asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the destroyers of the 1912–13 German programme were commenced last November; and what steps he proposes to take in order to secure that our destroyers of this year's programme are finished at the same time as those being built for Germany?

There is no official information that the German destroyers of the 1912–13 programme have been commenced already. In November last a report appeared in the German Press that the Schichau works at Elbing had begun to build twelve destroyers of similar type to those now being built for the German Navy, but it, was also stated that these were being built on the firm's own account. It is presumed that these are the destroyers referred to. Tenders which are now being examined have already been obtained for the twenty British destroyers of the new programme, so that there need be no delay in beginning them, if and when the House of Commons sanctions their construction.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that these twelve destroyers are being built for any other Power except the German Empire?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I have given.

asked whether any and, if so, how many keels of torpedo-boat destroyers have been laid down in the Schichau private works at Elbing during the last twelve months, and which Power has ordered them?

Thirteen destroyers have been reported as laid down at Schichau's, Elbing, during 1911. One of these is for China. There is no official information as to the destination of the remainder.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state when he will know what other Powers those twelve destroyers are for?

I am afraid that I cannot enter into the region of prophecy.

asked how many destroyers of the German 1910–11 programme were in commission by the end of 1911; how many British vessels of the same type and programme were then in commission; and how many are now in service?

There were four British destroyers of the 1910–11 programme in commission at the end of 1911, and there are now seven vessels of that programme in service. The whole of the twelve German destroyers of the 1910–11 programme had commissioned for and completed their trials by the end of 1911. Eleven of these were formed into a flotilla on the 4th January, 1912.

Why is it that the Germans could finish all their programme last year while we have only got seven out of our twenty completed at the present moment?

I provide information as to the facts; I cannot enter further into the subject, and must defer matters of explanation to the ordinary time.

Surely the House of Commons has a right to know why this great delay in our destroyer programme has taken place?

I am always ready to give any information, but I do not think I ought to enter into an explanation in answer to a supplementary question. When a question is put down I see whether I can give a full answer, or I ask the House to wait until the Estimates come on for discussion.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Frederick Webb, a naval pensioner, was accidentally killed at the post of duty on His Majesty's ship "Sirius" in Queens-town Harbour, on the 11th February, 1911; that deceased had depending upon his earnings a widowed sister, Mrs. Annie Mahony, who has occasional employment as a stewardess, but whose health is so bad that she cannot continue the same; and that deceased had been during the best part of his life in the Navy; and whether, seeing that it would have been a case for compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act if the employment had been outside a Government establishment, and that Government establishments profess to grant compensation in respect of accidents under the same conditions, he will explain on what grounds has compensation been refused to deceased's sister?

Webb was killed as stated on 11th February, 1911, and Mrs. Mahony's claim for compensation was at once investigated. It was refused because, although Webb had regularly assisted his sister with money for some time after her husband's death about eleven years ago, he had ceased to do so for a considerable period before his death, such occasional pecuniary assistance as he rendered not being considered by the Treasury as constituting dependency on his earnings within the meaning of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906. Inquiries at the time elicited that Mrs. Mahony was employed as a stewardess on Cunard liners for about eight months of each year, her wages being £1 a week, and that she was about to start on another voyage.

asked whether the Regulation governing the withdrawal of armoured ships from the commissioned fleets for repair and giving leave, which was issued with the Statement of Admiralty Policy of 1905, is still in force; and, if not, what has been substituted for it?

I must refer the hon. Member to my reply to the questions he put on this subject on 13th December last. Rigid regulations in such matters do not conduce to the effective readiness of the Fleet. It is much better for the Admiralty to exercise their discretion according to the necessities of the public service for the time being.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 13th December last he stated that if I put down a question he would tell me what Regulations wore substituted for those of 1905?

If my hon. Friend can show me any promise that has been made, I will consider it.

asked whether the contract for the salvage of Submarine A3 has been given to a foreign company; whether the First Lord of the Admiralty will state the name of the company; whether the British National Salvage Association had a vessel or vessels all ready to undertake the contract; whether that association tendered to render assistance on the 3rd February, 1912; and, if so, whether he will state to the House why the tender of the British National Salvage Association was not accepted?

The company in question is understood to be a British company; it is known as the Sea Salvage Company. Several companies offered assistance, of which the company named in the question was one. It is contrary to Admiralty custom to give reasons for non-acceptance of tenders. The company selected was chosen by officers on the spot as being capable of rendering immediate service.

asked whether the married men's allowance in the Royal Marines is the same for private, corporal, or sergeant, namely, 6d. per day; and whether he can see his way to meet the views of non-commissioned officers in the Royal Marines, seeing that they are expected to keep up a better establishment than privates, by raising the allowance of sergeants to 9d. and of corporals to 7½d. a day?

It is assumed that the allowance referred to by the hon. Member is that payable in lieu of lodgings, fuel, and light, for which a uniform rate of 6d. a day is fixed for the Royal Marine ranks mentioned. I cannot give the undertaking asked for in the last part of the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any reason why he cannot give the undertaking?

We think that this allowance is sufficient. The Army rates are uniform for those ranks, and I do not see any reason why we should discriminate between private, corporal, or sergeant.

asked whether a sergeant in the Royal Marines gets 2s. 10d. a day all the time he is a sergeant, whereas a petty officer in the Navy, who ranks with a sergeant in the Royal Marines, gets 2s. 8d. a day on promotion to his rank, a rise of 2d. a day if he reengages after twelve years' service, and a further rise of 2d. a day for every year he serves as petty officer; and whether the First Lord of the Admiralty will consider the advisability of placing the sergeant in the Royal Marines with regard to progressive pay on the same footing as the petty officer in the Royal Navy?

The facts are not precisely as stated. A petty officer receives 2s. 8d. per day on promotion to that rating; 2s. 10d. after three years as a petty officer; 3s. after six years. A sergeant in the Royal Marine Light Infantry receives 2s. 10d. a day without progressive rates. The conditions governing the terms of service, rates of pay, etc., of Marines and naval ratings differ in important particulars; a difference in one only cannot be considered without reference to the whole of the conditions.

asked whether in the Navy there is no maximum pension, whereas in the Royal Marines there is a maximum, that in the Navy a man can make what he earns, whereas a Royal Marine cannot make more than a specified amount, whether he earns it or not; and whether the First Lord of the Admiralty will consider the advisability of removing the maximum in the case of the Royal Marines, so that both branches of the Service may be placed on an equal footing?

The facts are substantially as stated. There are many dissimilarities existing in the regulations governing the terms of service, rates of pay, methods of awarding good conduct badges, etc., of Marines and naval ratings, and while these remain no sufficient reason is seen for modifying the pension regulations for the former, which are based upon Army rules both as regards the provision of maximum rates and in other respects.

asked whether the ships of the "Dreadnought" type firing in the gunlayers' test of 1910 scored on an average 1.68 hits per gun, while those which fired in 1911 scored only 1.33 hits; and whether there is any explanation to account for this 20 per cent. decline in efficiency?

I am informed that the correct figures show an apparent falling off of 7 per cent., which is easily accounted for by the fact that the ships, as a whole, fired under less favourable weather conditions in 1911 than in 1910.

Were the unfavourable weather conditions spread over the whole face of the globe?

The weather conditions were unfavourable for the fleets as a whole to an extent sufficient to cover the 7 per cent. deterioration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with that 7 per cent.?

I hope we will never rest satisfied with anything on this side of perfection.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the skilled and ordinary labourers at the Haulbowline Dockyard are paid a lower rate of wages than is paid at Sheerness, Chatham, Portsmouth, or Devonport; what reason exists for this difference of treatment; and what steps he intends to take in the matter?

The minimum rates for skilled and ordinary labourers at Haulbowline are 1s. a week less than at the dockyards in England. The rates appear to compare favourably with those for outside local labour of a similar character.

asked the number of accidents, fatal and otherwise, that have occurred to workmen on the new Admiralty works at Rosyth from the starting of the works till 31st December, 1911?

The number of accidents, fatal and otherwise, that have occurred to workmen on the Rosyth works from their commencement to 31st December, 1911, is fifty-six, including six fatal.

Are those official figures, or figures taken from the contracts?

They are figures obtained in the ordinary way, and I should say they are accurate.

Does the hon. Gentleman mean that his information is such as to justify him in saying that there have been only fifty-six accidents at those works in the last three years?

I have given the figures up to the 31st December, 1911, and that is the information supplied to me. If there is anything which should be added, I am ready to make further inquiries.

Surely the hon. Gentleman must himself know that there have been more accidents than the number he states in one year.

asked whether the First Lord of the Admiralty's attention has been drawn to the proceedings at the inquest on the body of the captain of the Breton steamer "Perim," killed by the fall of a mast when his vessel was wrecked off Atherfield, Isle of Wight; whether he is aware of the statement made by a Coastguard officer to the effect that the position of the ship was not noticed owing to the insufficiency of the staff patrolling the cliffs; whether he has official information showing that the scheme of abolishing the Coastguards and replacing them by Customs officers is working well; and whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to secure the proper and efficient patrolling of our coasts?

I have not seen a report of the inquest, but a full report on all the circumstances attending this wreck has been called for, and will be carefully considered when received. No such scheme as that referred to is at present in operation for abolishing the Coastguard and replacing them by Customs officers. The Board of Trade is the Department responsible for the general arrangements made for watching the coast for life-saving purposes, but every possible step is taken by the Admiralty to comply with requests for the assistance of the Coastguard in this service, so far as the organisation of a force raised for other purposes permits.

Is the House to understand that there is no scheme by which Customs officers are replaced in the Coastguard?

The reduction of the Coastguard, which has been going on for some time, was wholly suspended during last year, but I am by no means-certain that the matter is not one which requires careful consideration in view of making the Reserve of the British Navy as available as they ought to be.

asked whether the concessions obtained by the prompt business methods of a foreign company last week from the Government of Portugal for the erection of the new wireless telegraphy stations on the Portuguese coast will be equipped with the apparatus of the Marconi or another system; and, if the latter, whether British warships will still be able to avail themselves of the facilities provided by the new stations as freely as if the more unacceptable offer of the Marconi Company had been entertained by the Portuguese Government?

The first part of the hon. Member's question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. As regards the latter part, under the Berlin Convention, Portuguese commercial wireless stations of any system would be open to communicate with ships equipped with any system.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he can state the number of prisoners now in the prisons, mines, ships, and other penal establishments of Portugal in and outside of that country for alleged political offences; the number of them that are the result of public trial, with time and opportunity for cross-examination and defence: the number imprisoned without such public trial; the number of cases in which overt acts were proved on trial; the number in which the offence consisted in holding or expressing political opinion; the number of each class who have been prisoners for three months or more; and the number who have died in prison in that time?

In view of the well-established policy of His Majesty's Government not to intervene in the internal affairs of other countries, I am unable to take steps in the sense desired.

asked whether any attempt has been made on the part of the Government to secure by International arrangement the prohibition of the use of bomb-throwing airships and aeroplanes in time of war; and, if not, whether the Foreign Office will consider the advisability of instructing our representatives to raise the question at the next Hague Conference?

The hon. Member is no doubt aware of the Declaration signed at the last Peace Conference by the representatives of some twenty-seven States, including Great Britain, prohibiting the discharge of projectiles and explosives from balloons or by other new methods of a similar nature for a period extending to the close of the third Peace Conference. His Majesty's Government will certainly consider the question of what instructions can properly be given to the British representatives on the subject when the time for the third Conference approaches.

Can the hon. Gentleman state the date of the next Peace Conference?

The next Peace Conference will be in 1915.

asked if the Union Government of South Africa will be consulted before any discussion is entered into with any foreign Power as regards any exchange or cession of territory south of the equator?

No territorial changes in any way affecting the interests of the Union will be made without consultation with the Union Government.

asked why the Medical Commissioners appointed under the provisions of Section 52 (1) of the National Insurance Act must have had personal experience of general practice; whether there is the same proviso with regard to the Scottish Medical Commissioners, and, if not, will he say why a different course has been adopted; and whether the Scottish Medical Commissioner has had experience of general practice?

Sections 57 and 80 of the Act require that all the Commissions must have among their members a duly qualified medical Commissioner. In England only is experience of general practice a statutory condition of his appointment; but this condition, though not statutory, is also fulfilled by the Scottish Medical Commissioner.

May I ask if the Scottish Medical Commissioner has had experience of general practice?

Yes, many years experience.

asked if the public meeting in favour of the National Insurance Act, held at Thetford on 29th January, at which free cigars were promised and given, was paid for out of national or local Liberal funds?

No conference or meeting has been held or addressed at Thetford by any servant of the English Insurance Commission. I have no information as to any meeting that may have been held by any private organisation.

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire into the matter?

I have inquired, and the result of my inquiry is the information which I have given.

If I can show the hon. Gentleman the bills, will he inquire from the local Liberal Association?

I am not answering in this House for any local Liberal Association.

asked on what day the undated paper of instructions to National Insurance lecturers, signed by Sir Robert Morant and published in the newspapers of 26th February, was actually completed and signed?

asked when the instructions to official lecturers under the Insurance Commission were first issued to the lecturers; and what date the document bears?

The instructions referred to were approved by the Joint Committee on 23rd January. They were issued over the signatures of the respective chairmen, by the English and Irish Commissions on 27th January and by the Scottish and Welsh Commissions on 29th January. The instructions (a copy of which seems to have reached one newspaper through some unauthorised channel) were confidential instructions issued to all the lecturers. They have been published in the White Paper, which was circulated to the House last night.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman can also circulate the other document referred to in those instructions, namely, the model answers to questions which are assumed to have been put to the lecturers?

I will consider that.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has seen a circular letter from the National Health Commission stating that certain action had been taken by them in accordance with instructions received from him; whether it is to be understood that the Commissioners are in the position of ordinary Government Departments acting under the instructions of a Minister who takes responsibility to Parliament for all their actions and decisions; and whether the Commission have therefore, before taking any important decision or action, to ascertain, and then to carry out, the views of the Chancellor of the Exchequer or the Secretary to the Treasury as the responsible Minister, and are not free to form and to act upon their own views as a Commission?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will postpone this question for the present.

Will the hon. Gentleman be able to give an answer on Monday?

I think I can give the answer to-morrow. The Chancellor of the Exchequer is extraordinarily busy at this moment as the hon. Member knows.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been directed to the fact that a body terming itself the National Insurance Advisory Council, of 3, Northampton Square, London, E.C., has been giving advice to friendly societies which has been thought by those who have received it to be official in character; and whether he can do anything by more widely advertising the proper title and address of the Insurance Commissioners to prevent the continuance of such proceedings?

As I indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Enfield on the 20th February, the body referred to has no connection, direct or indirect, with the Insurance Commission, and no authority to give any official advice. The issue from the office of the Insurance Commission of forms, regulations, and correspondence, which is daily increasing, will, I hope, make the proper title and address of the Insurance Commission known to all those who are interested, and prevent any such unfortunate misunderstandings as those referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, having regard to the fact that under the National Insurance Act as it stands any person who, having been compulsorily insured for a period of five years, may become and remain a voluntary insurer entitled to medical benefit at such annual rate as may be arranged, be his income what it may, it is proposed by regulation of the Commissioners, or otherwise, to fix any limit of income beyond which such insured person shall cease to be entitled to medical benefit at the common rate?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to Section 15, Sub-section (3) of the Act. An income limit which may be fixed under that Sub-section would, of course, apply to the particular class of voluntary contributors to whom he refers.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a man aged sixty-five or upwards and not previously insured has to make any contribution himself if he becomes employed before he reaches the age of seventy; whether he is included as an employed contributor; and, if not included, what Section exempts him?

Under Sections 1 (4) and 4 (4), where a person not previously insured becomes sixty-five between the commencement of the Act and the date when he subsequently becomes employed, he does not become an insured person, and only the employers' contributions are payable in respect of him. Under Section 49 (1), where a person is sixty-five or upwards and under seventy at the commencement of the Act and employed at that date, the same contributions are payable in respect of him as if he were an employed contributor.

Is the hon. Gentleman sure that he is not an employed contributor, although he is not an insured person?

I do not know of any reason for altering the facts that our legal advisers have given us.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the different groups of Insurance Commissioners have defined spheres of operation allotted to them; and, if so, to what group is Shropshire assigned?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the Sections of the Act (Section 57 and Sections 79 to 82) which decides the matter. The Insurance Commission (England) are responsible for carrying Part I. of the Act into operation in Shropshire.

Will the hon. Gentleman protect my innocent Constituents from having letters addressed to them in Welsh, asking them to get up meetings at their own expense for the purpose of explaining the Act to the Welsh people in Wales?

I believe there are Welsh-speaking districts in Shropshire where such meetings might be held, and such lectures usefully given.

Did the hon. Gentleman say just now that Shropshire was under the English Commissioners—is it to be under both English and Welsh?

No, but if there are Welsh-speaking people in Shropshire it is rather desirable to have Welsh-speaking lecturers.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that these notices are sent to Welsh-speaking people and not to English people?

asked when the promised Bill for the simplification and cheapening of land conveyance will be introduced?

A Bill carrying out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Land Transfer Acts will be introduced by the Lord Chancellor at an early date.

asked how many copies of Form IV. have been served to date in Ireland; how many have been returned with the necessary information, as asked for, given; and whether such forms have been served on the owners of purely agricultural heriditaments equally with those of an urban or semi-urban character?

About 150,000 copies of Form IV. have been issued; of these approximately 52,000 have been returned filled or partially filled up to the present time. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Has he received the forms from Dundalk yet?

The hon. Member cannot remember the names of one hundred and fifty thousand persons.

What has happened to the other hundred thousand forms which have not been returned, and have any steps been taken with regard to them?

I must have notice of that question.

asked how many provisional valuations of Irish hereditaments have been served on their owners as a result of any information derived from copies of Form IV. recently issued, and in how many cases have such provisional valuations been accepted by the said owners?

About 5,000 provisional valuations have been issued, and about 80 per cent. of these have been accepted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the information possessed by the Land Valuation Department of Ireland which will enable them to, without any preliminary inquiry, serve on the owners of agricultural hereditaments which are not judicial tenancies and hereditaments on which a judicial rent has been fixed provisional valuations, stating the assessable site value of said hereditaments in accordance with the terms of the Finance Act?

I will refer the hon. Member to the numerous statements that have already been made to the House on this subject, and in particular to the Debate on the 30th June, 1910, and to my right hon. Friend's answer to the hon. Member for York on the 24th November, 1910.

To make a long story short, is it a fact that on agricultural land in Ireland, a provisional valuation can be served on the owner without any inspection or without the serving of Form IV.?

I think all that was fully explained by my right hon. Friend, if the hon. Member will refer to it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state when he expects to be able to announce the amount of extra Grant to be given to educational authorities for a superannuation scheme for teachers; and what will be the amount of the share allocated to Scotland?

I am afraid I am not at present in a position to give the Noble Lord any more specific information than that which has already been given to the House, namely, that this subject—which is a very complicated one—is now engaging the careful attention of my right hon. Friend and his advisers, and that I hope it will be possible to make the new Grant available for the year 1912–13.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Secretary for Scotland, at the beginning of the St. Rollox election, promised to give a Grant, and said he did so "upon the authority of his distinguished chief," the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the scheme will be operative in a few weeks, and that there is no money to carry it out?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state how many county councils have not put the Small Holdings Acts into operation, and how many of them have not exercised their power of purchasing the freehold of any land?

The county councils of London and of the Scilly Isles are the only county councils which have not as yet acquired land either by purchase or by lease under the Act of 1908. Five county councils—namely, Rutland, East Sussex, Westmorland, Brecon, and Carmarthen—have not as yet acquired land by purchase.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state the percentage allowed by the Gloucestershire, Dorsetshire, Cambridge, and Lincoln County Councils in fixing rents to small holders for, respectively, manage ment expenses, repairs, and contingencies; and if he will state the lowest and the highest rates of such percentages which now exist in schemes approved by the Board?

I have been in communication with the county councils to which my hon. Friend refers, and I think I can most conveniently answer my hon. Friend's question by circulating with the Votes the information I have received.—[See Written Answers this date.]

Will that include all the county councils or only those named?

It only includes those referred to in the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if those percentages are fixed by the Small Holdings Commissioners appointed by the Board of Agriculture?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he will state whether he is aware that the close times for brown trout and rainbow trout are identical, and that the close time for rainbow trout exists when these fish are at their best as an article of food; and whether he will take steps to amend the Act, seeing that the close times of these fish ought to be at different times of the year?

It is the case that no distinction is drawn in the Act of 1873 between brown trout and rainbow trout in respect of the period during which they may legally be exposed for sale, and that, during this period, rainbow trout are fit for food. The Board have had under consideration the propriety of introducing legislation on the subject, and they are in communication with the Salmon and Trout Association and the Fishbreeders' Associations respecting it.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state why his Department refuses to examine diseases of fish supposed to be poisoned by tar from roads when taken from a private pond; and whether only fish from public rivers or ponds are examined?

It did not appear in the case to which I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers that the matter was of sufficient public interest to justify any considerable expenditure of time and money in the institution of scientific investigations, but an examination of the fish was in fact made with results which were communicated to the Board's correspondent. The Board have no information as to the situation of the pond from which the fish were taken, but I shall be glad to consider whether any further assistance can be given if the local fishery board communicate with me on the subject.

Is it not the fact that trout are being poisoned continually by tar running off the roads, and is it not important to inquire?

If there are any cases of the kind brought to my notice I shall be glad to inquire into them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Board has sufficient power to protect the public against improper trading, by direct control of companies or through auditors of their accounts, will he say how an insurance society was allowed last year to pay dividends out of current business, to pay directors by intercepting income and not allowing it to reach the society's books, to use valueless house purchase bonds for collecting purposes, and to spend all the subscriptions of the bondholders in the salaries and expenses of officers?

The only obligations imposed by Parliament on assurance companies are those contained in the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, and (in the case of some of these companies) in the Companies Consolidation Act, 1908. I do not know to what insurance society the hon. Member refers in his question, but if he can furnish me with evidence that the provisions of the Act have not been complied with in any respect the matter shall be carefully considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say by what auditor, if any, the balance sheet, accounts, and vouchers of the Guardian Bank for the half-year ending 31st December, 1911, have been certified; on what security an advance was made by that bank to one of its own officers; whether the bank has any other office but that in Dawson Street, Dublin; for how long in 1910 a person named Tripp was a director of that bank; what property Tripp held in the bank; when he acquired that property; when he ceased to hold it; what the present available capital of the bank is; and how much of it is really owned by the present directors?

The accounts of the Guardian Bank, Limited, are made up annually to the 30th June in each year, and the balance-sheet showing the position at 30th June, 1911, was audited by Messrs. Stokes Brothers and Pim. I have no information as to the security for any advance which may have been made by the bank. I understand that the bank has an office at Belfast in addition to that in Dawson Street, Dublin. Mr. H. J. S. Tripp was a director of the company from October, 1910, until May, 1911. The returns filed with the Registrar show that 242 shares were allotted to Mr. Tripp between 11th May, 1910, and 8th June, 1910, that sixty shares were allotted to him between 24th August, 1910, and 13th September, 1910, and that those 302 shares were still held by him on 14th August, 1911, the date to which the last annual return of the company is made up. That return shows that on 14th August, 1911, 13,297 shares of £1 each had been issued, that 10s. had been called up on each share, and that 7,900 shares were held by the directors. I am informed that at the present time 13,395 shares have been issued, and that 8,100 shares are held by the present directors.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that return tickets between English stations, Dublin, Belfast, Kingstown, and also all stations on the Dublin and South-Eastern Railway are now available for six months, but to other Irish stations only for two months; and will he communicate with the Irish railway companies so that the facility may be extended to all stations in Ireland?

The Board of Trade have no statutory powers in this matter, but I am bringing my hon. Friend's question to the notice of the principal Irish railway companies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the present position in the case of the Crown's claim to foreshore rights at Sea View, Isle of Wight?

On 31st January last the Court gave the defendants five weeks further time to complete their investigations and to answer the Crown's information and interrogatories. The Order was made peremptory on them to answer within the time given.

When may we expect legislation dealing with the subject, as suggested in the Report of the Commission?

I can make no answer to that.

asked the Postmaster-General in what places in the British Empire a stamp corresponding to a halfpenny stamp was used for local postage of closed letters; whether the system worked satisfactorily; and, having regard to the inequality of service involved in delivering letters from here in America and Australia, as compared with delivery in the town in which they were posted, whether he would consider the advisability of allowing the use of a halfpenny stamp on closed letters delivered within the local area of postage?

There is a halfpenny rate for local letters in Canada, Newfoundland, British Guiana, Ceylon, and IIong Kong, and a general halfpenny rate in India, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Malta, St. Lucia, Sarawak, and Zanzibar. I do not know whether or not these services are performed at a loss. But in this country a halfpenny post for local letters would impose a heavy burden on the taxpayer, who would have to meet a very large loss of revenue. Further, it would be contrary to the principle on which the Inland Postal system has been based since 1840—that of uniformity of rates irrespective of distance.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the inhabitants of Rhine, near Kells, county Meath, had petitioned him to have a letter-box erected for their convenience; whether he was aware that at present they had to watch the postman to give him letters or walk two miles into Kells Post Office; and what action he proposed to take?

I am not aware of any such petition. Although the number of letters which would probably be posted in a letter-box at Rhine is very small, I have authorised the erection of a box.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Eastern and Associated Telegraph Companies had informed him that reduced Press rates would come into operation on the 1st of March between Great Britain and Egypt, British East Africa, the Union of South Africa, Rhodesia, Straits Settlements, and many other places; whether these rates were for ordinary and not deferred messages, and what was the amount of the average reduction; whether it was proposed to reduce Government charges in return for concessions made by the Eastern Companies; and whether those rates operated both ways?

The Eastern and Associated Telegraph Companies have announced that reduced Press rates will come into operation on the 1st March between the United Kingdom and Egypt, British East Africa, the Union of South Africa, Rhodesia, Straits Settlements, and a number of other places, including Cyprus, Zanzibar, and Mauritius. The companies intimate that they reserve to themselves the right to transmit Press telegrams at these reduced rates after all other traffic. But the messages sent at the reduced rates will not constitute a new class subject to special deferment. The reductions made by the companies range from about 50 to about 75 per cent. The charge made by the British Post Office for dealing with such of the traffic as is collected or delivered by the postal telegraph system will be reduced proportionately. The reduced rates apply to traffic in both directions.

asked whether it was the rule that postage was not to be refunded in the case of non-delivery of packages, even though the non-delivery was admittedly the fault of the Post Office?

As the hon. Member speaks of "packages," he probably has parcels chiefly in mind. When the Post Office is satisfied that a parcel has been lost in the post it pays compensation (subject, of course, to the conditions set out in the Post Office Guide), and refunds postage.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the postmistress of Rathkenny, county Meath, had tendered her resignation; if he had received a memorial signed by the majority of the people who use the office that its location be changed to a more central and suitable position; whether the change was opposed by only a few temporary residents in the locality; and whether, in making the new appointment, he would have regard to the greatest convenience of the greatest number?

I have at present no information, but I will inquire and write to the hon. Member.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he would state the amount expended by the Board on the development of Irish fisheries, not including piers or harbours; the number of sailing boats fitted with motors, keel and beam of boats, and horse-power of motors; the number of new boats fitted with motors purchased by fishermen with the assistance of the Board, size of boats, and power of motors; and the terms on which loans had been granted to fishermen?

The segregation of the particulars asked for in the first part of the question from the Department's general expenditure would be difficult, and would involve so much time and labour that I hope the hon. Gentleman will not press for the information. I am prepared, however, to furnish a Return containing particulars of the total amount advanced between 1st April, 1900, and 31st March, 1911 (the latter being the latest date to which the accounts are made up), by way of loans to fishermen to enable them to procure boats and gear, of the total repayments during that period, of the number of installations of auxiliary motor-power in sailing boats, of the number of new motor fishing boats procured by loans from the Department, and of the horse-power of the engines; and also to supply information regarding the terms on which loans have been advanced. The preparation of the Returns would occupy some time, and I can direct that they shall be sent to the hon. Member.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether any special facilities were afforded by his Department to occupiers of labourers' cottages for the provision of seeds, plants, and fruit trees, if so, could he state the nature of these facilities; what steps were taken to bring the knowledge of them to the labourers; how many availed, last year, of the advantages conferred by the Department in this respect; and what was the cost out of public funds?

The Department do not afford special facilities for the provision of seeds, plants, or trees to occupiers of labourers' cottages or other applicants. Under the County Horticultural Scheme, however, county committees of agriculture are empowered to make arrangements whereby any resident in the county, which includes a labourer, can procure fruit and other trees at specially reduced prices. This privilege is brought by the local authorities concerned to the knowledge of the residents through advertisements and through their instructors. The Department have also published a special pamphlet dealing with the cultivation and management of labourers' plots and cottage gardens. This pamphlet gives full directions as to the manner in which labourers can avail themselves of the benefits of the several county schemes. The Department have no information as to the number of labourers who took advantage of this arrangement. It is not possible to separate from other expenditure incurred by county committees the amount properly chargeable to this section of the Horticultural Scheme. It may be stated, however, that the arrangements for the sale of trees above referred to do not involve any loss of funds to the local authority.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he had any official information showing that 60 per cent. of the agricultural seeds sold in Ireland were adulterated or unfit for use by farmers; and, if so, why the vendors had not been black-listed, as he was empowered to do under the Weeds and Agricultural Seeds Act; whether one offender only had been black-listed; and what steps were taken to show small farmers who were the vendors of adulterated seeds if the Act was not put into force?

The Department have official information showing that nearly 60 per cent. of the agricultural seeds in Ireland, so far as they have been sampled, were unsatisfactory, in varying degrees, for use by farmers. Many of the vendors were unaware of the nature of the seeds they were selling, and in most cases the farmers were themselves to blame in demanding seed at very low prices. For these reasons, and the further fact that a promise was made that the Act would not be harshly administered at the outset, the Department have refrained from publishing the results, and in the meantime have been giving instruction, both to farmers and to seed vendors, as to the qualities which make agricultural seed of real value for sowing purposes. Only in one instance, where persistent warnings were neglected, were the Department compelled to publish the names of a wholesale trader and a retail trader who continued to offer seed of a very inferior description.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he was aware that a man named Reuben Rawlings was sentenced by the Farnham bench to a term, of one month's imprisonment with hard labour because he had allowed his wife and children to sleep underneath a tent during the winter; whether he was aware that, although the children were described as dirty and dishevelled, they were not verminous or ill-nourished, and that the doctor testified that no organic disease was present in any of the children; and whether, seeing that the imprisonment of the father, who was earning on the average not more than 12s. a week and who had been unable to find a cottage, had compelled the mother and children to go to the workhouse, he would consider the advisability of ordering the discharge of Rawlings from prison in order that he would be able to maintain his wife and children?

On this case being brought to my notice through a newspaper report, the circumstances appeared to me primâ facie to require investigation. I communicated with the justices, and on their report, which I received on 12th February, I considered that, having regard to all the circumstances, there was no sufficient ground for interference. The prisoner's sentence expired, and he was released, on the 17th of this month.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he would state whether, in view of the fact that costs were not usually inflicted in cases where the fine did not exceed 5s. in cases where parents had been summoned for non-attendance at school of their children, he would consider the possibility of remitting the costs imposed in the case of William Hemming, of Hurst-bourne. Andover, who was ordered to pay 14s. 6d. costs on 17th November. 1911?

The remission of costs is a matter for the justices, but I understand that in the particular case referred to the defendant has already undergone a short term of imprisonment in default of payment, and that therefore, so far as he is concerned, the matter is at an end. I may add that the case is one that has given much trouble, that the justices have treated the defendant with a good deal of leniency, and that it is reported that the child is now attending school regularly.

Under the Home Office Circular of 23rd March, 1891, was it not illegal to make this man pay costs, or has there been another circular since?

I shall be glad to have notice of that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department was taking, or contemplated taking, to test the various inventions for preventing a cage falling down the shaft when the rope breaks, with a view to having the use of some safety appliance made compulsory for the prevention of accidents from this cause?

The subject of safety catches has been recently investigated by the Expert Committee which was appointed by the Royal Commission on Mines to inquire into the means of preventing shaft accidents, with the result that they were satisfied that, under the conditions obtaining in this country, none of the existing types of safety catch could be regarded as reliable. The Royal Commission, after hearing a large number of witnesses, and in view of the Committee's opinion, unanimously reported that they were unable to recommend that the use of safety catches should be required by law. The subject was debated on the Report Stage of the Coal Mines Bill of last Session on an Amendment moved by the hon. Member to make the use of safety appliances compulsory, but the proposal was not adopted. I am advised that there is nothing more which can usefully be done by the Department at the present time; but I may remind the hon. Member that the Act of last Session contains a number of new provisions intended to guard against the risk of a cage falling down the shaft.

Is there any Departmental Committee to which these inventions could be referred, as several new inventions have recently been made?

I could not answer as to whether there is any definite Committee which would examine any inventions of the sort referred to, but they would, if mentioned at the time, be brought to the notice of the Chief Inspector of Mines, who would certainly give them his attention.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that not a single invention has come out since the Report to which he refers.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the appliances in this country are as good as in other countries?

I believe so, quite!

Is it intended to stop the exhibition of safety appliances in this, country?

asked the Prime Minister when an Advisory Committee for the appointment of magistrates for the municipal borough of Wisbech would be set up?

When the Lord Chancellor considers that justices are required at Wisbech or any other borough he will further consider as to the appointment of an Advisory Committee.

How can the Lord Chancellor tell whether justices are required if he has no Advisory Committee?

I assume, perhaps without sufficient knowledge, through the Lord Lieutenant of the county.

Has the Lord Lieutenant any control over the borough benches?

Borough benches? I beg my hon. Friend's pardon.

asked whether the lessee of a theatre in Belfast was offered a sum of money if he would allow a meeting to be addressed by the First Lord of the Admiralty in support of the Home Rule movement to be held in his theatre?

I have no knowledge of the "offer" referred to.

Nor has anybody else.

asked the Prime Minister, whether, before appointing the Home Secretary as an Ecclesiastical Commissioner, he took steps to ascertain whether he was a member of the Church of England, in view of the declaration to that effect required of each member of the Commission under Statute 6 and 7 William IV., c. 77?

I would ask the Noble Lord to postpone this question until the Prime Minister is here.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman requires the Prime Minister to tell him whether or not he is a member of the Church of England?

It is a very difficult legal question to determine who is and who is not a member of the Church of England as by law established.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know himself whether he is a member?

I am rather disposed to think that I am a member of the Church of England, who habitually takes advantage of the Toleration Act and other statutes.

On that legal quibble—?

The Noble Lord had better put his question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state on what grounds 205 expulsion orders under the Aliens Act, 1905, recommended by the Courts during the last six years for convicted aliens, have been refused by the Government?

The Government have not refused to make expulsion orders in 205 cases recommended by the Courts. The reasons for not making orders in certain cases are indicated year by year in the published statements, and cannot be stated within the compass of an answer to a question in this House; but I may say that the number 205, which the Noble Lord assumes to represent refusals, includes cases in which the prisoner died, a large number of cases in which the prisoner is still in prison, and will be expelled at the end of his sentence; and others, again, in which the prisoner was shown to be not an alien, as at first supposed, but a British subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me, at any rate, how many have been refused?

As they are still serving their sentences it is impossible to say.

Besides those that are now serving their sentences, can the right hon. Gentleman tell us how many have been refused on other grounds?

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

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the overturning of a motor omnibus in Surbiton, which was stated to be going at eighteen or twenty miles an hour; and if his Department has now obtained a satisfactory speedometer with a large dial to be fixed to the side of motor omnibuses to show the speed at which they are travelling?

I have received reports-about the accident in question, which resulted from the turning of a corner from one road into another at far too high a speed. The driver has since been convicted of dangerous driving. In such circumstances a speedometer would certainly not prevent a driver from driving dangerously round a corner, and it might even mislead instead of assisting him. He would be apt to think that he was safe in all circumstances if the speedometer showed that he was keeping within the speed limit.

Is a speedometer not of use in cases where rapid driving takes place, but an accident does not necessarily result?

No, Sir; I think, on the whole, a speedometer would be calculated to mislead, and to encourage the driver who was driving fast but inside the speed limit.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Regulations to be issued by the Home Office under the Shops Act, 1911, have been drafted; and when he will lay copies of the Regulations upon the Table of this House?

The Regulations are under consideration, but have not yet been settled. I hope to be able to issue them before the end of March. The Regulations are not required to be laid on the Table, but they will be placed on sale in the usual way. I shall be happy to send the hon. Member a copy when they are ready if he desires it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do all he can to expedite the issue of these Regulations?

I recognise the importance of the matter, and they will be issued as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now ascertained whether Mr. R. L. Thornton, one of the magistrates who convicted George Baker at Uckfield, in Surrey, on the 21st December, 1911, on the 27th December, 1911, called at the Home Office and personally explained that all the magistrates who formed the Court which convicted him, and the police who had investigated the matter, were con- vinced of his innocence and of the truth of the confession of the man who had confessed to the offence; if so, whether he will say how he justifies the subsequent imprisonment of George Baker till the 20th January, 1912; and whether he can now see his way to give some compensation to George Baker for his wrongful imprisonment?

No, Sir. Mr. Thornton called at the Home Office on the 27th December, and directed attention to the facts of the case; but he made no statement that the magistrates who heard the case were convinced of the prisoner's innocence, and both then and in his subsequent reports he suggested strong reasons for believing that he was rightly identified. After the conviction of the man who had confessed, Mr. Thornton reported to me that, while one of the magistrates who heard the case believed Baker to be innocent, the other two still thought he was guilty. Until the 19th January I had nothing before me to justify my advising any remission of the sentence, and it is quite impossible for me, in view of all the circumstances, to recommend the case to the Treasury as one deserving of compensation.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what proportion of the true revenue of Ireland is derived from Customs and Excise?

On the basis of the aggregate for 1909–10 and 1910–11 shown in the revised White Paper No. 220^* of 1911 the annual average of the net balance of revenue contributed in those years by Ireland was £9,930,750. Of this £6,102,500, or 61.45 per cent., was derived from Customs and Excise.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, if the congestion in the stamping of deeds at Somerset House has now been removed, and if the 100,000 deeds of transfer which were provisionally stamped pending the assessment of Increment Duty upon them have now been finally stamped and the duty, if any, on the transfers paid?

The hon. Member's question implies some misapprehension of the facts. There is not, and has not been, any congestion in the stamping of deeds at Somerset House. The only stamp necessary in connection with Increment Value Duty does not denote the amount of duty paid or to be paid and is given at once on production of the requisite particulars with regard to the transfer which forms the subject of the deed.

Is it not the fact that there were over 100,000 deeds mentioned about this time last year as having been presented at Somerset House, and having been, not finally, but provisionally stamped?

I have no information on that point, but I shall be glad to inquire if the hon. Member desires.

asked the Lord Advocate if, in view of the difficulties of securing convictions of trawling vessels poaching round islands somewhat difficult of access, facilities will be afforded by one or other of the fishery cruisers to enable the Procurator Fiscal to investigate into alleged cases, and also to convey such witnesses as the Procurator Fiscal might desire to call to a place where the trial is to be held?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I put a question of which I have given private notice: Whether the Scottish Office are aware that the origin of this question arises from the fiscal, presuming on a single instance of the use of a fishery cruiser which was granted to him as a favour, desiring to make a regular use of such vessels; whether it is the duty of fishery cruisers to act for the Crown in matters of prosecution; and in the event of such facilities being granted for the prosecution, will equal facilities be given in the conveyance of witnesses for the defence?

The Fishery Board have already an arrangement for the conveyance of the Procurator Fiscal to Fair Isle when it is convenient for the fishery cruiser on duty in Shetland waters in relation to her ordinary duties, and when ordinary means of communication are not available. They would also, I think, be prepared to consider the question of his conveyance to other places, difficult of access and without ordinary means of communication. But they are not prepared to come under any general obligation in the matter; they will carefully consider each application on its merits and decide according to the circumstances in each case. As regards the conveyance of witnesses to the place of trial, the recognised means of communication open to the public are, as a general rule, sufficient for the purpose. As regards the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, I have to say that I cannot speculate upon the reasons which induced my hon. Friend the Member for Orkney and Shetlands to put his question. The Statute specially provides that fishery cruisers are to be employed under the Fishery (Scotland) Act. I have already answered the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

Are we to understand that this is part of the prejudiced policy of the Government against trawlers to offer rewards for conviction against them, and whether as much as £50 has been awarded for a conviction thereby leading to perjury?

The hon. Member must see the Statute specially provides that the Fishery Board should render every assistance for carrying out the provisions of the Act.