asked whether the London and North Western Railway Company receive a direct subsidy of £5,000 a year and an indirect subsidy of another £6,000 a year by the permission to use Kingstown Harbour, at practically nominal dues, for accelerating the mail service to Ireland; whether the mail service is in fact now slower than it was before the acceleration; whether the coal thus saved on each journey amounts to only three-quarters of a ton; whether the Post Office will have to pay for the special trains which have to be run to the South of Ireland owing to the late arrival of the mails; whether it would be more economical to pay for the three-quarters of a ton of coal than to pay for special trains at the other side, irrespective of the large subsidy paid to the London and North-Western Railway Company and of the inconvenience to which passengers and traders are subjected; and whether it is intended to call upon the company to provide the service for which it is subsidised or to exact penalties and, if so, what penalties for breach of contract?

Under a new contract, the subsidy for this service is not separately distinguished. All mail trains on the London and North-Western Railway are now running at speeds not exceeding forty-five miles an hour. I have no information as to the amount of coal saved. Additional special trains are not now being run to the South of Inland. The question whether any, and, if so, what, deduction can properly be made from the company's remuneration will be considered when the company's claim for payment is received.

Is it not a fact that the mail boat and all the Irish railway companies are running punctually at present; and why cannot the London and North-Western Railway Company do the same?

I must ask for notice of that question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether this is not a matter which should receive the immediate attention of the Department, seeing the whole of the trade of Ireland is being disorganised in order that the London and North-Western Railway Company may save three-quarters of a ton of coal, per day?

I very much question the hon. Member's three-quarters of a ton. I understand the mail service in Ireland has not yet been very seriously affected.

As I gave the right hon. Gentleman notice of this question, in which I stated that three-quarters of a ton of coal only was being saved, will he tell me on what ground he doubts the statement, because it is absolutely true?

As I mentioned, I have no official information as to the amount of coal saved, but the officers of my Department say the estimate of three-quarters of a ton is in all probability below the mark.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take this matter up, and give it his personal attention immediately?

I think it lies more in the province of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade as to the amount of coal saved by the running of the trains?

Surely it is not the Board of Trade which is paying this heavy subsidy to the London and North-Western Company for running their trains punctually?

It is a question of the coal saved.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman take the matter up in unison with the President of the Board of Trade, so that they could bring their united efforts to bear upon the question?

asked the total amount annually drawn by the London and North-Western Railway Company from all public sources for accelerating the service between London and Holyhead and for other purposes; what extra or improved service is being given in return; and what is the estimated annual value of the concession made to the railway company in respect of harbour dues at Kingstown?

The annual payment for the conveyance of mails made to the London and North-Western Railway Company is an inclusive one with the exception of the American mails, which are paid for individually at special rates. No portion of the annual payment is earmarked for any particular service. I am not in possession of the information for which the hon. Member asks as regards the Kingstown Harbour dues.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that under the provisions of the contracts entered into with this company they are receiving £11,000 a year for running their train service punctually, and why they are getting that payment if they have ceased to run them punctually?

I have told the hon. Member a question may arise subsequently as to deductions from the remuneration of the London and North-Western Railway Company if the trains are not maintained up to their proper standard.

asked whether any statistics are available showing how much coal per mile is used by a large engine on the London and North-Western Railway; and how much on the express service and on the present mail service, respectively, between London and Holy-head?

The Board of Trade have no statistics bearing on this point.

Can the Board of Trade obtain any information?

I think the hon. Gentleman could write to the company and get the information. I will see what the Board of Trade can do further in the matter.

Are these statistics not already available at the Board of Trade, and cannot the hon. Gentleman tell us the particulars asked for in this question from the records at the Board of Trade?

Apparently not.

Will the hon. Gentleman ascertain from the London and North-Western Railway Company whether it is a fact that they are running their Irish mail service slow, and are only saving three-quarters of a ton of coal per day?

I will make inquiry.

Is the Board of Trade making any inquiry whether the economies now being effected by the railway companies have due regard to the amount of coal consumed?

I know of no such inquiry.

Does not the Board consider it its duty to protect the public in this matter?

I will lay the matter before the Board.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that the Ecclesall guardians, Sheffield, are offering relief work to applicants for work to perform which a journey of three or four miles has to be taken twice each day, and that Mr. Bagenal urged the Wakefield guardians, at their meeting on 18th March, to adopt a similar policy, and so reduce the applications made to them for relief; and, if so, will he say whether this policy of preventing applications for relief is the recognised policy of the Department?

I understand that some moor land was hired by the Ecclesall-Bierlow guardians at some distance from Sheffield, and that able-bodied men applying for relief were engaged upon its reclamation, the time taken by the men in getting to and from the work being regarded as part of their working hours. This case was, as I learn from my inspector, merely quoted by him as an illustration, and no suggestion was made by him that the Wakefield guardians should procure remote land for the purpose of applying a labour test.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a published report of that meeting it was stated definitely that Mr. Bagenal had complained that the Wakefield guardians were too easy, and had put before them the example of the Ecclesall guardians, telling them that if they adopted their methods they would not have so many applicants?

That may be so, but I do not regard that as a sufficient grievance that men should have to walk two or three miles to relief work when thousands of working men are walking that distance to their work every day.

I desire to ask the President of the Local Government Board a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether his attention has been drawn to the opinion given by the clerk to the Merthyr board of guardians on Saturday last to the effect that, owing to a decision of the Court of Appeal in 1899, guardians have no power to open relief works during a strike, and whether he accepts this as a correct interpretation of the law, and whether he proposes taking any action in the matter?

I have only just received notice of the hon. Member's intention to put this question to me. I have seen a fragmentary report, which it would be unfair to the clerk to the guardians to fasten-upon. If the hon. Member will put the question down on the Paper, I shall be pleased to give him a prompt and considered reply. This might be done without any prejudice to the persons or the authority concerned.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the distress caused by the coal strike, he will exercise the powers given to him by The Local Government Expenses Act, 1887, and authorise local education authorities to provide meals for necessitous children during the continuation of the strike, and for such time afterwards as he may consider necessary, on days when the schools are not open?

I shall be willing in the present emergency to consider applications for sanction.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received communications from teachers and others urging the necessity of providing free meals for school children on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on school days; what reply has been sent; and if in any way he can ensure that meals will also be provided for necessitous children during the Easter holidays?

The point has occasionally been raised in communications addressed to my Department. A Bill has been introduced with a view to altering the law, but its passage does not rest with me.

asked the quantity, value, and average price per ton of coal exported in 1911 from England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively?

The average declared value of the coal exported from English ports in 1911 was 10s. 3¾d., from Scottish ports 9s. 3¾d., and from Welsh ports 13s. 10¾d. The quantities and values on which these averages are based were given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary in a reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for the Chippenham Division of Wiltshire, which was circulated with the Votes and Proceedings of 18th March.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the desire expressed and the permission given by the owners to him that the notes of the joint Conference which took place at the Foreign Office shall be published, he will use his influence with the men's representatives to obtain their early consent to such publication, so that the notes above-mentioned may be printed and made available for the use of Members of this House with the least possible delay?

On further careful consideration I see a distinct disadvantage in the publication of the proceedings of the recent Conferences. We have shorthand notes of some of the Conferences only. These would form, therefore, an incomplete record of what actually took place. Moreover, the joint and separate Conferences were begun and carried forward on the understanding that full and free discussion between the various parties interested would take place. I think further that the publication of proceedings such as these would constitute an unwise precedent, which might prove very detrimental to conciliation proceedings in the future.

Is the Home Secretary aware that these Reports have been read by many other persons than those who were present at the Conference, and that, therefore, Members of this House are at a disadvantage?

I was not aware of that.

It is so.

Is there any foundation for the inference in the question that it is the men's representatives who have prevented the publication of these Reports?

No, Sir. I am not aware of that.

asked whether all workmen in insured trades under the National Health Insurance Act, Part II., would receive benefit in circumstances similar to those at present existing, whereby many thousands of workmen are thrown out of employment through lack of fuel and material, as a result of the mining industry dispute, although themselves not in dispute with their employers?

Workmen not themselves engaged at a coal mine who are thrown out of work as a consequence of a dispute affecting coal miners in the circumstances mentioned in the question would, generally speaking, not be disqualified for receipt of unemployment benefit under Part II. of the National Insurance Act. The decision, however, as to the qualification of any person would rest with the Courts of Referees or the Umpire, and not with the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Scottish Education Department has ordered the amalgamation of the Banff (Landward) and Ord school districts with Banff Burgh; whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ratepayers of the Landward district are unanimously opposed to amalgamation; and whether, in view of the expressed opinion that the policy of the department, if carried out, would be deleterious to the interests of education in the district, he can see his way to postpone the ratification of the Order until he has made some further inquiry into the question?

As the result of a careful inquiry by an experienced commissioner, a draft Order for that amalgamation has been submitted to the two school boards in question. The statutory procedure in the matter gives due opportunity for considering further representations, but, beyond that, I should not be justified in giving the promise asked for by my hon. Friend?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the board of guardians of the Cardiff Union has recently passed a resolution that they view with apprehension the increasing tendency amongst the residents in their union to procure exemption from vaccination; and will he state what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I am aware of the resolution. I may refer the Noble Lord to the answer I gave on the 19th inst. to the hon. Member for the Rye Division.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state the dates that he received communications from Mr. A. T. Emmerson, one of the vaccination officers for the South Shields Union, with regard to his loss of income in consequence of the Vaccination Act and Order, 1907, and what action, if any, has he taken with regard thereto; and whether he is aware that this officer's total loss now amounts to over £100, and in consequence of such loss he is placed in financial difficulties?

I have received only one communication from this officer with regard to his loss of income, and this was on 29th September, 1910. I communicated with the guardians, who thereupon increased his fees, with my sanction. According to my figures, the total diminution in Mr. Emmerson's earnings as vaccination officer, as compared with his average earnings in the five years 1903–7, is about £120. Towards this the guardians had, with my sanction, awarded him gratuities amounting to £50 7s. 8d. before they increased his fees, and they had appointed him to the additional offices of deputy-registrar of births and deaths and infant protection visitor. His new scale of fees began to operate in 1911. His income from vaccination fees in that year was about £132. I have no information as to the amount of his receipts from the other offices.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think a gratuity of £50 in such a case is adequate compensation for the loss of an income of £120?

The hon. Gentleman ignores the fact that the £120 to which he refers should really be reduced to £103 by the diminution of births. Beyond that, this officer has had the birth fees increased from 3d. to 4d. and the vaccination fees from 9d. to 1s. This gives him an increase of £40 in fees, besides the £50 in gratuities, and in addition he has been appointed to other offices—an excellent way of meeting the grievance—and for these offices, of course, he will receive extra remuneration.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, how many vaccination officers have written him that they have applied to their boards of guardians for a gratuity in respect of their past losses in consequence of the Vaccination Act and Order, 1907, and for an increase in the bases of their remuneration with regard to the future, and that such application has been refused; and in how many of such cases the Local Government have, after communicating with the boards of guardians concerned, informed the officer that his case, in the opinion of the Board, is not one in which they can interfere?

The answer to the first part of the question is fifty-four and to the last part six.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in April, 1909, he received a letter from the vaccination officer of the Bradford Union stating that the gratuity of £7 12s. 3d. that the Local Government Board had sanctioned his guardians paying to him did not make up the total amount of his loss in consequence of the Vaccination Act and Order, 1907, which at that time was £19 8s. 10d.; whether this officer has received a second gratuity of £3 14s.; whether he has received further communications from the vaccination officer of this union with regard to his further loss of income, and, if so, the dates of such communications; whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the two gratuities referred to, this officer had up to Christmas quarter, 1910, lost over £50, and in consequence of the continued increase in exemptions since then he has lost a still further amount, which has placed him in financial difficulties; and what action, if any, does he propose to take with regard to this officer's case?

I cannot trace the letter referred to in the question, nor do the circumstances of the vaccination officers in the Bradford (Yorks) Union of the Bradford-on-Avon Union correspond with the figures given in the question.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many boards of guardians he has written to since November last to the effect that, when the Estimates for the Local Government Board were under discussion in the House of Commons in August last, representations were made to him as to the loss of income which certain vaccination officers were suffering in consequence of the passing of the Vaccination Act, 1907, at the same time requesting these boards of guardians to consider certain suggestions made by the Local Government Board for paying a gratuity, and as to the mode of future remuneration to be paid to these particular officers, at the same time intimating that, unless the board of guardians dealt with the cases as suggested by the Local Government Board, they would have no alternative to issuing an Order directing what shall be paid to these particular officers; and how many of these boards of guardians (if any) have acted in accordance with the suggestions of the Local Government Board?

I have written to eight boards of guardians as indicated in the question. Two of these boards agreed to pay amounts somewhat less than those suggested, and their proposals have been sanctioned. In other eases correspondence is still proceeding.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will consent to such modifications in the draft Regulations for the restriction of the use of preservatives in cream as to provide that the labelling proposals in the Regulations can be so modified as to be made commercially workable?

The Local Government Board are prepared to receive and consider any representations concerning the proposals in the draft Regulations.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can see his way to delay the operation of the proposed draft Regulations as to preservatives in cream for a month, in order that opportunity may be given to the interested persons to discuss such modifications of the Regulations as will enable them to be carried into effect without detriment to the supply to the public of the articles referred to in the Regulations?

Under the Rules Publication Act, 1893, the Board are required to consider any representations or suggestions which are made in writing by any public body interested before the Order is finally settled. Notice of the intention to make Regulations was published in the "London Gazette" of 20th February, and the statutory period for the making of such representations or suggestions is forty days from that date.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also take into consideration the representations made by private individuals, on this matter?

Certainly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Regulations are causing the greatest consternation in the dairy industry throughout the country?

I am not aware that they are causing consternation, but I am aware of the fact that those who know something about the industry are making practical and sensible suggestions without consternation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a notice appears, outside the Plymouth Labour Exchange stating that shipwrights are urgently wanted for the Devonport dockyard; and whether, in these circumstances, he will consider the advisability of offering some further inducements for shipwrights to enter the yard, either by increasing the establishment or by formulating a pension scheme for hired men guaranteed by the Admiralty?

I am aware that the Plymouth Labour Exchange is endeavouring to obtain a certain number of shipwrights for service in the Devonport dockyard; but the hon. Member is not entitled to infer that the shortage is due to unfavourable conditions of service in the yard. There is considerable demand at the present time for shipwrights throughout the shipbuilding industry generally. In any case, I can give no undertaking respecting an increase in the establishment; and as to the question of the creation of a self-supporting superannuation scheme for hired men in the yards, I can add nothing to the statement I made last Monday in the Debate on the hon. Member's Amendment to the Motion that Mr. Speaker do leave the Chair on going into Committee of Supply on Navy Estimates.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why he supposes there is a demand for shipwrights there?

There is a demand at the present time, but the hon. Member is not entitled to infer that the conditions at the yard are unfavourable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a circular issued by the London and North-Western Railway Company abolishing second-class carriages between London and Harrow from the 18th instant; and whether, in view of the breach of contract with season ticket holders this involves, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The railway company inform me that second-class carriages have been withdrawn temporarily from the Harrow trains, with the object of enabling the passenger accommodation in the trains still running to be increased. The company further state that any second-class season ticket holder who has to travel third class during the period for which the second-class carriages are withdrawn can have a refund of the difference of fare, and that the season ticket holders have been so informed.

asked whether there are public ferries at Culmore and Dunalong, respectively, on the River Foyle; how they were first established and how they are maintained; whether the ferry boat at Culmore is subject to Board of Trade Regulations as regards carrying lights after dark; and who would be responsible if loss of life was caused, or any accident occurred, in crossing the ferry, or what party or parties are responsible for the proper working of the ferry?

I am making inquiries into the matter to which my hon. Friend refers, and the result shall be communicated to him as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if his Department has taken any steps with the Irish railway companies respecting the setting up of the new system of Conciliation Boards in accordance with the recommendations of the Royal Commission of 1911; and (2) if the Midland Great Western Railway Company of Ireland are taking steps to have repre- sentatives elected under the old system of Conciliation Boards of 1907; and whether his Department is helping them to perpetuate that old system, contrary to the findings of the Royal Commission of last year?

Steps have been taken to ascertain whether the Irish railway companies are prepared to adopt the conciliation scheme recommended by the Royal Commission, as amended by the Conference of December last, and I understand that the companies adhere to the scheme of November, 1907, and do not see their way to accept the amended scheme. The method of electing representatives of the men to serve on the Conciliation Boards is the same under the two schemes, and an election on the Midland Great Western Railway is now in progress.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can publish or make available to Members of this House any information suppled to the Committee on Irish Finance either at their request or by official witnesses; and whether any confidential information in the possession of the Treasury was supplied to the Committee, in confidence or otherwise, which is not ordinarily accessible to the public?

The answers I have already given with regard to the Report of the Committee apply equally to information supplied to the Committee either at their request or by official witnesses.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House such information as the Prime Minister has already communicated to the Nationalist party?

I am afraid I am unable to answer the hon. Gentleman's question. I do not know of any such communication.

asked how many days will be allotted for the First Reading of the Home Rule Bill?

I can make no statement at present.

Will the Government take into consideration the fact that four days were allotted to the last Home Rule Bill on the First Reading?

Oh, certainly.

Will a statement be made before Easter?

I think the Prime Minister has already stated that he thought Thursday after Easter would be a convenient day.

I was asking the right hon. Gentleman whether a statement would be made in reference to the duration of time?

I will ask my right hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister if it is still his intention to introduce the Home Rule Bill immediately after the Easter Recess?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to insert a Clause in it, limiting its operation to three years, as is proposed in the Minimum Wage Bill?

No, Sir.

May we take it that this date is settled definitely, whatever the other alterations of business may be, in order that Members may make their arrangements?

I think the House will regard every date of the sort as conditional upon the requirements of public business.

Am I to understand that the Home Rule Bill is to have precedence over the Welsh Disestablishment Bill?

There is no question of precedence. The Home Rule Bill will be taken on the Thursday after Easter.

When will the Welsh Disestablishment Bill be taken?

Later.

Will it be possible to get a definite answer this week?

No, I do not think so.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a case decided in the Court of Appeal on 20th March, where a workman was unsuccessful in his claim for compensation, under the Workmen's Compensation Act, in respect of injuries inflicted upon him by strikers during the Manchester carters' dispute; and whether, with a view to meeting such cases, he will introduce legislation making trade unions liable to give compensation for injuries to workmen inflicted by their members?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The case referred to merely decided that the workman was not entitled, under the Workmen's Compensation Act, to compensation for the assault. It did not decide that he had no remedy. He would, of course, have a remedy against those who assaulted him, and against those who authorised the assault. The facts of the case, so far as known to me, do not appear to justify a proposal to reverse an Act of Parliament against which no Member of the House of Commons thought it right to vote on its Third Reading in 1906.

Would not this man have a claim against the employer who was his security while performing this duty?

No, Sir. The question was raised. He did bring an action under the Compensation Act, and it was decided that he had no remedy.

asked whether the terms of reference to the Commission to inquire into the Civil Service, recently announced, have yet been settled; and whether the Commission will consider the question of the civil rights of Civil servants?

It will rest with the Commission to decide whether the matter referred to in the last part of the question falls within the scope of the terms of reference, which were published in the Press, on Thursday, 14th March.

asked the total English capital invested in public issues during each of the three years 1909, 1910, and 1911; and what proportion thereof was in English, Foreign, and Colonial securities, respectively?

There is no official information available on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he has yet received any Report in regard to the steps to be taken to supply the insufficiency of free school accommodation at Grantham; and, if so, what the nature of the Report is?

I was informed on the 15th March by the local education authority that the sub-committee, which was appointed to consider the question of school accommodation at Grantham, would report to the education committee at their next meeting which was to be held on Friday last, and I am expecting to receive the definite decision of the authority within the next few days.

asked whether there is any especial reason for the delay in providing copies of the Order in Council for teachers' registration for purchase; and, if not, if they may be supplied at an early date?

This is not really a matter within the province of my Department, but I have made inquiry and I understand that copies of the Order in Council referred to were placed on sale on Thursday last.

asked how many Church of England voluntary schools and how many Catholic voluntary schools have been transferred to local authorities since the Education Act of 1902 came into operation?

Since the Education Act, 1902, came into operation, 359 Church of England schools and no Roman Catholic schools have been transferred to local education authorities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why such a large number of the schools of this wealthy and highly endowed Church have been handed over to the local authorities, while not a single Catholic school, built by the pence of the poor, has been handed over?

I should like notice of that question, because it raises, obviously, a very controversial question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Board is now imposing a charge of 3s. 6d. on working men who sit for technical and evening school examinations; and, seeing that the bulk of such candidates cannot afford to pay the fee, will he take steps to have this amount reduced?

It is the case that the Board of Education have decided to charge a fee of 3s. 6d. per candidate for each subject to students who desire admission to the general examinations in science and technology. I have given full consideration to all the representations which have reached me on the point, but I cannot hold out any prospects that the amount of the fee will be reduced as regards this year's examinations. When the examinations have been held, however, I shall be prepared to consider whether the fee has had the effect of excluding candidates who had definite and substantial reasons for wishing to be examined, and whether there is a case for modifying the regulation on this point as regards examinations held in 1913 and subsequently. The examinations, which of course are not compulsory, are now regarded as being held not as a means of promoting or testing the general progress of schools, but rather in the interests of individuals who desire a personal record of the standard reached. In the circumstances it did not seem desirable that the whole cost of these examinations should fall on general educational funds. The hon. Member will, of course, be aware that it is not anticipated that the cost of the examinations will be in any way covered by the fees charged.

In view of the fact that the bulk of the candidates cannot afford to pay the fees, is the hon. Gentleman prepared to meet them"

I have already answered that point. I am not prepared to admit what the hon. Member says, but I will very closely watch the operation this year with a view of relieving it next year.

What is the net cost? Does the 3s. 6d. nearly cover the cost?

By several pence it does not.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to instruct the local authority to give some help towards meeting the expenses?

That is a matter for the local education authorities.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Forms 66 S, 2 S, 2a S, and;2P, recently issued by the Board, will increase the already large amount of clerical work which has to be done by head masters of elementary schools; whether he has received any complaints on this subject from local education authorities; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?

The forms in question relate to secondary schools and pupil teacher centres and not to elementary schools. Form 66 S is merely a covering statement sending copies of revised forms, issued by the secondary schools branch, to the local education authorities. Forms 2 S and 2P are the summaries of organisation and curriculm of a secondary school and of a pupil teacher centre respectively, and do not differ materially from the forms for which they are substitutes, and which have been in use since 1904. The forms have been rearranged to render them more convenient to head masters and head mistresses. 2a S is a form on which a list of text-books in use in the schools may be given so as to enable the board's inspectors to tell whether the work of the school is properly graded and otherwise suitable. Complaints have only been received from the Warwickshire, Middlesex, and West Suffolk Education authorities, and the Board have recently had interviews with the first two authorities, and have explained the reason for the forms in question to them. I am anxious to reduce the number of returns required by the Board. I am now inquiring how far it may be possible to do so.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he has yet received the advice of the Law Officers as to the effect of Section 72 of the National Insurance Act; whether the forty-nine societies and two branches which have lodged the necessary papers and fees with the Registrar of Friendly Societies for dissolution have yet been allowed to dissolve; and whether Section 72 applies to every registered friendly society which has among its members persons insured under the Act, whether it becomes an approved society or not?

I am advised that Section 72 cannot be regarded as impliedly repealing or suspending the power of dissolution conferred by the Friendly Societies Act, but any society which continues to exist, whether it has among its members persons insured with it under the Act or not, and whether it applies to become an approved society or not, comes under the obligation of Section 72 if it confers benefits on its members similar to those of Part I of the Act. The dissolution of the societies which have complied with the necessary formalities is proceeding.

Am I to understand that all registered societies will have to bring in a scheme under Section 72?

No, those which continue to exist after the commencement of the Act.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he has any information as to the number of unregistered societies and sick clubs which, in addition to the registered societies, have dissolved or resolved to dissolve since the introduction and the passing of the National Insurance Act, 1911?

In the absence of a list of such societies, or of any obligation on them to give notice when they dissolve, I am unable to give the information asked for by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will make inquiry into the terms of employment of Poor Law nurses to ascertain whether the provision in respect of sickness and disablement made in their case by the terms of employment are on the whole as favourable as the corresponding benefits covered by the National Insurance Act, so that he may instruct the Commissioners to make public their decision whether Poor Law nurses are or are not exempt from the National Insurance Act?

I am unable a present to add anything to the answer gave to the hon. Member on March 13.

Cannot there be some speeding up? Does the hon. Gentleman know that Poor Law nurses do not know whether they are to be insured persons or not?

I can quite realise the difficulty. Speeding up is going on in every possible way. As soon as I can make an announcement I will do so.

asked whether, in the case of a society without branches intending to take both male and female lives, it is considered desirable by the actuaries advising the National Insurance Commission that separate funds for males and females should be set up?

The question of the desirability of separation of funds for males and females has not been referred to the Actuarial Advisory Committee. The subject is one of policy rather than of calculation, and the Commissioners do not wish to prejudge the choice offered to societies under the Act.

Is it the policy of the Commissioners to advise all small village societies to accept both men and women as members under the Act?

I should not like to say that without notice. I do not think the Commissioners are advising on the subject.

asked what is the equivalent weekly contribution for men and women in each of the years 1912–13, 1917–18, 1922–23, 1927–28, and 1932–33, based on the actuaries' estimates of the number of men and women who will be members of approved societies, and the cost to the State of the two-ninths and one-fourth of the benefits and costs of local administration to be paid by the State in those years?

I do not understand what calculation the hon. Member is asking for in the first part of the question, but if he will furnish me with further particulars, I will see whether it is possible to give the information desired. The estimated cost to the State of paying two-ninths and one-fourth of the benefits and costs of local administration will be found on page 20 of the Report of the Actuaries, Cd. 5983.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a form offering to supply papers has been sent to Members by the English and Scotch Insurance Commissioners; and whether he can state why in this, is in other matters, the Welsh Insurance Commissioners are covering their proceedings with secrecy?

I understand that the Welsh Insurance Commission are making the same arrangements as, the other Commissions for the supply of papers to Members of Parliament.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some Welsh Members of Parliament were offering to give this information on Thursday last?

I was not aware of that, but I understand the Welsh Insurance Commissioners are making the same arrangements as the other Commissions.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a Post Office contributor who has a balance to his credit in his own name will, in case of illness after attaining the age of seventy years, be entitled to draw upon that balance for sickness or disablement benefit; and, if not, whether he will introduce legislation to amend the National Insurance Act, 1911, in this respect?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. Such contributors will, if otherwise eligible, be then in receipt of old age pensions. They will continue to be entitled, after seventy, to draw upon their balance for medical benefit, and four-sevenths of any sums standing to the contributor's credit at death may be bequeathed to their nominees. The effect of such an amendment as the hon. Member proposes would be to deprive contributors during the following years of medical attendance and medicines, which they will need more than sickness or disablement allowance additional to their pensions.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that it would be reasonable if a Post Office contributor over seventy years of age is sick he should be able to draw upon the fund standing in his name, four-sevenths of which represents his own contributions?

I have already said it is more important for him that he should continue to have money for his medical benefit, but it is extremely unlikely that there will be any deposit contributors of the age of seventy.

Suppose there is not enough money at seventy for more than one year's medical benefit, what happens during the next year?