asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will, without delay, publish a Report of the deputations that he has received with reference to the National Insurance Bill (Part II., Unemployment).

supplied the following list of principal associations which have sent deputations to the Board of Trade with reference to Part II. of the National Insurance Bill:—Shipbuilding Employers' Federation, Engineering Employers' Association, National Federation of Building Trade Employers of Great Britain and Ireland, Yorkshire Federation of Building Trade Employers, Institute of British Carriage Manufacturers, Railway Companies' Association, Dock Owners, Industrial Assurance Companies' Association, Distress Committees of England and Scotland, Federation of Engineering and Shipbuilding Trades, London Building Industries' Federation, Small Arms Employés' Union, Unions of Dock and Wharf Labourers, Stone Carvers' Association, United Kingdom Coachmakers, Social Democratic Party.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the position under the proposed Government Amendments for the grouping of small societies of a friendly society consisting of two or three hundred members, established in London, whose members are spread over more than half-a-dozen counties?

The society would be grouped with other London societies, but the interests of other county groups of societies are protected by the proviso to Sub-Clause 5 of the Government Amendment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether an approved society will be compelled to keep the books and accounts of its members in the approved section in the special form prescribed by the Insurance Commissioners, or whether it can keep them in such manner as may be considered by such society to be the best adapted to its own particular circumstances, provided a separate account is kept of all moneys received and paid on behalf of such section as is now done in respect of the separate funds that may be assured in accordance with Schedule 1, paragraph 10, of the Friendly Societies Act, 1896?

This is a matter which must be left to the discretion of the Insurance Commissioners. I have no doubt that they will have due regard to the convenience of the societies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a copy of resolutions passed by the Wexford and New Ross National Teachers' Associations, recommending a reform of the teachers' pension scheme, and offering suggestions for that purpose; and whether he is prepared to give the matter consideration?

I have received copies of the resolutions referred to. As I stated on 3rd July, in reply to a question of the hon. Member for Elgin Burghs, I will give the whole question of teachers' pensions my careful consideration as soon as the Insurance Bill has become law.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the fact that in the parish of Kilmurry M'Mahon, West Clare, only two estates remain unpurchased, namely, the Kilmore estate, the property of Mr. Hickman, and the town land of Carrownisky, the property of Lord Leconfield, that the tenants in these estates applied to the Congested Districts Board nearly two years ago, and that ejectment notices have been served on the Kilmore tenants, he can state when these estates will be dealt with in accordance with the last Land Act?

Neither of the estates referred to has been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board. The Board will again communicate with both the landlords mentioned.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, when there is an outstanding Board of Works charge, which was raised by the landlord some years ago for the drainage of his property in occupation of his tenants, existing at the time of the sale to them of their holdings under the Land Purchase Acts, 1903 or 1909, and when at the time of the sale no mention is made as to who will pay this charge, formerly paid by the tenants, and it is not stated in the purchase agreements, who is liable for it in future;. whether he is aware that Patrick Leahy, of Shannon View, Glin, was paying £7 for such loan since he came into possession of his farm in 1894 in additiion to his rent to the landlord, Knight of Glin; that at the time of signing the agreement to purchase no mention was made that he was to pay this charge after purchase; and that it was not mentioned in the purchase agreement; and whether, under these circumstances, he can say whether he is I liable for it?

I am not at present in a position to answer this question, as I am not aware of the nature of the charge referred to by the hon. Member. The matter will be inquired into by the Estates Commissioners when the estate is being dealt with in order of priority.

asked whether Miss Norah Kieran, of Leggah House, Navan, an evicted tenant, will be given an equivalent holding on the estate of Colonel FitzHenry Smythe, Newtown, Carlanstown, county Meath?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that Miss Norah Kieran's application will be considered in connection with the allotment of the untenanted land on the estate referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary whether Christopher Gogarty, an evicted tenant from the estate of Dominick More O'Farrell, situate at Oristown, county Meath, applied for reinstatement in his former holding; whether his claim was admitted; and, if not, will he state the reasons for its non-admission?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from Christopher Gogarty for reinstatement in a holding on the estate referred to formerly occupied by him, and now in the occupation of another tenant, and, after inquiry and consideration, decided to take no action in the matter. It is not the practice of the Commissioners to state the reasons which actuate them in the exercise of the discretion vested in them by statute.

asked when it is intended to reinstate James Shiels, Knockaughy; was his holding recently inspected, and who was the inspector; and have the owners notified their willingness to allow his reinstatement?

The Estates Commissioners have had the holding inspected, and the owners have expressed their willingness to sell on terms which are at present the subject of negotiations between them and the Commissioners. The Commissioners cannot reinstate Shiels until they acquire the lands, but they hope to be able to arrange for his reinstatement at an early date.

asked the Chief Secretary if he can state the number of Queen's Scholars in training during the years 1898–1900 who have suffered financially through the operation of the new rules of the Commissioners of National Education issued in 1900; whether the Irish Government, the Commissioners of National Education, and the Treasury are at present carefully considering the claims of these teachers; and whether he can state the number of cases submitted to him for consideration which are at present receiving the attention of the Commissioners of National Education?

The Commissioners of National Education are not aware that the teachers referred to have any justifiable cause of complaint on financial grounds under the operation of the Rules issued in or since 1900. No claims on behalf of this particular class of teachers have been recently submitted by me to the Commissioners.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Wexford Rural District Council had just completed a scheme for giving an additional half-acre to the agricultural labourer when the funds under the Labourers Acts became exhausted; and whether a claim by this council for funds to pay for the land out of the additional million voted for the purpose of carrying out the Labourers Acts will be recognised?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. So far as the Local Government Board are aware, the last additional allotment scheme of the Wexford Rural District Council prior to the exhaustion of the four-and-a-quarter millions was that formulated early in 1910, and on 23rd March, 1910, the Board sanctioned a loan of £3,450, out of the funds provided under the Labourers Act of 1906, to enable the council to carry their proposals into effect.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the undertaking given by the Government that the additional million granted for the purpose of carrying out the Labourers Acts will be applied solely for the purpose of providing house accommodation with gardens attached thereto practically nullifies the Labourers Act of 1896, which empowered rural councils to acquire additional allotments for tenants who desired more land; and, if so, will the Government give an additional grant for the acquisition of more land for allotment purposes?

The undertaking does not deprive rural district councils of the powers conferred by the Labourers Act of 1892 (not 1896), as it is open to them to have recourse to the open market for any money required to finance authorised schemes for the provision of additional allotments. The reply to the latter part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state the amounts expended year by year by the Department of Agriculture for Ireland since its formation?

The total amounts expended year by year by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland since its formation are as follows:—

1900–1	…	…	…	£113,831
1901–2	…	…	…	187,740
1902–3	…	…	…	277,966
1903–4	…	…	…	298,442
1904–5	…	…	…	394,290
1905–6	…	…	…	366,301
1906–7	…	…	…	361,784
1907–8	…	…	…	389,808
1908–9	…	…	…	417,199
1909–10	…	…	…	411,806
1910–11	…	…	…	417,007

asked whether further inquiry will be made into the case of Hannah Sullivan, of Barry's Lane, Boherboy, Limerick, an applicant for an old age pension, and whose application was passed by the pension committee of the Glentworth Ward, but was refused by the Local Government Board as she was unable to produce a certificate of her birth, but was able to produce a certificate of her marriage, which showed that the applicant was married over forty-nine years; and, seeing the difficulty that exists in Ireland in procuring birth certificates of seventy years ago, consideration will be given to this woman's case and the full pension granted?

Hannah Sullivan was married, as stated, forty-nine years ago, but the Local Government Board did not consider that this fact was sufficient evidence in itself to show that she had attained the statutory age. The Board having given their decision on 28th October, have discharged their duty in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether inquiry will be made into the case of Hanora Casey, old age pensioner, living in the Custom House Ward, Limerick, whose pension was stopped in consequence of being an inmate of the Limerick union hospital; whether he is aware that the pension committee of the ward, on investigating the circumstances of the case, allowed the pension to continue, and that the pension officer appealed to the Local Government Board, who disqualified the pensioner; and whether the Old Age Pensions Act disqualifies persons who have to go into union hospitals; and, if not, will this matter be cleared up so that misapprehensions, which constantly occur, may be put an end to?

Persons who are admitted to the workhouse hospital for actual medical or surgical treatment for some specific ailment, or who, on admission, claim to pay and do actually pay the full average cost of maintenance in the hospital are not disqualified for a pension. Hanora Casey, however, does not appear to be in either of these classes. She was admitted to the Limerick Workhouse in December last suffering from senile debility, and the evidence submitted did not show that she either needed or received any medical treatment, neither did she claim to pay and actually pay for the cost of her maintenance in the hospital.

asked whether the Local Government Board regulations prevent an applicant for an old age pension whose case has been disallowed from applying again for the pension when four months have not expired since the claim was disallowed, or where four months have not expired since the claim was last made?

A person may make a claim for an old age pension at any time. Under Article 9 (1)(a) of the Old Age Pensions Regulations, 1911, however, a pension officer is not bound to investigate a claim if a claim made by the claimant within the previous six months has been disallowed, and the officer is not satisfied that there is primâ facie reason to believe that the ground on which the former claim was disallowed no longer holds good.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a bonâ fide commission, as distinct from commissioned warrant rank, is confined to those who enter the Navy through Osborne under the new scheme initiated by the late Earl Cawdor and Lord Fisher?

There are large numbers of naval officers who receive commissions and who do not pass through Osborne and Dartmouth, namely, accountant officers, medical officers, chaplains, and naval instructors. Further, provision is made in the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions for promotion from chief warrant rank and warrant rank to lieutenant without possibility of further promotion; and for promotion to lieutenant of warrant officers and chief warrant officers of exemplary conduct who may distinguish themselves by acts of gallantry and daring in the Service. The latter are eligible for promotion to the higher ranks in the Service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Lord Fisher is in any way responsible for or is taking any part in the materialisation of his scheme for training stokers?

Lord Fisher has retired, and full responsibility for this and other matters of Naval policy is borne by the present Board of Admiralty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any improvement in the health of the boys in the Duke of York's School has taken place since it was transferred from Chelsea to Guston, near Dover?

The reply is in the affirmative. The epidemics which caused so much inconvenience at Chelsea have practically disappeared. The very marked improvement in the health of the boys will be seen from the following figures:—

—	Year ending July, 1910.	Year ending July, 1911.
Total admissions for sickness	418	294
Average number constantly sick	19.48	7.45
Average sick-time to each boy	14.13 days	5.41
Average duration of sickness in each case	17.03 days	9.25

asked the Under Secretary of State for India, from what revenues are the expenses of the military operations against the Abors being carried out beyond the external frontiers of His Majesty's Possessions in India by the Indian Army, having regard to the provisions of the 55th Section of the Act for the better government of India, 1858, which expressly provides that the revenues of India, except for preventing and repelling invasions of His Majesty's Indian Possessions, shall not, without the consent of both Houses of Parliament, be applicable to defray the expenses of any military operation carried out beyond the external frontiers of such Possessions by His Majesty's forces charged upon such revenues; and whether, having regard to the fact that such consent has not been obtained or asked for, the House of Commons will be informed, if the expenses of the Abor expedition are being charged on the Indian revenues, what is the explanation, if any, of a violation of the express provisions of the Indian Government Act, 1858?

The expenses of the operations against the Abors are being defrayed from the revenues of India. As the Abor country does not lie beyond the external frontiers of His Majesty's Indian Possessions, there has been no violation of the Act of 1858.

HORNE asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state the number of persons killed in prize fights and boxing encounters, or whose deaths were due to injuries so received, in the United Kingdom during the past five years?

Deaths caused by prize fights and boxing encounters are not separately classed in the Registrar-General's statistics, but are included with street fights, etc., under the general heading, "Fights, Wrestling, etc." The total deaths in England and Wales thus grouped were:—

In 1905	…	…	…	…	11
In 1906	…	…	…	…	9
In 1907	…	…	…	…	8
In 1908	…	…	…	…	10
In 1909	…	…	…	…	11

Probably very few of these were deaths at prize fights, as in London during the five years covered by the figures there was only one death in connection with a prize fight. Exact figures for Ireland cannot be given, but I am informed that probably not more than one or two deaths have occurred in that country during the past five years which could be attributed to prize fights or boxing matches.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Metropolitan Asylums Board have yet decided to cancel the new regulations altering the working hours of stokers at the Darenth Asylum and to return to the old conditions which provided an eight hours a day system?

I have been in further communication with the managers, and have received full particulars of the alterations recently made by them in the hours of duty and conditions of service of stokers in their employment. Their resolution of 1st July provided that stokers generally should "work in shifts of twelve hours, with complete cessation of work for twenty-four consecutive hours each week, or cessation of work for twelve consecutive hours one week and thirty-six consecutive hours the next, it being understood that the men take day and night duty alternately when required, and are allowed when on day duty two hours each day for their meals; and that their annual leave be ten, days." In view of some misunderstandings at Darenth Asylum, the managers have now made it clear that the complete cessation of work referred to in the resolution is to be in addition to the preceding period of twelve hours off duty. I am informed that the hours of duty of stokers at Darenth Asylum were formerly fifty-six and a-half hours per week of seven days, with no time off duty for meals, and seven days annual leave were allowed. The hours under the new arrangement will be seventy-two weekly, with twelve hours off for meals when on day duty, and there will be ten days annual leave.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that, of the postmasterships carrying salaries of £525 a year or over, about 64 per cent. are filled by the surveyors, ex-assistant surveyors, or officers from the London headquarters or clerical staffs (a body not representing nearly as many hundreds as the other body, from which only 36 per cent. of the appointments are made, and which represents thousands); will he also say whether postmasters and other provincial officers are eligible for appointment to assistant surveyorships or surveyorships if they have never formed part of the survey branch and, if not, will he explain why not?

Since 1st January, 1907, thirty-four appointments have been made to postmasterships, with salaries of £525 a year or more. Twelve of these appointments have been filled by members of the surveying or London headquarters staff, and twenty-two by other officers. The percentages are thus 35 and 65, or almost the reverse of those stated by the hon. Member. Postmasterships, however, are filled not on any principle of allotment by percentage between the classes of officers eligible, but by selection from the candidates in each case of that one whose appointment is considered by me to be most desirable in the public interest, in recent years, because the officers in ques-or other provincial officer might be regarded as eligible for appointment to a surveyorship or assistant-surveyorship, but such appointments have rarely been made in recent years, because the officers in question do not as a rule possess the requisite experience and qualifications.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that telegraphists in the Central Telegraph Office are reported if they do not dispose of a certain average number of messages per hour; whether confidential instructions have been issued to the men's immediate supervisors to this effect; whether in addition the head superintendents are specially directed to see that the assistant superintendents and overseers carry out these instructions; whether it has been officially stated that the average system is not a check upon individual working; and whether, in view of the fact that the staff are reported if they do not deal with a certain number of messages per hour, and are also reported if their work is not accurate in every respect, he will direct that this system of espionage and speeding-up shall cease?

The hon. Member's question appears to be based on a misapprehension. There is no system of averages for the work of individual telegraphists in the Central Telegraph Office or elsewhere. It is the duty of supervising officers in that office, as in all offices, to see that the work is properly done by the staff.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that there is a considerable distance between the letter-boxes in the important business part of the Seven Sisters Road, from Holloway Road to Finsbury Park railway bridge, he will consider whether he can afford additional facilities to the business community of the district by placing at least one extra letter-box in this portion of the road?

As there is no point in the portion of Seven Sisters Road referred to which is more than about 200 yards distant from a letter-box, I do not consider that the facilities provided are inadequate to the requirements of the locality, and I regret that I cannot increase them.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can now state if a monetary allowance will be granted to Post Office cleaners to compensate them for loss of uniform?

An allowance of 6d. a week will be made to the officers in question as compensation for the loss of uniform.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to delays in telegraph work in many parts of the country; whether representations have been made to him that these delays are due in large measure to systematic understaffing; and whether he has caused any, and what, inquiries to be made with reference to those representations, and with what result?

Full inquiry is made into all complaints of telegraphic delay and the circumstances are carefully investigated. I am informed that complaints are fewer now than they used to be; and, on the whole, the service is better, notwithstanding that from various causes there has been a great increase in the work during the current year. Where increase of force is necessary it is given, and it is a misapprehension to suppose that there is systematic understaffing.