asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether any persons have been arrested in Egypt for endeavouring to join the Turkish forces in Tripoli; and, if so, will he state whether these persons were Ottoman or Egyptian subjects?

No arrests have been made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any account of the bombardment of Akaba, on the Egypto-Turk frontier; and whether the property of Egyptians or British subjects has suffered damage?

I have been informed that the bombardment took place, but have received no details. Lord Kitchener will report on this subject when local inquiries have been completed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had any information as to whether the railways between Shanghai and Nanking, and Kowloon and Canton, were still running their usual service of trains?

I believe that trains are running between Shanghai and Nanking, and between Canton and Kowloon, but I cannot say whether the usual number are running.

asked whether His Majesty's Government are in correspondence with the Government of the United States as to the possibility of jointly supporting in any way Mr. Morgan Shuster?

The answer is in the negative.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the notice in the Press this morning as to an ultimatum and indemnity being demanded from Persia, and, under these circumstances, will he support the United States if they take any action?

I propose to make a somewhat long statement to the House—if the House will allow me—in reply to a question by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Stirling Burghs (Mr. Ponsonby). Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will wait till then?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he had seen a manifesto of Manchester merchants, engaged or directly interested in trade with Persia, addressed to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, alleging that the persistent hostility of Russia to the Persian Government is having a bad effect on the interests of Lancashire trade; and having regard to the readiness of the British Government to defend British trading interests all over the world, whether he would insist on both the terms and the spirit of the Anglo-Russian Convention being loyally carried out?

I have seen the manifesto to which the hon. Member refers. The anarchical condition of the southern provinces, which is the cause of the decline of British trade, is not due to any recent action taken by the Russian Government. As the formation of an efficient Persian gendarmerie must necessarily take some months to accomplish, His Majesty's Government decided, as the hon. Member is aware, to strengthen the Consular guards in southern Persia. Assurances have been received from the Russian Government that they intend to act in accordance with the terms of the Anglo-Russian Convention.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received information showing that the Russian Government have demanded the dismissal of Mr. Morgan Shuster from the service of the Persian Government; whether the Persian Government have refused to comply with that demand; and whether His Majesty's Government will give their support to the Persian Government in this matter?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have not heard that the Persian Government have as yet returned any answer to the Russian demand. The reply to the last part is in the negative.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the Persian Government have yielded to the two demands of the Russian Government, any fresh demands have been formulated by the Russian Government to justify the retention of their troops in Persia?

I would ask leave of the House to give a rather more extended answer than perhaps would be justified by the actual question on the Paper. I would ask, too, that my answer should also include a reply to a question of which I have received private notice.

The Russian Government have made fresh demands. It will be clear to the House that, though we are not directly concerned in the incidents that have precipitated a crisis between Russia and Persia, the effects, direct or indirect, of the action that Russia may feel herself obliged to take may be very serious in Persia. We are in communication with the Russian Government on this point, and have received assurances as to the temporary and provisional character of the steps that are being taken. As to the causes that have brought about the present situation: I have no reflection to make upon the energy and good intentions of Mr. Shuster; but his persistence in appointing British subjects to administrative posts in the north of Persia has made things impossible. We, of course, could not support it, and he has rejected any advice on the subject. The appointment of foreign subjects will always be regarded as a possible means of introducing foreign influence, and if continued without consultation with British or Russian Governments will always be liable to give rise to interference or political trouble, that will be prejudicial to the independence of Persia.

The present crisis makes it urgent to find some solution at Teheran that will avert the risk of the recurrence of incidents calculated to disturb the basis of the Anglo-Russian Agreement. It being the earnest desire of both Governments to prevent that Agreement from being impaired, I do not doubt that a solution will be found. How it can best be secured in consultation with the Russian Government is occupying the serious attention of His Majesty's Government; and I cannot make a more definite statement, though we have already been in communication with the Russian Government, and shall continue to do all in our power to promote a settlement that is in the best interests of all the three countries concerned.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the statement in today's "Times" is correct that the Russian Government have used the name of the British Government in delivering this ultimatum, and whether that action, if it has been taken, has been taken with the consent of His Majesty's Government?

I would ask the hon. Member to give me notice of that question. He will see from the answer I have already given we have expressed the opinion that the action of Mr. Shuster has made things impossible, and there ought to be consultation between the British and Russian Government before foreign subjects are appointed to the Persian Government. We certainly have expressed that opinion. How far that information has been used by the Russian Government in anything stated at Teheran I cannot say.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any communication from His Majesty's Minister at Teheran saying whether Mr. Shuster has himself been responsible for the distribution of pamphlets which the Russian Government object to?

I must ask for notice of that question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the terms of the ultimatum included a demand for the payment of an indemnity for the payment of the Russian troops kept in Persia?

I must ask the hon. Member to give me notice.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he had any communication from the American Government upon this point?

No, Sir, I have had no communication whatever from the American Government.

May we understand that the occupation of Persia by Russian troops is purely temporary and provisional?

I have already said that we have received assurances that that will be so. The answer I have already given makes it plain to the House that the situation which has arisen is one that demands serious attention on the part of both Governments, with regard to its ultimate possible consequences.

asked how many Russian troops have now entered Persian territory; and to which districts have they been sent?

The number of Russian troops sent to Persia in connection with the recent demands is as follows: At Resht, 1,220; at Enzeli, 800.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can lay upon the Table all the dispatches issued from, and received at, the Foreign Office during last July relative to the Morocco question?

It is not proposed to take any decision as to laying any papers about Morocco while the discussions in the French and German Parliaments are proceeding, or till the French and German Governments have decided to publish papers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a map published in London on 20th July last, purporting to show the regions in the Congo basin demanded by Germany from France in the course of the Morocco conversations; and whether the Foreign Office furnished to the publisher or any other person the information on which this map was drawn?

I saw the map at the time when it was published in July. The answer to the last question is in the negative. Neither that nor any other information about the Franco-German negotiations at the time became public through the Foreign Office.

Did any communication pass between the Foreign Office and the publisher of this map relative to the publication?

No communication whatever passed beforehand, and I am not aware that any passed afterwards.

Is it not a fact that at the time this map was published Germany was offering Togoland to France in exchange, and that that part of the bargain was not mentioned?

I cannot make any more statements about the Franco-German negotiations than have already become public.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it was usual for any newspapers or Press agencies or correspondents of certain papers to receive, officially or otherwise, information on foreign affairs either from persons engaged at the Foreign Office or at British Embassies or Legations abroad; and, if so, whether there were any regulations or instructions governing such imparting of information?

Certain representative newspapers and Press agencies receive any communications with regard to foreign affairs which are suitable for publication. Such information is, for the most part, confined to appointments and changes in His Majesty's Diplomatic Service. If inquiries are made at the Foreign Office with regard to specific facts, they are answered when it is possible to do so without prejudice to public or private interests. As regards His Majesty's Embassies and Legations abroad, such matters lie within the discretion of the Ambassador or Minister concerned, and I have no doubt that a similar rule to that obtaining in the Foreign Office is observed. There is no regular organisation in connection with the Foreign Office for inspiring any Press agency or newspaper in order to put forward, either officially or semi-officially, the views of His Majesty's Government with regard to foreign affairs.

Would it not be well, in order to prevent the annoyance of journalists constantly calling at the Foreign Office, to issue periodically to reputed journals a statement which would be equally available to all?

The advantages of any organisation of that kind are no doubt obvious to my hon. Friend who put the question, but the difficulties which might arise if any plan of the kind was carried out are obvious to anybody who has to consider the possibility of doing it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay upon the Table of the House a White Paper, setting forth the conditions of entrance to the grade of attaché in the Diplomatic Service in this country, in the United States of America, and in France, and the rates of payment of Ambassadors in the respective countries?

I will lay before Parliament a Paper containing the information desired by the hon. Member as soon as I am able to obtain it.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if in all these matters he will bear in mind the good democratic doctrine of Napoleon Buonaparte—une carrière ouverte aux talents?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Government has considered, or will consider, the advisability of sending a special Ambassador to Berlin for the purpose of discussing with the German Minister for Foreign Affairs any outstanding questions and differences that may still exist between the two Governments; and also to discover if the German Government would be willing to consider the advisability of negotiating a treaty of arbitration between Great Britain and Germany?

There is no necessity for sending a special Ambassador to Berlin to discuss questions that can be discussed without difficulty under existing conditions both in Berlin and in London. There is already an Arbitration Treaty in force between Great Britain and Germany.

Is the Arbitration Treaty a similar one to one already under negotiation with the United States?

The Arbitration Treaty with Germany is one of the usual type—of a more limited character than that which is now under discussion in the United States. On a previous occasion I promised, I think, that the House should have an opportunity of discussing the more extended Arbitration Treaty with the United States when it was completed. If I did not give that promise, it was certainly my intention that the House should have the opportunity of seeing that treaty in its final form, and expressing its opinion upon it, before we embarked on negotiations of a similar kind with other countries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House the information necessary to understand the questions that are at present in discussion between England and Germany?

That seems to me a question of such enormous scope that I do not very well see how an answer can be given.

asked whether, in view of the fact that he cannot guarantee that there is a single port in the United Kingdom which, under the Declaration of London, a foreign Power might not hold to be a base of supply for our armed forces, he will reconsider his decision and refuse to ratify the Declaration of London?

There would be more guarantees with the Declaration of London than without; it would therefore be undesirable to reconsider the decision.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the fact that we have no definite assurances from any foreign Power that they will put the same construction upon Articles 34 and 35 that he does, is he going to risk the starvation of our Fleet in time of war on an unknown decision?

Surely that is a matter for argument; the hon. Member is raising a debate.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state the reason for the delay in the distribution of the King's Coronation medal to the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police; and when it is expected that the medal will be distributed?

There has been no avoidable delay, and the medal will be distributed as soon as it is issued by the Mint.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any indication when that is likely to be?

I would rather not.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a considerable number of men of the Royal Irish Constabulary were employed on duty in the streets and suburbs of Dublin, in augmentation of the Dublin Metropolitan Police, on the occasion of His Majesty's visit to that city and of the late prolonged labour strikes there; whether the constabulary so employed participated in the grant of nine days' extra pay given to the Metropolitan Police for their duties on these occasions; and, if not, what is the reason for withholding the grant of extra pay from the constabulary?

I am aware that a number of men of the Royal Irish Constabulary were employed as stated. These men received no extra pay in respect of this work, but they were granted the usual subsistence allowances for absence from their stations on duty.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a force of extra police is still maintained in the county Roscommon, notwithstanding its freedom from crime or disturbance and regardless of the repeated protests of the county council; whether he is aware that at its last meeting the county council passed a resolution renewing its protest against the unnecessary tax which this involves on the ratepayers; and whether he will communicate with the police authorities with a view of having some more attention paid to the opinions of the elected representatives of the people?

I have seen a copy of the resolution referred to. The number of extra police employed in the county of Roscommon was reduced in August last from two head constables and sixty-four men to one head constable and thirty men, and the responsible police authorities are not prepared to advise any further reduction at present.

Is it not a fact that at the Winter Assizes, now proceeding from the counties of Roscommon, Leitrim, and Sligo, three of the five counties in Connaught, there is not a single case, and in view of that will he report to the police authorities that this tax should not be kept upon the people.

I will make representations again. But, of course, cases coming before the Assizes are not altogether a complete and sufficient answer to the notion that you require some extra police.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there were any causes from the three counties I have named?

I have no doubt that the hon. Member is quite accurate.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Patrick Mahony, Scrahan, Sneem, was gazetted for a farm in lieu of the holding formerly occupied by him on the Warden estate; and can he state when he will be provided with a new farm?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from Patrick Mahony for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by him on the Warden estate, and his application was noted for consideration. Mahony's former holding has been purchased by the present occupier under the Land Purchase Acts, and the Commissioners cannot interfere in the matter nor do they intend to provide him with another holding.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that formerly the Estates Commissioners agreed to give this man another farm in lieu of the holding he formerly occupied?

No, I did not know they made any such promise.

asked whether Mr. W. O'Neill, now of Bansha, Killorglin, was in March, 1908, considered suitable to work a holding and was promised that he would be provided with one; whether he was evicted from his holding at Clashedmond, Tralee, in 1885, for non-payment of rent; why it is that nothing has since been done for him; and whether an inspector will be sent to inquire into his case with a view to reinstating him in his former holding, which is still unoccupied?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from William O'Neill for reinstatement in a holding which he stated was formerly occupied by him on the Blennerhassett estate, county Kerry, and his name was provisionally noted or consideration in the allotment of untenanted land. He was not promised a holding as stated in the question, and on inquiry and consideration the Commissioners decided to take no action in the matter of his application. They see no reason to alter their decision.

Is it not a fact that the inspector who made inquiries never saw the tenant at all?

I should have notice of that question.

Would it not be only fair that an inspector making inquiries with regard to a particular tenant should see the man himself?

I cannot lay down any general rules.

asked why it is that special provision is made for teaching certain subjects to students in Irish training colleges while practically nothing is done for the training of teachers in Irish, which is now regarded by all Irish educationists as specially important; and whether, seeing that the great majority of schools in Ireland now require teachers with a knowledge of Irish, the training colleges will be required to prepare teachers to teach those subjects which the nation demands?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that with the exception of the Church of Ireland Training College, Dublin, provision is made for the instruction in Irish of the King's scholars in each of the training colleges, and the Commissioners also grant aid to special colleges for the teaching of Irish. The Commissioners are endeavouring to meet the demand for teachers having a knowledge of Irish by granting aid to special colleges for the instruction of teachers in that language.

asked whether all the necessary formalities for the election of the Clerk of Petty Sessions at Caherciveen were compiled with and that duly qualified magistrates alone took part in the election; and can he state on what grounds a new election has now been ordered?

An election for the appointment of a Petty Sessions Clerk for this district was recently held, when nine magistrates voted. Five votes were recorded for one candidate and four for the other, and the former was declared elected. Upon investigation, however, it was found that one of the votes recorded for the candidate elected was invalid, and, as a tie was thus caused, a new election was ordered.

Who was the magistrate whose vote was considered invalid?

The Court of King's Bench held that where a justice is not resident in a Petty Sessions district for which the election of a Petty Sessions clerk takes place he should be a usual attendant at Petty Sessions in the district. Colonel Lockhart Ross usually resides in England, and he only attended this Petty Sessions four times in three years, and had only taken depositions in one case.

Is it not a fact that Colonel Ross had made the necessary attendances when this vacancy occurred, and was qualified to vote?

The finding was that this gentleman only attended four times in three years, and did not come within the decision of the Court of King's Bench.

asked if the right hon Gentleman will state the name of the person to whom the Estates Commissioners have given Skehard house and farm, on the Pollock estate, county Galway; how much land is attached to the residence; if the new owner was a tenant suitable for an increased holding within the meaning of the Act of Parliament; and the amount of the purchase money paid or agreed to be paid to the Estates Commissioners for this property?

This house and demesne, comprising some 375 acres situate on the Pollock estate, was resold to the vendor of the estate under Section 3 of the Irish Land Act, 1903, subject to the repayment of an advance of £3,850, and the lands were vested in him in pursuance of the provisions of that Section.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will explain why so small a percentage, namely, 12.25, of ex-Service men are employed under the Prisons Board, Ireland; and whether, in view of the fact that many ex-Navy and ex-Army men are well qualified for such posts as those of attendants and warders, etc., he will give instructions that the percentage of ex-Service men employed by the Board should be raised to at least 50 per cent. as soon as possible, as vacancies occur?

The General Prisons Board inform me that though the percentage named represents the proportion of ex-Service men employed in the Irish Prison Service, the number of such men appointed to vacancies during the past three years amounted to 53 per cent. of the vacancies.

Will the proportion be maintained?

I see no reason why it should be departed from.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to that effect?

I do not think there is any occasion to give instructions, because at the present moment things are pursuing the course which the hon. and gallant Gentleman recommends.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is now in a position to give any information as to the decision of the Department in regard to the application of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society to the Development Commissioners for a grant in aid of their work; and whether he can state generally what is the position of the Department on this matter?

As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for East Wicklow on 30th October, the question of the application of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society for a grant from the Development Fund was brought by me before the Council of Agriculture at its meeting on 16th instant. As the hon. Member is aware, the council is one of the statutory advisory bodies of the Department; ninety out of 103 members were present. A resolution was proposed recommending that funds in aid of co-operative organisation in Ireland should be applied through the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society. The following amendment to this resolution was, after prolonged consideration, carried by forty-seven votes to thirty-three:—

"That this council approves of the report made by the Department to the Development Commission regarding the application of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society, and recommends that any money available for agricultural co-operation should be given to the Department and administered by them."

The Department, in accordance with this recommendation by the council, hope to submit shortly for the consideration of the Development Commissioners a scheme for the carrying out by the Department of various branches of non-controversial co-operation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any indication as to the proportion of nominated to elected members present, and how they voted in the division?

There were forty-two votes for the amendment—thirty-seven elected votes and five nominated votes. With regard to the resolution, I think there were seventeen elected votes and sixteen nominated votes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he describes Sir Horace Plunkett's movement as a controversial organisation?

Yes, Sir. The definition of controversial and non-controversial co-operation in Ireland is this. We consider non-controversial co-operation to be that form which does not bring us into conflict and competition with the ordinary traders of the country.

Are they prepared to endorse the right hon. Gentleman's view that this organisation is controversial?

I can only appeal to the vote of the Council of Agriculture, which was almost entirely composed of farmers elected by the county councils. That vote, at all events, is final for the Department, and I cannot go beyond if, and if I had the desire I would not.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the export of Irish butter to Great Britain has steadily diminished for several years; will he say whether Irish butter occupies now the high position in the English market which it occupied for several years; if he can state the cause of the decline in quantity and quality; and what steps he proposes to take in this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question I beg to refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for East Limerick on the 14th instant.

The answer to which the right hon. Gentleman refers me does not deal with my question. Is it not within the right hon. Gentleman's knowledge that the facts set out in my question are correct. Surely as the Vice-President of the Department he must have formed some opinion as to its cause.

I have already said that the figures in the first part of the question are accurate. The figures for the export of butter from Ireland for 1900 are 4,283,437 lbs., and in 1910 they had fallen to 3,584,810 lbs. Whilst the exports were diminishing at a rather alarming rate and continuously diminishing every year, the tendency of the imports has been upwards, and they have increased by 120,670 lbs. in five years.

Can the right hon. Gentleman, from his experience in the Department, give any reason for this diminution in the exports?

Yes, there are plain reasons. The first is that we have no system in Ireland of winter dairy farming and trade is practically shut down four months in the year. In the second place there is a still more staple reason. Unfortunately, the creamery system has departed from the original conception of its founders, and now we have imported butter which is blended in the creameries of Ireland and sent over to the English markets, and the English markets will not have it. I hope, by the permission of the Prime Minister, to introduce a short Bill next Session on this subject which will not be contentious and which has now received the support of the butter industry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if the importation of margarine is on the increase both in Ireland and in England, and how much of it is being sold as Irish butter?

I am glad to say that the figures for margarine are pretty steady, and show no advance.

Is there any impropriety in eating margarine?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps have been taken in regard to the Commission agreed upon by the Colonial Conference to inquire as to what extent, if any, the trade between each of the different parts has been affected by existing legislation in each, either beneficially or otherwise, and by what methods, consistent with the existing fiscal policy of each part, the trade of each part with the others may be improved and extended?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the 8th instant.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to inform the House what has been done to secure the watching of coasts in the interests of our mercantile marine?

With the concurrence of the Treasury the Board of Trade have decided to erect huts for coast watching purposes, with telephonic communication, at sixty-three places, and to employ, where necessary, suitable men to act as watchers. The necessary steps for completing these arrangements are being taken; and further proposals are being carefully considered. I may add that the General Post Office in co-operation with the Board of Trade have of late carried out many improvements in the coast communication telephone system.

How much of the expense is allowed by the Treasury in this connection?

There is authority to erect these huts, but I have not got the exact figures.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the dispute at present taking place in the finishing processes of the machine-made lace trade at Nottingham, whereby numbers of home workers are being denied employment by certain employers and middlewomen because of refusal to contract out of the minimum rate of wages equivalent of 2¾d. an hour fixed by the Trade Board; and whether, seeing that such action on the part of these employers and middlewomen is prejudicial to other employers who are loyally paying the rates fixed by the Board, he will say what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

The circumstances mentioned in my hon. Friend's question have been brought to my attention. The minimum rates of wages fixed by the Trade Board cannot be made obligatory by the Board of Trade until the expiration of at least six months from the date on which they were fixed, and until the rates are made obligatory there is no power under the Trade Boards Act to prevent employers paying lower rates to any workers who agree in writing to accept them.

Might I draw the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to that point in the question which says these home workers are being denied employment by certain employers and middle-women because of their refusal to contract out of the minimum rate of wages fixed by the Trade Boards?

For six months we have no power of interference.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the Act requires Amendment in that respect?

The six months would be over long before we could get any Amendment.

asked whether any life assurance business is now transacted by Lloyd's underwriters; and, if so, whether the deposits of £2,000 required by the Assurance Companies Act of 1909 have been made, and statements showing the character and extent of the business transacted have been deposited with the Board of Trade?

No deposits have been made and no accounts have been furnished by any Lloyd's underwriters in respect of life assurance business. So far as I am aware, no life assurance business in the ordinary sense is now transacted by Lloyd's underwriters, and, although policies insuring against losses which might arise indirectly owing to death may possibly have been underwritten from time to time, I have no information as to the terms of any such policies. If my hon. Friend is able to furnish me with any such policy, I shall be glad to give the matter my careful consideration.

asked the amount of the deposits, if any, furnished in accordance with Schedule 8 (B) and (C) 2 (3), of the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, by Lloyd's underwriters as security for the due fulfilment of their fire and accident insurance contracts; also the amount of the security furnished in the form of guarantees; and whether any of the guarantees which may be furnished as an alternative to a deposit are given by persons who are not members of Lloyd's Underwriters' Association; and, if so, to what extent?

The amount of the deposits furnished in accordance with Schedule 8 (B) and (C) 2 (b) of the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, by Lloyd's underwriters as security under claims in connection with fire and accident and other non-marine business is £228,250; the amount of the security furnished in accordance with the provisions referred to in the form of guarantees is £2,841,428, and of this amount guarantees to the extent of £353,918 have been furnished by guarantors who are not members of Lloyd's.

asked the value of goods imported into India from the United Kingdom and Germany, respectively, during the last year for which statistics are available?

The total value of merchandise (including Government stores) imported into British India from the United Kingdom in the year ended March 31st, 1911, was £55,458,000, the corresponding imports from Germany being £3,438,000.

Is it not the fact there is no distinction in the returns between the country of origin and shipment, and that therefore a large quantity of German goods which are exported from British ports are wrongly described as British goods in India?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of appointing Trade Commissioners for India?

I shall be glad to consider any information in the possession of the hon. Member tending to show the advisability of such an appointment; and would, if necessary, take the advice of the Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence and of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a Trade Commissioner for Egypt, in view of the fact that the principal information of any commercial value can only be gained from French reports?

As there is already an efficient British Consular service in Egypt whose duties in respect of assistance to British trade are similar to those of His Majesty's Trade Commissioners and Correspondents in the Dominions, I do not propose to make an appointment of the kind suggested.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any satisfactory settlement has yet been arrived at towards preserving Northam Burrows from encroachment by the sea by prohibiting the removal of pebbles from the foreshore between Westward Ho and Hartland Point; and, if not, will he now order a public inquiry to be held on the spot?

An officer of the Board of Trade held a conference locally with representatives of the two district councils on 14th June last, and as a result advised the Board that, for the present at least, a limited amount of removal might be permitted, provided that arrangements could be made for the proper control of such removal. The Board are at present endeavouring to arrive at such an arrangement.

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to proceed with the Franchise Reform Bill through its Parliamentary stages before carrying out his undertaking to introduce legislation for the reconstitution of the Second Chamber upon a popular basis?

We hope, as I have said, to proceed with the first mentioned Bill next year. There would obviously not be room or time in that Session for the legislation referred to in the second part of the question.

I beg to give notice I shall call attention to this matter at a convenient opportunity.

asked the Prime Minister whether the appointment by the Lord Chamberlain of Mr. Charles Brookfield as Assistant Examiner of Plays was made after consultation with His Majesty's Government; and whether, inter alia, in view of the character of the evidence given before the Joint Committee as to Mr. Brookfield's own plays, he will, pending legislation, see that this appointment is cancelled?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what considerations have actuated the Lord Chamberlain in appointing Mr. Charles Brookfield to the post of Joint Examiner of Plays; and what salary it is proposed to attach to this new office?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question, and I will reply at the same time to the question (No. 60 on the Paper) standing in the name of the hon. Member for Barnstaple. Mr. Brookfield was appointed Joint Examiner of Plays by the Lord Chamberlain in the ordinary exercise of his powers without consultation with His Majesty's Government. The amount of Mr. Brookfield's remuneration is determined by the Lord Chamberlain, and is paid partly out of the Civil List and partly out of fees. The Lord Chamberlain has been good enough to communicate to me that the considerations which moved him in making the appointment were the special qualifications which fin his judgment Mr. Brookfield possesses, by training and experience, to execute the duties of the post. In view of the erroneous statements that have been made in connection with the appointment, it is right for me to point out that the Examiners of Plays are not censors, but that the duty of censorship is imposed by Statute on the Lord Chamberlain himself, who has recently acted upon the advice of an advisory board. The functions of the examiners are confined to the reading of plays and reporting to the Lord Chamberlain any matters about which there can be any doubt. The Lord Chamberlain further advises me that he is aware of the evidence given before the Select Committee of 1909 as to one of Mr. Brookfield's own plays, but that in his judgment this evidence raises no presumption that Mr. Brookfield is disqualified for the efficient performance of his duties.

May I ask whether it is not the case that the examiners of plays do not pass plays at their uncontrolled discretion without reference to the Lord Chamberlain?

I assume any play which was not reported upon by the Examiners would, in the ordinary course, be passed by the Lord Chamberlain, but the Lord Chamberlain would still reserve his right to veto any play himself.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether the Lord Chamberlain does, in fact, read such plays, or whether it would not be the case that any play submitted by Mr. Brookfield, as author, would be passed by Mr. Brookfield, as Examiner, and then performed?

No, I imagine if Mr. Brookfield were himself to write a play and submit it to the Censor, the Lord Chamberlain himself would read that play with great profit and amusement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state what are the uses of this office in view of the plays that do find their way on to the stage?

That is rather an argumentative question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to an article by Mr. Brookfield in this month's "National Review," and, if so, whether the views expressed therein may be taken to be identical with those of the Lord Chamberlain?

Yes, my attention has been called to the article. I am not aware whether the Lord Chamberlain has read the article or not.

I beg to give notice, if I am not precluded by the hon. Member for Warrington (Mr. Harold Smith), that I shall call attention to the subject on the rising of the House.

asked how many members of the Advisory Committee on stage plays appointed by the Lord Chamberlain have since resigned; and, if so, whether they have been replaced, and, if so, by whom?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. One member of the Advisory Board has resigned since its formation, and he has not been replaced.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to give the name?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary what steps have been taken to give effect to the recommendations of the special committee which sat to consider the state of the drama in this country; and whether means exist within his power of checking the alleged tendency to the encouragement of plays of a low intellectual and moral character at the expense of drama opening up new vistas of thought in social, political, and ethical matters?

An Advisory Board has been appointed to assist the Lord Chamberlain in dealing with the licensing of plays. Steps have not been taken to give effect to the recommendations of the Joint Committee as regards licensing. The Secretary of State has himself no powers in the matter. The Lord Chamberlain has been entrusted by Statute with the duty of dealing with this subject, and he possesses adequate means of checking the production of any undesirable plays. The principles upon which this power is exercised were explained to the recent Joint Committee; while they involve the rejection of immoral plays they do not aim at the exclusion of novelty of idea or treatment.

Is the right hon. Gentle man aware that the existing tendency in this Department is to repress the development of the higher forms of art by a system of pachydermatous ignorance and inspissated Pharisaism——

The hon. Member is now making a speech.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that 1,049,407 persons were employed in 1910, or an increase of 6.2 per cent. since the passing of the Eight Hours (Mines) Act to procure 1 per cent. more coal than was obtained by 987,813 persons in 1908 prior to the passing of that measure; and whether he is aware that the limitation of hours imposed by the Act has decreased the coal-getting capacity of each individual miner on the average by 4.8 per cent., resulting, as miners are paid by piece-work, in a similar reduction in the wages earned by the men; and, seeing that, as a consequence, the miners are agitating for a minimum wage, for which many of them are resolved to strike, whether he can see his way to take steps to bring about the repeal of that measure?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I accept the figures given by the hon. Member in the first part of his question, as they are correctly taken from answers which I recently gave him in this House. The calculation referred to in the second part of the question is, I believe, approximately accurate. I am not prepared to accept the conclusion drawn by the hon. Member in the third part of the question, the answer to which is in the negative. For other conclusions on the same subject I would refer him to the second part of the Chief Inspector's Report, which has just been issued.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the Debate on the Eight Hours Bill for miners statements were made in this House that if the Bill became law the price of coal would be increased from 3s. to 5s. per ton, and further, if he was aware that since the Bill did become law in September, 1911, prices were 8d. per ton less than before the passing of the Eight Hours Bill into law?

I believe some statement of that kind was made, but the facts have proved that it was without adequate foundation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman accept the suggestion in the question as to the decrease in the coal-getting capacity of each individual?

I said that the calculation was approximately accurate, but that I did not agree with the conclusions drawn from it.

asked the Prime Minister when the Debate on Foreign Affairs will be continued?

also put a question to the same effect.

I must ask my hon. Friends to await the statement which I shall make presently.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the gravity of the situation is increasing in China; whether British interests predominate over any other country; and, if so, whether the Admiralty intend to strengthen the squadron in those waters?

Two cruisers have been ordered from Australia to join the China Squadron temporarily, and will reach China waters shortly. This step has been taken as a measure of precaution in view of possible developments. I must ask to be excused from making any general statement as to affairs in China.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that some modification is necessary in the control positions of His Majesty's ships "Orion," "Conqueror," "Thunderer," "Lion," "Princess Royal," "Colossus," and "Hercules"; whether he is aware that the spotter is stationed abaft the fore funnel and almost over it, and that the spotter is liable to be suffocated; whether the heat from the funnel often produces a temperature of 220 degrees at the locality where the spotter is stationed; and, if so, whether any proposals will be made to remedy this state of affairs?

Inconvenience has been experienced in the control positions in the ships named in the Noble Lord's question, and modifications are now under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the approaching completion of the Panama Canal, the Admiralty consider that Jamaica is destined to have a greater strategical value than it has hitherto possessed; and, if so, whether it is intended to develop the resources of Port Royal and place it in the condition of a first-class naval base for the cruisers protecting our trade routes through the canal?

The Noble Lord may rest assured that the Admiralty is devoting close attention to the changes which are likely to follow on the opening of the Panama Canal, so far as they affect naval interests. I am, however, advised that no change of policy is necessary at the present moment.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the effect of the regulations for secondary schools promulgated by his predecessor in 1909 upon many secondary schools belonging to the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church; and whether he can hold out any hopes of reconsidering these regulations?

I have received communications on the subject referred to in the first part of the question. I am afraid that I cannot undertake to consider any alteration of the existing conditions. The hon. Member's suggestion raises large issues which cannot properly be entered upon by question and answer across the House.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these regulations are considered by the Catholic community in this country to be not only grossly unfair and unjust, but amounting to persecution?

I have had representations of that character submitted to my Department.

May I add that the same remarks apply to the Church of England.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, before filling the office of Permanent Secretary to the Board of Education, he will make inquiries as to whether the person proposed for this office is likely to have the confidence of all parties concerned?

No appointment will be made except after the fullest consideration of all the circumstances, and I may add that there is no foundation for any suggestion appearing in the Press that any particular individual is about to be appointed.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the provisions of the minute of the Education Department of 13th August, 1875, to the effect that all arrangements for transfer of school premises for a term of years must provide that the education authority shall retain possession of the premises at the end of the term until the then value of any works executed with the aid of a loan shall have been repaid, was included in the arrangement for transfer of the school premises at Ightham, Kent, in 1876; whether the minute also provides that the amount to be repaid may be ascertained by a surveyor appointed by the Education Department; and what is the present value of all the work executed with the aid of loans on the school premises at Ightham, Kent?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, power was reserved to the Education Department to appoint a surveyor in the event of disagreement between the school board and the trustees. I understand that the local education authority and the trustees have agreed upon a valuer, but I am not aware whether any valuation of the present value of the works executed with the aid of loans has yet been made.

Have any representations yet been received from the Education Committee of the Kent County Council?

In connection with the valuation of the property?

Yes.

I do not think there have been any except those I have referred to.

asked the total amount expended out of loans on the school buildings at Ightham, Kent, from the date when the school was transferred to the school board; whether the refusal of the trustees to renew the lease of the school buildings to the Kent Education Committee is an attempt not only to recover the buildings, but also to secure by indirect means a retransfer of the school itself; and whether the Board of Education will withhold its consent to this transaction until the whole of the money expended out of loans has been repaid, as provided by Section 24 of the Act of 1870 relating to the retransfer of schools?

The Education Department sanctioned the following loans: On 5th January, 1877, £363 2s., and on 3rd July, 1882, £417. In the latter case thirty years were specified as the period of repayment, and I understand that on 31st March, 1910, a sum of £39 only was outstanding on this loan. This may now have been paid off. The trustees of the school premises gave notice on 22nd April, 1911, under Section 8 of the Education Act, 1902, of their intention to determine the tenancy of the premises by the local education authority and to provide in the premises a new voluntary school. If the council school is continued in new premises the school, as distinguished from the premises in which it is conducted, will apparently not be retransferred, under Section 24 of the Act of 1870. I will, of course, use any powers which I possess to protect any financial interest which the local education authority have in the premises as successors of the school board.

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the fact that full licensing statistics are annually obtained from the clerks to Petty Sessional divisions and information as to registered clubs also in those areas, he will take steps to have the total numbers of members of such registered clubs, grouped in areas, given in the next annual licensing Returns?

The hon. Member's suggestion is covered by the answer which I gave him last Tuesday, when I stated that after repeated consideration it had been decided that the figures in question were not of sufficient value to repay the labour and cost of collecting and publishing them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman in future, when statistics are being prepared, give the number of old barns and similar buildings which have been converted into drinking clubs?

I do not think that the material exists for compiling the figures asked for.

If I can convince the right hon. Gentleman on the point, will he give a return stating the facts?

If the hon. Gentleman will speak to me privately on the matter I shall be happy to meet him.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the total number of special constables enrolled in accordance with the suggestion of the Home Office in each of the large boroughs of the country?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 9th November to the hon. Member for the Enfield Division of Middlesex.

asked the Home Secretary if it is proposed to abolish the post of Labour Adviser to the Home Office when Mr. D. Shackleton vacates the position to take up his duties as an Insurance Commissioner?

The answer is in the negative. The work done by Mr. Shackleton at the Home Office has been so valuable that it would be greatly to the public interest to appoint a successor to him in order that his work may be continued.

Was not Mr. Shackleton appointed at a larger salary than usual, and will the salary be reduced to the customary level?

I think Mr. Shackleton received the maximum rate at once, but only on the ordinary scale. I must ask for notice of the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman announce who is his successor?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary if he has considered the Report of the Commission on the Constitution of the Isle of Man; and if he proposes to take action in the matter?

The Report is under consideration. The questions which it raises are of great importance to the island, and I cannot commit myself to any immediate decision.

asked the Postmaster-General whether rates will entirely and immediately cease to be paid on telephone undertakings now in the hands of the National Telephone Company when they are taken over by the Post Office; and whether he will say what was the annual amount paid to rating authorities by the National Telephone Company?

On the transfer of the National Telephone Company's undertaking to the State the payment of rates, as such, will cease; but, as I have already stated in reply to earlier questions, the Government is prepared to make some contribution in lieu of rates on the buildings and plant to be acquired. The exact basis of the contribution has not yet been settled. I am in communication with the National Telephone Company respecting the amount paid by them to rating authorities, but the figures are not yet available.

Will the contribution be less or more than at present?

As I have said, the matter is being considered.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has recently informed the ex-soldier telegraphists in the Central Telegraph Office that he is unable to give them on appointment more than the highest age pay fixed by the Select Parliamentary Committee, which is that received by a telegraphist of twenty-one years of age; whether the introduction of soldiers as telegraphists was contemplated by the Select Parliamentary Committee; whether the average age of the twenty-five ex-soldier telegraphists concerned is thirty-one and their average weekly wage 27s.; whether he is aware that his predecessor resented the statement that these men were being recruited on the ground of cheapness; and whether he will approach the Treasury with a view to increasing their wages to the level of that received by other telegraphists of the same age in that office?

The facts are substantially as stated by the hon. Member. The wages of the telegraphists rise by annual increments of not less than 2s. to a maximum of 65s. The question of the employment of ex-soldiers as telegraphists did not come before the Select Committee, but the Committee recommended that persons entering the class of telegraphists at or over the age of twenty-one should receive the pay prescribed for twenty-one years of age. If ex-soldier telegraphists were treated exceptionally in this respect it would be urged that similar exceptions should be made in the cases of ex-soldier postmen and porters, and a very large issue would be raised, inasmuch as presently nearly half the postmen will be drawn from that class.

Why should that issue not be raised, considering that a memorial signed by over two hundred Members of Parliament has quite recently been presented to the Treasury on the subject?

Because the Postmaster-General considers that, on the whole, it is better to leave the ex-soldiers the option of applying for these posts even if their age may approach thirty.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that his Department, from their Renfield Street office, issue demand notes to telephone subscribers asking for immediate payment of sums alleged to be due on telephone calls; that when particulars are asked for by the subscribers none are given, but the demand for payment repeated accompanied with the threat to suspend facilities; and, if so, will he say whether it is to be part of the practice of his Department to refuse to give particulars of a claim, and to suspend facilities no matter how small the claim may be?

It is the practice to ask once a month for the payment of sums due for telephone calls and to suspend facilities for originating calls if payment is unreasonably withheld after repeated applications. Particulars of trunk calls are furnished on application in three months; but the details of local calls could not be recorded and given without disproportionate expense, which would seriously increase the cost of telephone service to subscribers. As no doubt the hon. Member is aware, such calls are usually registered at large exchanges by means of meters, the working of which has been proved by public investigation, both in this country and in the United States to be as accurate as any system of record. Great trouble is taken by special checks and otherwise to satisfy any reasonable doubts on the part of subscribers as to the correctness of the amounts charged.