asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under the Declaration of London, a fortified place includes a port protected only by a harbour boom; whether the fortifications existing on either side of the Solent channels render the ports of Southampton and Lymington fortified places; and whether the naval powder magazine at Marchwood, on Southampton Water, renders Southampton a base of supply?

In the opinion of His Majesty's Government these questions must be answered in the negative.

Will His Majesty's Government do their best to Bee that the view expressed is accepted by the foreign Powers who are signatories to the Treaty?

That matter is being considered.

asked whether the Government accept the claim of the Russian Government that naturalisation of a Russian subject in Great Britain without the permission of the Russian authorities is ineffective, in the sense that the British Government in such circumstances will not claim for the person so naturalised or for his child the same rights and protection in Russia as they would claim for a British subject in Russia about whose nationality there was no dispute?

The governing principle is that no State is entitled to afford diplomatic protection to one of its subjects in another State if that person is also a subject of such other State. His Majesty's Government would not be entitled to afford a person naturalised in this country, under the Act of 1844, or his child, protection when within the limits of the Russian Empire. A similar principle is laid down in Section 7, Paragraph 3, of the Naturalisation Act of 1870, which provides that an alien naturalised in this country shall not, when within the limits of the foreign State of which he was a subject previously to obtaining his certificate of naturalisation, be deemed to be a British subject, unless he has ceased to be a subject of that State in pursuance of the laws thereof, or in pursuance of a treaty to that effect. There is no such treaty between this country and Russia.

Is there any difference in the case of a person born or naturalised before 1870?

That question is dealt with in my answer.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman has any information showing that a priest, who had taken passage in a British mail steamer from Vigo to Brazil, had been arrested at Lisbon?

I have received no information on the subject. If the hon. and learned Member has any, and will communicate it to me, I will make inquiries.

It was contained in a telegram in the "Daily News" on Monday last, but the Clerk at the Table struck it out of the question.

I did not gather that information.

It was struck out by the Clerk at the Table.

asked whether the Mahdist prisoners incarcerated at Wady Haifa after the Soudan War are still at that place, and how many remain; whether there is yet any prospect of their ever being released; whether Osman Digna is still among them; and, if so, whether the British authorities in Egypt will now allow an independent medical examination with a view to ascertaining his mental condition?

The only information which I have received in regard to the Mahdist prisoners at Wady Haifa subsequent to that which I gave to the hon. Member in reply to the question which he addressed to me on the 27th of April, 1909, is to the effect that these Dervish prisoners appear to be satisfied with their lot, and that they are well cared for, in excellent health, and give no trouble. As regards the latter part of the hon. Member's question, I can only repeat what I stated in answer to a question which he addressed to me on the 20th of May, 1909, that it must be left to the Egyptian Government to decide whether such an examination into the mental condition of Osman Digna is necessary or desirable.

Will the Foreign Office again draw the attention of the Egyptian Government to this matter?

I do not think I can promise to do that, but I will consider it.

Has not Osman Digna been dead for some years?

Not that T am aware of.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the trouble to inquire?

asked whether the right hon Gentleman's attention has been called to the fact that the sanitary system of Cairo is still extremely imperfect, in respect that masses of refuse are daily deposited in the neighbourhood of the city whence the dust is blown back in large quantities; whether he is aware that the lighting system of the city is still extremely backward; and whether, in view of these and other deficiencies in the management of the city's affairs, he will recommend the British Consul-General to consider the expediency of establishing a municipality in Cairo?

As regards the first portion of the hon. Member's question, I beg to refer him to the last paragraph of part 29 of Sir Eldon Gorst's Report for 1910. As regards the second, the answer is in the negative. As regards the establishment of a municipality in Cairo, Sir Eldon Gorst's Report for 1908 stated that a committee had been formed with a view to studying the question of the creation of a central body, on which the different public departments interested, as well as the inhabitants of the city, would be represented, for the management and contral of the municipal affairs of Cairo; but I do not know whether this committee has yet presented its report. I will inquire as to this.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has recently been called to the costliness of procedure in both the Native Civil Courts and the Mixed Courts of Egypt; whether he will recommend a systematic investigation with a view to making such procedure less cumbersome, costly, and dilatory; and whether he will inquire as to the expediency of a revision of the civil and commercial codes?

The answer to the first portion of the question is in the negative. I will inquire of His Majesty's Agent and Consul-General in Egypt whether he considered that an investigation into the procedure of the-Native Civil Courts and the Mixed Courts is called for on the grounds alleged by the hon. Member, and also whether he is of opinion that a further revision of the existing civil and commercial codes would be expedient.

asked the Postmaster General whether the General Post Office has received claims for refundment of charges in respect of unstamped envelopes or postal packets, on the ground that stamps were duly affixed but came off in transit owing to the inferior adhesive quality of the gum used by the new contractors; and whether such claims have been recognised and satisfied?

Such claims are complied with where they are well-founded.

asked whether three telegraphists at York have for some time been removed from the instrument room and placed on postal duties; whether they have been replaced by a learner fresh from the telegraph school, a female half-time learner, and a soldier, withdrawn from his regiment, receiving military and Post Office pay; and whether he will make inquiries as to the necessity for the displacement of the telegraphists, with a view to their return to their proper duties?

Three sorting clerks and telegraphists at York who have both postal and telegraph qualifications have recently been withdrawn temporarily from the instrument room to reduce overtime in the sorting office, because the only competent temporary assistants available had no knowledge of postal work but were qualified to do telegraph work. Sorting clerks and telegraphists are liable to be called upon to do any work, whether postal or telegraph, which the exigencies of the service may require. The three officers in question will return to the instrument room when their services are no longer needed in the sorting office. It is a recognised practice to employ qualified learners and military telegraphists as temporary assistants. With respect to the latter class I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for the Black friars Division of Glasgow on 23rd November, 1910.

asked the Postmaster-General if he received a memorial from the priests and people of Clouncagh, in the county of Limerick, setting out the need for a post office there, and pointing out that there is a large creamery in the locality which is greatly handicapped for want of it; that a much larger trade would be done with its customers in England if there were a post office near; further, that they would give a guarantee to pay any loss sustained by the postal authorities if the post office were placed there; and, having regard to these facts, will he, in the public interest, accede to the request contained in the memorial?

I have received the memorial, and I regret to say that the establishment of a post office at Clouncagh wholly at the public cost would not be warranted, but it can be established upon a guarantee for one-third of the cost.

Might I ask, having regard to the fact that all the people in the district are willing to give a guarantee against any loss that may arise to the postal authorities, what arrangements the right hon. Gentleman could make?

If a formal guarantee is entered into, I shall be willing to establish a post office.

What kind of guarantee does the right hon. Gentleman want?

I will communicate with the local authorities. A guarantee of a third of the cost.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the computed financial saving by substituting the use of mail bags for baskets in the conveyance of parcels; and has he considered the increased liability to breakage of goods entrusted by the public to the Post Office parcel post, and the menace to the health of the staff arising from the dirt and dust with which the bags become laden?

I am unable at present to state what saving has been effected by the substitution. But it secures greater convenience in handling, economy in space, and reduction of the gross weight conveyed by mail van and motor services. Any increase of liability to breakage has, I need hardly say, been a consideration of the first importance, and experience shows that all articles packed in the manner for many years recommended by the Post Office are conveyed with safety. Dirt and dust are much less liable to lodge in sacks than in wicker receptacles, and the health of the staff is promoted in this respect by the change.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the disuse of baskets, cardboard boxes sent by parcel post are very commonly arriving at the destination in a battered and crushed condition?

I believe there has been a small increase in the proportion of cases of damage, but it is not an appreciable proportion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been several complaints from merchants of Ireland owing to their property being destroyed, and that some of them have ceased to send their goods by parcel post?

There were several complaints from Ireland which came to my notice, and we made special arrangements, but I am not aware of any case in which a merchant has ceased to send his goods by parcel post.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has fully considered the claim of the provincial women supervisors to a seven hours' day; and whether he can now state the decision which has been arrived at?

I have decided to allow the female assistant supervisors employed upon postal and telegraph work at the six largest provincial post offices as well as in London to revert to a forty-two hours week and to receive the higher scale of pay sanctioned in 1908 for officers performing a forty-eight hours' week. The concession will date from the 1st October next.

asked whether the post office in the Glasgow Exhibition of 1901 was staffed by established male officers under the control of an overseer; and, if so, what special circumstances warrant the staffing of the post office in the present Glasgow Exhibition with unestablished labour under the control of a female supervisor?

The staff of the temporary branch office in the Glasgow Exhibition of 1901 was as. stated. For the reasons given on the. 1st instant to the hon. Member, in answer to a question on this subject, the arrangements made for the present exhibition are to be preferred.

(Dulwich) asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of officers and crew retained on board and the number discharged from the "King Alfred" whilst undergoing repairs from 20th August to 11th September last, which were reported to have been received in consequence of collision with the steamship "Cheapside" off Start Point on 18th June, 1910?

The numbers borne during the whole period referred to were thirty-two officers and 590 men. Thirteen men were discharged.

Am I to understand, although the battleship was laid up three weeks undergoing repairs, it was only found possible to dispense with the services of thirteen men during that time?

I explained the circumstances fully in answer to the hon. Gentleman's question last week. I have nothing to add in explanation.

asked how many promotions have been made since 1879 from the writing to the directing staffs in the Naval Store and Expense Accounts Departments; and when is it contemplated to make further similar promotions?

The reply to the first part of the question is one in the Naval Store Department and four in the Expense Accounts Department. There are no such promotions at present in contemplation, but the merits of any members of the writing staff who are recommended will be carefully considered in connection with any suitable vacancies that may arise.

asked the result of the inquiries into the alleged violation of the Fair-Wages Clause by the Coventry Ordnance, Limited, in not paying the labourers for overtime worked?

Overtime is not reckoned for payment at the Coventry Ordnance Works until after 9 p.m. on all days except Saturdays. After 9 p.m. overtime is paid for. I am informed that the conditions for overtime are more favourable at the Coventry Ordnance Works than the customary practice in the district.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of adopting the practice of informing firms of contractors who are (bad employers as respects their workmen not engaged on Admiralty work that if they continue to obey the letter only and not the spirit of the Fair-Wages Clause they will not secure another contract?

I will investigate any case brought to my notice, but I cannot go beyond the assurance given to the hon. Member in reply to his question of Tuesday last.

asked the result of the inquiry into the alleged violation of the Fair-Wages Clause by Messrs. A. and J. Inglis, Pointhouse, in the payment of their labourers?

The whole of the information necessary to enable the Admiralty to come to a decision has not yet been received.

asked whether, before a firm is admitted to the list of contractors to the Admiralty, inquiry is made as to their standing as employers; and whether any such inquiry was made with respect to the firm of Messrs. Henderson and Wilson before they secured the present contract?

Before a firm is admitted to the list of contractors to the Admiralty inquiries are made of the "References" as to its general standing and capabilities for executing work. An undertaking to abide by the provisions of the Fair-Wages Clauses of the Resolutions of this House is also required before deciding on admission to the list. Messrs. Henderson and Wilson are not on the authorised list, but the contractors for the Crombie magazines, Messrs. Bruce and Son, applied that this, firm might be allowed to act as sub-contractors. It is usual to grant such permission if nothing is known against the firm, and on the understanding that the Fair-Wages Clauses are adhered to. This procedure was followed in this instance, Messrs. Henderson and Wilson giving the required assurance.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell me what benefit the workmen will get from the Fair-Wage Clause, seeing the Clause, as interpreted by the Admiralty, allows the lowest wage in the locality to be paid?

The hon. Member is not justified in making that statement.

asked whether the Edinburgh Ropery and Sailcloth Company are contractors to the Admiralty; if so, whether 150 girls employed there are out on strike against a wage of 8s. 5d. per week paid for very laborious work, and whether the Fair-Wage Clause is being complied with?

The firm in question, have no Admiralty contracts in hand at the present time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as a result of A.L. 13.4.07, A. 1806, certain first-class writers at the Admiralty and naval establishments, who were appointed previous to that date, after Civil Service examination, are at present in receipt of lower salaries than first-grade writers who, as a consequence of the order quoted, received their appointments by selection; and will he take early steps to remedy this state of affairs by arranging for first-class writers to receive annual increments, and thus place them, in this respect, on a footing with all other grades of the writing staff?

The facts are as stated in the question, but as the first-class writers have the advantage of being established, it is not considered that any remedy is required.

asked what steps have been taken to acquaint men in His Majesty's dockyards of the reply to their petitions as recently given by the Admiralty?

The replies to the workmen's petitions were issued on 18th July, and instructions were given that the decisions were to be communicated to the workmen and others concerned by the posting of copies of the statements in the workshops and at other places where notices are exhibited.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Board of Trade Returns place Devonport and Plymouth next to London in the matter of cost of living, rent, etc.; and whether, in view of the recent rise in the minimum wage paid at Deptford, he will consider the advisability of raising the minimum wage paid at Devonport dockyard for work similar to that done at Deptford, so that the minimum wage in the two districts may be placed more on an equality than is the case in the present circumstances?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The hon. Member may be assured that the Admiralty have constantly in view all the conditions of labour at the ports in order that their intention to act as good employers may be strictly carried out.

asked whether hired men leaving the Royal dockyards after twenty-five years' service with good characters are eligible for the Imperial service medal; if not, what constitutes eligibility in the case of hired men; is there any period of service and any conditions entitling a hired man to receive the medal on vacating employment when reaching the age limit?

Only members of the established Civil Service of the State are eligible for the medal. A man who is on the hired list at the time of his retirement cannot, therefore, be granted the medal, whatever his length of service.

Would it not be possible to consider the matter with regard to the hired men?

The regulations are not made by the Admiralty.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many tenants in West Mailing were served with eviction orders so that the landlord could obtain possession of houses needing repairs and structural alterations; in how many cases the tenants moved, and how many orders have been extended and for what period; whether he has sent an inspector to inquire if all the tenants compelled to move have obtained satisfactory accommodation, within reasonable distances of their work and at reasonable rents; and what prospect of being properly housed have any tenants now under notice?

I am informed that four tenants in West Mailing have been served with eviction orders by the landlord of property, known as Gammons Yard, to obtain possession of houses needing repair and structural alterations; that three tenants moved, and that one order was not executed owing to children having measles; but that in the latter case the tenant had an offer of a cottage in the parish nearer his work; and that the tenants who have received notice will in all probability go into the adjoining cottages at present under repair. On the information at present before me the circumstances do not appear to call for a special visit by one of my inspectors.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is a fact that some of the tenants have had to go two or three miles from their work to find accommodation, and whether in some cases notices which had been given have since the question has been asked been withdrawn?

I am not aware of those two facts. I will make further inquiries.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the figures quoted by him at the last Imperial Conference, as representing the volume of emigration from this country, may be taken as representing the actual number of persons who during the periods named changed their domicile, or whether the figures included the ordinary travelling public other than those paying first-class fares?

The figures which I quoted give the excess of passengers of British nationality who left the United Kingdom for countries outside Europe, over the passengers of British nationality who arrived from such countries, and must be taken as representing as nearly as practicable the number of persons who changed their domicile.

asked the President of the Local Government Board on what data he bases the statement that the quality of emigrants to all parts of the British Empire has been better in the last two or three years than it has been in any two or three years in the last fifteen or twenty years; and whether it is intended to imply that during the last two or three years His Majesty's Government have taken any special steps to bring about this state of affairs, and, if so, what steps?

It is perhaps only necessary to refer the hon. Member to such a statement as appears in the Report of the Commissioner of Immigration at Winnipeg for the year ended 31st March, 1910. He says: "The ordinary observer cannot fail to be struck by the obvious improvement in the physique and general character of the immigrants who are coming to Canada not only this year, but during the year before. … I have been very much struck with the greatly improved quality of the immigration from Great Britain and Ireland, and more particularly from England."

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the name of the Commissioner of Emigration at Winnipeg to whom he refers?

I believe the name of the gentleman was Mr. Bruce Walker. But whether that be his name or not the statement made can be confirmed by everybody in this country who sees the class of emigrants going from either Euston, Liverpool or Glasgow.

Is he not the gentleman who occupied the position now held by Mr. Obed Smith, namely, that of Assistant - Superintendent of Emigration for Canada in London? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Bruce Walker, after he had vacated that position here, wrote a pamphlet adversely affecting the emigration work of the voluntary societies in this country, which pamphlet was officially circulated by the Dominion Government?

That does not arise out of the question, but I should be sorry to believe everything that appeared in pamphlets.

Is it not a matter of grave concern that people should be leaving this country in increasing numbers?

Yes; and a matter of equally grave concern are the reasons for their going outside this country. Those reasons are wider opportunities and better access to the land on favourable terms.

asked the Lord Advocate if he has received a memorial from the Faculty of Procurators in Paisley, supported by the committee of the Society of Solicitors in Perthshire, requesting him to introduce legislation for the purpose of compelling town clerks of boroughs to make certain intimations with regard to the borough registers of sasines, in order to prevent forgeries of deeds relating to heritable property; and if he will favourably consider the request?

A memorial has been received from the Faculty of Procurators in Paisley requesting that arrangements should be made whereby the Keeper of the General Register of Sasines shall, on receipt of deeds for registration, send notice to the granters and grantees, the object being to protect against forgeries in connection with deeds affecting heritable property. The memorial is at present receiving consideration.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, in view of the decision of the Court of Session in the case of Campbell's Trustees v. Sweeney, on 23rd July, and in view of the importance. to the people of Scotland as a whole of maintaining free access to the greatest fresh-water loch in, the country, and in view of the desirability of providing access to Loch Lomond from Balloch by means of public roads on either side of the River Leven, a distance of about half a mile, the Secretary for Scotland will consider whether he will provide State assistance towards this end?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dumbartonshire on this subject on 10th August. As regards the latter part of the question, the Secretary for Scotland has no power to grant State assistance of the character suggested.

asked whether, in view of the impending vacancy amongst the Prison Commissioners in Scotland, steps will be taken to carry into effect the recommendations of various committees, including the Scottish Departmental Committee in 1902, that there should be a medical member on the Board of the Prison Commissioners.

It would be premature to make any statement on the subject. I am aware of the recommendation referred to by the hon. Member, which was made by the Departmental Committee on Scottish Prisons in 1900.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that by the practice now prevailing of assessing part- ners for Income and Super-tax on an average of three years' profits of the firm, such average being divided in the manner provided by the partnership deed for dividing the profits of each 5'ear, the taxpayer has in certain cases to pay tax on a larger income than he ever receives; and will he consider the advisability of remedying the grievance?

I am acquainted with the facts of the particular case which I understand the right hon. and learned Gentleman has in mind in raising this question, but I am unable to agree that the statutory system of assessment is inequitable in its general operation, and I should not feel justified in suggesting a fundamental alteration of the law on account of the possible existence in rare cases of exceptional circumstances.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to admit that in special cases the law acts unfairly?

No. I do not admit that at all, more particularly as there is a case under appeal.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the practice of the Special Commissioners of Income Tax is to refuse any deduction for interest on loans obtained for the purpose of purchasing securities unless the loans are kept up for approximately twelve months; and will he consider the expediency of altering the law so as to prevent a person who pays off such loans in less than twelve months from being taxed more heavily than a person who keeps the loan for twelve months?

I am aware of the practice referred to, but I am not prepared to propose an alteration of the existing law under which interest to be deductible must be annual interest.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the recent judgment of the Master of the Rolls in the Four Courts, Dublin, on an application for attachment for contempt of court against William Hastings, of Ballinasloe, for a gross attack, in a newspaper called the "Western News," on the court itself for its judg- ment in a case in which Hastings' daughter and son-in-law were plaintiffs; whether the Master of the Rolls stated that the article complained of was so grossly contemptuous that he, the judge, would not undertake to deal with the case himself but would direct that the papers in the case be sent to the Attorney-General, with a view to action being taken by the Law Officers of the Crown to protect and uphold the administration of the Law in His Majesty's courts in Ireland; whether these papers have, as a matter of fact, been yet submitted to the Law Officers of the Crown; and, if so, what action is being taken to give effect to the condemnation of Hastings' conduct?

I have seen a newspaper report of the motion for attachment made before the Master of the Rolls, on the charge of contempt of court by William Hastings. No papers in connection with this matter have been submitted to the Law Officers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction existing in Liverpool with regard to the recent formation there of the Trade Boards Act Committee; and whether he can state why persons who have an intimate knowledge of the occupations concerned and whose nominations were supported by the Liverpool Trades, and Labour Council and representatives of the sweated trades were not appointed?

I have received communications on the subject from the local branches of the Amalgamated Society of Tailors and from the Liverpool Trades Council. As regards the second part of the question, I can only say that the number of local workers' representatives to be appointed was very limited, namely, eight; and the area affected was extensive, comprising Lancashire, Cheshire, and North Wales. The nominations received from various sources within this large area were very carefully considered before the representatives of local workers were chosen.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed in the papers that there is general dissatisfaction in Liverpool at the present moment?

I have heard that, unfortunately, there is a good deal of unrest in Liverpool.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the increased risks to the food supply of the people owing to dock strikes and other causes; and whether he proposes to take any steps to safeguard a regular supply?

The whole question of the improvement of the means available for preventing or shortening industrial warfare is at present engaging the earnest attention of the Prime Minister in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that many of these strikes are due to a shortage of food among the wives and children of the men who strike for more money with which to buy it?

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that during the strike last week conveyers of food were compelled to obtain permits from the strike leaders to use certain streets in the Metropolis, and whether it is a fact, as stated in the Press, that an actual permit was granted to the Postmaster-General for the mails?

That clearly is a question which requires notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in any arrangement come to the rights of the British workman to strike remains untouched?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Mr. H. Gosling was appointed a member of the Port of London Authority by the Board of Trade; whether he is paid any salary, and, if so, how much; and whether, seeing that he is taking a leading part in the promotion of the present strike, the Board of Trade propose to take any steps with regard to this action as being inconsistent with his position as a member of the Port of London Authority?

Mr. Gosling was appointed a member of the Port of London Authority by the Board of Trade under the provisions of Section 1 (7) of the Port of London Act, which prescribes that, with a view to the representation of labour on the Port Authority, one of the members appointed by the Board of Trade shall be appointed after consultation with such organisations representative of labour as the Board think best qualified to advise them upon the matter. Mr. Gosling is unpaid. The Board of Trade have no control over the actions of the members of the Authority nominated by them. I do not propose to take any steps in the matter.

Has 1he right hon. Gentleman had any application previously to this for the removal of Mr. Gosling from his position, and, if so, what answer did he give.

Nothing has come before me on that matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further steps he is taking, or will take, in London, to insure the maintenance of order and thus permit a continuance of the supply of goods in the usual channels, so as to prevent unemployment arising in the retail trades?

I trust that, in view of the settlement reached last Friday, no special steps will now be necessary for the maintenance of order; but, if the necessity should arise, all the forces at the disposal of the Government will be employed to preserve peace and secure the observance of the law and the free working of the food supply of the people.

Are any of the Metropolitan police absent from London on duty at present, or is it intended to send any of them away?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if all the transport workers became passive resisters he has not got enough troops to supply food?

I do not think it necessary to answer either of these hypothetical questions.

asked how many members of the Metropolitan Police Force are at present employed outside the Metropolitan Police area?

The dockyard police and certain other officers are permanently employed outside the Metropolitan police district; but at present no members of the force are specially employed outside the district.

Is there any truth in the statement that members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are being brought over to Liverpool?

I have heard nothing of it.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary a question of which I have given him very brief notice, whether he can give us any information with reference to the course of events in Liverpool, and as to what has occurred?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman a question, of which I have given him private notice—

Questions should be put one at a time.

I have a question supplementary to that of my hon. Friend (Mr. T. P. O'Connor) on the same subject which I wish to ask, as I understand an. answer has been prepared on certain points. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order."]

The hon. Member wishes to ask a question on the same point as the hon. Member for the Scotland Division.

My question is whether the right hon. Gentleman has any information as to the state of Liverpool to-day, and whether he can in any way supplement the statement published this morning as to how and why rioting commenced yesterday, and whether, in view of the practically unanimous condemnation of the action of the police for having provoked the riot, he will have a special inquiry made, and accept evidence from others than members of the police force?

I think it would be convenient for me to give an answer to the question of which I have received private notice. Reports received this morning from Liverpool are to the effect that there is no improvement in the situation. The dockers have not returned to work, and the shipowners have declared a general lock-out from this afternoon. There is a good deal of rioting and disturbance, and though it proceeds mostly from the hooligan class, who began the riot last night, it is serious in character, and throughout the town attacks are being made on warehouses and factories, and even private houses. The police are being assailed in the performance of their ordinary duties. The responsibility for maintaining order rests with the local authorities, but in these circumstances it is, in the opinion of the Government, essential that the police should have effective military aid, and that all necessary measures should be taken to secure the restoration of public order and the observance of the law. Orders have been therefore given for the movement of further troops, which will raise the force in Liverpool to a complete brigade of Infantry and two regiments of Cavalry. It is believed that this force will be sufficient for all emergencies. With regard to the second part of the question of the hon. Member for Leicester (Mr. Ramsay Macdonald), I would say that disorder appears to have been begun by some hooligans, but there is, I fear, no reason to doubt that many of the strikers joined them. With regard to the third part of the question as to the conduct of the police, I would observe that at the present time, when the police have so many difficulties to contend with, they require all the support which the Government and the public can give them, and that nothing will be done which would even have the appearance of weakening their authority. No facts have yet been submitted to me that call for any inquiry, and in any event no inquiry will be ordered until there is a complete cessation of all disturbance. I take advantage of this opportunity to repeat an earnest warning to all law-abiding and peaceable citizens not to mix themselves up with crowds on any occasion when disorder is prevalent, as they may easily involve themselves in serious trouble. The proper course for all peaceably disposed persons, when any riot arises, is to go back quietly to their own homes, unless specially called upon to aid the civil power.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has received a telegram from an hon. Member of this House, dated 12.54 p.m. to-day, in which he states that all business of delivering goods is at a standstill owing to threats of strikers to injure persons and premises; and what steps he intends to take to restore order?

That is covered by my answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many police have been injured in this strike during the last two days?

No statistics on either side have yet been furnished to me.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the presence of the military in Liverpool has not already caused provocation and exasperation to the people in some respects?

I believe that to be altogether untrue. I believe that the presence of the military has averted even more serious trouble than there has been.

May I ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department are taking such steps as are within their power to restore good relations between employers and employés?

In response to an appeal by the Lord Mayor, we sent one of our officers (Mr. Cummings) to Liverpool, on Saturday, and he has been in consultation with the Lord Mayor of that City. I have not received his report, but the Board will be glad in this case as in others, to give their good offices as far as they are able.

Is it not a fact that nearly the whole of the newspaper correspondents who have described what occurred, testify to the fact that the demonstration yesterday was terminating peacefully when the police took action which provoked the conflict?

I cannot possibly attempt to judge the merits of the evidence either for or against the action of the police or of the strikers, or of the crowd in Liverpool. When order has been completely re-established, if there is a primâ facie case for investigation, that will be the time for that matter to be inquired into. At present, I can only say that I am confident that the authorities have taken the proper steps.

Will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that similar military precautions will be taken with regard to the disorder threatened by the Noble Lord, the Member for Oxford Univeristy (Lord Hugh Cecil).

I do not think they would need it.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Commission to inquire into the resources and trade development of the Empire has yet been appointed; and, if so, whether he can supply the names of its members?

The Royal Commission has not yet been appointed, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies is in correspondence with the Dominions' Governments as to its composition.

Has the reference to the Royal Commission been decided on? Will there be an opportunity for the House to consider it?

Obviously I cannot answer the last part of the question without consulting my right hon. Friend. The whole matter is still the subject of correspondence with the Dominion Governments.

Then I take it the reference has not yet been decided.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to put a premium upon the sale by a tenant for life of portions of a largo settled estate and so encourage the creation of small freeholds, he will consider the advisability of an. amendment of the Settled Land Acts on the lines of the Danish Land Law of 21st June, 1854, whereby the limited owner of certain classes of settled land is permitted on its sale, and notwithstanding the terms of the settlement, to retain from 8 to 12 per cent. of the proceeds of sale and apply the same for his own purposes?

This proposal would involve drastic interference with existing settlements enabling the tenant for life, who is a trustee for all parties entitled under the settlement, to retain for his own purposes 8 to 12 per cent. of the proceeds of sale. A proposal which certainly would not be welcomed by remaindermen or by incumbrancers. The suggestion does not commend itself to the Government.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman consider alternatively some method of modifying the existing Settled Lands Acts, so as to restrict the undue entailment under exist-conditions of agricultural land?

Yes, Sir.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the circumstances connected with the suspension of Pilot Charles M'Carron from duty for an indefinite period so far as certain classes of vessels are concerned; whether the pilot was suspended by the Londonderry Harbour Commissioners (acting as the local pilotage authority) without his being given an opportunity of being heard in his own defence; whether the Londonderry pilots are without representation upon the local pilotage authority; whether the chairman of that authority was also broker for the steamer which Pilot M'Carron was alleged to have put aground; and whether the Board of Trade will communicate with the Londonderry Harbour Commissioners regarding the matter?

My attention has been called to this matter by the United Kingdom Pilots' Association, and I am communicating with the Londonderry Harbour Commissioners in the matter. I will communicate further with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear this man's case in mind when he is framing his Pilotage Bill?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now able to state the purport and the result of his telegraphic communications with the Governor with regard to the trial, at the Nakuru High Court, of the Honourable Galbraith Cole for shooting and killing a native suspected of sheep-stealing?

I am unable to make any statement at the present moment, but my hon. Friend may rest assured that the matter is being carefully considered.

asked, in view of a statement made at the recent Imperial Conference that since 1907 the work of the Emigrants' Information Office has more than doubled, what amounts were voted for the cost of that office for the years 1905–6, 1906–7, 1907–8, 1908–9, 1909–10, and 1911–12; in what way the information supplied by the Emigrants' Information Office differs from that supplied by the official representatives of the overseas Dominions resident in this country; and whether the officer or officers of the Emigrants' Information Office, giving information other than by means of printed matter, give that information voluntarily or are acting under instructions from the Colonial Office?

The grant-in-aid of the Emigrants' Information Office was £1,500 in each of the first three years mentioned, and £l,700 in each of the last three years. The information supplied by the office is designed for the guidance and protection of British subjects contemplating emigration from the United Kingdom, and for this purpose the office relies not only upon the information which is liberally placed at its disposal by the Dominion Governments, but also upon the Press and reports of private correspondents in the Dominions, and upon visits paid by Members of the office to the Dominions. The office also supplies information about British Crown Colonies and Protectorates and certain foreign countries. It is part of the recognised duties of the office to give verbal information to inquirers at the office as well as by means of printed matter. The office is under the general supervision of the Secretary of State.

May information given verbally be considered as official information?

I do not know whether it should be considered official, but I am quite certain from my knowledge of the people who give it that it is reliable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention had been called to the view that buildings cannot increase in value apart from a rise in the cost of material and labour; and whether calculations, for the purpose of arriving at site value on an occasion for collection of Increment Duty, proceed on that footing?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the method of arriving at the site value on an occasion is that prescribed by Section 2 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and is fully explained in the Instruction to Valuers, dated 21st January, 1911.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that the instructions should instruct the valuers to proceed on the footing indicated in the question?

I should not like to answer that without notice. I really do not like to answer these highly technical questions without notice.

Will the right hon. Gentleman at the same time look into the information supplied to the Secretary to the Treasury by the valuation officials to the effect that a rise in site value may be caused by an improvement in the buildings put on the site. You are breaking the law all round?

asked how many valuations of the original site values of lands under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, have hitherto resulted in minus quantities; and what is the largest minus quantity yet arrived at?

I regret that it will not be possible to collect and compile the information asked for by the hon. Member before the date on which the House rises.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in the instructions to valuers dated the 21st January, 1911, it is intended to make any and, if so, what distinction between a calculation and a valuation; and whether he will assent to the substitution of the word valuation for calculation in such instructions?

The term calculation is used in the instructions to indicate what is in effect a process in a valuation, and it does not appear to me that any advantage would be gained by the substitution of the word "valuation" for "calculation" in those instructions.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be more appropriate to use the word "valuation" in dealing with the value of land than the word calculation?

The word valuation is used. Calculation is used as indicating a process in arriving at the valuation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state or give any sort of indication of the circumstances under which valuers ought, and under which they ought not, to consider themselves bound by the actual consideration in arriving at gross value and site value on an occasion for the collection of increment duty?

Generally speaking the valuers would consider themselves bound by the actual consideration, but they would clearly not be justified in so considering themselves in cases where the consideration obviously does not represent the market value.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate at all the circumstances under which the valuers ought to consider themselves bound and the conditions under which they ought not to consider themselves bound?

I do not think it would be possible to give that indication without notice. It is obviously a case in which full notice ought to be given, and it would be a very great mistake to give indications of that kind, because circumstances must vary.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that that is precisely the question?

It is not quite the question. At any rate, I still say it would be a great mistake to attempt to give an exhaustive interpretation of these cases, because there is such a variety of them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the question does not ask for an exhaustive interpretation, but any kind of indication?

I am replying not to the question itself but to the supplementary question.

asked whether the unit of valuation referred to in Clause 2 (b) of the Instructions to Valuers, dated 21st January, 1911, includes both land and buildings?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he realises that, under the joint operation of Section 2 (2) and Section 25 (2) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, whereby it is provided that in arriving at the original site value of land a deduction shall be made of the difference between its gross value and its value when divested of buildings, growing timber, fruit trees, and other things growing thereon, and that on the occasion upon which Increment Value Duty becomes payable the actual price paid shall be taken as the total value, and that the like deduction shall be made as in calculating the original site value, in all cases where the character of the land, and therefore the object for which it was valuable has changed, such like deduction will often prove to be a minus quantity, leaving no sum to be deducted under Section 25 (4) (a), and thus exaggerate the apparent increment by the amount originally deducted in connection with the farm buildings and other agricultural improvements, thereby resulting in a direct tax of 20 per cent. upon such improvements; and, if so, whether he will introduce a new Clause into the present Finance Bill in order to avoid possible injustice and the discouragement of agricultural enterprise?

The value of buildings, etc., is eliminated in arriving at both the original site value and the Bite value on the occasion of a sale. Accordingly, the Sections to which the hon. Member refers do not operate in the manner suggested, and I am not satisfied that amending legislation is called for.

As the matter is considered one of very great doubt amongst the surveyors, would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation from the Surveyors' Institution, as requested on 21st July last?

I shall be very happy to. I met them before and discussed these things with very good results.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they are still waiting for a reply to their letter?

I am very sorry. I shall be very glad to see that letters are written.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the market value of land for agricultural purposes under Section 7 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, is interpreted by the Treasury to mean the valuation of a holding as it stands subject only to the usual tenant's rates and taxes, or whether, alternatively, in estimating such value tithe, fee farm rents, copyhold dues, and other like outgoings, in no way affecting the agricultural value of such land are taken into account; and, if the latter is the case, whether he realises that land subject to such outgoings will become sooner liable to Increment Value Duty under Section 7, and to more Undeveloped Land Duty under Section 17, than land of exactly the same character and agricultural value which is not subject to such outgoings; and whether, if this is the true-interpretation of the existing law, he will amend the Act accordingly?

The interpretation of the Board of Inland Revenue is in accordance with the latter alternative put forward by the hon. Member, but it is not held that the adoption of that alternative will render land subject to outgoings sooner liable to Increment Value Duty or to more Undeveloped Land Duty than land not so subject.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that his interpretation of the expression "agricultural purposes" is likely to stand the test of judicial proceedings?

I could not possibly answer that. I shall do my very best to see that my interpretation is placed before the court.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India what principle guides the India Office in regard to telegraphic communication with India; and whether the Office declines to obtain information on an important matter desired by an honourable Member of this House which could be obtained by a telegram of a few words at a cost of a few shillings?

The urgency of any particular request for information is a matter which the Secretary of State must decide in every case as it arises.

Does not the Secretary of State consider that complaints made by members of the Civil Service are matters of urgency when they have reference to grievances of long standing?