asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he can give any definite information as to whether any foreign countries will sanction the contracting-out of Imperial Treaties by certain Dominions without the treaty being denounced?

The Swedish Government have consented to the separate withdrawal of the Dominions from the Anglo-Swedish commercial treaties by which they are bound. The Mexican Government, who were approached before the negotiations recently commenced were opened, have also agreed to the withdrawal of certain of the Dominions from our commercial treaty with Mexico.

asked whether the opinion of the Dominion Government of Canada has been ascertained with regard to the proposal to alter the existing Imperial trade treaties to the exclusion of certain dominions from those treaties?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on the 14th of November last. There has been no occasion for consulting the new Canadian Government on the question, and no object in doing so. It is not a question of the exclusion of the Dominions from the commercial treaties by which they are bound, but of securing for them the right of separate withdrawal, in case they desire to exercise it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ascertain what restrictions, if any, based on racial considerations, are imposed on the admission of candidates for the public service in the French and Dutch Colonies in the East?

My right hon. Friend agrees with the opinion already expressed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that no useful purpose as far as we are concerned would be served by obtaining this information; and, in view of the heavy demands made upon the staff generally for information, I do not see that it would be justifiable to ask for a special investigation and report on this question. If there are published regulations available I will give instructions that they should be obtained.

asked whether, in reply to a protest from the Persian Government, the British representative in Teheran declared in September, 1907, that the object of the two Powers, Russia and Great Britain, in making this agreement is not in any way to attack but rather to assure for ever the independence of Persia; not only do they not wish to have at hand any excuse for intervention but their object in these friendly negotiations was not to allow one another to intervene on the pretext of safeguarding their interests; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government still adhere to this declaration of their intentions; and what steps they propose to take to carry out their pledge?

The text of the declaration made to the Persian Government by the British and Russian representatives at Teheran in September, 1907, has been published, and can be found on page 48 of a Parliamentary Paper, Persia, No. 1, 1909. His Majesty's Government still adhere to this declaration, and neither have done nor will do anything to depart from it. The Russian Government have given the most categorical assurances that their action is purely provisional, and that they have no intention of infringing the principles of the Anglo-Russian Agreement. I must add, with regard to the second part of the hon. Member's question, that it is not a quotation from the declaration referred to.

Are not the statements in this question quotations from a statement made by the British Minister at Teheran at the time when he was referring to that declaration?

No, Sir, there is nothing of the kind which we know of. The statement referred to does not contain these words in the second part of the question at all.

asked whether the Persian Government require to be guided by the advice of Great Britain and Russia in their choice of foreign advisers of whatever nationality, or only in case they desire to choose a British or Russian subject?

I beg to refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply returned to the hon. Member for Burnley yesterday.

asked the terms of the last ultimatum delivered by the Russian Government to the Persian Government; and whether His Majesty's Government are supporting the Russian Government in their demands?

The reply returned to the similar question by the hon. Member for Burnley yesterday covers the hon. Gentleman's enquiry.

Can my hon. Friend yet tell me whether His Majesty's Government advised the Persian Government to comply with this ultimatum?

That does not arise, and I really would ask to be excused from making partial statements, seeing there will be an opportunity for a very full statement in this House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the opportunity promised for discussing the Arbitration Treaty with the United States will be given before the Treaty is signed; and can he now say whether, contrary to the statement of the Prime Minister at the Guildhall, the Americans have refused to allow all questions, including those of honour or territory, to go to arbitration?

As was stated in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Coventry on the 6th of July last, the Treaty will be presented to Parliament before ratification takes place. It is at present under the consideration of the United States Government.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

I think the answer covers the points that are raised. The Treaty will be presented to Parliament before ratification takes place, and it is now under consideration in the United States Government.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether, contrary to the statement of the Prime Minister at the Guildhall, the Americans have refused to allow all the questions, including those of honour or territory, to go to arbitration?

How can one say that when the matter is still under the consideration of that Government.

Have not the American Senate already refused?

It is still under their consideration, and we have not received their reply to it.

Has the hon. Gentleman received any reply from the American Senate?

asked whether, if the Declaration of London is ratified, neutral vessels carrying food stuffs to Bristol, Liverpool and Glasgow will not be liable to be captured or sunk when this country is at war?

Under the Declaration of London, neutral vessels will not be liable to capture, in a war in which Great Britain is a belligerent, merely on the ground that they are carrying food stuffs to the particular ports named, unless these are at the time used as a base by the British forces, in which case the cargo would be presumed to be destined for those forces, unless proof to the contrary was forthcoming.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman how he can expect a nation will keep an indefinite treaty during war when the Americans will not keep a definite treaty during peace?

Order, order. How can the hon. Gentleman be expected to answer that question?

He cannot answer it, I know.

But surely these three ports will be used as bases?

That is a matter of opinion. It is one which will be decided when the time comes. We cannot be expected to answer the question now.

Is the starvation of this country to be treated merely as a question of opinion?

Order, order. That is not a matter to be dealt with by means of question and answer.

I desire to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether he has consulted the new Board of Admiralty as to the advisability of ratifying the Declaration of London, and, if so, what opinion they have expressed; and, if not, whether, before proceeding further with the Naval Prize Bill, and in view of its close connection with the Declaration of London, he will take steps to ascertain the views of the now Board of Admiralty as to the effect of the Declaration on our position both as belligerents and neutrals?

My right hon. Friend the First Lord has asked me to say that, as has been repeatedly stated by his predecessor in this House, the Admiralty were represented at the International Naval Conference which led to the Declaration of London, and its provisions were submitted to and approved by the Board of Admiralty at the time. Further, as stated by the Prime Minister in June last, the Declaration has been approved by His Majesty's Government after the fullest examination.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that on 14th February last the late First Lord stated that the question of the Declaration of London had not been before the Board of Admiralty, but that he must assume it had been approved because the Admiralty was represented at the Conference?

What did happen was this. On 28th June, in reply to the hon. and learned Member for York (Mr. Butcher), who asked whether the Board of Admiralty was consulted as to the Declaration of London before it was signed, the First Lord of the Admiralty (then Mr. McKenna) replied:—

"Yes, Sir; the Board of Admiralty decided in support of the Declaration of London, and it has been stated so repeatedly."

"Was the First Sea Lord asked to give his opinion?"

"Yes, Sir."

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question: has the new Board of Admiralty been consulted?

I can say on behalf of my right hon. Friend that in his view no useful purpose whatever would be served by submitting (this matter to the new Board, which, as a matter of fact, was only read in this very day.

Suppose it should turn out that the new Board was entirely opposed to the Declaration of London?

That is a hypothetical question.

Are we to understand that the approval of the Board, which is announced as having been stated to the House on the 28th June last, was in the sense of the answer to a question on the 21st February, in which the First Lord stated that any matter submitted to him by a member of the Board, and receiving his approval, had the approval of the Board of Admiralty?

The answer is that the Board of Admiralty decided in support of the Declaration of London. This has been stated repeatedly.

Is the House to understand that the Admiralty have not consulted the new Board and have no intention of doing so?

The new Board of Admiralty was only read in this very day, and in the opinion of the First Lord no useful purpose would be served by consulting it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to consult the new Board as to the tactics of the battle of Trafalgar?

Are we to understand that the Government finally decline to consult the new Board on a matter vital to our interests at sea?

The right hon. Gentleman has already said so twice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India how many people have been tortured to death by the police in India or have died within a month of being tortured by the police since the 1st January, 1906; and how many members of the police force have been convicted of murder in connection with these deaths? If the hon. Gentleman cannot give me the exact information, perhaps he will give it as nearly as possible?

No doubt unintentionally the terms of this question differ in detail from those of the question put by my hon. Friend on the 31st October and the 14th of November and postponed in order that inquiry might be made of the Government of India. I am now in possession of the information then asked for, and trust that it will meet the purpose of my hon. Friend. During the last six years there have been in the whole of British India fifty-seven cases in which policemen were convicted of ill-treating prisoners or witnesses. In six cases the ill-treatment occurred while the prisoners wore remitted to police custody. In seventeen cases death ensued. The Government of India are consulting the local governments and the highest judicial authorities on the questions of the remission of prisoners to police custody and the admission as evidence of confessions made before trial.

Have any of the policemen concerned been tried for murder?

I do not think there has been any conviction for murder. If the hon. Member will put down a question I will make inquiry.

Are any of these police victims Europeans or are they all natives of India?

Perhaps the hon. Member will also put a question down on that point.

asked with I regard to the recent conviction of a policeman and a lamberdar by the Sessions judge of Ferozepur of torturing a prisoner called Chetu, against whom there was no evidence, so severely that he either died of the injuries or committed suicide to escape further torture, whether the compensation offered by the Court to the dependents of Chetu was a sum equivalent to about £6 9s. to his mother and about £6 6s. to his young widow, this compensation to be conditional upon the fines imposed upon the convicted torturers being realised; and whether the Indian Government proposes to pay, without delay, further compensation to the dependents of this man who was done to death by its own agents?

I have telegraphed to the Government of India for the information asked for, but have not yet received their reply.

Will the Government, in view of the verdict, undertake to be responsible for seeing that proper compensation is paid to the dependents of the murdered man?

It is difficult for me to make any statement. If the hon. Member will put down the question I will ask the Government of India, and on receipt of their answer will give him a reply.

asked whether, in view of the fact that statistics as to the convictions for drunkenness are given in the Annual Excise Report for Bengal, representations will be made to the other local governments to furnish similar information in their future Excise Reports?

I find that the reports of the other provinces, with one exception, give figures showing cases of drunkenness which have come under the cognisance of the police, though the form of return differs from that used in Bengal. The attention of the Government of India will be drawn to the hon. Member's suggestion, in case they should feel justified in imposing upon the provincial governments the duty of furnishing uniform returns.

asked whether the Indian Government proposes to follow the example of the Colonial Office in Hong Kong, the Straits Settlements, and the Federated Malay States, in restricting appointments in the civil and police forces in these Colonies to candidates of pure European descent on both sides; and whether it has made any protest on behalf of the 300,000,000 British citizens whom it represents against their complete exclusion from these services?

I am, of course, always willing to consider suggestions made by my hon. Friend, but there is no present intention of modifying a procedure which I have no reason to suppose is not satisfactory. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative; no protest has been made, so far as I am aware, to the Secretary of State or the Government of India, and therefore it may be assumed that no grievance is felt. I may add that I must not be held to endorse my hon. Friend's description of Colonial Office practice.

Will the hon. Gentleman convey the information that the present system in India is working satisfactorily to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, who seems so ignorant about Indian affairs?

asked the Under-Secretary for India, whether the Advisory Committee of the Board of Trade has now reported as to the new wage arrangements at the Dowlais works; and whether he is now in a position to restore the firm in respect of those works to the list of contractors recognised by his Department?

I am, I regret to say, not in a position to answer the question to-day. I would ask my hon. Friend, whose services in the matter on behalf of his constituents I would take the opportunity of acknowledging, to repeat it this day week.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council have come to a decision with regard to pay and allowances of officers of the Air Battalion?

The matter is not yet settled.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is great dissatisfaction among the officers of the Air Battalion owing to the delay of the Army Council in dealing with this question? Can he give an assurance that the matter will be dealt with on the earliest possible opportunity?

Yes, Sir; it will be dealt with in a very short time.

asked whether it is intended to increase the numbers of officers permanently attached to the Air Battalion apart from officers temporarily attached to the battalion for a course of military aviation?

The number of officers appointed to the Air Battalion is limited to the number provided for in the Estimates for this year. The Estimates for next year are not yet settled.

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in his opinion the system which he recently proposed in a speech in this House will give an aviation service in any way comparable with the French service, where the officers are permanently attached to the aviation service?

I think it will give a very adequate aviation service if properly carried out.

asked whether the efficiency of the Territorial Force largely depends upon attendance at camp; and, if so, on what grounds the military authorities have reported that there has been a satisfactory improvement in the general efficiency of the force in view of the fact that attendance at camp is officially stated to have been unsatisfactory this year?

If those members of the force who were absent from camp had attended camp the general efficiency of the force would have benefited thereby; but the fact that these men were absent does not in any way controvert the opinion of the military authorities that the general efficiency of the force has greatly improved during the past year.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to infer it is not true that the efficiency of the Territorial Army largely depends on attendance at camp?

I did not say the hon. Gentlemen's statement was inaccurate. But I repeat that the general efficiency of the force has greatly improved during the past year.

Then can the right hon. Gentleman, answer my question, on what grounds the military authorities have reported that there is a satisfactory improvement?

I shall be glad to make a statement on the subject and give the House the opinions of the military authorities, but I cannot do it at the present time.

May I ask if, after the Government's action last night, they really desire to encourage the Territorial Force?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary said in his speech—I do not think the hon. Member was present at the time—thett the present Government were most anxious to encourage the Territorial Force in every possible way, but they did not think they could do it in the way then suggested.

Perhaps we may be permitted to discuss this question on the Motion for Adjournment one night?

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private Edward Jones, of the 4th battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who was injured whilst playing football in camp; whether he will consider the desirability of amending the regulations governing the Territorial Force, with a view to specifying more clearly in what cases an injury may be regarded as received in and through military duty; and whether, in view of the loss sustained by Private Edward Jones, special consideration can be given to this case and some compensation provided?

As regards the general question of amending the regulations concerned I have nothing to add to the full statements made by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary and myself in the Debate arising on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House on Tuesday, 21st November. As regards this particular case, there is no doubt that it would not come within the scope of any such regulations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to give us the decision of the Army Council with respect to injuries received in these circumstances?

I hope with very little I delay.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he can state, in the event of Reservists being recalled to the Colours to make up an expeditionary force, the Reserves, if any, that will be forthcoming for Infantry regiments serving either in India or in the Dominions oversea?

No Reservists will be required in the contingency contemplated in the question for Infantry regiments serving in India or in the Dominions oversea.

How will the drafts be provided then?

I scarcely think that arises out of the question. It is another matter altogether.

asked the average age of the rank and file in Infantry now serving at Home who will on mobilisation be included in the six divisions of the expeditionary force; and the average age of the French and German infantry soldiers in peace and when mobilised?

The average ago of the rank and file of the Foot Guards and Infantry of the Line serving at home—that is to say, who are liable for inclusion in the Six Divisions of the Expeditionary Force, exclusive of those under twenty years of age—is approximately twenty-four and a-half years. The average age of a French and German Infantry soldier in peace is approximately twenty-two; in war, that of the French active army, with its reserves, is from twenty-seven to twenty-eight; and of the German First Line Troops and reserves is from twenty-five to twenty-six.

Then soldiers under twenty are excluded from the Expeditionary Force?

Yes, Sir.

asked the total weight carried by an Infantry soldier under twenty-one years of age in full marching order; what amount of practice the young soldier has in marching carrying this weight; what distance he is expected to be able to cover in full marching order at the end of annual training; and if any allowance is made in the distances to be covered or weight of equipment borne by soldiers under twenty-one as compared with their more mature comrades?

The total weight carried by a British Infantry soldier in war is 59lb. 11oz., as against 59lb. 10oz. carried by a German and 58lb. by a French soldier. Infantry soldiers under twenty years of age are not sent on service. In peace the weight to be carried in full marching order, without ball ammunition or emergency ration, is 49lb. 1oz. The course of instruction in marching is progressive, both as to distance and weight to be carried, and lasts through the training season; at the end of the period of collective training Infantrymen are able to carry their full marching order for twenty miles and more without undue fatigue. The training of the young soldier in this important part of his duty is carefully supervised with a view to securing that the strength of no individual should be overtaxed.

I take it at the end of the training the average young soldier can carry the full weight?

Yes.

asked whether the War Office have available any statistics indicating the percentage of sickness and invalidity among Infantry soldiers serving in India during their first two years' service in that country?

No statistics in the precise form asked for are available at the War Office. I am forwarding statistics bearing upon the point generally to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the nominal strength of British Infantry battalions now serving in India and their assumed marching-out strength in case of sudden emergency?

The peace establishment of a British Infantry battalion serving in India is 1,031, all ranks. I am not prepared to give any information as regards the rest of the question.

asked whether it is the practice at the War Office and the various stations throughout the kingdom to compel non-commissioned officers attached to the Army Pay Corps to perform clerical work at home without extra pay after having completed their ordinary day's duty at the office to which they are attached; and, if so, to what extent this practice prevails and on what ground it is justified?

I am not aware that any such practice exists.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

I will speak to my hon. Friend afterwards.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Inspector-General of the Forces has made a Report to the War Office commenting on the increased efficiency of the Territorial Force; and whether he will lay this Report upon the Table of the House?

The Report referred to in the question shall be laid not later than Thursday next week.

asked what is the present force of British troops in China, and where are they at present stationed?

The establishment of British troops in China on 1st November was as follows: North China, 2,030 all ranks (including 956 Indian troops); South China, 4,274 all ranks (including 1,854 Indian troops). In addition there is at present a British Infantry Battalion in North China whose establishment is 933 all ranks. The troops are quartered at Peking, Tientsin, and Hong Kong.

Does that include the Sikhs employed in the foreign settlement?

I could not be certain, but I think so. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will ask me again.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the strength compares with establishment?

It is a well-understood rule in this House that one does not state the strength of a particular force in a disturbed area, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that, in point of fact, I am informed that all these forces are over strength.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether an application from the North Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee for a grant from the Development Fund has been supported by the Board; and if he can state whether this application is likely to be successful?

The application was sent to the Commissioners with an intimation that the work which the Committee desired to undertake would come within the purview of the comprehensive scheme submitted by the Board. I have every hope that the Board may shortly be in a position to assist the Committee to carry out useful work on the lines of their application.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in bringing Return No. 331 of 1907 up to date, he will arrange for an additional group to the four already classified, which will embrace all foreign countries and British possessions that have not taken any action in the way of owning or working or subsidising any part of the railways within their boundaries by means of State funds?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Board of Trade will endeavour to secure the inclusion in the Return of information regarding all important foreign countries and British possessions other than those covered by the Return No. 336 of 1906.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that mutton from Argentina can be imported into France subject to a duty of about 1½d. per lb., whereas mutton from Australia would be liable to a duty of 2 3–16d. per lb., or 46 per cent. more; whether he is aware that this discriminatory duty on Australian mutton effectively prohibits competition with Argentina in the French market; and whether the Government will make representations to France to secure for Australian mutton the benefit of the same tariff as is granted to Argentina?

I am aware that Australian mutton is subject to the general Customs tariff on importation into France, whereas Argentine mutton enjoys the benefit of the French minimum tariff. Representations have already been made to the French Government with the view to securing the benefit of the minimum tariff for frozen mutton imported into France from Australia and New Zealand.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how the Most-Favoured-Nation Clause comes in under this?

I have no doubt that that is covered, and that our representations will have the desired effect.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the discussion in the West Indies, especially in Jamaica, for and against the policy of annexation by the United States; and whether, seeing that this unrest is largely caused by the much higher rates of wages paid to West Indian labourers in Panama and elsewhere in the United States of America, he will consider the whole question of the labourers' conditions in the West Indies, especially the effect of coolie indentured labour upon the native labourers' wages and other working conditions?

The attention of the Secretary of State has not been drawn to any discussion of the kind referred to, but labour conditions in the West Indies are constantly engaging his attention.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now in possession of the particulars relating to the closing up and selling off of the goods and effects of the native co-operative company, named the Toga ma'a Toga Kautaha in the Tongan group, Western Pacific, and of the action arising, which was taken by the company against the Consul-General at Tonga, Mr. W. Telfer Campbell, and two other European officials; whether the action was decided against the prosecuting company with costs; whether he has any evidence to show that false evidence was given to shield the defendants; whether the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, Sir H. F. May, went down to Tonga, and, as a result of an inquiry, reversed the decision, gave permission for the Kautaha to be started again, and compelled the Consul-General, Mr. Campbell, to apologise to the Tongan King George II.; and whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the Reports relating to the trial, and to the visit and decision of Sir H. F. May as mentioned in this question?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies has received a report of the proceedings taken by Mr. Cameron and other members of the Kautaha against Mr. Campbell and others; the action was dismissed with costs; he is not aware of any ground for the suggestion that false evidence was given for the defendants; the High Commissioner has acquiesced in the proposal to permit the establishment of a co-operative society on the lines of the old Kautaha, on condition as to audit and control by the Tongan Government; Mr. Campbell has not been called upon to apologise to the King for any action taken by him in connection with the Kautaha, but merely for injudicious language used by him during an interview with the King. Sir H. May's confidential report on his visit to Tonga, which deals with other matters besides the question of the Kautaha is not suitable for publication, but my hon. Friend can see full reports concerning the Kautaha, printed in the Tongan Gazettes, if he will call at the Colonial Office.

Are we to understand from the reply that the papers have not been published because of some language he used to the King.

I do not think we can draw that inference. There are official papers which had better be perused by my hon. Friend in private at the Colonial Office.

asked whether the boundaries of the lands on Ocean Island, Gilbert Group, Western Pacific, which the Pacific Islands Company, now Pacific Phosphates Company, were by the terms of their lease (1900–01) permitted to occupy, have been yet clearly defined and marked out by the Government; whether the lands not in this area have been thoroughly inspected by mining and chemical experts in order to ascertain their real value; and whether the Government intend to advertise these lands and take effective measures to obtain by rent or royalty the proper value for the same; and whether the right hon. Gentleman has any official information as to the payment offered by the Pacific Phosphates Company for the right to mine these valuable phosphate lands?

The mining areas of the Pacific Phosphates Company on Ocean Island have not yet been definitely marked out; there will be no lands available outside this area for mining operations by other persons, since the lands in question are required by the natives, and the Pacific Phosphates Company have the sole right of removing phosphates from the island; the payment to be made by the company in connection with the proposed mining areas is still under the consideration of the Secretary of State.

Am I to understand that the latter remarks refer to the proposed extension?

I do not think I could answer that off-hand. I communicated with the Colonial Office in regard to the answer I have given, and I could not definitely say whether it refers to extension, but I think so. Perhaps the hon. Member will put the question down.

asked whether it is intended to pay the chairman and members of the Royal Commission to inquire into the question of trade within the Empire; and, if so, what salaries will be paid?

No salaries will be paid to those members of the Commission who are appointed by His Majesty's Government. An allowance will be made for their subsistence and travelling expenses.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has yet been able to establish any £3 telephone installation for the benefit of farmers and other rural residents; and, if not, when he expects to be able do so?

The low rate of £3 a year for rural party lines was based on the assumption that an average of three subscribers per mile of route would be obtained. A large number of localities have now been actively canvassed, and it is clear that more than two subscribers per mile cannot be hoped for except in a very few special cases. To meet this condition an increase in the charge will be necessary to cover only the direct cost of the lines and operating, without allowing anything for the general expenses of the exchanges with which the lines are connected, and I hope shortly to be able to offer a modified scheme of rates to meet the same conditions in different localities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that farmers dislike the idea of prices quoted to them through the telephone for their produce being made known to their neighbours, and is that a necessary condition of such an installation?

The party line system is a system in which several subscribers use one telephone line. The inevitable result of that is that conversations may be overheard. If farmers or other persons want the exclusive use of a single line they must necessarily pay for it at the ordinary charges.

asked the Postmaster-General whether five postmen are constantly employed at the Newport (Mon.) Post Office as sorters, whether they work eight hours a day at that work, and whether the sorting done by them is wholly distinct from the walk-sorting usually done by postmen; and whether, seeing that the duty is more arduous and commands a higher scale of pay than that usually performed by postmen, it is his intention to raise their pay to that received by sorting clerks?

There have been, since March, 1908, five full eight hour primary sorting duties at Newport (Mon.), performed by postmen, but as these duties are shared among ten men performing them in alternate weeks in groups of five no postman is employed constantly upon them. These duties, while distinct from walk-sorting, are not more difficult, and are such as are assigned partially or entirely to postmen at a number of offices. There would be no justification for raising the pay of these postmen to that received by sorting clerks and telegraphists, who are required to perform more complicated and responsible work. The whole question of the employment of postmen on sorting duties is at present under consideration by a Departmental Committee, whose report I am awaiting.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that telegraphic communication between the islands of Jura and Islay and from the island of Tiree to the mainland is interrupted, and that in the former case more than two months has elapsed without the damage being repaired; and whether he can see his way to increasing the strength of the repairing staff available for this purpose in Scotland?

The cable ship "Monarch" has been sent to repair the damage, and she is waiting in the nearest harbour (Gigha) until the weather shall afford an opportunity.

How soon will a staff be available for repairs?

It is not a question of a staff, but of ships. We have included in the estimates provision for an additional cable ship. I cannot say without notice when it will be ready.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the Post Office boat at Creagory, in Benbecula, could without difficulty meet the mail steamer off Petersport and bring and take off the mails for Benbecula, he could see his way to make this arrangement in order to save twenty-four hours' delay and the injury done to parcels sent over land?

I am having inquiry made, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the Lord Advocate, in view of the questions which have arisen with reference to access to Loch Lomond, whether his attention has been called to the fact that in or about the year 1884 there was an arbitration between the county road trustees of Dumbartonshire and Sir James Colquhoun, of Luss, for the acquisition by the former from the latter of the ferry rights, the then existing bridge, and such rights as were necessary for the building of the present bridge at Balloch; whether, under the award which followed, the county road trustees paid to Sir James Colquhoun £6,000 or thereabouts, or any, and, if so, what, other sum for the subjects of the arbitration; what they obtained for that sum; whether the subjects which they obtained were specified in writing in any transfer, deed, or disposition; and, if so, where access can be had thereto, in order that there may be an accurate ascertainment of the rights to, and connected with, the land in question, now vested in the Dumbartonshire County Council as successors to the county road trustees?

The answer to this question will be circulated with the Votes. [See Written Answers this date.]

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the figures for the average value of British and German imports into Egypt during the periods 1895 to 1900, 1900 to 1905, and 1905 to 1910, and the percentage comparison of British and German imports into Egypt during those years?

For the periods of five years ended 1900,1905, and 1910, the average annual values of the imports into Egypt from the United Kingdom have been £4,125,000, £6,338,000, and £7,935,000 respectively, being 35, 35, and 32 per cent. of the Egyptian imports during each period. The corresponding figures of imports from Germany have been £356,000, £784,000, and £1,274,000, being 3, 4, and 5 per cent. respectively of the Egyptian imports.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the necessity of appointing further Trade Commissioners or agents in Egypt, bearing in mind that there is a large increase in German trade as compared with British trade?

The increase in imports from Great Britain in the last five years is considerably greater than the total amount of the German increase.

asked the hon. Member for Southampton, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the desire of the King Edward Memorial Committee to recommend to the Government a site in Green Park for the memorial, he is able to state the date on which the House will be given the opportunity of expressing its views in accordance with the statement of the Prime Minister?

asked whether, at the recent meeting of the King Edward Memorial Committee, any decision was arrived at as to a site for the proposed King Edward Memorial?

The proposal is to erect the memorial at the Piccadilly end of the Broad Walk in the Green Park—the spot indicated in the various answers given in this House on the 19th July last.

May I ask whether the Government has actually given its assent to this site?

No, Sir.

Is it the case that the Government is with holding its assent until the matter has been discussed in this House?

The answer given by the Prime Minister was that the Government saw no objection to this site, but, of course, before the site is finally approved, the matter has to receive, first of all, the assent of the Memorial Committee, then of the First Commissioner of Works, and then before anything can be finally settled, the plans will have to be exhibited in this House. That was the promise made by the Prime Minister.

Surely the Prime Minister said that this House should have an opportunity of discussing the whole matter?

Yes, Sir.

May we take it that before the assent is finally given the House will have not only an opportunity of discussing the matter, but of giving its verdict upon it?

I understand so.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that a bailiff from Brigg County Court called at Mill Road, Ashby, near Doncaster, the house of W. H. Millett, a blacksmith's striker, and left a plain piece of paper asking for Income Tax 11s. 8d. and bailiffs' fees 5s. 6d.; whether he is aware that this person called again on 18th September and insulted Mrs. Millett, and demanded £2 12s. 2d. with threats; whether he is aware that the blacksmith's striker hurried from work to find a crowd around his house, and was successful by peaceful persuasion in ridding his home of this official on payment of 11s. 8d. Income Tax in exchange for a receipt; and whether any compensation will be given for the annoyance thus caused in collecting taxes owing by a former landlord of the house?

I am informed that an action for damages for trespass has been commenced by Mr. W. H. Millett against the collector of taxes for the parish of Ashby. As the matter is sub judice I cannot properly make any observations upon it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he intends to introduce legislation dealing with the care of the feeble-minded?

Yes, Sir, next Session.