asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the functions of the Ottoman Public Debt have been suspended in Tripoli by the Italian Government?

The Italian authorities have taken possession of the offices of the Ottoman Debt in Tripoli, and the Turkish officials have been removed. The Italian Government have, however, expressed their readiness to respect the rights of the bondholders, and to enter into negotiations for that object with the Council of the Ottoman Debt.

asked whether the oasis of Jaghbub is in Anglo-Egyptian or Tripolitan territory, or whether it is independent?

His Majesty's Government consider Jaghbub to be in Egyptian territory, and both the Porte and the Italian Government are aware of this view.

Is Jaghbub at present occupied?

I must ask for notice.

Do the Italian and Ottoman Governments accept the view taken by His Majesty's Government?

I am not sure that their acceptanace has been asked. We have made our statement, and intend to adhere to it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received from the British Consuls full un-censored reports of occurrences in Tripoli and Benghazi during the last three weeks; and, if not, whether he will take immediate steps to secure such reports?

The Consul-General at Tripoli has heard from newspaper correspondents some of the statements such as have appeared in the Press, but, as I informed the hon. Member on November 2nd, I cannot undertake to publish official information except when British subjects are concerned, and as a matter of fact the Consul-General was not present when the fighting took place, nor would it have been any part of his duty to be so.

asked when the British Government became aware of the agreement between France and Italy, giving Italy a free hand in Tripoli as a condition of Italy's friendly attitude towards French designs in Morocco; and whether the British Government acquiesced in this arrangement?

I can make no statements about agreements that may, or may not, exist between other Powers, to which we are not a party, and for which His Majesty's Government have no responsibility.

asked whether the Italian Government has communicated to the British Government a proclamation announcing the annexation of Tripoli to Italy; what effect such proclamation is interpreted by the Italian Government to have on the status of inhabitants of Tripoli who continue to resist the Italian troops; whether the British Government has recognised or assented to this proclamation; and whether the British Government will address to the Italian Government a remonstrance against any penal measures against the people of Tripoli based on this proclamation.

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. I cannot answer the second question. The answer to the third question is in the negative; and the answer to the last question is in the negative. To give any other answer would mean intervention in the war between Italy and Turkey.

Is it not the fact that the issue of such a proclamation involves the treating of all inhabitants who resist the troops of the Power that issued the proclamation as rebels, and their execution?

I cannot say what the interpretation of the Italian Government will be as to the effect of the proclamation. The proclamation has been communicated to us, and so also has a protest from the Turkish Government against it being communicated to us. This seems to be the sort of thing about which one can say nothing, and about which one must preserve one's rights whilst hostilities are proceeding.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman has any official information in confirmation of, or denying, the accusations of barbarism brought against the Italian troops in Tripoli by Lieutenant H. G. Montagu and other correspondents?

I am not in possession of any official information on this subject; and I would refer to the reply already given to the hon. Member for East Mayo on this subject to-day.

If, as he says, it is no part of the duty of the British Consul to furnish the right hon. Gentleman with information regarding the occurrences that have taken place in Tripoli, and if he refuses to take the evidence of newspaper correspondents, how then can the right hon. Gentleman make a protest against the violation of a Convention to which His Majesty's Government have been a party?

I have not accepted or refused anything in this matter. What I said was that it was no part of the duty of the Consul to be present where the fighting took place, but I did not say it was not part of his duty to give such information as came to him.

How then could the British Consul give evidence if he is not present?

Is he English or Maltese or what?

He is a British subject and a salaried Consular officer. Alvarez is his name.

What is the Consul at Benghazi—is he Maltese or English, or what is he?

At Benghazi he is a salaried officer, and his name is Jones.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a letter, October 1911, from Mr. Cardona, Acting-Lieu-tenant-Governor of Malta, to Mr. Zammit, dated 4th October, 1911, in which he acknowledges the receipt of the latter's letter of 29th September on the subject of the situation of the Maltese residents at Benghazi, and also to the allegation that the Government of Malta had taken no steps to protect its suffering subjects, of whom it appears that eight were killed and others wounded during the bombardment; and whether he can give any information as to what arrangements were made to protect Maltese subjects at Benghazi, and if these arrangements were not complete whose fault it was?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Rutland on 2nd November. Maltese interests at Benghazi are in the care of His Majesty's Consul. The eight Maltese killed during the bombardment of Benghazi were killed by falling masonry, and no precautions could have been taken by us to obviate this danger, incidental to the bombardment.

May I ask whether any representations have been made to the Government in Malta regarding the letter referred to?

I must ask the hon. Member for notice. He asks me about some communication to the Government of Malta.

I referred to the question of a letter.

I must ask for notice of communications with the Government of Malta.

asked whether, under the Naval Prize Bill, the International Prize Court will have power to decide whether, in the case of war between two nations, when we are neutrals, the belligerents can lawfully turn their merchant ships into commerce destroyers in any part of the world, and use them to the same extent and in the same way as their ordinary warships to capture or sink British merchant ships; and whether, if the International Prize Court so decides, we shall be bound by its ruling?

The question has been answered by the reply to the Noble Lord the gallant Member for Portsmouth yesterday.

asked whether, under the Naval Prize Bill, if the International Prize Court decides that merchant vessels turned into commerce destroyers can be lawfully used by a nation at war with us in the same way as its regular warships to capture or sink our ships or neutral ships, it will be impossible for our shipowners or the owners of neutral ships to get any recompense or redress for ships captured or sunk by these converted pirate vessels; and will this have the effect of preventing foodstuffs being imported and therefore of producing famine and starvation in Great Britain?

If Great Britain is at war, the legality of the capture or destruction of British merchant vessels cannot be come the subject of a decision by the International Prize Court at all. As regards the position of neutral owners, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to an inquiry by the Noble Lord the gallant Member for Portsmouth. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative so long as the British Navy retains command of the sea.

asked whether, under the Naval Prize Bill, in case we were at war with another nation, the International Prize Court can decide that our enemy has acted lawfully in turning his merchant ships into commerce destroyers, and in using them to the same extent and in the same way as his ordinary warships to capture or sink our merchant ships and neutral ships carrying foodstuffs to this country; and if the Court decides it to be lawful, should we be bound by this ruling?

Action taken by an enemy against British merchant vessels when we are at war cannot come before the International Prize Court at all in respect of the ship. The International Prize Court could, of course, give decisions as regards neutral vessels, if appeals were brought before it. Such decisions would not affect our action as belligerents in dealing with enemy's ships.

Are we to conclude that the Government is setting up an International Prize Court whose ruling they have no intention of obeying? Is not that very like the Preamble of the Veto Bill, which was for ornament and not for use?

I do not follow the comparison. The International Prize Court deals with questions arising between belligerents and neutrals. As I explained at comparative length the other day in Debate, we do not regard that as affecting our rights as belligerents dealing with belligerents. Questions between belligerents and neutrals are one thing, and questions between belligerents and belligerents are another. Questions between belligerents and neutrals come before the International Prize Court, but not questions between belligerents and belligerents.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make that plain to other nations, because nobody else understands it?

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet informed any of the foreign Powers that it is his intention to treat the decisions of the International Prize Court, in the manner suggested?

We have made public our statements with regard to what our view would be as to merchant vessels converted on the high seas into warships, if we were at war. We do not propose to make that action dependent on the consent of other nations at all.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the Dominion Premiers were urged not to oppose the Declaration of London in order to help to bring about the arbitration treaty with the United States, the right hon. Gentleman can now say whether the American Senate has refused to agree to allow all disputes, whether of honour or territory, to be settled by arbitration; and, if so, in view of the fact that nearly all our naval, military, shipping, and commercial authorities are strongly opposed to the Declaration, the Government will reconsider their decision to ratify it?

None of the several statements put forward by the hon. Member are facts. The answer to his inquiry is in the negative.

asked whether, if the Declaration of London is ratified, there is any port in Great Britain when we are at war to which any foodstuffs except nuts could be sent in neutral ships without any risk of these ships being captured or sunk by an enemy's warship or by their merchant ships which had been converted into commerce destroyers?

There will be such ports if the Declaration of London is ratified and its rules observed by belligerents and neutrals; it is impossible to say what the state of things may be without the Declaration of London.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say for certain that there will be any single port in this country that will not be considered as being in connection with the military and naval forces, and that, therefore, vessels conveying foodstuffs intended to go to the Army and Navy would be liable to capture?

I gave an instance before of what it would not be in accordance with the Declaration of London to declare a fortified base. At the present moment everything is uncertain, so far as treaties can do it; but, under the Declaration of London, there will be a certain amount of certitude introduced.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the German authorities have laid down that every port in Great Britain is in connection with the military and naval forces, and that, therefore, all ships coming to British ports will be liable to capture?

I shall be very much obliged if the hon. Gentleman will give me the information on which that statement is founded. It is quite new to me.

Is it clearly specified that the ports are to be fortified places? I am under the impression it is not?

The whole question was fully gone into in the Debate on the Declaration of London, and if the Noble Lord refers to the speeches made on behalf of the Government he will see what is their view as regards its interpretation.

asked the origin and cause of the riot that took place at Alexandria in Egypt on 31st October?

I have not yet received precise information as to the cause of the riot. That will reach me by dispatch, so far as it can be ascertained. The latest telegraphic information is that all is now quiet.

How long will it be before the dispatch will reach England? Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea—it is very important?

No, I cannot say when the next bag is due bringing the dispatch. But the matter is not very urgent, seeing that the riot is over and everything is now quiet. I would point out that there are things in the world which are much more urgent.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is now able to state the names of the British delegates to the forthcoming Opium Conference at The Hague?

The delegates already appointed to represent this country are: Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, Sir William Meyer, and Mr. W. Max-Müller. The appointment of a fourth delegate is under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of intimating the appointment of the head of the delegates at an early date, in view of the fact that the conference takes place in less than a month, and all the other delegates have already been appointed?

Certainly, I will give the information as soon as it is available. Of course, there are several departments concerned in this question, and I cannot give an absolute pledge without consulting other departments.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea about the time?

I must ask for notice.

asked whether His Majesty's Government can see its way to order the release of Mahmud, the Mahdist emir, taken prisoner at the battle of Atbara in 1898, seeing that he was a prisoner of war taken in open fight, and is now an old and broken man incapable of being any danger to the Empire?

As I have already stated, in reply to similar questions in previous years, the remaining Dervish prisoners are very well cared for, and appear to be well-satisfied. Their families are with them, they are well fed and housed, and not subject to any severe disciplinary regulations. The few that have not been released are considered by the inhabitants of the Soudan as responsible for the massacres perpetrated during the years immediately preceding the reconquest of the country. The feeling or resentment against them has not yet died out; and they would, if brought back to the Soudan, undoubtedly be exposed to danger.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had received information showing that officials in the employment of the Persian Treasury were recently arrested, flogged, and imprisoned by a superior force of Russian Cossacks, led by two Russian consular officers in full uniform, while the Persian officials were endeavouring to collect taxes from a Persian subject; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government, as signatory to the Anglo-Russian Convention safeguarding the independence of Persia, had addressed any remonstrance to the Russian Government on the subject?

I have not received any such information.

If I forward to the right hon. Gentleman a letter from Mr. Schuster will he inquire?

I am quite ready to receive any information the hon. Member has.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the Russian Consul at Astrabad in Persia is openly supporting the ex-Shah, and is distributing Russian flags amongst inhabitants of Astrabad suspected of disloyalty to the Government, for the purpose of hoisting on their houses as a sign of Russian protection; and whether he will make representations to the Russian Government on the subject?

I am aware that the Persian Government have made a general complaint of the action of the Russian Consul at Astrabad. I have heard nothing of the distribution of flags. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked whether the Russian Government have threatened the Persian Government with the military occupation of certain provinces; and, if so, can he state the circumstances in which this threat has been issued?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been drawn to the action of the Russian Government in threatening to occupy the province of Gilam and the district of Talesh if an immediate apology was not made by the Persian Government for an alleged insult to two Russian Consular officers during the seizure of Shun-es-Sultaneh's property; and whether the British Government will draw the attention of the Russian Government to the inconsistency of such action with the terms of the Anglo-Russian Agreement, in which England and Russia agreed to respect and maintain the integrity and independence of Persia?

There is no truth in the statement which has recently appeared in the Press that the Russian Government have threatened the Persian Government with the occupation of the provinces of Ghilan and Mazanderan.

Can the right hon. Gentleman approximately state the number of Russian troops now in Persian territory?

I cannot repeat it from memory, but I gave, I think, one day this week the actual figures.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will specify the dispatches or other communications with foreign Powers in which he has made it clear that this country will not agree to anything which is going to circumscribe our rights as belligerents in dealing with belligerents in regard to the arming of merchantmen on the high seas; and whether he will lay upon the Table of this House any documents relating to this matter which have not already been laid?

There has been no occasion to address any foreign Power on the subject, as the action that His Majesty's Government might take in such a contingency will not depend upon the consent of other Powers. All questions as to the treatment by a belligerent of enemy vessels are excluded from the jurisdiction of the proposed International Prize Court, with the exception of the special cases enumerated in Article 3 of the Prize Court Convention of 1907, which do not touch upon the point now raised.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that he has not made clear to the other Powers as yet, the mode in which we are going to treat decisions of the International Prize Court?

I have already said that the decisions of the International Prize Court will be of cases between belligerent and neutral. The case we should have to consider would be between belligerent and belligerent if we were at war with another Power. I am bound to reserve, as far as the present Government and future British Governments, full liberty to make whatever announcement they think fit, if they should happen to be at war, as to how they should treat merchant vessels converted on the high seas.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to address a dispatch to the Powers, the signatories to the Convention, to make that quite clear?

I think to announce in advance or tie the hands of this Government or tie the hands of any future Government with regard to the course they might think fit to adopt, if unfortunately we were at war with another Power, would be very unwise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he can say why the Estates Commissioners are not taking steps to get John Dorgan, of Graigbeg, in the county of Limerick, a farm in lieu of the one from which he was evicted some years ago; is he aware that Dorgan lived in a timber hut erected for him by the people for sixteen years after his evictions; and whether the Estates Commissioners will give this case immediate attention?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on this subject on 15th May last, to which I have nothing to add.

Seeing the period that has elapsed, what are the Commissioners doing in the meantime, and why do they not get this man a farm?

What I said on a former occasion was that the land is in possession of another tenant, and that this man's name had been noted for consideration in the allotment of lands.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly put his name forward to the Estates Commissioners and see that he gets the farm at once?

He cannot get that farm, because it is in possession of another tenant.

asked whether, in connection with the completion of the negotiations for the purchase of the Mahony estate at Dooks, the Congested Districts Board would make special inquiry into the claim of the representatives of the late Michael D. O'Sullivan for reinstatement in the holding from which he was evicted?

As I stated in my reply to the question of the hon. Member on the 1st March, 1910, the Estates Commissioners have carefully considered the application of this man's daughter, and have decided to take no action in the matter. The Congested Districts Board have not yet purchased the estate referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that David O'Neill, of Askeaton, in the county of Limerick, was granted an old age pension by the local pension committee after the Poor Law disqualification was removed on his producing statements from three respectable men in the locality, one of them over eighty years, that he was over seventy years; but as his family was traced in the Census returns, and he not being in it, the pension officer rejected his case; whether, as it was not possible for this man to get any further proof of age, the pension committee would be allowed discretionary power of giving the pension in this and similar cases?

David O'Neill's claim was disallowed by the Local Government Board on appeal, as the statements referred to were not sufficient in their opinion to show that he was seventy years old. The Board have no power to allow the pension committee a discretion in such cases.

What business then has the pensions committee there at all? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a growing feeling amongst the members of the pensions committee that they will not stand this any longer?

We must wait until that feeling grows a little more.

asked the Chief Secretary if he could say what evidence the Local Government Board required to allow an old age pension in a case like that of Mrs. Anne Madigan, of Foynes, in the county of Limerick, which they disallowed, but which the local pension committee allowed on her producing statements from a local justice of the peace who knew her for fifty years, together with the statements of other old respectable inhabitants in the district, that she was over seventy years, although her name was not on the Census returns; and whether, if these statements were made by statutory declaration, it would alter the decision of the Local Government Board?

The Local Government Board cannot state in general terms what evidence apart from direct documentary evidence is sufficient to show that a claimant has reached the age of seventy years. Each case is considered on its merits. There was nothing in the evidence submitted in connection with Anne Madigan's claim to show that she was seventy years old. The magistrate in question did not say that he knew claimant for fifty years, but merely that he had known her many years, and that her father had been in his family's employment some fifty years ago. This statement would not be any more effective if made in the form of a statutory declaration.

Does the statement of a magistrate count for nothing?

It counts for a good deal, but it does not count for enough.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mrs. Catherine Sheehy, of Foynes, was granted an old age pension by the Askeaton pension committee on her producing statements from four old and respectable residents in the locality, one of them being a justice of the peace for the county, that she was seventy years, but notwithstanding the Local Government Board, on the appeal of the pension officer, rejected her case on the ground of no evidence of age; and whether, as this old woman is clearly from her appearance considerably over seventy years, the Local Government Board will, before they reject such cases as this, make some inquiry into the ages of applicants?

It is the invariable practice of the Local Government Board before deciding a claim to communicate with claimants with a view to obtaining whatever evidence they can offer in support of their claims. In the case of Mrs. Sheehy the statements referred to were not submitted to the Board, the only evidence furnished being a statement by a clergyman that he believed the claimant to be over seventy years of age.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the inspection of the Colomb estate, near Caherciveen, was completed last March, and that the delay had caused loss to the tenants who had not signed purchase agreements; and whether steps would be taken by the Estates Commissioners or the Congested Districts Board to complete the sale before Christmas?

This estate was the subject of direct sale proceedings by the vendor to the tenants, but the Estates Commissioners, on consideration of their inspector's report, came to the conclusion that this was a "congested estate," and are now in communication with the Congested Districts Board with a view to the transfer of the sale proceedings to that Board.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that Charles O'Connell and Michael Sullivan, tenants on the estate of Mr. D. C. O'Connell, near Mastergeehy, were desirous of signing purchase agreements on the terms fixed by the Estates Commissioners; and whether the Congested Districts Board, which had bought the estate, would take the necessary steps to complete the sale?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that the estate referred to is about to be inspected and valued. In the meantime the Board cannot say how they will deal with the two tenants mentioned.

asked whether any progress had since been made by the Estates Commissioners towards the acquirement of the untenanted lands of Prospect, county Longford, or had the agent for R. H. Bond, J.P., Fairy Hall, Rathaven, been since communicated with by them?

No further progress appears to have been made in this matter.

asked when the tenants on the estate of the late Mr. Patrick Rhatigan, J. P., at Lisameen and Drumnacross, county Longford, would receive their vesting orders, having regard to the fact that there was no legal impediment of any kind in settling this estate?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that this estate is the subject of direct sale proceedings under the Land Purchase Acts. It has not yet been reached in order of priority, but when reached it will be dealt with as rapidly as possible.

Will it be reached this year or next year, or have we to wait another five years?

Not another five years.

asked how many Sections in the Irish Land Act, 9 Edw. 7, were definition Sections; how many applications for sales by tenants in cases governed by Section 20 of that Act had been received by the Estates Commissioners up to 1st November, 1911; and had any money been advanced in any case governed by Section 20, 9 Edw. 7?

The question contained in the first paragraph is a legal one upon which I do not feel called upon to express an opinion. The Estates Commissioners are not at present in a position to state how many applications for sales by tenants received by them are governed by Section 20. Their statistics do not distinguish the cases coming within that Section in which advances have been made.

If I repeat the question, when can the information be granted?

I do not know that I am called upon to express an opinion on the subject. It is a purely legal question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware of the discontent in West Clare owing to the reluctance of the Government to make the last Land Act operative in regard to the MacNamara and Leconfield estate in West Clare; whether all the difficulties that had been conjured up arose from the belief that the compulsory provisions had become a dead letter; and, if not, whether the Congested Districts Board would proceed without delay to deal with those estates employing, if necessary, their compulsory powers?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that they have received numerous applications on behalf of the tenants to purchase the estates referred to. Mr. MacNamara has informed the Board that he is not disposed to negotiate with them for a sale of his property. Lord Leconfield has not offered his estate to the Board. The question of taking compulsory proceedings for the purchase of these estates is engaging the attention of the Board, but the money available for compulsory purchase during the present financial year has been allocated.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any progress had recently been made in regard to the purchase of the Leconfield estate, in West Clare; whether his attention had been called to the fact that, unless the Congested Districts Board acquired without further delay the Kildeemo farm on this estate, there was a danger that the land might be so divided up and disposed of as to defeat the intentions of the last Land Act; and whether steps would be taken to deal with this matter so as to secure the claims of the congests immediately interested?

The farm referred to has not, up to the present, been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board.

Will it not be possible to put a certain amount of energy into the application of the last Land Act, so that it may be something of a vital reality?

A great deal of energy has been applied. What is wanted is a little more money.

asked the Chief Secretary what progress the Estates Commissioners were making with the sale of the Mahony estate at Mount Collins, county Limerick, which they had declared to be a congested estate; and whether, as some of the farms on it were to be remodelled and consolidated, he would see the necessity for completing the sale as soon as possible?

The Estates Commissioners are proceeding with the rearrangement of this estate as rapidly as possible.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners intended to send an inspector to interview the tenants on the O'Grady Delmege property at Glensharrold, county Limerick, with the view to getting information from them about the estate being a congested one; and, if so, could he say when the inspector would visit the locality?

The estate referred to has not yet reached its turn to be dealt with by the Estates Commissioners, and in the meantime I am not in a position to reply to the hon. Member's question.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will explain why the name of Peter Farrell, who was evicted from the lands of Kilnacarron, county Longford, in 1885, and compelled to emigrate in order to obtain a living for his family, was not included in the list of evicted tenants for whom it was desirable to procure an equivalent holding in county Longford; whether he is aware that this man, who had saved some money in America, came home three times to county Longford since the Evicted Tenants Act was passed, hoping for relief under that Act, and had to return again owing to the action of the inspector, who, without inquiring into the facts, recommended his removal from the list; who was the inspector who did so; and will his case be reconsidered?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that Peter Farrell's application was received in November, 1903, and his name was provisionally noted for consideration. On inquiry it was ascertained that he and his family were resident in America, and in good circumstances, and that his former holding was in the occupation of another tenant, in whom it had been vested under the Land Purchase Acts. Farrell cannot, therefore, be reinstated in his former holding, and the Commissioners are not prepared to provide him with another holding.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have received an application for reinstatement under the Evicted Tenants Acts for the family of the late Charles Hughes, Brannoxtown, Frim, county Meath, T. Carew, landlord; and, if so, can he state when the application is likely to be considered?

The Estates Commissioners received an application on behalf of Ellen Hughes for, reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by her father on this estate, but as the application was not received within the period limited by the Evicted Tenants Act. 1907, the Commissioners are unable to deal with the case under the provisions of that Act.

asked the Chief Secretary how many evicted tenants in county Fermanagh were noted by the Estates Commissioners for restoration to their old holdings or provision of new holdings; and how many of those so noted have been restored or had new holdings provided for them?

Seventy evicted tenants or their representatives have been reinstated in their former holdings or provided with new holdings in county Fermanagh. In addition the names of thirty applicants for reinstatement in holdings formerly occupied by them in that county are noted for consideration in the allotment of untenanted land acquired by the Estates Commissioners.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have communicated with Mr. T. Huggard, Denny Street, Tralee, receiver of the John P. Stack estate at Macknaugh, Lixnaw, North Kerry, with a view to purchasing the lands, comprising forty-three small and seven medium sized holdings, all in a congested condition; and whether he can say what is the present condition of the purchase negotiations?

The Congested Districts Board have communicated with Mr. Huggard stating that if the owner was willing to negotiate for a sale of the estate referred to the necessary maps and documents should be furnished, but up to the present these have not been received.

asked the Chief Secretary whether an inspection and an offer to purchase has been made by the Congested Districts Board to Mr. Eyre Stack for his tenanted and untenanted lands at Menvoo and Ballyconnery, North Kerry; and whether he can say what are the prospects of the immediate purchase of the land to relieve local distress and congestion?

The Congested Districts Board had an inspection made of the untenanted lands, and made an offer for purchase, which was refused. The Board are willing to purchase both the tenanted and untenanted lands in question, but Mr. Eyre Stack states that he is not empowered to sell the tenanted lands during his mother's lifetime.

Was not this man's estate before the Congested Districts Board four years ago, and is it not time that compulsory proceedings were taken to acquire it?

They will consider that.

They have considered it a long time.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the complaints made by the tenants on the Ormathwaite estate to the agent at the time of and before the purchase agreements were signed as to the continuous damage done to their land by flooding; whether he is aware that the agent expressed his willingness to leave the question to the Estates Commissioners; whether the lands have yet been inspected and reported on; and, if so, what fund or funds will be set aside as a fraction to the tenants before vesting orders are issued to them?

As the hon. Member has already been informed, the question of these lands being liable to floods will be considered when the estate is being dealt with in order of priority. The Estates Commissioners hope to have the lands inspected at an early date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that agreements to purchase this estate were signed five years ago, and nothing has been contributed to the upkeep of the farms by the landlord or the land agent?

I will communicate those facts to the Board.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the particulars required by the Congested Districts Board have been supplied by the Land Judge on the John Sands estate, in North Kerry; and, if so, whether an inspection and an offer to purchase has been made by the Board to the Land Judge, and, if so, with what result?

The particulars required by the Congested Districts Board for the purpose of a preliminary inspection of this estate have not so far been supplied to the Board. On receipt of the necessary documents the property will be inspected and a decision arrived at regarding purchase as soon as practicable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that three months ago the judge of the Court promised to supply particulars? Surely it is time it was done?

asked the Chief Secretary whether Colonel Rice, of Bushmount, Causeway, county Kerry, has yet replied to the communication of the Congested Districts Board asking him whether he is willing to sell to the Board; and, if not, whether the Congested Districts Board have taken any action with a view to the compulsory purchase of these congested holdings?

Colonel Rice has not yet replied to the communication asking him whether he desired to negotiate for a sale of the property through the Congested Districts Board. The Board do not at present propose to take any action with a view to the compulsory purchase of the estate, as the money available for compulsory purchases during the present financial year has already been allocated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when the landlord, eighteen months ago, was approached by the Congested Districts Board he treated it with contempt?

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that, owing to complaints as to the condition of Liscannor Harbour, the Irish Board of Works undertook alterations and improvements which, amongst other things, involved dredging and deepening by a patent rock-boring apparatus; that a dredger with the apparatus affixed was a few months ago sent to the harbour, and that it accomplished considerable dredging and some boring, when it broke down; that for some weeks the dredger, crew, and staff were at Liscannor doing nothing, waiting for renewal parts which never came, the wages and expenses of the crew going on, until all the money voted for the purpose was exhausted, when the dredger was taken away and the staff recalled, leaving the harbour in an incomplete state and in a much worse condition than before the work was undertaken; and would he say what action was to be taken in the matter?

Works of improvement have been carried out at Liscannor Harbour, including, among other things, dredging out of silt and cutting away of rock. The hon. Member is correct in stating that owing to the exhaustion of the funds allotted for this purpose less rockcutting was carried out than originally intended, and that the rockcutting machinery broke down several times in consequence of the peculiar character of the Liscannor stone. The crew of the dredger were not idle while the machinery was out of action, as they were employed on other works of improvement in the harbour, and during this time a reduced charge was made, including nothing for the hire of the dredger.

Does it occur to the right hon. Gentleman that this method of dealing with public works savours less of a responsible Government than of comic opera?

asked the Chief Secretary whether it was as a result of the manner in which the works at Liscannor Harbour were carried out that a steamer belonging to a large firm of quarry owners who constantly use the harbour was seriously damaged whilst lying in the harbour, and a claim for heavy damages for repairs made against the Irish Board of Works and the Clare County Council; and whether, in consequence of this claim, officials of the Board of Works had since visited the harbour and caused a notice to be posted that it is unsafe, and that any vessels using the harbour do so at their own risk?

A claim has been made as stated in the question, and the matter is now sub judice. The notice referred to has been posted by the Board of Works.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the effect of the notice posted at Liscannor Harbour declaring it unsafe had been to render it impossible to secure any vessels for the trade of the port, and that the firm of quarry owners employing several hundred workmen in the quarries of the neighbourhood had been obliged to reduce their men to half time, owing to the accumulation of stocks of stone, which could not be shipped, notwithstanding that they had orders and contracts in hand requiring urgent deliveries of the stone, for which, in consequence of these happenings, it was impossible for them to obtain vessels; and whether he could state what the Government proposed to do to render the harbour safe and put it in an efficient condition to enable the trade of the port to be carried on and prevent a complete stoppage of the quarries, and hence of the bulk of the industry of the locality?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. I am informed that a vessel belonging to the firm of quarry owners referred to entered the harbour on 27th October, loaded a cargo and cleared. As I have already informed the hon. Member the question of further improvements is now under the consideration of the Irish Government.

asked the Chief Secretary what are the recommendations of the Commissioners of National Education with regard to the revision of standard numbers, and the estimated cost to the Treasury if such recommendations were agreed to; would the additional expenditure be covered by the saving effected under the head of salaries for teachers in the year 1911–12; and whether, pending an agreement between the Commissioners and the Treasury on the broad question of the revision of the present limits, he would recommend that the teachers who had been promoted should be paid the increase of salary to which they were entitled?

The Commissioners of National Education have recommended that the total number of teachers who may be paid salary in the first division of the first grade be increased by 200, and the number in the second division of the first grade by 350, the numbers in the second grade being at the same time reduced by 800. It is estimated that the increased charge might ultimately reach a total of about £18,000 per annum. It is not possible at present to state whether a saving will be effected on the estimated expenditure for salaries of teachers for the financial year 1911–12. As I have already stated I am prepared to recommend to the Treasury an expansion of the standard numbers to meet the case of the forty-seven teachers who have been promoted without a corresponding increase of salary, provided that no further promotions are made save on the occurrence of vacancies, but the Commissioners have declined this offer.

asked the Chief Secretary why the principal teacher of the national school (Roll No. 10,499, Ireland), who was promoted to a higher grade for satisfactory service on 1st April, 1910, has not yet received his grade salary, although Rule 105 (a) of the Commissioners states that teachers promoted from a lower to a higher grade receive on promotion the salary fixed for the grade to which they are promoted; and is it the intention of the Government to allow the Commissioners to pay to the teacher the arrears due to him, which up to 30th September amounted to £18, or is he to be deprived of his just earnings?

This teacher was promoted to the first grade from 1st April, 1910, but cannot at present receive the salary of this grade owing to the limiting numbers in the grade.

Is there no case for inquiry?

Well, this question has been under discussion again and again in the House. The number of persons who are entitled to receive this salary are more than the number of persons who under Treasury Regulations can obtain it. Until there are vacancies these persons must stand out of the increment; till when I cannot say.

asked the Prime Minister, have His Majesty's Government considered Article 23 (h) of the Regulations embodied in The Hague Convention (No. 4) concerning the laws and customs of war on land, which particularly forbids a belligerent to declare extinguished, suspended, or unenforceable in a court of law the rights and rights of action of the nationals of the adverse party; and, inasmuch as this Convention was signed and ratified as on behalf of Great Britain in 1907 without being submitted to Parliament, does it abrogate the principle of British law that during a war all dealings with the enemy are prohibited and all rights of action on contracts made previously to the war suspended; and do His Majesty's Government hold that such an abrogation of British law can be effected by the action of the Executive alone without the passing of an Act of Parliament, or do His Majesty's Government propose to introduce a Bill giving sanction to such a change in the law?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. With regard to the third question, His Majesty's Government have no present intention of taking any steps to abrogate the rule of the English Common Law referred to, and have not therefore considered the means by which such abrogation would be effected.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the fines of 10s. 6d. and £5 respectively inflicted by a court of summary jurisdiction on William Hastings, of Ballinasloe, had yet been recovered from the defendant; whether any steps had been recently taken by the constabulary to enforce the warrants placed in their hands for execution six months ago; and, if not, what explanation he had to offer of this failure to vindicate the law in this particular case?

Both of these fines have been recovered from Mr. Hastings.

asked the Chief Secretary what steps had been taken, or were intended to be taken, by the Law Officers of the Crown against William Hastings, Ballinasloe, for a gross and offensive libel upon the Master of the Rolls in Ireland in his paper called the "Western News," in the month of March or April, 1911; whether he was aware that the judge felt so outraged by the attack made upon his Court that he declined to entertain a motion for attachment, but directed that the papers in the case be sent to the Law Officers of the Crown in Ireland; whether this was done; and what action the Law Officers of the Crown proposed to take in the matter?

The Master of the Rolls in Ireland directed that certain issues of a newspaper called the "Western News," and published by William Hastings, should be submitted to the Attorney-General that he might deal with the same as he thought fit. The Attorney-General has given his best consideration to the publications referred to and is of opinion that, while they contain very disrespectful criticism of the learned judge, it is not clear that they are criminal libels which would justify him in instituting a prosecution.

asked the Prime Minister whether the University of London Commission, appointed in February, 1909, had referred to it the question of the incorporation of the Imperial College of Science and Technology with the university; whether applications to the Treasury made on behalf of the University of London for an increased Treasury Grant have been refused pending the Report of the Royal Commission; and whether recently an increased Treasury Grant has been promised under certain conditions to the Imperial College of Science and Technology?

The Royal Commission was appointed to make recommendations (among other things) as to the relations which should subsist between the University of London and the Imperial College of Science and Technology. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative; but an increase has also been promised in the grants available for University College and King's College, for which the London University is financially responsible.

May I ask how soon the Report is likely to be published?

I have no information.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, owing to a new regulation of the Local Government Board for Ireland, all Irish Poor Law officers are debarred from ever being promoted to the position of Local Government auditor; whether such a rule or regulation is foreign to the regulations of other public departments in Ireland; whether he will give a Return of the names of the gentlemen appointed as Local Government auditors within the past three years, their positions in life previously, and whether, if barristers, they ever acted as barristers in any court of justice; whether there is any new rule in existence in the Local Government Board for the guidance of auditors different from rules issued three years ago; and whether any of the newly appointed auditors have received instructions for the purpose of manufacturing surcharges on the local bodies in Ireland?

The answer to the first paragraph of the question is in the negative. I am quite prepared to give the Return asked for if the hon. Member will move for it. It is not the practice of the Local Government Board to issue rules for the guidance of auditors in the discharge of their judicial duties. There are no grounds for the suggestion contained in the last paragraph of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will grant the Return of Local Government Triennial Election Expenses for 1905, 1908, and 1911, appearing on the Paper in the name of the hon. Member for North Longford?

A Return of Expenses in connection with the elections of 1908 was presented to Parliament on 2nd June last. Having regard to the long period which has elapsed, it would not be possible to say whether a similar Return for 1905 could be given without first communicating with all the local authorities in Ireland. As regards the expenses of the elections in 1911, some of the payments have not yet been made, and consequently it would not be possible to furnish a complete Return for this year.

I gather from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that he has no objection to the Return being made, if possible?

Oh, no. We shall have to wait a bit for the 1911 figures, but for 1905 I am afraid it will cost more than the inquiry is worth.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the effect of the provisions of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, compelling all occupying tenants of £4 valuation and under to pay rates on the ratepayers of the urban districts in Ireland has been brought to his notice; whether he is aware that in all or nearly all these cases these tenants are living in unsanitary slum dwellings in a state of chronic poverty and find it more difficult often to obtain a living than even to pay rates; whether as a matter of fact many of these poor people are in receipt of outdoor relief; whether it is the custom and the practice once a year to wipe off all such uncollectable rates as irrecoverable arrears, whereupon the amounts are reassessed and the ratepayers who bear the burden of municipal expenditure find these amounts relevied on them; whether he is aware that most of these tenements are owned by middle and ground landlords who before the passage of the Local Government Act, 1898, paid these rates and recouped themselves in many cases by an increase in rents which have never been reduced in respect of the saving of rates to such landlords under this Act; and if, considering all these facts and the number of these people annually disfranchised by this section, he will introduce a short amending Local Government Act to make the owners or immediate lessors of such properties responsible for the rates and pay the same?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Mid-Cork on 16th February last. In the case of rates put forward as uncollectable the circumstances of each person are separately considered. The results of the rate collection generally in Ireland do not bear out the statements in the question regarding the liability to collect rates. Provision is made in the Local Government Act of 1898 (Section 54) for the adjustment of rent in consequence of the transfer of liability for payment of the rate. As I have already stated, I am not prepared to recommend any amendment of the Act in the direction indicated by the hon. Member.

asked the Chief Secretary when the Return of Arrests for Drunkenness in Ireland, ordered on 7th August last, will be presented?

The Return referred to was presented on 30th October. (No. 307.)

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that on 20th October a man in the employment of Mr. Richard Kingston, a Protestant farmer who is boycotted, was maltreated by two men in the vicinity of Crookstown and forcibly prevented from proceeding along the highway to the railway station, whither he had been sent to cart some goods to his employer's farm; and whether any proceedings have been taken against the men concerned in this outrage?

On a point of Order, Sir. I submit to you that a question should be the means, not of conveying information, but of asking for it. This question says: "A Protestant farmer who is boycotted." I respectfully submit that that should not have been allowed to appear on the Paper; it is a matter of controversy. The hon. Gentleman is entitled to ask "Is he a Protestant farmer?" and "Is he boycotted?" but not to put in a question a statement of fact that is open to controversy?

Also on a point of Order. May I say that Mr. Kingston is a Protestant, and is being boycotted?

I have no doubt the better form would have been to have asked whether the man was a Protestant and whether he was boycotted; and the answer of the Chief Secretary would probably have been that he did not know.

Then the more reason for the hon. Gentleman not being allowed to state it.

I may say I propose to deal with the question by omitting the portions referred to. I am informed by the police authorities that a man employed by Mr. Kingston was stopped on his way to the railway station with a horse and trap on the 20th October by two men. He was not allowed to proceed, but no blows were struck. No proceedings have been taken against the men, who are as yet unidentified, but the police are making inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Mr. Kingston referred to in the question has been recently engaged in caluminating his Catholic fellow countrymen on English platforms?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether in the case of the British subject recently found by the sessions judge of Poonah to have been tortured to death by a sub-inspector of police, any compensation was made to the family of the victim; and whether, in any of the cases where innocent men have been found to have been tortured to death by policemen, any compensation has been given to the families of the deceased?

No compensation has as yet been paid to the family in this case, but the Government of India have the question under consideration. Under certain conditions the courts can award compensation to persons injured by the commission of an offence, and, when compensation is not awarded by the court, it can be given by a local government. The latter power was exercised in a similar case last year, and the attention of all local governments is being called to the subject.

Why could not the compensation have been given immediately, when it was shown that the man had been tortured to death by the Indian police?

The immediate grant of compensation is in the discretion of the Court. In this particular instance the Court did not see fit to recommend compensation until further consideration. Action by the local government has not yet taken place: it is under consideration.

asked whether, seeing that the Indian Penal Code provides that the crime of murder is committed by anyone who causes the death of another by intentionally inflicting upon him without lawful excuse such bodily injury as is either likely to cause death, or as is sufficient in the ordinary course of nature to cause death, that the medical evidence in the recent Poonah torture case showed that the man tortured to death was a strong, healthy man, but was so severely beaten by the police that several of his ribs were broken, and that he was ultimately suffocated to death, he can state upon whose advice it was decided that under such circumstances no charge of murder should be brought against the police?

The charge against the prisoner was framed in accordance with usual practice by the committing magistrate, who would be guided by the evidence before him in deciding the issues on which the accused should be tried. I may add that the sessions judge may, if he thinks proper, alter the charge during the hearing of the case. Further, I would observe that the hon. Member's allegations as to the evidence and his whole description of the case are not accurate. The medical evidence was slender and conflicting, and it does not seem to be the case that any ribs were broken, and the deceased was not suffocated to death while in the hands of the police.

Is there any reasonable doubt that the man died as the result of torture by the police?

I have only seen the judgment in the case; the evidence has not yet come before me. The hon. Member sets out in his question certain allegations of fact which are not, at all events, borne out by the information which reached me.

Is it not possible for the Indian Government to put an end once and for all to the employment of torture for the extraction of evidence?

The hon. Member must be aware the Government of India is doing its best to put an end to torture, and, as they have not yet succeeded, it shows it is not possible once and for all to stop it.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the reorganisation scheme for the Government of India Political Department was published in the "Gazette" of India, dated 2nd September, 1911, he will cause effect to be given to the suggestion contained in the Secretary of State's Dispatch No. 15, dated 4th March, 1910, that officers of the Bombay Political Department below the rank of second grade political agents shall receive substantially the same terms as may be fixed for corresponding grades in the Political Department of the Government of India; and, with further reference to that same dispatch, can he say why political agents, first and second grade, under the Bombay Government should be excluded from the benefits resulting from the scheme for the Government of India Department, these appointments being admittedly similar in all respects?

The Secretary of State's dispatch, to which the hon. Member refers, is not a public document, but one which conveys in a confidential form his instructions relative to reorganisation. The Secretary of State is not aware how the hon. and gallant Member is in a position to quote from it. He must refuse to discuss the terms of a dispatch the publication of which, or any part of which, except with his sanction and as an official paper, is a breach of official decorum.

asked how many sailors, other than Europeans, are employed on the steamers of the Peninsular and Oriental Company; and what are the ratings and scale of pay granted to each?

The Secretary of State has no information on this subject. The company referred to is a private company, with the management of which his Department has nothing to do; perhaps my hon. Friend will address his question to the manager of the company.

asked the Under-Secretary whether he has any information which he can communicate to the House concerning the outbreak of cholera in the Army in India?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on my behalf by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 7th inst., to the hon. and gallant Member for North Down.

asked what steps have been taken to carry into effect the resolution unanimously adopted by the Imperial Conference for the appointment of a Commission representative of the United Kingdom and the Dominions on the resources of the Empire; what appointments, if any, have been made; and what are the terms of reference to the Commission.

I am unable to add to previous statements on this subject, but it is receiving the careful consideration of the authorities concerned by it.

asked what was the area in square miles of the concessions to collect rubber and other forests products granted by Chief Kwesi, of Awichiley, in the Axim district of the Gold Coast to the Cort Development Syndicate of London and recognised by the Gold Coast Government under Certificate of Validity No. 249; whether the rights conferred upon the concessionaire preclude the natives of the district in question from trading freely in the natural products of the soil, as they have been in the habit of doing from time immemorial; and, in that event, whether His Majesty's Government will take into consideration the advisability of putting an end to the granting to European syndicates in the Gold Coast of such monopolistic rights in the natural produce of the soil as fetter the economic development of the native communities and are directly opposed to the policy of His Majesty's Government in the other West African Dependencies of Great Britain?

I am unable to state the area of the concession in question, except that, under the law by which the concession is granted, it cannot exceed twenty square miles. The customary rights of the natives as regards shifting cultivation, the collection of firewood, hunting and snaring game are reserved, and, while the grant of the concession must necessarily interfere with the indiscriminate collection of rubber by the natives, there is no prima facie reason, having regard to the large area of the Gold Coast and the small population, to suppose that the chief acted unwisely in making the grant or the Supreme Court in confirming it. An officer of experience in land questions is, however, proceeding shortly to the Colony to inquire into the whole subject of these concessions, and particularly whether any further safeguards for native rights are required. On the receipt of his report I shall consider whether any alteration in the law or practice in the matter is necessary.

Would my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of publishing it?

I will consider that if my hon. Friend gives me notice.

asked whether the proposed Ordinance for the regulation of clubs and organisations in Hong Kong is being viewed with apprehension by the leaders of the working classes there as being likely to be used for the suppression of bonâ fide trade unions organisations; and whether, before the Ordinance receives confirmation, especial care will be taken to safeguard the rights of the workers in this connection?

I have not yet seen the proposed Ordinance. I will give careful consideration to the point raised by the hon. Gentleman when the matter comes before me.

asked the Postmaster-General can he state why the mails, which arrived at Kenmare by the 1 p.m. train on Monday, 30th October, were not dispatched to Sneem until the following day, whereby a delay of nearly twenty-four hours was caused; and can he state why the postal authorities did not dispatch a special car with the mails on the arrival of the train at Kenmare?

Owing to floods the mails did not arrive at the Kenmare Post Office until 1.20 p.m. on the date in question. They could not in any case have reached Sneem until some time after the dispatch at 3.40 p.m. of the night mail from that office; and, as the next general delivery would not take place until the following morning, the circumstances were not considered to be such as to justify the use of a special car.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that certain London telegraphists who were required to perform special services in connection with the Naval Review in June last, have not yet been repaid money expended by them in connection with those duties; and whether he will state when the sums claimed will be repaid?

The telegraphists in question declined to accept the allowances authorised for the duty pending the result of an appeal which they addressed to me for a higher allowance. The decision of that appeal was delayed because the general question of the proper rates in such cases was under consideration. I have now, however, given instructions for the higher allowance to be paid.

asked what were the findings of the recent inquiry at the Cork General Post Office?

I assume that the hon. Member's question relates to the recent complaints about the delay of press telegrams sent to Cork. The inquiry which I have instituted on this subject has satisfied me that the work is done well at that office. Delays in transmission have been due to pressure of business on other parts of the telegraph system.

asked the reasons that led to the reducing of the local assistant superintendent, Cork City district, Moymahan, to the lower grade of sorting clerk, and transferring him to Dublin at his own expense; what were the specific charges preferred against the officer and on which he was found guilty; and whether one of such charges was or was not that, at the Cork Parliamentary by-election of 1910, he opened and handed over to be read out at a Nationalist meeting a Unionist circular of importance before delivering the same to addressee on envelope?

The officer to whom the hon. Member refers was reduced in rank because I was satisfied from the evidence taken at a special inquiry that he was unfit to be retained in a position of control. The charge mentioned in the latter part of the hon. Member's question was put forward, but it was not necessary to pursue it, and it had nothing to do with the disciplinary action taken.

May I ask why it was decided to hold the inquiry?

It was alleged there had been a leakage from the Post Office through a Post Office official, so it was necessary to inquire into the matter.

Was the right hon. Gentleman satisfied there was no truth in the charge made?