reported to the House, That His Majesty, having been attended with their Address of the 23rd instant, was pleased to receive the same very graciously, and to give the following answer:—

I have received with great satisfaction, the loyal and dutiful expression of your thanks for the Speech with which I have opened the present Session of Parliament.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total amount of British and Indian claims now outstanding against Persia; and what steps are being taken to secure their adjustment?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, who usually answers these questions on Thursdays, asks that you will excuse him to-day in consequence of his being engaged in connection with the coal strike. The total amount of British and Indian claims against the Persian Government is, so far as I am aware, about £75,000. The detailed claims are, however, filed at His Majesty's Legation at Teheran. In the event of any considerable loan being raised by the Persian Government, which would include in its objects the payment of their creditors, His Majesty's Government will press for the payment of British claims.

asked what is the gross value of the whole of the British and Indian trade involved in connection with the trade routes of Southern Persia; and what it was four years ago?

The figures which are not quite complete are very detailed, and I will therefore send them to the hon. and gallant Member separately; but the rough totals of the available figures of imports and exports together, from Great Britain and India, are for 1907–8, £1,920,000, and for 1910–11, £1,860,000.

asked whether the Secretary for Foreign Affairs will communicate to the House at once the text of the communication made to the Persian Government on behalf of His Majesty's Government based on the instructions given to our representative at Teheran on the 7th of September last, for the purpose of explaining the Anglo-Russian Agreement, and also the text of the acceptance by the Persian Government of the terms of this communication?

It was considered unnecessary to lay the communication, because it was in identic terms with the instructions which are given on page 48 of the first Persian Blue Book of 1909, except for two slight alterations which are of no importance. The Paper can, however, be laid if desired. No answer was returned to it by the Persian Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this dispatch or Memorandum was communicated?

Immediately after the instructions had been given to our representative.

Were we not informed that the Persian Government had accepted this communication?

The fact that they accepted it and made no comment was taken as acceptance.

How long is the Persian Government required to treat this as a confidential communication?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked whether there are at present any Russian officers in the Persian Regular Army, excluding the brigade of Persian Cossacks; can the Under-Secretary state the number of Russian officers at present serving with the Persian Cossack Brigade; and what is the number of foreign officers serving in the Persian Regular Army, exclusive of the Persian Cossack Brigade, before the conclusion of the Anglo-Russian Convention and also at the present date?

According to the latest information in my possession, there are no Russian officers in the Regular Army. The number of Russian officers with the Persian Cossack Brigade is five. I am unable to state how many foreign officers were employed before the conclusion of the Anglo-Russian Convention, and I have no information that there are such officers serving with the Regular Army at present.

asked the date and amount of any advance by way of loan made by the British Government to Persia; whether such advance was made from Indian or from Imperial funds; can the hon. Gentleman give particulars of any similar loans made by Russia to Persia; and can he state the rate of interest both on the British and the Russian advances?

In 1903, His Majesty's Government advanced to the Persian Government, through the Imperial Bank of Persia, the sum of £200,000 at 5 per cent. In September, 1904, a further sum of £100,000 was similarly advanced at the same rate. In both cases the money was paid from Indian funds, but His Majesty's Government agreed to share with the Government of India in equal moieties any loss through failure of the Persian Government to meet their obligations as regards repayment. In 1900, the Russian Bank made a loan to the Persian Government of 22,500,000 roubles (about £2,500,000) at 5 per cent.; and in April, 1902, a further loan of 10,000,000 roubles (£1,000,000) at 5 per cent. was made from the same source. There may also have been smaller amounts advanced by the Russian Bank on other occasions.

asked whether any representatives of British commercial interests in Persia have made representations protesting against the appointment of M. Mornard as Treasurer-General for Persia; and, if so, whether, before the acquiescence of His Majesty's Government in the permanent appointment of M. Mornard to that post was given, its effect on British interests was considered?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the speech made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 21st inst., when he stated that reports from His Majesty's Minister at Teheran are favourable to M. Mornard, and that his appointment at present is temporary.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Persian Government protested against the appointment of M. Mornard?

I must have notice of that question.

asked whether the Foreign Secretary has any official information regarding the events which took place in Beyrut during and after the time Italian warships were engaged in sinking two Turkish warships in Beyrut Harbour; whether the action of the Italian warships endangered the lives or property of British subjects; and whether such action has had a prejudicial effect on the security of British residents and native Christians in Syria and Palestine?

I am informed by His Majesty's Consul-General that, during the sinking of the Turkish warships, the Ottoman Bank, the Salonica Bank, the Customs House, and an hotel were damaged by shells. The buildings hit are on the quay near the harbour, and the damage done to them is entirely connected with the sinking of the Turkish vessels, which replied to the Italian fire. His Majesty's Consul-General has reported no injury to British subjects, and states that the civil and military authorities acted promptly to prevent disorder. His Majesty's Consul-General, who was consulted as to whether the presence of a British vessel was advisable, has replied that it is unnecessary and that the town is quiet.

asked whether the attention of the Foreign Secretary has been called to the fact that four Turkish lighthouses on barren islands in the middle of the Red Sea, right in the track of vessels going to and from India, have, owing to the Italian war, been extinguished since October; and whether the right hon. Gentleman has made any and, if so, what representations to the Turkish Government on the subject?

I am aware of the extinction of the lights in question. The question of relighting the Turkish lights in the Red Sea was interdependent with a proposal for the exclusion of those waters from the area of hostilities. His Majesty's Government endeavoured to facilitate negotiations between the two Governments, who were, however, unable to arrive at an agreement upon this matter. The lights have in consequence remained extinguished except during the passage of Their Majesties in the "Medina" through the Red Sea. His Majesty's Government have sought by all proper means to bring about such an arrangement as would enable the lights to be relighted, and have expressed the hope that this might be possible. But the Ottoman Government have, of course, the right to extinguish the lights in their territorial waters, if they consider such action necessary to guard their national interests and ensure their safety.

Will the Government continue to exercise what pressure they can?

I will communicate with my right hon. Friend.

As the Turkish Government still charge English shipowners for these lights, can the Secretary for Foreign Affairs bring pressure to bear upon the Turkish Government by protesting against the charge?

asked whether the Brussels Sugar Convention reassembled on the 26th instant; whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the application of Russia for permission to export an additional 400,000 tons of sugar westwards during the present season, which was brought forward at the special sittings of last October held for this purpose; what position His Majesty's representative has taken up with regard to this question and the renewal of the Convention; and when Papers will be laid giving an account of the proceedings at the adjourned sittings which commenced on 29th December and the present meeting?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. The meeting has been postponed at the request of the Russian Government. The position taken up by the British delegate has been in accordance with the attitude of His Majesty's Government, as explained by the Prime Minister on 14th December and 19th February. As has been already stated, Papers will be laid shortly.

Does this postponement mean that Russia will not get permission to export this extra quantity of sugar; and will the hon. Gentleman state what steps the Government are taking to keep the promise made in 1908?

I must ask the hon. Member to give notice of that question.

If this conference does not meet then how will this permission be given to Russia. That is my whole point?

It is a purely problematical question which depends upon whether the conference does or does not meet again.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in February, 1906, a farmer named T. Pratt, who occupies a farm near Kille-naule, county Tipperary, was fired at; that on the night of the 11th May, 1911, two bombs were exploded outside of his house; that on the 1st October, 1911, shots were fired at him; that on the night of 11th February, 1912, when he was in bed in a room opening off the kitchen, a police patrol having just gone away, he heard a noise of something thrown on the kitchen floor, he got out of bed and was going to the door when his wife called him back, when in the kitchen a bomb exploded immediately followed by a second explosion; can he state the amount of the damage done; the reasons assigned for this series of outrages; whether any arrests have been made, and, if so, the nature of the sentences passed; and what precautions have been taken by the police to protect the man's life and property in future?

The police authorities inform me that Thomas Pratt alleged that on the night of the 17th February, 1906, shots were fired at him. On the night of the 6th March, 1911, two bombs were placed outside his house, one of which exploded. Pratt alleged that shots were fired into his yard on the 1st October last, but a police patrol that was in the neighbourhood at the time did not hear the shots. On the 11th instant two bombs were put in through the window of Pratt's house and exploded, doing considerable damage, for which he is claiming £150 compensation. The reasons for these outrages is a matter of opinion. One arrest was made in connection with the alleged case of shooting in February, 1906, but the man was acquitted. Constant protection by police patrols is at present afforded to this man.

Is that the right hon. Gentleman's idea of Home Rule?

No, Sir.

Have the police formed any opinion as to the reason of these outrages?

Some have one opinion and some another.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state one of those opinions?

No; I would sooner not.

May I ask why this man, who has to suffer all these outrages, is not put under constant police protection?

The police are quite alive to the gravity of this case and to the facts. If the police think he requires to be constantly protected he will certainly have that. My information is that he is satisfied and the police are satisfied that he receives all protection. Whatever protection is necessary he will receive it.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether on 20th January, 1912, a farmer named Pat Kavanagh was fired at near Kinvara when returning from Ennis market; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with this outrage?

The police authorities inform me that two gunshots were fired at Patrick Kavanagh on the occasion referred to. No arrests have been made.

asked whether a shooting outrage was perpetrated at Gurtanumera, near Portumna, on 25th January, 1912, when a farmer's house was fired at and the windows riddled with shot; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with this attack?

The police authorities inform me that three shots were fired into the house of a farmer named Cornelius Heagney on the 24th January. No arrests have been made.

asked whether, on 29th January, 1912, an attack was made on the house of a man named Denis O'Connor, acting as caretaker at a farm known as Mayfield, about a mile from the city of Cork; whether shots were fired through the windows of the house; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with this outrage?

The police authorities inform me that on 29th January a shot was fired into the house on the evicted farm of which O'Connor was caretaker. Two arrests were made.

asked whether on the 2nd January, 1912, an attack was made on the house of Michael Ryan, in the neighbourhood of Glanquin, county Clare; and that fifteen to twenty shots were fired into the room in which the old man, his wife, who was eighty years of age, and his children were sleeping, with the result that both the old people were wounded; and what steps he is taking to prevent such outrages?

The facts are practically as stated. Special arrangements have been made by the police to prevent similar occurrences. One man was arrested, and is awaiting trial at assizes.

asked whether on 8th January, 1912, a young man named Birmingham, the son of a process server residing at Killeenvarra, near Kilcogan, county Galway, was fired at through the window of his father's house and seriously wounded; what is the condition of the injured man; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with this outrage?

The facts are as stated. The injured man has completely recovered. No arrests have been made.

asked whether, on 11th January, 1912, the house of a farmer named Martin Creavin, at Cahernahoon, Torloughmore, was visited by a party of moonlighters, who fired several shots into the dwelling-house; and whether any, arrests have been made in connection with this outrage?

I am informed that on 11th January six revolver shots and two gun shots were fired at the house of a farmer named Martin Creavin, one bullet going through the door. Two arrests were made, but informations were refused, and the men were discharged.

Arising out of the series of answers which the right hon. Gentleman has given, will he consider the advisability of placing some restriction on the possession and use of arms in Ireland?

May I ask who constituted the bench of magistrates in the case in which informations were refused—was it a Nationalist majority?

I must have notice of that question. I cannot possibly carry in my head the constitution of a particular bench of magistrates. With regard to the question of the right hon. Gentleman, I only wish I were in a position to restrain the free use and ownership of arms in Ireland, as well as in other parts of the country.

Why then did the Government drop the Arms Act?

That did not happen during my administration. There was a great deal of varied differences of opinion, including Lord MacDonnell and others, who: were actively engaged in this matter, as to the utility of maintaining the provisions of that Statute. Personally, I regret it was not retained.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is the fact that all those firearms come from Birmingham?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government received warning from these Benches that if they dropped the Peace Preservation Act such cases as are now reported would occur?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that owing to a decline in the average daily attendance of pupils at Ballynafern national school, county Down, under Protestant management, it was amalgamated by order of the Commissioners of National Education with Annaclone national school (Roll No. 13603, Circuit 8b) on 30th June last, and the principal teacher of the former school transferred to the latter as privileged assistant; whether he is aware that application has been made by the former manager of Ballynafern national school for a Grant to a school at Ballynanny, and from which salary was (formerly withdrawn by the Commissioners; if he is aware that this school at Ballynanny is only one statute mile distant from Annaclone national school, which is healthily and centrally situated, and at which there is sufficient accommodation for all Protestant pupils in the locality; and if the Commissioners, having regard to Rule 179b, and in view of the disorganisation caused to other national schools in the district, intend to grant aid to the Ballynanny school, the majority of pupils, if not all, at which were prior to 1st July last on the rolls of the neighbouring national schools?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the facts are as stated in the first two paragraphs of the question. The school at Ballynanny, for which aid was sought is, the Commissioners understand, more than a mile distant from Annaclone school. The Commissioners have not granted aid to the school at Ballynanny, but they have suggested that a committee, consisting of equal numbers of Episcopalians and Presbyterians, be formed with a view of arranging for the establishment and maintenance of one central school in the locality.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, if the Congested Districts Board has yet made any offer of purchase for the Berridge estate, Connemara; and, if so, whether the offer has been accepted; whether he will state the names of any other estates in Connemara for which offers of purchase have been made; whether any estates in that district have been actually purchased within the last twelve months; and, if so, will he state the names of such estates?

The Congested Districts Board have made an offer for the Berridge estate which is at present being considered by the owner. The Board have recently made offers for several estates in Connemara, but no estates have actually been purchased there within the past twelve months.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the Estates Commissioners have acquired the Blake estate, situate at Cormeen, county Meath; and, if not, whether he will state what negotiations, if any, have taken place?

The Land Judge in whose Court the estate is the subject of proceedings, has intimated to the Estates Commissioners that he is prepared to accept their preliminary estimate of price for portion of the property, and the Commissioners hope to make a formal offer at an early date.

asked whether there are six tenants on the estate of Sir Morgan O'Connell, at Ballybeggan and Clash, Tralee, county Kerry, whose lands have not yet been sold to them; and whether steps will be taken to secure that these men will get purchase before the lands are declared an estate?

The Congested Districts Board have no information as to the tenants referred to. The townlands mentioned are neither included in that portion of Sir Morgan O'Connell's estate which has been offered for sale to the Board nor are they on the portion of his estate near Cahirciveen, which the tenants had agreed to buy direct from the landlord, and of which the Board are at present considering the question of purchase.

It is the Estates Commissioners, and not the Congested Districts Board.

asked whether, in the case of Mrs. Dunleavy, evicted tenant, Killterry, Milltown, county Kerry, the present occupant of the lands is prepared to give them up if compensated; and, if so, will steps be taken to have this done?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 27th November last, and to which I have nothing to add.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have issued a formal proposal to purchase the estate of the representatives of H. Dolphin Turve, Loughrea; has it been accepted; and, if so, can the right hon. Gentleman state when the Commissioners expect to be able to deal with this property?

The reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. The Estates Commissioners inform me that the proposal has not yet been accepted.

asked if the vesting orders will be issued this year on the estate of Lord Carbery, at Bruff, county Limerick?

The Estates Commissioners anticipate that this estate will be dealt with during the ensuing financial year.

asked whether any lands have been offered for sale to the Estates Commissioners known as the Howth estate, situate at Gravelstown, Carlanstown, county Meath; and whether any lands in the same district have been offered to them by Mr. Edward Mitchell?

The reply to both paragraphs of the question is in the negative.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that J. P. Farrell, of Cookstown Great, has applied for an advance to purchase a holding on the Nicholson estate, situate at Horath, county Meath; whether their attention has been called to the fact that he is only about seventeen years of age, and that at the time the holding was assigned to him by his father, David Farrell, of the same address, he was under fourteen years of age; whether it is in accordance with the spirit and intention of the Land Acts to make advances of public money to a minor who received an assignment of a farm from his father who had already received or applied for the maximum amount allowed to any one purchaser, and, if not, what action the Commissioners propose to take; and whether he will state the amount applied for J. P. Farrell, the amount of bonus payable, and the quantity of stock necessary to be issued to raised the amount applied for?

This estate is the subject of proceedings for sale direct by the owner to the tenants. An agreement signed by J. P. Farrell, applying for an advance of £4,536 for the purchase of his holding, has been lodged with the Estates Commissioners, and inquiries are being made into the circumstances of the case. The Commissioners are not at present in a position to express any opinion on the other matters referred to in the question.

asked whether David Farrell, of Cookstown Great, Kells, county Meath, applied for and obtained advances to purchase several holdings, one on the estate of Captain Charles A. Tisdall, situate at Atgaine Great, also a holding on the estate of the Venerable J. G. Scott, at Cookstown Great, and another on the estate of Captain Edward R. Taylor, situate at Cortown, all in the county of Meath; whether he will state the amount applied for and advanced in each case together with the amount of the bonus payable, and if he will state the quantity of stock issued or to be issued to raise the necessary amount of cash; and whether the Commissioners are aware of any other advances applied for by the same gentleman?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that David Farrell appears to have obtained advances under the Land Purchase Acts of £4,462 for the purchase of his holding on the estate of Archdeason Scott, and £2,538 for the purchase of his holding on the Brabazon estate, both in county Meath. The advances in both cases were made in cash. The Commissioners cannot find that David Farrell has applied for, or obtained, any other advances under the Land Purchase Acts.

asked whether the vesting orders had yet been issued on the estate of Lord Langford, in the county of Limerick; if so, was any report made on the farms of James and Geoffrey Walsh, at Clonbrien, Drunacomer, Kilmalloch, who refused to sign purchase agreements because of the exorbitant price agreed on; and, as their rents were nothing less than rack-rents, would some steps be taken by the Estates Commissioners to bring about a settlement?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the advances have been made and the holdings vested in the majority of the purchasing tenants. Geoffrey and James Walsh appear to be second term judicial tenants, but no agreements signed by them for the purchase of their holdings have been lodged with the Commissioners. The estate is being sold by the owner direct to the tenants, and the terms of purchase is a matter of agreement between the parties.

asked whether the Return relating to the sales under the Irish Land Purchase Acts which was promised to the hon. Member for South Tyrone was yet ready for presentation; and, if not, when it might be expected to be presented?

This Return is in course of preparation, and the Estates Commissioners hope that it will be ready for presentation to Parliament within the next fortnight.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have yet made an offer for the estate of the Countess De Kervegnen, situate at Clonsilla, county Meath; and, if not, whether he will state the cause of the delay?

The Estates Commissioners have recently communicated to the owner their estimate of the price they will be prepared to offer in this matter.

asked whether, in view of the original undertaking by the Congested Districts Board to contribute half of the expense of constructing a bridge over the Behy at Coomasaharn, and of the subsequent action of the Kerry County Council allocating the remaining half, steps will now be taken to have the work put in hand?

This matter will be considered at the next meeting of the Congested Districts Board, but the Board are not aware of any such undertaking as that mentioned in the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is the intention of the Irish Government to take any steps this year to deal with the question of the Dublin Police Tax; whether he is aware of the feeling among the ratepayers of Dublin that this tax should be put on a more equitable footing; and whether he is prepared to deal with the matter, which each Chief Secretary has promised to deal with, and which would be utterly uncontentious?

There is no intention of dealing with this matter at present.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can now state the result of the negotiations which have gone on for some considerable time past between the Congested Districts Board and Lord Clanricarde for the purchase of the Clanricarde estate; has an offer for the purchose of the estate been made, and with what result; and will he explain what steps the Congested Districts Board have taken to acquire compulsorily this estate in pursuance of repeated promises made to the tenants?

A final offer has been made to the Marquess of Clanricarde and a requisition under Section 61 of the Irish Land Act of 1909 has been issued by the Congested Districts Board. The remaining steps will be taken by the Land Commission under the compulsory Clauses of the Act.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate or give us any idea as to when those steps will be taken?

They will be taken as quickly as can be.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an Act was passed in the year 1908 for the purpose of having the evicted tenants on this estate reinstated, and is it the fact that this landlord has frustrated its provisions?

Will the hon. Member put his question down?

asked the Chief Secretary when he proposes to give the Intermediate Education Board of Ireland further powers and more money to deal satisfactorily with secondary education; what financial assistance does he propose to give; what steps does he propose to take as regards salary, registration, training, and pensions of teachers; whether powers will be given to the Board to test work done by a school otherwise than by written examination; and whether knowledge of modern languages will still be tested by written examinations without any oral tests?

I am at present engaged in considering the question of secondary education in Ireland, more especially as regards the teachers in secondary schools, whose status I am very anxious to improve, and I had a long conference in Dublin during the recess with the representatives both of teachers and headmasters, and I hope soon to be in a position to make proposals. The matter referred to in the last paragraph of the question would appear to be entirely one for the Intermediate Education Board.

May we expect a Vote to be placed on the Estimates this year to deal with this subject?

It depends on how far I can get with my arrangements.

With regard to the latter part of the answer, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Board are more than anxious to change the system of examination, but they are not able to do it?

I quite agree, and I will assist them in every way that I can.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he could state the amount deducted from Grants-in-Aid to the Kerry County Council for each year 1904 to 1912, giving in each year the heading under which the deduction was made, as also the amount deducted; whether he could give for a similar period the amount refunded to the Kerry Council, giving also the heading under which refund was made as well as the amount of refund; and whether he could now state the net amount of money due to the Kerry County Council, and when it would be refunded?

With the permission of the hon. Member I will circulate a statement with to-night's Votes.—[See Written Answers this date.]

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any money has been kept from the Kerry County Council other than what is due under the Land Act of 1903?

I hope not.

asked the Chief Secretary, whether he would grant the Return asked for by the Member for the College Green Division of Dublin, relating to the National Schools (Ireland) (Instruction in Irish) on the Notice Paper for this day. [Mr. Nannetti,—National Schools (Ireland) (Instruction in Irish),—Return showing how many national schools there are in each junior inspector's district in the counties of Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal (a) in which the pupils or any number of the pupils can speak Irish, or (b) which are situated in districts in which Irish is spoken by the adult population; and which will also show (1) in how many of these schools the teachers are competent to give instruction through the medium of Irish; (2) in how many of these schools instruction is given through the medium of Irish; (3) in how many schools in such Irish-speaking or semi-Irish-speaking districts Irish is taught as an extra subject; and (4) in how many schools in such Irish-speaking or semi-Irish-speaking districts Irish is neither used as a medium of instruction nor taught as an extra subject.]

Yes, Sir. The preparation will take some considerable time.

asked how many police were on duty in Belfast on 8th February last; how many of these were extra police brought into the city; from what counties were the extra police drafted, and how many from each county; and by whom, or out of what funds, were the costs of the extra police paid?

No extra police were employed on duty in Belfast on the 8th instant. The only police on duty in Belfast on that date were the local force, consisting of 1,028 sergeants and constables.

asked whether any of the members of the mob who assaulted Lord Pirrie at Larne when embarking on board ship there, pelting him with eggs and calling him opprobrious names, had been identified; and, if not, what steps had been taken to trace them, with a view to their prosecution, in accordance with law, for this outrage?

The incident appears to have been exaggerated in the newspaper reports. There were few police present— about six or seven—and the opportunity of identification was slight, and none of those who flung missiles from the back of the crowd could be seen by the police. In these circumstances it would not be possible to sustain a prosecution.

Is the throwing of rotten eggs at people in a political matter of this kind peculiar to Larne? Is it not a very ordinary way of expressing one's political opinion?

asked the Chief Secretary whether the practice, which was not enforceable either by Statute or common law, prevailed whereby the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, in appointing gentlemen to the commission of the peace for the various counties in Ireland, consulted the county lieutenants of the respective counties for which the appointments of magistrates were contemplated as to the character, qualifications, and fitness for the office of candidates not recommended by the county lieutenants but by representative persons in the localities in which accessions to the magisterial bench were needed, while, in accordance with this practice, the Lord Chancellor appointed, as a matter of course and without further inquiry, any person who might be recommended to him by the county lieutenant of a county to the magisterial bench of the county, or whether any, and, if so, what steps could be taken to put an end to this practice?

It is the practice of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, following that of his predecessors, to communicate with the lieutenants of counties in respect of the appointment to the magistracy of persons recommended as indicated in the first part of the question. It is not and never was the practice of the Lord Chancellor to give effect to recommendations received directly from lieutenants by appointing the persons nominated as a matter of course and without further inquiry. In both cases such independent inquiries as the Lord Chancellor thinks proper to make take place, and it is for the Lord Chancellor, on a consideration of the full facts that come to his knowledge, to determine on his own responsibility whether or not any particular appointment should be made.

In view of the recent action of the Duke of Abercorn and Lord Londonderry, will it be necessary for the Lord Chancellor to ask their advice in reference to magistrates, having regard to the proclamation approved by one and issued by the other?

It is not necessary to consult or to ask the advice of the lieutenants of counties, whatever their antecedents may be; but it is the practice, and the Lord Chancellor intends to continue the practice, to communicate with them upon the subject of magistrates within their jurisdiction.

Will the Lord Chancellor communicate with Lord Londonderry as to the proclamation?

Is it not the fact that when the recommendations of lieutenants of counties have been carried out, respectable, decent people have been appointed, and that when the Lord Chancellor has taken the matter into his own hands the very worst class of men have been appointed?

I cannot take it upon myself to decide between the two classes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that when the customary inquiries are made of the police by the Lord Chancellor, and the police certify against the proposed candidate, such person shall not be appointed, as has been the case?

The hon. Member addresses me as if I were the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. I am not.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that a lieutenant of a county in Ireland might appoint such persons as he thought fit living within the county to be his deputy-lieutenants on certifying the names of such persons to the Lord Lieutenant, when informed by the chief secretary or undersecretary of the Lord Lieutenant that His Excellency did not disapprove of the granting of such commissions; and whether, having regard to some recent appointments to the position of deputy-lieutenant by county lieutenants in Ireland, steps would be taken by the Irish Government to secure that its non-disapproval of persons as deputy-lieutenants was not merely formal but founded on investigation into their character and antecedents, completely independent of the recommenda- tion of the county lieutenants, whose appointments were subject to the sanction of the Crown?

I am aware that the Militia Act, 1882, gives the lieutenant of the county the power of appointing deputy-lieutenants subject to the approval of the Lord Lieutenant. In the case of every proposed appointment the Lord Lieutenant causes such independent inquiry to be made as he deems necessary as to the qualifications and fitness of the persons nominated by the lieutenant of the county.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware whether the Lord Lieutenant made inquiries as to the fitness of the hon. Member for North Armagh, who has been made a deputy-lieutenant?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention had been called to the fact that the House of Lords, sitting in its appellate jurisdiction, was frequently composed of an even number of Law Lords who were equally divided in opinion on the hearing of appeals, with the result that in such cases the appeal was dismissed; and whether, in view of the inconvenience and expense to the parties involved, he would take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to see that the court should be composed of an uneven number of judges?

The Lord Chancellor informs me that the cases of an even division of opinion in the House of Lords are rare, and when this happens the decision of the Court below is affirmed. When practicable, an uneven number is to be preferred, and is at present arranged if it can be done.

asked the Prime Minister whether it was brought to his notice last year that over 200 Members of the House were in favour of returning to the former practice by which the Members who succeeded in the ballot should be enabled to bring forward their Motions before any general statement was made by the Minister in charge on going into Committee of Supply; and whether he could see his way to arrange that this course would be followed this year?

I do not think that the evidence submitted to me by my right hon. Friend shows such a preponderance of opinion in favour of the change as to justify at present a departure from the settled practice of recent years; but, as I said last year, this is a matter for the House itself to decide. The Patronage Secretary will place himself in communication with the different parties in the House on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he would publish the recommendations of the Committee on Irish Finance before the forthcoming convention of the Irish Nationalist party in Dublin at Easter; and (2) whether any Member of the House outside the Government was shown the recommendations of the Committee on Irish Finance?

asked the Prime Minister whether the findings contained in the Report of the Committee upon the Financial Relations between Great Britain and Ireland were unanimous; and, if so, whether the Government were going to adopt them in the forthcoming Home Rule Bill?

I have nothing to add to previous answers as to the publication of this Report. In the meantime I can say nothing as to its contents or as to the procedure of the Committee, or as to the persons to whom the Report has or has not been shown.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a specific reply to the question, "Has any Member of the House outside the Government been shown the recommendations of the Committee? That question has not been specifically answered before.

The answer is: In the meantime I can say nothing as to the persons to whom the report has or has not been shown.

Then we are to assume that, while it is refused to the House, it has been shown to other people?

The hon. Member must not assume that as a consequence of my answer. All I say is, that I can say nothing as to whom it may or may not have been shown.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to deny it?

That would be saying something as to the persons to whom it may or may not have been shown. I can say nothing.

I was not asking to whom it has been shown, but whether it has been shown, to anyone?

I can say nothing.

May I ask whether, although these recommendations have not been actually shown—[Several HON. MEMBERS: "They have been shown"]—they have been either directly or indirectly communicated to persons outside the Government?

I can add nothing to what I have said.

asked when the Home Rule Bill would be introduced; and how many days would be allotted for the First Reading?

I must ask the hon. Member to wait for the statements which will be made in due course dealing with both these points.

asked the Prime Minister when he could give the promised opportunity for the discussion of the Report of the Public Accounts Committee of last Session?

An opportunity will be given as soon as a suitable occasion can be found, but I cannot yet fix a definite date.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that it was the practice when a county lieutenant in Ireland became physically or mentally incapable of exercising the privilege attendant to that office of nominating magistrates, and being consulted as to the fitness of candidates for the magistracy to be recommended by him, to nominate a vice-lieutenant to exercise this privilege; whether the vice-lieutenant so nominated was held to have a claim to the office of county lieutenant when such office became vacant; and, if so, whether there was any, and, if so, what, legal foundation for the acknowledgment of such a claim?

Under the Militia Act, 1882, the lieutenant of a county, with the approbation of the Lord Lieutenant, may appoint any deputy-lieutenant to act for him as vice-lieutenant during his absence from the county, sickness, or other inability to act. The vice-lieutenant so appointed has no claim to the office of lieutenant when it becomes vacant, and no such claim has ever been asserted or admitted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is able to give the House any information as to the progress of the Abor expedition; whether upwards of 100 Abors have now been killed in avenging the death of Mr. Williamson; whether the object of the expedition has now been accomplished; and what it is estimated to have cost up to the present time?

The Government of India report that, so far as can be judged at present, the political and military objects of the Abor expedition have been attained, and that the expedition will shortly return. Fines were imposed on the villages directly concerned in the massacre of Mr. Williamson's party, and were readily paid. Five of the suspected ringleaders in the massacre were captured and are awaiting trial; two others were killed during the operations. Abor casualties are stated to have been thirty-nine killed and twenty-two wounded. A memorial tablet to Mr. Williamson, with a cairn, was erected, with suitable ceremony, in Komsing at the scene of the massacre. Punitive measures against the Abors ceased some time ago, and since their cessation the column has been engaged in carrying out the surveys mentioned in No. 19 of the White Paper of November last. I am unable to state the cost of the expedition up to date, but the total estimated cost is Rs.23,85,000 (£159,000).

Can Papers be laid?

I do not think that there are any further Papers that can be laid at present. When the expedition returns there will probably be other Papers?

In what language is the inscription on this monument?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me notice I will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether here are any, and, if so, what appointments in the medical department of the Government of Ceylon which are reserved for Europeans only?

I am not aware that any posts are exclusively reserved for Europeans, though it is considered desirable to have a certain (comparatively small) number of European officers in the medical department.

May I take it then that there are no individual posts which are exclusively reserved for Europeans?

That is my impression.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in the Royal Proclamation of 1858, upon the occasion of the assumption of the government of India by Queen Victoria, it is declared that ft was the Sovereign's will that, so far as might be, Her subjects, of whatever race or creed, should be freely and impartially admitted to offices the duties of which they may be qualified by their education, ability, and integrity duly to discharge; whether he is aware that at that time the Straits Settlements were under the Government of India, and that the terms of the Proclamation applied to them as well as to India; whether he is aware that the people of the Straits Settlements regard the recent action of the Colonial Office in excluding from the civil and police services all persons who are not of pure European descent on both sides as a breach of the civil rights guaranteed to them in that Proclamation; and, if so, will he state what action he proposes to take in this matter?

Without discussing the applicability of the Proclamation to a Colony which ceased to be under the Government of India some forty-five years ago, I would draw the attention of my hon. Friend to the limitation introduced into the passage to which he refers by the use of the words "so far as may be." In the interests of good administration it is necessary to adhere to the existing Regulation, which, as I have already pointed out to my hon. Friend, has been in force for a number of years. I hope that the people of the Straits Settlements do not hold the erroneous views attributed to them by my hon. Friend.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the words "so far as may be" in the Proclamation to which he refers compatible with the absolute and total exclusion of persons not wholly of European descent on both sides?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to extend to the Legislative Assemblies of the Straits Settlements and Hong Kong the colour bar which he has erected by excluding from the civil and police services of these Colonies all persons who are not of pure European descent on both sides?

No, Sir; I have repeatedly pointed out that the restriction was not introduced by me. My action has been confined to removing any possible ambiguity in the wording of the Regulation.

Why, if a person is not of pure European descent on both sides is not disqualified from serving in the Legislative Council, is the same person disqualified by his race and colour from serving in the civil and police services?

I think I am entitled to notice of the conundrum.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Legislative Assembly for the Straits Settlements was consulted before the Colonial Office altered the regulations governing entry to the public service of these Colonies so as to exclude from the civil and police services all persons who are not of pure European descent on both sides?

No, Sir; but I have no doubt that that body would by a large majority support the policy of His Majesty's Government.

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the Assembly was consulted?

No, Sir.

Then, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable, before effecting a change which diminishes the status of British subjects in that Colony, which were guaranteed to them by the Crown, to ascertain the views of the Legislative Assembly of that Colony?

No, Sir. I think not, but that is a matter of opinion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take a referendum of the Colony?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the changes in the regulations whereby all persons who are not of pure European descent on both sides are excluded from the civil and police services of Hong Kong, the Straits Settlements, and the Federated Malay States, have been published in the Gazette; and, if not, what steps have been taken to prevent British subjects in these Colonies spending time and money in preparing themselves for the public service only to find, when they present themselves for examination, that they are excluded by the colour bar?

So far as I am aware, the regulations have not been published in the Gazette, but they are printed in the Civil Service Lists of both the Colonies and of the Federated Malay States and are therefore readily accessible and well-known to the public and to intending candidates, who naturally make themselves familiar with the regulations before sending in applications. No candidate can present himself for examination without having some months previously filled in an application form, in which attention is specially directed to the qualifications required. I may add, that as the regulation to which my hon. Friend refers has been in force, in the case of cadetships, for seven years and, in the case of police appointments, ever since the examination was instituted, there is no reason to suppose that any unqualified person, who is now within the age limits has expended time or money in preparing himself for examination.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman still adheres to his previous statement that this disability was imposed upon natives in accordance with the wishes and desires of the natives themselves?

I do not think my previous opinion was said in exactly those words; but I adhere to my previous opinion in the words in which I gave it.

If the right hon. Gentleman was not responsible for the imposition of the colour bar, has he any power to remove it?

I am not quite sure that I understand my hon. Friend?

I understood the right hon. Gentleman to say that he was not responsible for the imposition of the disability to which my hon. Friend has referred. I want to know whether, apart from that responsibility, he has any power to remove that prohibitive regulation?

If my predecessor had power to impose it, I should think I would have the power, if I thought it desirable, to remove it.

Do you not think it desirable?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the natives of that Colony were absolutely ignorant of the fact that this change in the regulations had been carried out until the matter was raised in Parliament?

No, I was not aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Ceylon Company of Pearl Fishers has applied for a remission of any part of the rent due by them under the lease granted to them by the Ceylon Government of Ceylon Pearl Fisheries; and, if so, on what grounds; and whether he is aware that Sir Thomas Southwell, the Deputy-Director of Fisheries under the Bengal Government, who was formerly scientific adviser to the company, has declared that the barrenness of the pearl banks was due to the devastations of the company itself?

In 1910 the company asked that payment of part of the rent might be deferred, and that they might be released of some of their obligations under the lease. The request, which was refused, was based on the inability of the company to bear the expenses owing to the fact that no fishery has been possible for some years. I have no information as to Sir Southwell's present views. From reports which he made in 1910 it appeared that he ascribed the barrenness of the pearl banks not to the devastations of the company, but to those of predatory fish.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what number of convicted aliens have had orders for deportation made against them during the year 1911; whether the practice of the Courts in regard to such orders is now more uniform; and whether he has issued any memorandum or recommendation on the subject since the Debate on the abortive Aliens Bill of last year?

In 1911, 380 expulsion orders were made against convicted aliens. Since the Debates in this House in April last the Annual Statement in regard to the expulsion of aliens for the year 1910 has been published and circulated to all Criminal Courts. It sets out the facts which lead to the conclusion that the action of the Courts in this matter had been lacking in effectiveness. A similar statement for 1911 is now in preparation, and though I am not in a position yet to form a definite opinion, I have some reason to think that the Courts have made greater use than before of their power of recommending expulsion.