached in order of priority, and the Estates Commissioners are not therefore in a position to reply to the other matters referred to by the hon. Member, but when the estate is being inspected due inquiry will be made. The Commissioners have no information as to any legal proceedings which the owners may have instituted for the recovery of rent due by tenants who have not signed purchase agreements, nor have they any power to interfere with the owners' rights in this respect.

asked whether any further progress has been made by the Estates Commissioners as regards the sale of the John Edward Thompson Estate, at Clonfin, North Longford, and particularly as regards the purchase by the Commissioners of the untenanted lands on this estate, comprising some 400 acres of upland and bog, for division amongst the tenants and other suitable persons living on uneconomic holdings in the vicinity?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that this estate is one of those to be dealt with during the present year. It has not yet been inspected, but the Commissioners hope to have the inspection carried out at an early date.

asked whether any offer has yet been made by the Estates Commissioners for the purchase of the lands known as Prospect Farm, for the sale of which a petition has been presented by tenants residing on uneconomic holdings in the district; and, if not, whether he will request the Commissioners to communicate with Mr. R. H. Bond, Fany Hall, county Westmeath, on the subject immediately?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question of the 9th February last on this subject. The Estates Commissioners have not been furnished with the further particulars asked for.

asked whether any progress has recently been made towards the purchase by the Estates Commissioners of the lands of Coolcraff, barony of Granard, North Longford, which lands were more than a year ago offered for sale to the Commissioners by the landlord, Mr. James W. Bond; and what has been the result of these negotiations so far?

The Estates Commissioners have had a preliminary inspection made of these lands with the view of enabling them to estimate the price which they could offer for them. Their inspector's report has been received and will be considered by the Commissioners.

asked whether the Corkhill and Corkamore grazing ranches, situated at Templeboy, county Sligo, on the estate of Sir Malby Croftyn, are in course of being acquired by the Estates Commissioners or by the Congested Districts Board; and whether numerous appeals have been made to the Commissioners and the Board by tenants of uneconomic holdings in the neighbourhood to have these ranches purchased and distributed for the relief of congestion?

The tenanted land on this estate is the subject of direct sale proceedings by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and when, the property is being dealt with in order of priority the Estates Commissioners will consider the acquisition of the untenanted land referred to and the memorials which, have been received on the subject. The estate is not the subject of proceedings before the Congested Districts Board.

asked whether the Local Government Board for Ireland, in the case of old age pension appeals, obtain other valuations than those supplied by the pension officer, and,. if so, from whom?

The Local Government Board are furnished by the pension officer with a list of the stock and crops obtained from the claimant and with his estimate of the claimant's total means. The claimant, moreover, is given an opportunity of stating his own estimate of means. The Board then put their own valuation on the several sources of income in detail, taking into consideration the situation and quality of the lands, and if the necessity arises also making supplemental inquiries through one of their inspectors.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of an inspection having taken place in connection with the Blake Foster Estate, Kinvarra; was it offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board; has any offer been made to the trustees for its purchase; and how does the estate stand at the present time?

This estate was offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board and has been inspected by their valuers, but the report of the valuers is not yet completed. The Board will consider the question of making an offer as soon as practicable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the number of uneconomic holdings to be found in the neighbourhood of Kinvarra, county Gal-way; whether, in order to assist in the relief of this congestion, Mr. Brady Murray, B.A., Moydore House, Kinvarra, offered some untenanted land to the Congested Districts Board; what was the extent or acreage of the untenanted land offered by Mr. Murray; and when is it proposed to take up this land and prepare a scheme for its allotment?

The Congested Districts Board are unable to state the number of uneconomic holdings in the neighbourhood of Kinvarra, county Galway. Mr. Brady Murray has offered 339 acres of untenanted land in Gort Union to the Board, and a decision will be come to regarding purchase as soon as practicable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state if any correspondence has taken place between Miss M. L. Forster., Port House, Ruan, county Clare, and the Congested Districts Board in respect to the sale of her estate situated in Clare and Galway; is he aware of the extent of territory in possession of a gentleman named Mr. Melett on this estate; and, having regard to the state of congestion which exists in the vicinity of this grazing farm of Norman Grove, will he bring the matter under the notice of the Congested Districts Board so that they may take steps, if they have not already done so, to acquire this property?

The Congested Districts Board have been in communication with Miss M. L. Forster regarding the purchase of her estate in county Galway, comprising the farm of Norman Grove and four or five small tenancies adjoining, but an offer has not been made for the property, as the necessary documents have not yet been lodged. The Board have no knowledge of the letting to Mr. Melett, or of any estate of Miss Forster's in county Clare.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he would state what progress the Congested Districts Board have made in reference to the purchase of the Parkes estate, Glencar, county Leitrim; whether a title claim lodged by Mrs. Haines would be considered; and whether, having regard to the number of evicted tenants and uneconomic holders in the district, and to the fact that the occupier of the waste lands on the estate has expressed his willingness to sell, the Board would take immediate action to relieve congestion in the district?

The maps and documents necessary to enable the Congested Districts Board to have an inspection of this estate have been lodged, and an inspection of the lands will be made and a decision come to regarding purchase as soon as practicable. The Board require the vendors to prove title before completing the purchase of estates.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the lands, held by Mr. Charles O'Rourke on the estate of Sir Henry Grattan Bellew, county Galway, is to be dealt with by the Congested Districts Board, or have the Board entered into negotiations for the purchase of the said lands?

The Congested Districts Board are in negotiation for the purchase of the lands referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether negotiations are in progress for the purchase by the Congested Districts Board of the following estates in the county Sligo—namely, the Percival property, situate in the baronies of Corran and Leyny union, of Tubbercurry, and Mrs. Ellen O'Conor's estate, of Everlawn, Kilturra Electoral Division, same union; and, if so, can he state when a settlement is likely to be effected?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that the agent for the Percival Estate was written to, stating that if he desired to open negotiations for the sale of the estate through the Board he should lodge the necessary maps and documents. This has not yet been done. The necessary maps and documents in connection with Mrs. Ellen O'Conor's. estate have been lodged, and the estate will be inspected and a decision arrived at regarding purchase as soon as practicable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Congested Districts Board or the Estates Commissioners have yet provided widow Sammon, of Carrow Kennedy, Westport, county Mayo, with a holding in lieu of the one from which she was evicted by the Marquess of Sligo; and, if not, when they hope to be able to do so?

Mrs. Sammon's name has been noted for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land acquired by the Estates Commissioners, but they have not yet been able to provide her with a holding. They have furnished the Congested Districts Board with particulars of her case so that the Board may, if a suitable opportunity arises, offer the Commissioners lands on which they could provide Mrs. Sammon with a holding. The Congested Districts Board have not pur- chased the Marquess of Sligo's estate, and have not, therefore, made inquiry into this case.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he could give the names of landlords in Mayo county who have agreed to sell their estates to the Congested Districts Board under the Land Act of 1909, and the names of those who have refused to do so or have not replied to requests addressed to them by the Board; and could he state when the Board intend to put the compulsory purchase clause of the Act into operation in the cases of Mayo landlords who have refused to sell?

106 landlords in county Mayo have expressed their willingness to negotiate for the sale of their estates through the Congested Districts Board under the Act of 1909. Nine landlords stated that they were not willing to sell, and in ninety-one cases no replies were received, or the replies were indefinite. The question of applying the compulsory clauses of the Land Act, 1909, to the landlords who have refused to sell, has not been considered by the Board, having regard to the large number of estates which have been offered to the Board in the county Mayo.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can state whether, pending the sale of congested estates in West Mayo, the Congested Districts Board will extend to the tenants of uneconomic holdings thereon the advantages afforded to occupiers of holdings on estates that have been purchased by the Board, enabling them to procure seeds and agricultural appliances at reduced prices, and to have instructions and demonstrations by the Board's officials?

The powers and duties of the Congested Districts Board relating to agricultural instruction were transferred to the Department of Agriculture by the Irish Land Act, 1909. In addition to the agricultural instructors employed under the ordinary schemes in county Mayo the Department have specially appointed for the congested districts of West Mayo a number of resident agricultural overseers to give instruction and to conduct practical field demonstrations in those districts. All small holders of land whether on estates purchased by the Congested Districts Board or otherwise, may avail themselves of the services of the overseers, and benefit by the special schemes put into operation for the supply of spraying machines, the improvement of live stock, and the supply of seeds and manures for demonstration plots. An experimental scheme for the sale of ordinary farm implements at reduced prices has been tried, and the question of extending this scheme and revising the special schemes for agricultural development of the congested districts, is at present under the consideration of the Department.

asked whether in disallowing the old age pension awarded by the Skreen, county Sligo, sub-committee, to Martin O'Gara, of Carrenree, Dromard P. O., county Sligo, the Local Government Board had any evidence against the claim other than the absence of claimant's name from the Census Returns of 1841 and 1851; and whether he is aware that the subcommittee, in adjudicating on the claim, had before them the evidence of Pat Harte, a man of eighty-six years, and of Mr. Melvin, and had also seen the applicant, and had unanimously come to the conclusion that the applicant was qualified as to age; and whether, in view of the circumstances, the decision of the Local Government Board can be justified; and whether he will order a reconsideration of this case so that O'Gara may receive his pension, with arrears?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension as to the facts of this case. On 3rd June, 1910, the Skreen pension sub-committee, on a question raised by the pension officer as to O'Gara's age, disallowed the pension they had previously awarded. The pensioner then appealed to the Local Government Board, but failed to furnish any satisfactory evidence that he had attained the statutory age. He could not be traced in the Census Returns of 1841 and 1851, and the date of his marriage was 23rd July, 1874, at which date his age is reported by the pension officer to have been only twenty-one. The Board accordingly confirmed the decision of the sub-committee.

asked on whose appeal and on what evidence or representation of the facts the Local Government Board have stopped payment of the old age pension granted in January, 1909, to Mrs. Hennigan, widow, of Urlar, Carney, county Sligo; and whether he is aware of the fact that the local sub-committee who considered her claim and heard and investigated the evidence came to the unanimous conclusion that the applicant was qualified as to age and means and entitled to a pension at the maximum sum?

The pension officer raised a question as to Mrs. Hennigan's age, but the Carney pension sub-committee continued the pension as they considered that their previous decision allowing it was final and conclusive. The pension officer then appealed to the Local Government Board. Mrs. Hennigan, when asked by the Board for evidence as to her age, informed them that she was married in May, 1874, and asserted she was born on the 6th June, 1839, but produced no evidence in support of the latter statement. Her parents were traced in the Census Returns of 1841 and 1851, but her name did not appear in the list of the family in either of the records. The Board therefore in August last determined that she had not yet attained the age of seventy years.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Thomas Foley, of Clooneen, Geenagh, county Sligo, Ballyfarnon D. S. sub-committee district, has been deprived of the old age pension awarded him by the local committee; whether the Local Government Board disallowed this old man's claim on the grounds of no proof of age, although several old people of eighty-two years certified that they had known him to be over seventy; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that sworn evidence can be adduced in support of this claim, the points in connection with it will be reconsidered?

Thomas Foley's first claim was disallowed by the pension subcommittee, but on his making a further application a pension was awarded to him. Against this decision the pension officer appealed. Certain persons claiming to be from seventy-five to ninety years of age expressed their belief that Foley was over seventy. His family, however, were found in the Census Return of 1841, but his name did not appear in the list of members. The Local Government Board disallowed the pension on the ground that he had failed to show that he had attained the statutory age. If he is in a position to furnish further evidence regarding his age, it is open to him to make a fresh claim.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state the grounds on which pensions have been withdrawn from Michael Curran, of Ballinashee, Geenagh, county Sligo, and John Cullen, of the same district, both residing in the Ballyfarnon (No. 2) sub-committee district of the county Sligo pension committee; whether these pensions have not been allowed because the names of these applicants could not be found in the Census Returns of 1841 or 1851, although it is a matter of general knowledge in the district that both are approaching the age of eighty; and, if so, whether, under the circumstances, their cases will be reopened?

In each of these cases the parents' family was traced in the Census Return of 1841, but the claimant's name was not recorded. Neither the claimants nor the persons making written statements on their behalf alleged that they were nearly eighty years old, though it is stated they are over seventy. No satisfactory evidence being forthcoming to show that the Census Return was wrong, the Local Government Board allowed the appeal in each instance on the ground that the claimant had failed to show that ho had attained the statutory age. When the Board have given a decision disallowing a claim, the case can only be re-opened by the lodgment of a fresh claim.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he would state why was John Maguire, of Lattone, Kiltyclogher, deprived of his old age pension; and whether he having proven his age through affidavits from persons whose ages range from eighty-six to ninety-six years, and being a poor labouring man, is fully entitled to the benefits of the Act?

Maguire's age was given in the Census Return of 1851 as being four years, and he produced no satisfactory evidence to show that the record is incorrect. The Local Government Board accordingly allowed the appeals on the ground that he had failed to show that he had attained the statutory age.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he would state on what grounds the Local Government Board refused to grant an old age pension to Ellen McTernan, of Tullynascreen, Dromahair, county Leitrim; and whether, having regard to the fact that the Manorhamilton sub-committee granted the pension on the sworn testimony of several old age pensioners and reliable witnesses, her case would be reconsidered with a view of granting her a pension with all arrears due since the date of her application?

Several aged persons certified that Ellen McTernan was seventy-three years old, and the claimant has herself stated she was that age. In her claim to a pension, however, she said she was born in July, 1840; and the Census Return of 1841 showed her parents as having been married in 1839, and recorded no child named Ellen in 1841. The Local Government Board accordingly disallowed her claim on the ground that she had failed to show that she had reached the statutory age. The Board are not empowered to reconsider their decisions.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the case of an old age pensioner named John Devaney, of Mulcan, Glencar, county Leitrini, who was granted an old age pension by the Manorhamilton sub-committee in July, 1909, but, on appeal by the pension officer, the Local Government Board disallowed it on the ground of means, but, on further inquiry by the Local Government Board's inspector, the pension was allowed in January, 1911, although no change had taken place in Devaney's means in the meantime, Devaney should now be paid the amount of his pension from July, 1909, to January, 1911?

I am making inquiries as to this case, and will communicate their result to the hon. Member.

asked whether the old age pension of William Maye, Lecarron, Skreen, county Sligo, Skreen sub-committee, was stopped for six months owing to a mistake made by the pension officer in regard to Maye's age; and whether, as he was shown by the Census returns, and other evidence, to have been qualified fully for a pension from the date on which his claim was passed by the sub-committee in October, 1910, he would be given payment of arrears for the said period of six months?

I am making inquiries into this case, and will communicate further with the hon. Member when they are complete.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he will state how much ammunition B Mark VI., dated 7th December, 1906, there is at Tipnor Ordnance; to what regiments it has been issued; and whether there are any other supplies of this ammunition, and, if so, how much?

There are 81,000 rounds of this ammunition in store at Tipnor, and about 66,000 in the possession of various units, a complete list of which has not yet reached the War Office. As regards other supplies of this ammunition the information is not readily available, and could only be obtained by calling for returns from all Ordnance depots.

asked whether, as the War Office intends, when practicable, to obtain supplies for the troops during the coming manœuvres from those residing within the manœuvre area, he will see that advertisements inviting tenders are inserted in the local newspapers, and that every possible facility is given to farmers, traders, and others to obtain information as to the produce required, and that he will also see that forms of tender are easily available for those desiring to tender?

The Supply and Transport Regulations contain instructions regarding the insertion in local and other papers of such advertisements, setting forth the address of the officer from whom tenders can be obtained, together with full information on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to give a Coronation medal to the Territorials who were on duty at the investiture of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales at Carnarvon Castle; and whether a special medal will be struck to celebrate that historic occasion and distributed amongst the various units represented?

I am not aware that it is intended to grant a medal for the occasion in question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to give the House the views of the Government with regard to the raising of the minimum wage for adult workmen employed under the War Department; and when the men employed at the Gun Wharf, Devonport, will be apprised of the change?

I hope to be in a position very soon to make a general statement on this subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that farm buildings are being destroyed by shell fire at Lavington, Wilts, on. land acquired by the War Office for Artillery ranges, known as New Farm, Candown Farm, and the farm adjoining; and whether he is aware that, if tenders were asked for removal of building materials, considerable sums might be saved by the sale of material now being destroyed?

The farms in question are being used as targets for Artillery for the sake of the training obtained thereby, which is considered to be of more value than the small sum which might be realised by the sale of the materials.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries what sums could be got say for the roofing material?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is yet able to relieve public anxiety by a disclosure of the present state of the negotiations for an Anglo-American Treaty of Arbitration; whether he can confirm the announcement reported to have been made by President Taft that France has signified her desire to enter the Arbitration Treaty; and whether he concurs in the President's prediction that the treaties with Great Britain and France would be signed within ten days, and that within a few months the United States will be linked by arbitration treaties with four other nations?

There need be no public anxiety as to the negotiations for an Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty. The discussion of points, rather of form than of substance, has taken some time, but I believe the two Governments are now practically agreed as to the terms. I can- not say anything as to negotiations between the United States and other Powers, of which I am not informed.

entered the House at the close of Questions, and was received by his followers rising in their places and cheering. There were dissentient cries from other parts of the House.

I will ask hon. Members to control themselves.