asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the collection of light dues in respect of the Turkish lights in the Red Sea takes place in Egypt; and, if so, whether he will consider the possibility of inducing the Egyptian Government to refrain from collecting these dues until the lights are relit?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Light dues are collected in Egypt for Egyptian lights only.

Can my right hon. Friend say where these dues are paid?

I have been looking into the question, and if the hon. Member puts a question down I think I can make a fuller statement on that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would approach the Peruvian Government with a request to be furnished with a full and explicit statement of what action has been taken in connection with the evils in the Putumayo district, as revealed by Sir Roger Casement's report?

I have been for a long time past in communication with the Peruvian Government in the matter. I am not prepared to make any further statement just at present.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received recent Consular Reports concerning the Christian population of the Turkish Empire in Europe, for the well-being and just treatment of whom this country is partly responsible; and whether he can state what steps are being taken to relieve the distress and remedy the grievances suffered at present in Albania?

I have received reports on the subject in question which are not entirely satisfactory, and I may mention that the Turkish Government contemplate the immediate dispatch of a commission to Macedonia and Albania to examine into the grievances complained of, to find remedies, and to apply such as are possible. The mission will consist of the Minister of the Interior in person, who will act as president, and of delegates of the Ministries of War, Justice, Public Instruction and Public Works, and of the Gendarmerie. It will also be accompanied by Mr. Graves, formerly of the Mixed Financial Commission in Macedonia, and now an adviser to the Ministry of Finance, and the representative of the Gendarmerie above mentioned will be selected from among the French officers serving with that body. From dispatches which I have received from His Majesty's representatives, it would appear that the Turkish authorities are taking steps to carry out their promises to the Malissors in Albania, though some of the reforms called for cannot from their nature be carried out immediately.

asked whether Britain will be a party to any negotiations between France and Morocco for the establishment of a protectorate over the latter country or, if not, whether the good offices of this-country will be at the disposal of the parties concerned in the event of negotiations being difficult or protracted?

His Majesty's Government will not be a party to the negotiations between France and Morocco. The general rule is that good offices are not offered unless they are desired by both parties to a dispute, and are not refused when they are so desired. I have no-reason to anticipate that in this case there will be any dispute.

Have we surrendered our interests in Morocco?

Our position with regard to Morocco is contained in agreements which have been laid before the House, and in the announcements which we made to the House last year as to our attitude, and at some length.

asked whether the protecting Powers of Crete have invited Germany and Austria to renew co-operation with them in regard to Cretan affairs; and, if so, whether Austria or Germany have re fused, and on what grounds?

The answer to the first part of the question, and, therefore, to the second also, is in the negative. The protecting Powers have consulted together as to what steps it may be necessary for them to take to preserve the status quo in Crete, and have not invited any other Powers to share with them the not very agreeable responsibility for that in Crete. But should the difficulties in Crete give rise to complications outside Crete, the scope and extent of which could not be foreseen, it is certainly my hope and desire, which, as far as I am aware is shared also by others, that the Powers, including Germany and Austria, would consult together.

asked whether, in the contemplated internationalisation of the last section of the Baghdad Railway, the Government will secure that the rights acquired in paragraph 1 of Article 23 of the Baghdad Railway Convention by the concessionaire shall be transferred to those participating in the construction of the last section?

The Baghdad Railway Company, in renouncing its right to build the line beyond Baghdad, did not forego its right to construct a port at Baghdad, but merely at Bussorah and at the terminal point of the line on the Persian Gulf. His Majesty's Government have not, in their proposals to the Turkish Government, lost sight of the point indicated in the question.

asked whether any negotiations are now proceeding between the Government and Germany or Turkey in regard to the Baghdad Railway; and whether any information can be given to the House on the subject?

Negotiations have been in progress between His Majesty's Government and the Ottoman Government for some time regarding the proposed railway between, Baghdad and the Persian Gulf and cognate matters. His Majesty's Government are now expecting the communication of important proposals from the Ottoman Government, but the negotiations are necessarily confidential at this stage.

asked whether, in view of the fact that hostilities in China have now ceased and that German, Japanese, and other foreign traders are doing a large business in the sale of arms and ammunition to the new Chinese Government, he proposes now to remove the restrictions which were imposed last November by the British Government upon the importation by British subjects of munitions of war, and so put British commerce in this respect on an equality with that of other nations?

I am not aware that any restrictions have been imposed such as the hon. Member mentions. His Majesty's Government have gone no further than to offer advice to British subjects not to take part in the trade in arms and ammunition during the revolutionary struggle in China, as such participation was likely to create difficulty with one or other of the parties engaged in that struggle and to be detrimental to British interests. I have no knowledge of any case in which this advice has been given since the issue of the edict announcing the abdication of the Emperor.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make clear to the British representative that no such restriction at present exists on British traders?

I will consider that point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information which he can give to the House with regard to the formation of a syndicate of British, French, and Russian financial houses for the purpose of carrying out surveys for a line of railway between the Russo-Persian frontier and Karachi; has the project the approval of the Foreign Office and the Government of India; has the consent of the Foreign Office and the Government of India been asked for or given in respect of that part of the syndicate's operations which involves the making of surveys in British Baluchistan and in the British sphere of influence in Persia; and can he state what is the composition of the British section of the syndicate?

His Majesty's Government have been approached by such a syndicate, which terms itself a "Sociétéd'Etude," and is concerned with making" investigations into how far such a project is commercially feasible. His Majesty's Government have intimated that they have no objection to these preliminary studies being made, on the distinct understanding that they reserve complete freedom of action, in the event of construction being actually proposed, in regard to the management of the railway and constitution of the board, the representation of British interests in construction and control, the alignment adopted, the scale of freight and passenger rates, and other cognate matters. His Majesty's Government have not yet been asked for their assent to surveys in the regions mentioned in the question. I cannot state who are the British representatives on the syndicate, since a final list has not yet been submitted to me, or, so far as I am aware, agreed upon.

asked the-Under-Secretary of State for India what salaries or allowances, if any, are to be paid to the members of the Committee appointed to advise the Government of India in the laying out of the new capital city at Delhi?

The members of the Committee will receive their travelling and living expenses, and the following fees for a five months' engagement: Captain Swinton, 500 guineas; Mr. Brodie, 1,750 guineas; Mr. Lutyens, 1,500 guineas. The Secretary of State has also undertaken to refund to the Corporation of Liverpool the amount of Mr. Brodie's salary for the period of his absence.

Will any Indian architect be co-opted on to this Committee?

The Governor-General will probably associate with the Committee officers whom he will select when they get to India.

I do not think the hon. Gentleman understood my question, which is whether an Indian architect will be appointed, not an Anglo-Indian?

No Indian architect has been selected by the Secretary of State. Such Indian architect, if any, would be selected by the Governor-General.

asked whether the selection of Captain Swinton as a member of the Committee to lay out the new capital city at Delhi was made at the request of the Government of India or whether it was suggested by the Secretary of State; and what special qualifications as a town-planning expert are possessed by this gentleman?

The offer of service on the Committee was made to Captain Swinton at the request of the Government of India, but the Secretary of State takes full responsibility for the appointment. It was thought desirable to associate with the professional members of the Committee a layman with experience of the administrative problems of a great city. Captain Swinton has served for eleven years on the London County Council.

May I ask whether this Captain Swinton is the same Captain Swinton who is the chairman of the London County Council, and whether the Government have received any complaint as to political corruption from the other side in regard to that appointment?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative, and the answer to the second question is not yet.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the sum of money, namely, £17,953,995, exclusive of the gold standard reserve, that he now held at the Government of India's credit in London, he would consider the advisability of ceasing the sale of his drafts on India, as their sale might reduce the normal flow of gold to India in settlement of the balance of trade?

The Secretary of State has every reason to believe that the cessation of the sale of his drafts on India would inflict a most damaging blow on Indian trade and would be received with consternation by those, engaged therein. Gold has in the present year flowed to India to an exceptionally large amount: the sum held in gold in Government treasuries is unprecedented, and the Government holding is made freely available to the public in exchange for rupees.

asked the Under secretary of State for War when the long promised Yeomanry drill-book will be issued?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question in a week's time.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many regiments will be out for training in May, and that it will be very inconvenient if the book is not issued?

In a week's time I will give an answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain the delay?

Not now.

asked how many medals were given to the Territorial Force in commemoration of the Coronation?

I cannot say without further reference to the Commands what was the total number of medals issued to the Territorial Force. Inquiry shall be made.

Were any medals given to the adjutants of the Territorial Force?

That does not arise out of this question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it on the Paper.

asked the Under secretary of State for War whether he had now reconsidered the question of deductions from the pay and allowances of the soldier while in hospital; and whether he was prepared to abolish hospital stop pages altogether or make a substantial reduction in their amount?

The question has been considered. There is no intention of abolishing hospital stoppages.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question: Whether he is prepared either to abolish hospital stoppages or to make a substantial reduction in their amount?

There is no such intention.

Is the hon. Member aware that the Under-Secretary of State promised, when the Insurance Act was passing through the House, to inquire into the whole question, and to deal with it in view of the new situation which had arisen in consequence of the introduction of that measure?

My recollection is that my right hon. Friend promised that there would be an opportunity for discussing it on the Estimates; but the question has not been raised.

asked whether the Royal Garrison Artillery was to be further reduced by one battery?

No, Sir.

asked what steps were being taken to improve the chances of promotion of subalterns in the Royal Garrison Artillery?

The question of pro motion in this branch is still under consideration.

asked whether, in the forthcoming military manœuvres in the Eastern Counties, the supplies required for the troops would, as far as possible, be obtained from local fanners and traders; and, if so, whether forms of tender would be obtained by those desiring to tender?

Instructions will be issued as last year that supplies required for the troops engaged in this year's manœuvres shall, as far as practicable, or when prices admit, be obtained from the locality in which the troops are employed. The requirements will be advertised in suitable local and other papers, and forms of tender will be obtainable on application to the General Officer Commanding either of the commands concerned.

asked the Under secretary of State for War, whether he was aware that many Yeomanry officers were unable to attend the courses of instruction owing to the inconvenient time of the year at which these courses were held; that the alternative system of detachment for a fixed period to Cavalry regiments was for many reasons unsatisfactory; and whether he would consider the possibility of arranging for more frequent courses of instruction to be held either in connection with the annual training or at more convenient times of the year?

The points brought to notice in the question have been under the consideration of the Army Council for some time past, and it is hoped that the arrangements promulgated by the War Office on 2nd March will meet the points raised. The courses in commands will be arranged by the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief, according to the requirements of the Yeomanry officers in their respective commands. As an alternative to these courses in commands, courses at the Cavalry School and Mounted Infantry School have been arranged.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what arrangements have been made for Yeomanry officers?

Certain arrangements have been made, some of which have been communicated and others of which I will communicate to the House if the Noble Lord will put down a question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Government Departments would be furnished with particulars of valuations recorded under Section 30 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, or whether such particulars would only be furnished to persons interested in the land or persons authorised by the?

Particulars of the Government valuations under Part I. of the Finance (1909–10) Act will only be furnished to persons interested in the land or persons authorised by them, but the Government Valuation Department will give assistance to other Departments of the Government requiring at any time to know the then value of any particular lands.

Is it to be taken that particulars will or will not be furnished?

I thought I made it quite clear. The Government Valuation Department will give assistance to other Departments of the Government requiring at any time to know the then value of any particular lands.

Is there any provision in the Act authorising the supplying of this information to other Government Departments?

The question was raised by the right hon. Member for Dublin University, and I then stated that it was the intention of the Government that there should be freedom on the part of the Government Departments in the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opinion of the Law Officers as to whether there is any power to furnish this information to other Government Departments?

When the question arises; it has not arises; yet.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture upon what ground the Board had refused its con sent to prosecutions of the vendors of the compound of sawdust known as "bastol" under Section 6 (c) of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906; and on what ground in such a case it was deemed unnecessary to supply in the invoice percentages of oil and albuminoids, if, in accordance with Section 1 (2) of the above Act, the so-called feeding stuff contained even the smallest quantity of these constituents?

The Board have not hitherto seen their way to sanction a prosecution of the vendors of this article, either for misdescription or for the addition of a worthless ingredient, inasmuch as no evidence has been adduced to show that the base of this article—namely, sawdust—which by a manufacturing process has undergone extensive chemical changes and been partially converted into sugar, is, as a matter of fact, worthless for feeding purposes. The oil and albuminoids, if any, in the article are of minute proportions, and no useful purpose would be served by insisting on invoices setting out such fact in this and similar cases.

Ts the right hon. Gentleman aware that, Dr. Voelcker and other leading agricultural chemists in this country are of opinion that this sawdust compound is wholly worthless for feeding purposes?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture on what information he had stated that thirteen pigs died on Mr. Dodson's farm at Sprotborough, Doncaster, between 16th February and 15th May; and whether the existence of the disease of swine fever was confirmed by any veterinary officer of the Board, and, if so, how?

In reply to the first part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on the 5th March to the hon. Member for Barkston Ash, in which I stated that the information was derived from the police reports. The reports referred to are monthly returns furnished by the police with regard to the swine on the infected place. In these returns, under the heading "Number of pigs which have died or have been destroyed and buried," I found for the first monthly period (February to March) nine, for the second three, and for the third one. In view of Mr. Dodson's public denial of the facts stated by me, I made further inquiries of the police, and I am now informed that four of these thirteen pigs were slaughtered by veterinary surgeons and the remaining nine by the owner, and that all the carcases were destroyed under the supervision of the local authority. These are not to be confused with the pigs slaughtered for food during the same period, which numbered twenty-seven. My hon. Friend will, I think, agree with me that it is not very material whether the thirteen pigs died a natural death or were slaughtered and buried because they were ailing. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The viscera of a pig which had died on the premises on or about the 14th February, 1911, were examined at the Board's Laboratory, and numerous swine fever ulcers were found in them.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether throughout the whole of this period Mr. Dodson has not acted in consultation with the police and kept them fully informed of what he was doing; and whether any examination was made of the pigs between 13th February and 16th May, and, if so, whether any of them was found to be suffering from swine fever?

I do not know what communications passed between Mr. Dodson and the police in regard to the examination of the pigs that were slaughtered on February 12th and later dates. I have no information.

If there was no evidence of swine fever in the later cases, how does that justify eight months' quarantine?

I can act only on the evidence before me. I believe the decision arrived at by my predecessors was a right one.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that there is some case for inquiry: that this gentleman has suffered considerable injustice?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, as he had not been able to give the information in Debate, he could now say whether the opinion of commanding officers of mounted units was taken before the Order for the withdrawal of horse rugs from Army horses was decided upon; whether that opinion was favourable to such with drawal; and whether the recent Order had been actually carried out throughout the Army?

Horse rugs to the extent of 10 per cent, are still allowed for riding and draught horses. This all-round Grant was made in substitution of the varying percentages hitherto granted. As the general issue of horse rugs for Army horses has never been recognised, it was not considered necessary to consult commanding officers in the matter. So far as is known the Regulations are being carried out.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these rugs are being provided at the expense of the officers of the regimental funds of nearly every corps in the Service; and, further, that the commanding officers of nearly every Cavalry regiment in the Service are against this Order?

I am not aware of that. If the hon. Member will put down a question and give me his facts, I will inquire into them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether the members of the Army Council or any other sane per sons let their horses stand without rugs through an English winter?

I do not think that that has any bearing on the problem before us.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state what amount, if any, he is allocating out of the Development Fund Grant to research into the disease attributed to the worm known as strongylus contortus and other prevalent intestinal diseases of sheep; and by what institution such research will be conducted?

Investigations of the genus strongylus are being conducted at the South-Eastern Agricultural College at Wye and by Dr. Leiper, of the London School of Tropical Medicine. For the former Grants are being paid at the rate of £175 per annum, and for the latter at the rate of £200 per annum.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state how many small holdings have been actually established under the Small Holdings Act, 1908?

The total number of small holdings established up to the 31st December last is 7,885.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of his Board to abandon Osborne as a training college, owing to the constant ill-health amongst the naval cadets there?

There is no foundation for the allegation contained in the hon. Member's question. Excluding epidemic diseases, the average number on the sick list daily during 1911 was seven, or under 2 per cent. The epidemic diseases are not attributable to the buildings, and the numbers suffering from these diseases were not greater than was to be expected in boys of that age.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to a decision of the Association of Landlords and Factors in Cambuslang, in connection with the adoption in that town of the House Letting Act, to increase the gross rentals of all houses affected by the Bill by 25 per cent.; and whether he proposes to hold an inquiry into this increase, which is in excess of the amount which will be payable under the Act by the landlords?

also asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has any information to show the increase in rents in each of the burghs in Scotland affected by the House Letting and Eating (Scot land) Act, as proposed by various associations of house factors and landlords; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction aroused in many such burghs by the in creases proposed, he proposes to hold an inquiry into the matter?

My attention has been called to the case of Cambuslang, and I am informed that there are also some other places in which the landlord and house factors are seeking to increase rents. Where that increase only covers rates which will be paid by the landlord instead of by the tenant, it appears to be justifiable, but if it exceeds that amount, I do not see any justification for it, and I understand that such claims are being met in some places by forming a Tenants Protection Association. It is one thing to ask higher rents and another thing to induce tenants to pay them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this result was predicted from his own benches over and over again, when the compounding Clause was introduced into the Bill. Will he consider the propriety of repealing that Clause?

I know the result was predicted, but I am not at all sure that the prediction has been fulfilled.

It has been.

asked the Postmaster-General on what grounds he has decided to close the post office at Marlborough at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m., as hitherto, although the out-mail still leaves at 9 o'clock; and whether he is aware that this change will cause inconvenience to the business community and private residents?

The Marlborough post office was formerly open till 8.30 p.m., not 9, and the alteration referred to was made because the amount of business transacted after 8 p.m. was inconsiderable. The change was of advantage from an administrative point of view, and brought the offices into line with other offices of similar character and importance. Experience has shown that alterations of this description give rise to little inconvenience.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the question of keeping some part of the office open for the receipt of parcels only, if he cannot do anything more?

I will consider that.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a petition from the inhabitants of Benbecula for an improved mail service; and whether he can see his way to have the mails delivered and taken up in Petersport Harbour three days a week by a rowing-boat, so that the mail steamers need not anchor?

I have received the petition, but practical difficulties, which have already been explained to the hon. Member, prevent me from acceding to the requests made in the petition.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the wood machinists discharged from the Mount Pleasant factory have been offered work at 2d. and 2½d. per hour less than that which they have been receiving; and, if so, whether he will explain the cause of this departure from his assurances to these men?

I take the hon. Member's question to refer to certain wood machinists whom it was necessary to discharge in June last on account of shortness of work, and for whom I obtained offers of employment with one of the firms performing work for me under contract. I understand that the firm in question, were not able to find work war ranting a rate as high as the men had been receiving at the Post Office factory. I do not know to what assurances on my part the hon. Member refers.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to recall his former statement that he had arranged with outside employers that good situations should be offered to these men?

Yes; they are good situations, with one of the very best firms in London.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that an hourly wage of 2d. or 2½d. less than they commonly earn good wages?

It depends upon the amount of work to be done.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Committee which investigated the system of threading shuttles, commonly known as shuttle kissing, have finished their labours; and when the Report will be issued?

The Report is, I understand, almost ready. I hope to be able to issue it very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the findings of the Committee which investigated the working of the Truck Act, he intends to introduce legislation for the abolition of the system of fines imposed on employés by employers in factories and workshops?

I am afraid there is no prospect of legislation on this subject being introduced by the Government during the present Session; but I must point out to the hon. Member that the findings of the Committee were against the proposal for the entire abolition of fines.

asked the Prime Minister if it is proposed to continue the payment of Members beyond the end of the present financial year; and, if so, if a Bill will be brought in to regularise such payment and provide for the due allocation of the salaries?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and provision for such payment is made in the Estimate for the House of Commons (Clause 2, Vote 2) for 1912–3. The answer to the second part of the question is that payment will be regularised by proceedings in Supply, and finally by the Appropriation Bill to be introduced this Session, just as was done by proceedings in Supply and the Appropriation Act of 1911.

Will there be any opportunity for discussing the matter?

Will the Vote be taken before any payment is made beyond the end of the present year?

I should have notice of that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that difficulties have arisen in regard to payment, and that there is no one in the House who can answer any questions?

Yes, Sir. Any question put will be answered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is going to be any increase in salaries?

Any suggestions made will be very carefully considered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of apportioning the salaries in inverse ratio to the length of speeches?

asked what was the cost of the Commission appointed to inquire into the Financial Relations between Great Britain and Ireland, and in what Estimates will the cost appear; and was the report of the Commission unanimous?

With regard to the first part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Salisbury on 6th instant, and, with regard to the latter part, to the reply given by the Secretary of State for the Home Department on my behalf to the hon. Member for South Tyrone on 29th ultimo.

Would it be possible to discuss the question of this Commission when the Votes are reached?

The Vote is down with the Votes for temporary Com missioners, stationery and publishing for Great Britain.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give us an opportunity for discussing this particular Vote?

I will consider the relative importance of this and other matters.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these considerations of his generally end in nothing?

asked why Sir Arthur Haworth has not been able to fulfil the duties of Junior Lord of the Treasury, and whether he will take steps to insure that his successor is able to fulfil them; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?

Sir Arthur Haworth has resigned the office referred to. I have nothing to add to my reply to the Noble Lord on the 11th instant.

Is it a fact that the Government are afraid to test the feelings of the electors?

Will any announcement be made before the Home Rule Bill is introduced?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will consider the advisability of appointing a committee to inquire into the whole question of the hire-purchase system?

The subject proposed to be inquired into does not fall within the scope of my Department, and I could not appoint a Departmental Committee. I think the proper method of inquiry would be by a Select Committee, if the House should decide to appoint one.

asked the names of the Select Committee on Patent Medicines and the terms of the reference to such Committee?

I propose to move, in a few days, for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into this matter.

asked the amount of extra expenditure incurred by local authorities in the year 1911 for sick pay, compensation, and pensions in respect of the police under their control owing to injuries received in preserving order in trade disputes; whether such injuries in a number of cases were the result of the practice known as peaceful picketing by trade unionists; and whether he would take the necessary steps to ensure that the whole or some part of the extra cost to which the local authorities have been put in this matter should be a charge upon the Imperial Exchequer?

I could not ask the police authorities to undertake the laborious task of examining all cases of sick pay, compensation, and pensions, and preparing the return suggested in the first part of the question; and I do not think the return if obtained would serve any useful purpose. In no case could the in juries in question result from the picketing if the picketing were peaceful. The Government already makes a large contribution to the pension funds, and any increase of that contribution could only be made (if at all) as part of a general re adjustment of the relations between local and Imperial taxation.

asked whether, although Trades Boards have been set up pretty generally in England, Scotland, and Wales, complaint is being made that such is not the case in Ireland; if so, will he state what is the cause of the delay; and whether steps will be taken at once to set up the Trades Boards in Ireland?

Trade Boards covering the whole country have been established for chainmaking and machine-made lace-finishing, but these trades are not carried on to any extent in Ireland. In the paper box trade a separate board has been established for Ireland, and is now engaged in fixing minimum rates of wages. In the tailoring trade a Board will be formed for Ireland as soon as practicable, but I may observe that no minimum rates have yet been fixed in this trade in Great Britain. The reason for the delay in forming a Board for the tailoring trade in Ireland is that the Tailoring Board in Great Britain has proposed to the Board of Trade to enlarge its scope as provided for in the Schedule to the Act. Pending a decision on this point (which I hope will not be long delayed) it has not been possible to determine what classes of employers and workmen in Ireland will re quire to be represented on the Irish Trade Board when formed.

If the right hon. Gentleman does set Trades Boards up in Ireland will he see that hon. Gentlemen below the Gangway ensure that their constituents do some work?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has knowledge of the proposals made by the Bristol port authority for the introduction of choice pilotage at Bristol; and whether he will, either by local inquiry or otherwise, obtain the opinion of the Bristol pilots on this change before sanctioning the pro posals?

I have received from the Bristol Corporation copies of by-laws which they have made with the object of introducing a system of choice pilotage at that port. Before the by-laws come into operation they will require confirmation by an Order in Council, and I am giving directions to the corporation to give notice by public advertisement of their intention to apply for such confirmation. Any objections elicited will be considered carefully by the Board of Trade, who will, if necessary, hold a local public inquiry before deciding whether to submit the by-laws to His Majesty for confirmation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that a derelict timber-laden ship is floating keel upwards near the mouth of the Firth of Forth; and whether he proposes to take any steps to destroy or remove this menace to naval and merchant shipping, and to fit out a derelict destroyer to operate regularly round our shores and in the North Atlantic-trade route?

The Board of Trade received information on the 11th March that a derelict had been seen near May Island, and at once communicated with the Com missioners of Northern Lighthouses, who have power to deal with derelicts near the coast where there is no conservancy authority having jurisdiction. The Com missioners have informed me that they have made an exhaustive search, but that no trace of a derelict has been discovered, nor any further report received on the subject. I do not think there is any necessity for adding to the existing machinery for dealing with such obstructions to navigation round the coast.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the 13th inst. notice was given to mariners of two other derelicts in the Channel and five in the North Atlantic?

I should have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the South-port education authority has recently been urged to establish a public secondary school for boys; and whether he can report that any progress has been made to meet the necessities of working-class families?

The Board have no power to compel a local education authority to make provision for any education other than elementary. The Board have, since July, 1910, urged upon the local education authority the need for provision of a public secondary school for boys in the borough, on the ground that such a school is necessary for the children of working-class parents and other parents, of moderate means. On the 12th December, 1911, a motion to postpone the matter was defeated in the town council. On the 22nd February, 1912, the Board were in formed that a sub-committee had been appointed to report on sites and submit plans and estimates.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Colonel M'Cutchan, of 5, Middleton Road, Camden Road, London, representative of Philip M'Cutchan, Torboy, county Longford, offering his grazing lands of Munis, Callaghan, and Clonmucker, Moydon, county Longford, to the Estates Commissioners for sale; and, if so, will the Commissioners acquire these lands, as there are fifty-two small uneconomic holdings immediately surrounding this estate and only made use of for grazing purposes?

Colonel M'Cutchan bas not offered the lands referred to for sale to the Estates Commissioners.

asked the Chief Secretary if he received a petition from the Duncannon fishermen relative to the silting up and state of their harbour, and praying for the removal of obstacles which prevent them earning a livelihood; and if he will say what action he has taken?

I have not received the petition referred to.

asked who is responsible for the publication of the Regulations prescribed under the provisions of the Shops Act, 1911, in Ireland; and whether, for the convenience of shopkeepers generally, he will give instructions for their publication at as early a date as possible?

The power of making Regulations under the Act referred to is vested in the Lord Lieutenant, and the question of making such Regulations is at present receiving attention. When made they will be issued without delay. The Act, however, does not come into operation until 1st May next.

May I ask the Prime Minister a question, of which I have given him private notice, whether, before the House proceeds to consider the Second Reading of the Bill relating to the minimum wage in coal mines, the Government will publish the shorthand notes taken at the conferences between the coal owners and the miners?

I am afraid I cannot undertake in the circumstances to accede to the suggestion of the hon. Member.

If both parties have no objection, will it not be in the interests of the House that we should have an opportunity of seeing the notes?

I am most anxious that they should have that opportunity, but I must consult the representatives of both parties.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they have been seen by persons other than those who took part in the conference?

Not through any connivance of mine.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he finds it possible to give a day's interval between the introduction and the Second Reading of the Bill?

I am afraid I must appeal to the right hon. Gentleman not to press his point. The Bill, I hope and believe, will be in the Vote Office ready for circulation at eight o'clock this evening; therefore there will be that opportunity between now and to-morrow to consider its provisions. We are dealing with a very urgent public question, and the matter is complicated further by the fact that Friday has been allocated, as hon. Gentlemen on both Hides know, to a particular Bill—[HON. MEMBERS: "Post pone it"; and "Give another day."]— which I believe there is a desire on both sides of the House to take on that day. [HON.MEMBERS: "NO, no."] So I am told both by the promoters and opponents.

It is, of course, impossible for me to do more, than to express strongly what we consider reasonable in the matter, and I am bound to say that the explanation which the right hon. Gentleman has given about Friday seems to me utterly inadequate. The House of Commons has nothing to do with either promoters or opponents. We have to consider the urgency of the case as it affects the country, and I am bound to say that in my opinion it would not damage the case which the Prime Minister wishes to make, and it would be much more reason able to allow us to have the interval.

If the right hon. Gentleman, speaking with his responsibility as Leader of the Opposition, makes that appeal to me, I find it a very difficult one to resist. Of course, if that is so, Friday must be given to this Bill, and we must do all we can to get it through on Friday. I will, of course, make such provision as I can to give an early date for the other Bill, which is at present down for Friday. I hope it will be understood that if I showed any kind of reluctance to accede to the right hon. Gentleman's request it was because I was in rather a special position in regard to the Conciliation Bill, of which I am well known to be an opponent, but for which I have very solemnly promised facilities on behalf of the Government. I hope the promoters and opponents of that Bill alike will understand that I only sacrifice Friday in deference to the appeal of the Leader of the Opposition.

Shall we then understand that the House of Lords will meet on Saturday in order that this Bill may be got through this week?

I regard it as of the utmost importance in the interests of the country that this Bill should receive the Royal Assent this week.

Can the right hon. Gentleman now say definitely when he proposes to take the Budget?

As already Indicated, my right hon. Friend hopes to introduce the Budget on Tuesday, 2nd April. As that evening is one available for Private Members' Resolutions, for which I understand the ballot is being taken to-day, I hope that by giving this timely notice the House will not refuse the Motion that we shall make on a later date to take that evening for the Business of the Ways and Means Resolutions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman compensate private Members for the time which has been withdrawn from them by giving another day at a later date?

I will endeavour to give them an evening from 8.15 to eleven o'clock.

Will the private Members who are displaced to-day and to-morrow be compensated?

I am afraid I cannot give that undertaking.

As to-morrow is vacant in consequence of the new arrangement, will the right hon. Gentleman take the Conciliation Bill to-morrow instead of on Friday?

If there is a general disposition on the part of the House to take it to-morrow I shall be delighted. Of course, that must be subject to the Report of the Navy Votes being disposed of as well. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education has just informed me that we cannot possibly bring the Conciliation Bill on to morrow. It is ordered for Friday, and, therefore, we cannot take it to-morrow.