asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the present state of affairs in Persia?

If the hon. and gallant Member will give notice of the particular points as to which he desires information, I shall be happy to give what information I can; but an account of the general situation in Persia at this moment would be too long for an oral answer. It was also dealt with in Debate on 27th July, and on the general situation I do not think I have much to add to what was said then.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any further news about the doings of the ex-Shah, and are the trade routes open or closed?

:The news about the trade routes is, as might be expected from the condition of unrest in Persia, not satisfactory at the present time. With regard to the progress of the ex-Shah the accounts are not very definite, and are somewhat inconclusive.

Are all the trade routes closed?

I have not said they are all closed, but the position is not satisfactory.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information showing that six Russian naval officers have accompanied the ex-Shah on a Russian steamboat to Persian territory?

The answer is in the negative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any news with regard to Russian officers accompanying the ex-Shah's troops to Teheran?

I must ask the hon. Member for notice of that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been directed to the forcible release by the Russian Consul at Tabriz, backed by 300 Russian soldiers of Raschid-ul-Mulk, ex-Governor of Ardabil, who had been imprisoned by the Persian authorities for treason; and whether he considers their action consistent with the declaration of absolute non-intervention in Persian affairs made by the Russian Government?

The incident to which the hon. Member refers has been brought to my notice. Raschid-ul-Mulk was formerly in past at the Russian Consulate, and it is stated that Russian intervention was occasioned by the report that he was to be hanged without trial.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Major Stokes has been appointed to organise the financial gendarmerie at the special request and nomination of Mr. Schuster; and what are the grounds on which objection to this appointment has been taken by the Russian Government?

The appointment in question has been offered to Major Stokes on Mr. Schuster's suggestion. The Russian Government object to the appointment on the ground that it includes the north of Persia, which, by the Anglo-Russian Agreement, comprises the Russian sphere of interest.

Is not the appointment of Major Stokes a purely civil appointment?

I understand the appointment is to organise the gendarmerie for financial purposes.

Is the British Government in any way concerned in the appointment?

Well, at the present moment Major Stokes is—or was till a few days ago—military attaché at Teheran. At the present moment he is an officer in the Army, and we are interested to that extent.

Is it not a fact that he has sent in his resignation?

I am not quite certain; I rather think he has sent in his resignation, but as a matter of fact his resignation has not yet been accepted.

Is it not a fact that this appointment is entirely non-political and therefore does not come under the terms of the treaty?

There is a further question upon that subject on the Paper, and I will answer it later.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Russian and German Governments have protested against the appointment of Mr. Schuster as controller of the finances of Persia; on what grounds these protests have been made; and whether the British Government will remonstrate with the Government of Russia and support the appointment of Mr. Schuster?

also asked if a protest has been lodged by the Russian Minister at Teheran against the appointment of Captain Stokes to a post under the. Persian Government; and, if so, can he say on what grounds the protest is based?

The only protest made by the Russian and German Governments to which my attention has been called is against the payment of certain charges on the Persian Revenue by the Treasurer-General instead of by the Administrator-General of Customs. I understand that, in the case of the Russian Government, this protest is based on an article in the Agreement signed last January by the Persian Government with the Russian Bank for the conversion of the former's debts to Russia. I do not know the ground of the German protest. The matter is not one in which His Majesty's Government have any ground for intervention.

asked whether and if so in what respect the conditions of Captain Stokes' appointment under the Persian Government violate the provisions of the Anglo-Russian Agreement of 1907?

This question covers the question put to me by the hon. Member for East Mayo a while ago. The appointment does not violate the letter of the Agreement; but it may be contended that as regards the northern part of Persia it would be contrary to its spirit. A corresponding view might no doubt have been taken by His Majesty's Government if a Russian officer, on the expiry of his appointment as military attaché in Teheran, had been selected to organise a Gendarmerie in the part of Persia adjoining the Indian frontier.

asked what is the proportion of State expenditure in Egypt to the total expenditure; and whether, in view of the statement of the late Sir Eldon Gorst in his last Report that there are only 600,000 persons able to read and write in Egypt, out of a total population of over 11,000,000, and that the smallness of the number of literates is a bar to self-government for the Egyptian people, he will instruct Lord Kitchener to provide for a large increase in the educational provision made in the next and following Budgets?

I presume that the hon. and learned Member means the proportion of State expenditure on education in Egypt to the total expenditure. I am not in possession of the exact figures, but the amount assigned to the Ministry of Education in the Budget for 1910 was £E504,942, with a further sum of £E27,490 for "special expenditure"; and the total estimated expenditure for that year was £E15,150,000. The Estimates for the year 1911 show a total increase of £E19,287 in the Budget of the Ministry of Education. As regards the second part of the question I cannot add to what I said in Debate on 27th July last.

asked how many children under and over the age of twelve years are employed in cotton factories in Egypt; what are their hours of work and what are the breaks in the working day; how many months they work in the year, in summer and winter; how many cotton factories there are in Egypt; how many operatives; how many inspectors; how often each factory is inspected, and what time is given to each inspection; whether there are any reports of contraventions of rules; whether there have been any and, if so, what punishments for such contra- ventions; whether there were any cases of repeated contravention; and, if so, what was the punishment for the second or further offences?

I cannot promise to get these details; but a new law regulating child labour was brought into operation less than two years ago, and I will ask for a general report upon the working of it.

asked whether in Egypt any one upon giving notice is free to establish a distillery unless the authorities expressly forbid it on sanitary grounds; what number of distilleries have been established in the principal towns of Egypt in each of the last five years; whether distilleries or drink shops fraudulently sell spirituous liquors of the worst quality at low prices in bottles bearing the names of well-known British, Irish, and other brands, and that only by civil action can foreign producers thus wronged have any remedy; whether cafes in which spirituous liquors are sold have greatly multiplied in recent years; and what are the figures of the convictions and re-convictions of keepers of bars and cafés in recent years, the punishments inflicted, and the number of convictions of individuals for being drunk and disorderly?

I cannot promise to give all the figures asked for unless they are already available in Government statistics; but I will inquire whether there is foundation for the statement that abuses such as those indicated in the question exist.

asked whether, in view of the infantile and other mortality in Egypt, he will give instructions to the British Consul-General there to introduce a measure of systematic reform in regard to the adulteration of food and drugs?

I cannot give instructions without knowledge on the point referred to in the end of the question. If it is the case that reform is both needed and practicable, it will receive the attention of the Egyptian Government.

asked whether his attention has been drawn to the arrest of a British Yeomanry officer in Germany; and whether he can state on what grounds he has been arrested and what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

According to a report received from the Acting British Consul-General at Hamburg, a British subject has been arrested on a charge of espionage. The prisoner has the assistance of counsel, and is in communication with his relatives and friends in this country. The case appears to be dealt with in accordance with the normal rules of procedure in Germany, and there is no ground for the intervention of His Majesty's Government. The Embassy in Berlin has been instructed to give the assistance that can properly be given to the legal representative who is going to Berlin in connection with the case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any ground for the statement that this gentleman has had any connection with Messrs. Brandon and Trench? The papers are giving currency to the rumour that this man who has been arrested is connected with Brandon and Trench?

I have not even heard the statement. As far as I am aware there is no foundation for it.

Is this gentleman a Yeomanry officer?

I am not sure about that. I have seen the statement made, and I have no reason to suppose it is inaccurate; but I am not able to confirm it from my own knowledge.

Would the right hon. Gentleman give the gentleman's name?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether, in the interests of the peace of the district and of the ratepayers who are saddled with the cost of maintaining a staff of police, steps will be taken by the Estates Commissioners again to try and settle the dispute existing between Mr. Pierce Gun Mahony and one of his tenants in Kilmurry, Castleisland, county Kerry?

The Estates Commissioners have already endeavoured to effect a settlement in this case, and do not think that they could with advantage again intervene unless at the request, of the parties concerned.

Is it not a fact that the landlord in this case requested the Estates Commissioners to arbitrate, and afterwards refused to accept the award?

I do not know how that is. The Estates Commissioners did their best and cannot intervene again unless asked to do so.

As this case is causing considerable expense and annoyance in the district, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Commissioners to again intervene.

No, Sir, I do not think I could do that.

asked what is the cause of the delay in inspecting the Deane estate, Brosna, county Kerry, for which purchase agreements were signed more than four years ago; and whether, as these tenants suffer considerable loss every year owing to this delay, steps will be taken to have the estate inspected at the earliest possible opportunity?

The majority of the purchase agreements in the case of this estate were lodged on 28th September, 1908, and the estate takes priority from that date. The Estates Commissioners are not in a position to say when the estate will be reached in its turn.

asked whether about two years ago the trustees of the Keys estate, Crolly, county Donegal, agreed with the tenants for the sale of the estate, with all sporting rights, at sixteen years' purchase; and if he can say what is the present position of the matter?

The Estates Commissioners are unable to identify this estate as the subject of proceedings for sale before them under the Land Purchase Acts.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that a memorial, signed by the tenants on Duncormack, Weneytown, and Scotsland portions of the Boyd v. Neate Estate, has been forwarded to the office of the Estates Commissioners praying them to have these lands inspected at an early date; and, as there is a large area of untenanted land there, what steps they propose to take to utilise it for enlarging uneconomic holdings and relieving the present congestion in this locality?

The memorial has been received toy the Estates Commissioners and it will be duly considered.

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

The Congested Districts Board will have the estate referred to inspected as soon as practicable, having regard to the other engagements of their staff, and will then decide whether they will make an offer for purchase.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Estates Commissioners have made peremptory demands for over an additional month's interest beyond that for which they had contracted to pay under their purchase agreements on the tenants on the Logan Ellis estate, Donoughmore, county Cork; under what circumstances and by what right is this demand made; and whether this demand has been made in the case of any other estate in Ireland?

The Land Commission inform me that the additional month's interest referred to is that payable under Section 9 of the Irish Land Act, 1909.

asked whether he can state the present position of the negotiations for the sale of the estate of Mrs. Johnstone, Church Hill, Gartan, county Donegal; and whether the grazing lands of Tullymore and Tullybeg are to be included in the transaction?

The Congested Districts Board are in communication with Mrs. Johnstone regarding the sale of her estate in county Donegal. They cannot yet say what lands will be included in the purchase.

asked what has been the cost to the Imperial Exchequer of the working of Land Purchase in Ireland since the Land Purchase Act of 1903, exclusive of the Land Purchase Aid Fund?

It is not possible to separate the cost of the working of Land Purchase in Ireland since the Irish Land Act, 1903, from the other expenses of the Departments concerned, namely, the Irish Land Commission, the Congested Districts Board, the National Debt Commissioners, the Stationery Office, the Office of Public Works, and the Post Office-. The total net cost falling on the Land Commission Vote alone for the period 1st April, 1903, to 31st March, 1911, exclusive of the amount of the Land Purchase Aid Fund, is £1,276,159. The charges on the Consolidated Fund in the same period for salaries and pensions wore £111,923. Excess Stock charges falling on the Ireland Development Grant and payments from the Reserve Fund for improvements are not included in these figures.

Do I understand that almost all the expenses which have come upon the Imperial Treasury in connection with Land Purchase in Ireland are expenses connected with the Land Commission, the cost of which has been increased by £400,000 a year? Are there any other sums coming directly out of the British taxpayers' pockets?

There is the cost of administration, which is very considerable, owing to the number of Departments which are engaged in the operation of the Land Purchase Act.

asked whether an official list of the candidates for King's scholarships who passed the examination last Easter has ever been published; and, if not, will steps be taken to do so at once, giving the marks each successful candidate received?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that an official list of the examination numbers of the successful candidates at the last King's scholarship examination has been published. The Commissioners do not consider it desirable to publish the names of the successful candidates or the marks obtained by them.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will give a Return of the names of and marks received at King's scholarship examination last April by the students called for next September to the various training colleges in Ireland?

The Commissioners of National Education do not consider it desirable to give the return requested by the hon. Member.

asked when the names of the revising barristers for 1911 will be announced; will any of them include gentlemen who have been Parliamentary candidates at recent elections; will any opportunity be afforded of discussing these appointments before the close of the Session; and to what Irish Estimates remaining to be discussed will any allotted days in Supply be given?

The list of revising barristers for the approaching revision has not yet been finally settled. As regards the latter part of the question the matter is not one which rests with me, but with the Leader of the House.

Who makes these appointments, and are gentlemen allowed to stand for constituencies which they have themselves revised?

The appointments are made, as I understand, by the Lord Chancellor, and there is no rule contrary to the suggestion in the right hon. Gentleman's question. My own view, which I have often expressed in this House, is that it is most undesirable that a position of that sort should be, and I should be very glad to see some other arrangements.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an undertaking that gentlemen who have stood as Parliamentary candidates in the north of Ireland and to whom objection is taken in that part of the country will not be sent to the south?

The subject is at present under the careful consideration of my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General for Ireland and the Lord Chancellor, whose health at the moment is far from good. The list will be published in the course of a few days.

Then we shall have an opportunity of discussing it on the Appropriation Bill?

The hon. and learned Gentleman knows what opportunities to take in this House as well as I do.

asked whether in the Castle comer union the clerk of the union had this year and last year to make out returns by visiting the registrars' offices at his own expense for the purposes of the Parliamentary Registration Act; whether, in the case of the application of Section 16 of the Parliamentary Registration (Ireland) Act, 1885, all clerks of unions at that period and up to the passing of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, had the preparation of the voters and jurors lists, and were of themselves, with a couple of exceptions, superintendent registrars; whether he is aware that superintendent registrars as such have no salary whatever but a small fee of 2d. per name per quarter for every name registered; whether he will have proper remuneration paid to such union clerks for this duty, or, as an alternative, will he see that a salary is attached to the office of a superintendent registrar; and whether he can point out in what part of a superintendent registrar's duties it is laid down that the superintendent registrar must visit registrars' offices and extract such returns from the books in the custody of the registrar, the custody of such books while being filled with entries being the source of remuneration to registrars for taking charge of them?

Under the Order in Council of 18th May, 1906, the superintendent register is required to send on or before 1st July to the secretary of the county council a return of persons who have died within the year. This information is contained in the quarterly returns furnished to the superintendent registrar, but in the case of the quarter ending 30th June he has to seek it at the local registrars' offices as the quarterly returns are not available. Clerks of unions who, up to 1898, had the preparation of voters and jurors lists, as some still have, are with hardly an exception superintendent registrars. The remuneration of superintendent registrars is by fees fixed under Statute, and there is no power to authorise any further payment. There is no Statute or Regulation obliging the superintendent registrar to attend at any place other than his office, but it is evident that, in order to comply with the Registration Rules, he must attend at the registrars' offices to get the necessary information to enable him to prepare the death returns, as the local registrars are not bound to attend at his office to supply it.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman can state why the Local Government Board have refused a pension to Mary Anne M'Alister, of Chapel Street, Newry (number in pension officer's register A 164, number in S. C. R. 84); whether he is aware that documents were submitted to the Local Government Board showing that the claimant's brother, Hugh M'Allister, of Rostrevor, county Down, has been in receipt of a pension for the past two years; that the said Hugh M'Allister made a sworn declaration before Dr. M. J. M'Cartau, J.P., that his sister, the claimant, was two years older than himself; and that the certificate of baptism of the claimant's youngest brother, Robert M'Allister, was produced to the Local Government Board, showing that he was baptised on 5th September, 1840; and if, under all these circumstances, he can state what evidence is required by the Local Government Board before they will grant the pension to which the claimant is by statute entitled?

The Local Government Board upheld the pension officer's appeal in this case on the ground that they were not satisfied that the claimant had reached the statutory age. The pension officer reported that her brother Hugh was granted a pension having regard to his marriage in 1861 and to his personal appearance, but the officer did not consider that the claimant appeared to be seventy years old. The evidence as to the relative ages of claimant and the two brothers mentioned was conflicting. Whilst she and Hugh alleged that she was older than Hugh by two years, in her claim in October last she set herself down as only seventy years old, and the pension sub-committee gave as one reason for allowing a pension that she was only two years younger than Hugh. A certificate of Robert's baptism was produced as stated, but the Board could find no satisfactory evidence to show whether he was older or younger than claimant.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Margaret Sheridan, of Lower Mill Street, Newry, was granted an old age pension two years ago by the local pension committee; that the pension officer appealed, and, though the claim was supported by the sworn declaration of a Mr. M'Manus, aged eighty-five, the claim was disallowed on the ground that the claimant's name could not be traced in the 1851 Census; whether he is aware that the claimant's name has since been traced in the 1851 Census on the identical information at first supplied, and that she is over seventy-three years of age; whether this woman has been deprived and is to suffer the loss of a pension to which she is entitled owing to the manner in which the Local Government Board investigate these matters; and whether he is aware that the Local Government Board never send an inspector to investigate the appeals, as is done in England?

The Local Government Board have disallowed two claims by Margaret Sheridan on the ground that she failed to show that she had attained the statutory age. Both the pension officer and the claimant informed the Board that her family could not be traced in the Census Returns of 1841 and 1851, and the only evidence she put forward consisted of statements by several persons of their belief that she was qualified as to age. The onus of proving that the statutory age has been reached rests upon a claimant, and if Mrs. Sheridan is now in a position to show that she is seventy-three years of age it is open to her to make a fresh claim, but no pension can be allowed in respect of any period prior to the date on which a claim is allowed. It is not the fact that the Board never send inspectors to investigate cases.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the information given in his answer is quite inaccurate. This woman has a pension, given to her on the identical information on which it was first refused, and my question was directed to show that she has suffered the loss of pension for a period of two years owing to the neglect and inefficacy of the Local Government Board?

I have heard the hon. Member's question, and the answer to it is as I have already stated.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will state the reasons for the Local Government's Board decision in refusing an old age pension to John McCabe, Mountain Lodge, Latton, Bally bay; whether he is aware that this applicant has no means or property other than a small holding at a rent of £4 4s. per annum, and that he has been unable to work for some years past and is now seventy-four years of age; and whether he will request the Local Government Board to send down one of their inspectors with a view to making further inquiries in this case?

The Local Government Board upheld an appeal by the pension officer on the ground that John McCabe's means exceeded the statutory limit. In. addition to the farm mentioned in the question, the claimant had another farm and a forge which he assigned to a son after a previous claim to a pension had been disallowed. Before deciding the case the Board obtained a report from one of their inspectors.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if, where the recipient of an old age pension who has a little invested money draws out some part of that money for living expenses, such withdrawn sum is counted by the pension authorities as income for the current year and used to reduce the amount of the pension?

In the case of any claimant for an old age pension who habitually withdraws a portion of his capital and expends it for his personal use or enjoyment, I am advised that as the law now stands the sums thus withdrawn and expended must be taken into account in estimating means for purposes of pension.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what he means by habitually? Would that apply to withdrawals once in three months or three years?

was understood to reply: It would represent withdrawals, say, once a year. The circumstances would have to be considered by the pension committee.

If a pensioner had to draw out capital to meet expenses in connection with ill-health, would that circumstance be considered?

Yes, it would be one of the circumstances taken into account by the pension committee.

Seeing that a large number of these cases have recently occurred, can nothing be done?

I am not responsible for the decisions of the pension committees.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of introducing some amending legislation on this point?

I have done so, and hope there may be an opportunity of passing an amending Bill through the House.

Who is responsible for these matters if the right hon. Gentleman is not?

There is divided jurisdiction between the Treasury and the Local Government Board. I am responsible for the pension officers.

Have the law officers of the Crown been consulted?

Not on this particular subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is owing to the action of the pension officers, for whom he admits responsibility, that this grievance has arisen?

The question is raised by the pension officers, but the decision is given by the pension committees.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether the Midnapore damage suit brought against the district magistrate and two police officers, alleged to have ill-treated certain persons who were accused by them of criminal conspiracy and acquitted in 1909, has now been before the Court of Culcutta for upwards of 160 days, and when it is ikely to terminate; and whether the police officers and magistrate are being defended by the legal advisers of the Government of Bengal; and, if so, whether there is any precedent for such a course being taken, and what is the cost to the public of Bengal which has already been incurred for this defence?

Judgment for the plaintiffs was given on the 7th instant and Rs. 1,000 damages awarded. It has been a recognised principle in India for more than sixty years that Government may assist its servants to vindicate their characters when they are attacked in connection with the performance of their official duties. The Bengal Government undertook the defence of the police officers in this case. I am not in a position at present to state the cost.

I understand from the answer that the legal advisers of the Government of Bengal did defend the police officers and magistrate. I would like to know if the costs of that defence will fall upon the people of Bengal? In view of the terrific condemnation of the police system I think it is important that the House should be thoroughly informed upon this subject.

The legal expenditure of the Government of Bengal will fall upon the revenues of the Province of Bengal. I should deprecate hon. Members saying anything about the strictures passed upon the officers concerned, because the full judgment has not yet been published.

Has the judgment been published in the newspapers?

No. The purport of the judgment has been telegraphed to this country, but I ask hon. Members to wait until they see the full judgment.

Does the hon. Member wish me to put down my question again a week hence?

In about a fortnight.

Are the officers who are now being condemned to be allowed to retain the honours and promotions conferred upon them presumably for their conduct in this case, and, if not, what is going to be done in this matter?

I think the hon. Member will appreciate the very serious position in which these officers are. There is a right of appeal, and no action will, of course, be taken that will prejudice the result of that appeal.

Will they have the same legal advisers next time?

Will the hon. Member be in a position to bring forward the whole of the facts of the case on the Motion for the Adjournment next week?

The Government of India have recently passed new Orders to deal with the irregularities of the police force, and I shall be happy to take any opportunity of informing the House of them.

Are these accused men, while criminal proceedings are pending over them, still in the execution of their offices, or are they suspended?

I do not know.

Then I say, with great respect, the right hon. Gentleman ought to know.

The hon. Member had better put any further question down on the Paper.

I beg to give notice that on the Motion for the Adjournment next week I shall raise the question of the police in India.

asked if any suggestion for the creation of Anglo-Indian regiments has been brought to the notice of the Indian Government; if such a suggestion has been considered by them; and, if so, what conclusion they have come to on the subject?

I am afraid I cannot appreciate the precise purport of the Noble Lord's question. Perhaps he will defer it till a later date, and in the meantime take some opportunity of conferring with me.

asked if the Government of Burma have recently passed an order which has the effect of excluding members of the Anglo-Indian community from employment in the telegraph department of the province; and, if so, will he state the reasons for such action?

I have seen a report in the "Rangoon Gazette" of the 12th June last of a meeting at which it was complained that certain candidates for appointment as telegraphists in the Indian telegraph department had been told by the director of telegraphs, Burma circle, that the next examination would be open to natives of India and Burma only. The Secretary of State has no official information on the subject.

Will the hon. Member cause inquiries to be made as to whether that is the fact?

If the Noble Lord wishes it, I will communicate with the Government of India.

Can the Under-Secretary of State state when the next examination takes place?

No; I am afraid I cannot, but I will send a telegram.

When the hon. Member is communicating with the Government of India, will he invite them to consider the question of giving increased employment to Anglo-Indians in the railway and telegraph service throughout India?

I will convey the hon. Member's suggestion to the Secretary of State for India.

asked whether the Government of India has received any report from the Government of the Punjab as to the grievances felt by the Civil Service officers in that commission with respect to the stoppage of promotion and the inferior rate of pay there prevailing, whereby the pay of officers of that service no longer bears the usual proportion to those of other services where the qualifications demanded are not so high?

I do not know.

Will the hon. Member inquire from the Government of India whether they have received such information?

The hon. Member's question was whether the Government of India has received any report from the Government of the Punjab. Surely he does not think it worth while to telegraph for that information. If they contemplate any action they will, in due course, communicate with the Secretary of State for India.

I wish to know whether the Government of the Punjab has communicated with the Government of India, and I ask the hon. Member if he will have the courtesy to inquire?

Does the Government of India take no interest in this matter?

There are certain well-known methods to be pursued in connection with these things. After the complaint has been received by the Government of India, if they contemplate action they have to send the matter home, and until it is sent home any expenditure upon telegrams does not seem to me to be worth while. If the hon. Member desires a letter to be sent, that does not involve much expense.

I wish to know, with regard to the stoppage of promotion, whether the responsibility rests with the Government of India or the Government of the Punjab. Will the Secretary of State inquire with whom the responsibility rests?

I will make inquiry by letter if the hon. Member presses the matter.

Would it not be advisable to send an inquiry by telegram in a matter of this kind?

I do not think that expenditure would be justified.

I do not agree.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the sale of arms and intoxicating liquor in the New Hebrides; and whether these islands are, by his latest reports, in a satisfactory condition?

I can only say in answer to the hon. Member that the sale of arms and intoxicating liquors in the New Hebrides and the general condition of the islands are the subject of constant attention and much correspondence. I am awaiting a report by the High Commissioner when he has visited the islands which will probably be towards the end of the year.

Arising out of the answer, may I ask him if it is not the case that England and France both impose different regulations concerning arms and liquor in the New Hebrides, and does he not think it wise for the British Government to approach France with a view of making an arrangement whereby a uniformity of regulations should be established?

I think notice ought to be given of important questions of that kind. The right hon. Gentleman cannot undertake to answer questions regarding communications with foreign governments without notice.

I apologise. I had asked this question before of the right hon. Gentleman.

May I press the right hon. Gentleman for an answer to the last part of my question if there is no objection to it: "Whether these islands are, by his latest reports, in a satisfactory condition?"

It is very difficult to define what the word "satisfactory" means.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information showing that the United South African Bar Society proposes to exclude natives from membership of the Bar; and, if so, whether he can take any action to safeguard the rights of the natives in this respect, especially in view of the fact that some of them are already practising as barristers in Cape Colony?

I have seen references in the Press to the proposed United South African Bar Society which attribute to some of the gentlemen promoting it a desire to exclude natives from practising at the Bar. The rights of members of the Bar are under the protection of the courts, with which also rests the power of admission or exclusion.

May I ask whether a matter of this kind requires legislation, and, if so, whether it comes within the reservation which requires the assent of the Crown?

I should think it is probable they would require legislation, and, if they do, any decision as to reservation must be taken after such legislation has been proposed and passed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that in any consideration of the question of colour disability he does not fail to recognise that it is one of many and varying degrees?

I think I can hardly tell the hon. Member what steps I should take on an occasion which has not yet arisen.

asked if there is any intention of transferring the control and administration of Swaziland from the Imperial Government to the Union of South Africa?

No, Sir. No immediate transfer is contemplated.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that a transference is contemplated, though it may not be immediate?

No. Sir. I do not mean to suggest anything of the sort.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the Tower of London is open to the public for certain hours on Sunday afternoons; if not, why the Tower of London has been excluded from the operation of the Resolution of this House under which national collections were opened to the public under certain conditions on Sundays; whether he is aware that there are a vast number of people who have been unable to visit it on account of this restriction, especially those who dwell in East London; and if he will inquire into the possibility of giving such opportunity during certain hours?

The First Commissioner will be glad to make the inquiries suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether straw, if bound with string to give it the appearance of manufactured straw, is considered by the Board to be manufactured straw which may be imported into Great Britain from countries where foot-and-mouth disease is known to be prevalent; if straw so bound from such countries is after importation sold without restrictions being placed upon it as to the uses to which it may be applied otherwise than for thatching buildings and by saddlers for the purposes of their trade; and whether, in consequence, the object sought to be gained by the prohibition of straw from areas in which foot-and-mouth disease is prevalent is seriously endangered?

It rests with the officers of Customs to determine whether in any particular case hay or straw should be allowed to be landed with or without a licence of the Board under Article 2 of the Foreign Hay and Straw Order, 1908. The Board propose to communicate with the Customs on the particular question to which the hon. Member refers, and in the meantime I should be obliged if he would give me any information which he may have received with respect to it.

How is it possible to prevent straw of this character, which is exempted from the restriction order of 1908, being used for litter or being fed to cattle?

I can only inform my hon. Friend that I am inquiring into the matter, and I should be very glad if he will also confer with me.

When the Board of Agriculture made this Order, did they mean straw of this quality to be allowed to come into this country?

I have already said we are considering this question.

asked whether, in the case of proceedings under the Small Holdings Act for the acquisition of land for small holdings on the Dysart estates, after confirmation by the Board of the Surrey County Council's orders for compulsory purchase and hire, the council abandoned their scheme of acquisition after costs amounting to several hundred pounds had been thrown away, the whole of such expense having been incurred in respect of less than fifty acres of land, the greater portion of which was already occupied by three of the applicants; and, if so, whether the Board in such cases takes any steps to prevent such waste of public money?

Yes, Sir. The facts are substantially as stated in the question. Every proposal for the acquisition of land is carefully considered, in order, as far as possible, to prevent the loss of public money. The scheme had to be abandoned in consequence of the applicants refusing to pay the rent necessary under the award.

Would it not be possible to so amend the Small Holdings Act as to prevent these constantly recurring abortive proceedings on the part of county councils and the waste of public money?

They are not constantly occurring.

asked whether any, and, if any, which, of the leading banks in the country have signified their approval of or promised to co-operate in the working of the Agricultural Credit and Insurance Societies Bill recently introduced by the President of the Board in the House of Lords?

The assurance of sympathy and co-operation which the President of the Board has received in the course of his communications with bankers on the subject of the formation of agricultural credit societies were necessarily of a general character, and it would be invidious to mention the names of particular banks.

Why is it the President intimated that he had the co-operation of the leading banks unless the majority of them were in favour of supporting this Bill?

I do not know. I can only give you the answer I have already given.

May I ask whether the consent of the leading banks is necessary before the Government proceed with this scheme?

That is a question for the President of the Board.

asked under what powers created by or provisions contained in the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts, 1907 and 1908, are moneys standing to the credit of the Small Holdings Account, constituted by Section 19 of the former and continued by Section 51 of the latter Act, applicable to the payment of the preliminary expenses of credit and insurance societies proposed to be promoted under the provisions of the Agricultural Credit and Insurance Societies Bill recently introduced by the President of the Board in the House of Lords?

None; but the Bill which has been introduced by the President of the Board in another place makes provision.

If this proposal is ultra vires the Act of 1908, is it proposed to repeal Section 21 of that Act?

It will not be ultra vires if Parliament chooses to consent to it.

asked how, if it is proposed to expend the sum of £40,000 remaining to the credit of the Small Holdings Account in paying the preliminary expenses of the societies to be constituted under the Agricultural Credit and Insurance Societies Bill, it will be possible hereafter to defray the expenses incurred by the Board in demonstrating the feasibility of the establishment of small holdings under Section 20, and in repaying to county councils the whole or any part of their expenses of proceedings taken in relation to the acquisition of land under Section 21 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, or in repaying to such councils compensation paid by them to dispossessed tenants under Section 1 (2) of the Small Holdings Act, 1910, for which purposes this fund is specifically earmarked by such Acts?

It is not anticipated that the balance standing to the credit of the Small Holdings Account will be expended in the payment of the expenses to which the hon. Member refers. Whenever that balance is exhausted it will be necessary that further provision should be made by Parliament to meet the charges directed by Statute to be paid out of the account.

Under those circumstances, is it not most desirable to replenish this fund forthwith out of the Exchequer, as provided by the Act of 1908?

It is not necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to preventing a panic rise in the price of food in war time, he will consider the advisability of acting upon the advice of the Royal Commission and providing a six weeks' supply of corn at the annual expenditure of £100,000?

It is not at present proposed to adopt any scheme of grain storage.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will represent to the Prime Minister, that, looking at the enormous rise in the price of provisions in the last week, the rise in war time would be absolutely terrific?

asked the Prime Minister whether, before asking this House to vote largo sums for the payment of Members, he will provide for the payment of out-of-pocket expenses to working men and others of slender means who are compelled to attend on juries?

It is not clear that the two matters referred to in the question are interdependent or mutually connected.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been given to the statements in the Blue Books [Cd. 4554, pp. 103 and 71, and Cd. 4555, p. 253] relating to the proceedings of the Naval Conference of London at which the Declaration of London was signed; is he aware that the effect of those statements is that, whereas in cases of naval prize an appeal is to lie from the Supreme British Prize Court to the International Prize Court at the Hague, yet no such appeal is to lie from the United States Supreme Court; and can he undertake that in this respect, Great Britain will be put in as advantageous a position as the United States before ratifying the Declaration of London or the convention relative to the establishment of an international prize court?

The hon. Member is no doubt aware that the arrangement foreshadowed in the statements to which he has called attention has been embodied in the Additional Protocol of 19th September, 1910, which has now been signed by all the Powers Signatories of the Prize Court Convention, and which has been laid before Parliament in the Blue Book Cd. 5554. Under this Protocol, the rights secured under the Convention either to individuals or to their Governments are in no way impaired. The alternative procedure by way of a direct action for damages is not, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, more advantageous than that by way of appeal from the national courts. On the contrary, it involves the risk, with all the attending practical inconveniences, of a conflict between the judgments of the national courts and the judgments delivered in the same case by the International Court. It is only by the system of direct appeal that this difficulty can be overcome, and for this reason His Majesty's Government do not consider the system disadvantageous as compared with the alternative procedure under the Protocol.

asked on what date Dr. Dewar's Report on the workmen's housing at Rosyth was received, and when it will be published?

As regards this matter, I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Stoke-on-Trent on 7th August.

Surely the Department, or at least the hon. Gentleman, would say whether it, is intended to publish the report or not at some future date?

The answer is "a decision has not yet been reached."

Is it a fact that the report is of such a disgraceful character to one of the Departments of the Government that the Scotch Office are afraid to publish it?

asked when the Report of the Congested Districts Commissioners will be issued, or whether it will be delayed till Parliament has risen?

The Report referred to has now been issued, and can be obtained by hon. Members.

asked the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Court of Session in the case of the trustees of the late James Campbell against Sweeney, the effect of which is to diminish the right of access of the public to Loch Lomond; and whether he proposes to take any action, by legislation or otherwise, to secure that long-established access by the public to places of beauty may be preserved?

My attention has been drawn to the decision referred to by my hon. Friend, but, as the case may be appealed to the House of Lords, I am not at present in a position to make any statement regarding the effect of the judgment.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether all income schedule claims for repayment of Income Tax in Scotland are delayed two or three weeks before being dealt with and adjusted, and when these claims are ready to be paid they require to be sent to London to be signed there by a Commissioner, thereby causing a further delay of two or three days; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to remedy the hardship to people of limited means of having to wait for repayment of money due to them by the Government?

I am making inquiries into this matter, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Order in Council, dated 10th January, 1010, as published on page 240 of the London. Gazette of 11th January, 1910, No. 23,328, has ever been issued to the various home and foreign dockyards, victualling yards, and naval ordnance depots; whether Article 21, Part III., of this Order in Council increased the annual allowance of leave to certain grades of Civil servants of ten years' service and over; whether it affects a number of officials in the establishments referred to; and whether, if the Order in Council has not been issued to these establishments, he will give instructions for it to be done forthwith?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Order in Council referred to was a consolidating order, and introduced no new rules affecting persons serving in the Royal yards. There was, therefore, no occasion to send copies of it to them.