asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the new system of assessing abilities in the Navy is bearing hardly on a number of petty officers; and whether the Admiralty will revert to the old system of assessing abilities?

The working of the new system is now under consideration with a view to deciding whether any modifications are desirable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have further inquiry made? I know for a fact that the men regard this new system as adversely affecting promotion?

I will, with pleasure, have it inquired into closely.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the fact that the value of the present stock of coal for the Fleet is over £430,000 more than on 1st April last year; whether that stock is to be still further increased by 31st March next year; and, if so, what are the reasons for the present and future increases in the amount stored compared with a year ago?

The figure quoted by the Noble Lord includes all descriptions of fuel and lubricants for His Majesty's ships. The increase is due to increased stocks of coal and oil-fuel, and also to a higher basis of valuation consequent on higher market prices. The stocks of coal have recently been materially increased above the normal level to provide against a contingency which has arisen. But, apart from that, there is no appreciable variation in the basis of stocks of coal provided for during the total period of two years, i.e., as between 1st April, 1911, and 1st April, 1913, other than that necessary on account of a general increase in the requirements. Such increases as are provided for, both in respect of coal and oil, during the two years in question, are necessitated by the increase in tonnage and horse-power of ships, and are not due to any change in the basis or reserves.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any figures to show the number of persons unemployed in different trades in consequence of the coal strike??

In addition to the ordinary monthly Returns obtained from certain employers and trade unions, special information has been asked for wit a regard to the progressive effect of the coal strike on employment. The figures are not yet available, but will be published in the next issue of the Board of Trade "Labour Gazette."

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make inquiries to ascertain whether the London and North-Western Railway Company have on reserve a surplus supply of some thousands of tons of coal, which is now being disposed of at a profit; and whether he will take steps to see that the company are compelled to carry out all their Government contracts?

I have no information on the subject of the company's reserve of coal. If the hon. Member is in possession of any facts which have a bearing on the effective fulfilment of Post Office contracts, and will place them at my disposal, I shall be glad to consider the matter.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that no later than yesterday the mail trains in Ireland from Dublin were an hour and a half late in leaving owing to the fact that the London and North-Western Railway Company have reduced the speed of the mail service trains in this country to forty-five miles an hour? Is that not breaking their contract?

I know there has been some dislocation of the services, not only on that line, but on some other lines, owing to the regrettable coal strike.

May I ask if it is not in the contract that the London and North-Western Railway Company must run their trains at a certain speed—in any case not less than forty-five miles an hour?

I should like to have notice of that question. As to the actual terms of the contract, if there are any penalties which can be enforced Against the company, that matter will have to be considered when the company's claim for remuneration comes up for consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the on rush of misery overspreading the country through the continuation of the coal strike, the Government will cause the mines to be opened and accord adequate protection to those men who are willing to work?

I am not sure that I understand what the hon. Member means by the expression, "cause the mines to be opened." If he means, as the words imply, that the Government should compel owners to allow miners to work in their pits, and should compel miners to go to work, the answer is in the negative. In those cases, however, in which owners are willing to open their pits and men are willing to work, I can only repeat what I have said on previous occosions, that adequate protection has been provided by the local authorities in such cases as have arisen, and will be afforded, with the assistance of the Government if necessary, in such cases as may arise.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain miners engaged in the Cammell collieries, who voluntarily went to work on Monday last, were prevented yester- day by the Union from continuing at work, and whether he can say if any steps have been or will be taken in that case to enable the miners who desire to work to do so?

No information of the sort indicated by the Noble Lord has been brought to my notice. I do not understand whether the Noble Lord means that they were prevented by force, or whether they were only persuaded—quite peaceably persuaded—not to go back by members of the Union.

I mean forcibly prevented.

I have no information at all to support the statement of the Noble Lord.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can assure the House that if the Minimum Wage Bill is passed the miners will return to their work?

The Bill has passed through this House.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in the case referred to by my Noble Friend he will make inquiry?

Certainly, but I should think that if the facts are as alleged by the Noble Lord they would already have been brought to my notice. I have heard nothing of them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be very careful in accepting reports from prejudiced quarters?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the present is not an opportune time for considering the question of the nationalisation of mines?

That does not arise out of the question. It should be addressed in another quarter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will consider the advisability of placing all chargemen of shipwrights in the Royal dockyards on the same footing—that is to say, that these men, having similar responsibilities and duties, may receive the same rate of pay instead of, as at present, some getting 1s. and others 1s. 6d. per day as charge pay; and failing this, will he consider whether the proportion of men now receiving 1s. 6d. per day charge pay can be increased?

The subject is under consideration in connection with the 1911 petitions from the chargemen of trades. But I can give no undertaking in respect of it.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that these matters are under consideration?

We have received the petitions. The matter is being very carefully gone into, and I hope the result will be announced on an early late.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether our strategic interests in Northern Morocco could in any way be prejudiced by the terms of the protectorate that France is arranging with the Sultan; whether he is aware that the British residents and the Moors are apprehensive lest their interests might not be entirely safeguarded; and whether the Foreign Office will be made aware of the terms of the proposed treaty before they are finally ratified?

I am not aware of the terms of the treaty which the French Government propose to negotiate with the Sultan of Morocco, nor can I say at what stage it will be communicated to His Majesty's Government, but I would observe that British strategic and other interests are fully safeguarded under existing agreements?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that, while proceeding from Teheran to Sultanabad, Messrs. Moir and Brooks, belonging to the firm of Messrs. Ziegler, have been robbed by Bakhtiaris, Mr. Moir being the British Vice-Consul at Sultanabad; and if it is intended to make representations to the Persian Government with regard to this outrage and insist upon compensation being afforded?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, His Majesty's Minister, upon learning of the robbery, made representations both to the Persian Government and to the Bakhtiari Khans, who no doubt will do their best to restrain their men. Sir G. Barclay added in a telegram on the 22nd instant that having received details of the goods stolen from the Vice-Consul he was about to present a claim.

asked if any compensation has yet been obtained from the Persian Government in respect of the attack upon Mr. Smart, the British Consul, and his escort; and if effective steps are being taken to make the roads in Southern Persia safe for British and Indian traders?

As regards the first part of the question, the Persian Government have repeated in an Official Note their regrets at the incident, and have undertaken to pay compensation is a first charge on the next loan (as distinct from the joint advance of £200,000 just made). As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to the information contained in the Secretary of State's reply to a question by the hon. Member for Melton on 21st instant.

Do these claims which are to be a first charge on the loan amount to over £75,000?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the unofficial members of the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlement who recommended by a majority the abolition of the Queen's scholarships, whereby many promising native students were enabled to complete their education in this country, and now occupy important positions, were nominated by the Government or were directly empowered to represent any local body of opinion; whether the majority was a European majority; whether the single Chinese member voted in the minority; what is the annual sum saved by this economy; and whether he is aware that educational authorities have declared that the abolition of the scholarships, by removing the incentive to prolonged study, will have a detrimental effect upon higher education?

Unofficial members of the Legislative Council of the Straits Settlements are appointed by the Governor subject to His Majesty's approval. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. No saving has resulted, since the money has been spent on improving education in other ways. I have no definite information as to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, but I may say that in 1907, when it was proposed td abolish one scholarship, the majority of the educational authorities in the Colony were in favour of the abolition, or considered that the money could be spent to greater advantage otherwise.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the Report of the Director of Education for 1908, in which he said:—

"There is no doubt that the Queen's Scholarships gave the first start to all higher work, and have been the chief inducement to boys to remain at school after passing Standard VII. …. One great advantage of the Queen's Scholarships to the Education Department has been that our best local teachers have been boys who have competed for and just failed to get the scholarship."

The hon. Member is quoting from some document, and I think he ought to give notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the Report of the Director of Education on the subject?

I must ask for notice of the question.

Is the policy of abolishing scholarships part of a policy intended to exclude natives from the service of the Crown?

That is part of the question of which probably the hon. Member will give notice.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether H. H. Suleiman Bin Almerhum Raja Musa, C.M.G., Sultan of Selangor, in the Federated Malay States, is of pure European descent on both sides; whether he has ever received any representations from the Chinese residents in Selangor to the effect that they dislike officers of alien origin being placed in authority over them unless those officers are of pure European descent on both sides; and, if not, whether he will exempt Selangor from the new regulation made by the Colonial Office whereby all British subjects who are not of pure European descent on both sides are excluded from the civil and police services of the Federated Malay States?

The answer to all three parts of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative.

Are we to believe that the residents of this Protectorate have no objection to H. H. Suleiman Bin Almerhum Raja Musa, C.M.G., being Sultan, but they have an. insuperable objection to any official being appointed over them unless he is of pure European descent on both sides?

I hope my hon. Friend will not think it necessary to pursue questions regarding a distinguished ruler with whom we are in treaty relations.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that his reference and his policy is more complimentary to that ruler, who is a non-European, than. my attitude towards that non-European ruler?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Ho Kai, Esq., of Hong Kong, was educated at HongKong and at Aberdeen University; that he graduated M.B., and is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons; that he was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn; that he has been for twenty years a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong; that he was created a C.M.G. in 1902; and that the King conferred the honour of knighthood on him on Monday of last week; whether he is now satisfied that there is some chance of British-born. Chinese being successful in the competitive examination for the Eastern Cadet service; and whether he will therefore alter the new Regulation made by the Colonial Office whereby all British subjects 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?

The answer to the first six parts of the question is in the affirmative. I do not see that the very distinguished career of Sir Ho Kai has any bearing on the question of the admittance of non-Europeans to the examinations for the civil and police services. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

If the ability of Sir Ho Kai to pass examinations is not sufficient to convince the right hon. Gentleman that non - Europeans can pass examinations will the case of Dr. Lim Boon Keng convince him? The hon. Member further asked, with reference to the new Regulation made by the Colonial Office whereby all British subjects who are not of pure European descent on both sides are excluded from the civil and police services of the Straits Settlements and other Colonies, whether, for the purposes of this Resolution, an Armenian is to be considered of pure European descent?

This question has not yet arisen. If and when it does I shall invite the ethnological assistance of my hon. Friend?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the present time he has got an Armenian in the Civil Service of that Colony, and that at the present time there is in this country an Armenian, born and bred in the Colony, who is excluded by these Regulations, and who is therefore proposing to enter for the Civil Service of India, where he is not excluded?

That subject will be better pursued after notice.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state by what means it is open to British-born Chinese and Malays in the Straits Settlements to demonstrate to him that they have any chance of being successful in the examinations for the Civil and Police Services so long as he refuses to admit them to the examinations; and, if he is satisfied that they have no chance of passing, will he allow them to sit for examination, seeing that no harm would be done thereby?

As regards the first part of the question, I shall be happy to give full consideration to any evidence to this effect that intending candidates may submit to me through the Governor of the Colony. The suggestion in the second part of the question seems scarcely consistent with the views expressed in several of my hon. Friend's previous questions. I should be sorry (in my hon. Friend's own words) to encourage British subjects to spend time and money in preparing themselves for certain branches of the public service, only to find themselves excluded at the last moment by the fact that they have been unable to compete successfully.

What kind of evidence will satisfy the right hon. Gentlemen of their ability to pass examinations if he refuses to admit them to the examinations? Is his policy one of "heads I win, tails you lose"?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether Australia has yet agreed to adopt the provisions of the Maritime Conventions Act; and (2) whether he is aware that on 14th December, 1911, the Secretary to the Board of Trade assured this House that Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, and Newfoundland had definitely agreed to adopt the provisions of the Maritime Conventions Act; and, seeing that uniformity of law throughout the Empire with regard to the subjects of this Act is a matter of importance, whether he will press upon these Dominions and Colonies the desirability of passing legislation to adopt the provisions of this Act without any avoidable loss of time?

The Maritime Conventions Act, 1911, has been sent to the self-governing Dominions, and they have been invited to adhere to the Conventions and to pass legislation on the lines of the Act. The Commonwealth of Australia has in reply expressed its intention of adhering to the Conventions, but no other Dominion has yet replied. The Conventions are not yet in force, but the position of the self-governing Dominions is being and will be borne in mind, and they will be communicated with in due course.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Convention is in force in regard to this country, and will he try to get the Colonies to fall into line with this country as soon as possible?

Yes, I am.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the state of confusion on the Tabaquite railway extension works now in course of construction for the Trinidad Government; whether the Government are sweating their contractors who, turn, are sweating their labourers; whether many of the labourers have to go without wages in consequence of the low contract prices; and whether, seeing that this and other extensions are being carried out by money which is the result of special taxation partly upon the food of the poor, he will take such steps as will secure the work being done under such conditions as will allow decent working conditions to be given?

The Tabaquite railway extension works are being carried out by the Government of Trinidad, and I have no reason to think that any such state of affairs as that referred to by my hon. Friend exists in connection with these works.

In view of the very definite information I have received in this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman inquire specially into it?

If my hon. Friend will give me the information he has, of course I will make inquiries.

asked why, although the abolition of the Savana Grande Local Road Board has been stated to be quite temporary, its re-establishment has been refused by the Trinidad Government, notwithstanding the earnest petition of a large number of influential residents in the district?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to him on the 20th February, 1911, as to the circumstances in which the Savana Crande Road Board was superseded. It appears that numerous complaints were received from all classes of proprietors in the district as to the neglected condition of the roads before the Board was superseded, and I have not heard that any petition has been received since for its restoration.

Am I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman looks upon this as anything else than a temporary abolition?

It is always dangerous to decide what is temporary and what is permanent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the irregularities and deficiencies in the Trinidad Post Office; and whether he will take any action in the matter?

I am not aware of the existence of any irregularities or deficiencies in the Trinidad Post Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) what system of wireless telegraphy is at present in use in Jamaica, Trinidad, British Guiana, and Tobago; what system it is proposed to establish in British Honduras and the Bahamas; and what systems are under consideration for Barbados; (2) the estimated cost of erection and equipment of the wireless station in British Honduras, and what is the estimated cost of operation, including provision for the amortisation of capital; (3) the estimated cost of the wireless stations in the Bahamas and Barbados, including provision for the cost of equipment, erection, maintenance, and amortisation of capital; and (4) whether he will state the present cost of maintaining the wireless stations in Jamaica, Trinidad, British Guiana, and Tobago?

In Jamaica the Lepel system of wireless telegraphy is in use, and in Trinidad, British Guiana, and Tobago the Lodge-Muirhead. In the cases of British Honduras, the Bahamas, and Barbados neither the system which will be adopted nor the estimated cost can yet be stated, with the exception that the cost of erection and equipment of a 3-kilo-watt station in British Honduras has been roughly estimated at £2,000 to £2,500. The cost of maintaining the two wireless stations of the Trinidad-Tobago service is about £900 a year. The cost of maintaining the stations of the Trinidad-British Guiana service and the Jamaica station cannot be given, since these stations are in the hands of private companies.

I wish to give the right hon. Gentleman notice that at a convenient opportunity I shall invite him to make a statement on this subject.

Who is going to pay the cost of this Bahamas station, and has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to a statement in the engineering supplement of the "Times" this morning that the Poulsen-Pedersen system was worked at 200 words a minute before representatives of the Admiralty, the Post Office, and the War Office last October, and, in view of this great advance in wireless telegraphy will he take the schemes of this particular company into consideration?

I did not get so far as the engineering supplement of the "Times." I will answer the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question if he will give me notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed by the Board of Customs and Excise to establish the principal office for the south-eastern district of Ireland in Kilkenny, and thus reduce the city of Water-ford to the position of a sub-office; whether he is aware that Waterford is the largest and most centrally situated town in the south-eastern portion of Ireland, and is also the fourth chief seaport of Ireland; and whether, in view of the loss and inconvenience which will be suffered by traders if this arrangement is carried out, he will take steps to see that Waterford will continue to be treated as the principal administrative centre of southeastern Ireland?

I am informed by the Board of Customs and Excise that no proposal to alter the status of Waterford as a Customs port is at present before them.

asked the number of Government officials appointel in Ireland since 1909 for the purposes of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and the National Insurance Act?

The staff of the Inland Revenue offices in Ireland has been increased by thirteen for the general purposes of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. For valuation work the number of officials appointed since 1909 is 154, of whom six are permanently appointed. Under the National Insurance Act, excluding twenty-five temporary organising lecturers, twenty-eight appointments have been made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the fact that of the 4,539 persons described as officials assessed to Income Tax in Ireland 2,190 are not Government employés or paid out of moneys voted by Parliament, 1,622 being clergy- men of the Church of Ireland, 341 Bank of Ireland officers, 49 Lights Board and Port and Dock Board employés, and 173 petty sessions clerks; and if he will give directions to the Commissioners of Income Tax to correct the Returns under Schedule E in future so as to exclude from the title Government officials any such persons as are not in Government employment in Ireland?

In Table 151 of the fifty-third Report of the Commissioners, of Inland Revenue, to which the hon. Member would appear to refer, the number of assessments under Schedule E of the Income Tax on "Government Officials" in Ireland for the year 1908–9 was stated to be 4,397, and on 8th of February, 1911, my right hon Friend the then Financial Secretary to the Treasury explained that the statistical heading "Government Officials" included in this case the several classes of persons detailed in the present question. If the hon. Member, however, will refer to the corresponding Table in the subsequent Report, he will see that an explanatory note has been added to the heading "Government Officials," indicating that the figures include assessments which are not strictly upon Government officials. In future Reports the Commissioners will give sufficient particulars under this heading to remove any possibility of misapprehension.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs has recently referred to these 4,539 persons as Government officials, and will he draw the attention of the hon. Gentleman to this incorrect statement and to the real state of affairs?

asked whether, having regard to Section 26 (1) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, under which the Commissioners are to cause to be made a valuation of all land in the United Kingdom showing separately the total value and site value of the land, and to Section 25 (2), under which, in order to ascertain site value, the land is to be regarded as divested of any buildings and other structures, the valuers have been instructed in arriving at site value to regard the whole of the land in the United Kingdom as divested of any buildings in conformity with the provisions of the Act?

For the purpose of estimating the full site value of any particular hereditament, the hereditament is to be regarded as divested of buildings, etc.; but it is not necessary in making that particular valuation to regard every other hereditament in the United Kingdom as being also similarly divested.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown on that point?

I do not care to ask the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown on a hypothetical question. If it arises in connection with any particular case and there is any difficulty, of course we will seek their opinion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, of the nine National Insurance Act lecturers for Belfast and the province of Ulster, none had, previous to appointment, taken any prominent part in or had practical knowledge of the work of any of the leading friendly societies having branches in Belfast and district; that a meeting of representatives of the various friendly societies in Belfast had communicated to the Irish Commissioners their dissatisfaction with the appointments, and had asked that someone acquainted with friendly society work should be appointed; and whether the Commissioners can see their way to remedy the grievance complained of?

Official lecturers are not appointed to represent the interests of societies with which they may have been previously associated, but to explain the provisions of the Insurance Act. The Irish Insurance Commissioners did not consider it an essential qualification of the lecturers that they should have been officials of friendly societies. Of the nine lecturers working in Ulster, one was a friendly society member, four were trade unionists, and two were women; and the selections generally have been confirmed by the success of the lectures. There are no vacancies for further appointments.

asked whether a request has been received from the United Government Workers' Federation for a deputation representing the organised workers at Woolwich, Enfield, Waltham Abbey, Pimlico, and Weedon, to be received on the subject of the National Insurance Act; and, if so, whether it is proposed to receive the deputation?

The request has been made by the Federation, who have been asked to state the points upon which they require information. Their reply has been received, and is now under the consideration of the Interdepartmental Committee to which my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury referred yesterday.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture when the Annual Report of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries of proceedings under Acts relating to sea fisheries for the year 1910 will be published?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to say that the Report has been published to-day.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in considering the manner in which the artificial lighting of this House can be improved, he will also consider the desirability of improving the lighting of the Terrace?

There is no provision for this service in the Estimates. But the First Commissioner will be glad to consider the suggestion when the Estimates for next year are being prepared.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will give the House an opportunity of discussing the matter before it is decided to replace the lighting of the House by gas with electric light; whether he is aware of the opinion of leading oculists that gas light is less harmful than electric light; and whether gas assists in the proper ventilation of the House?

In reply to the first paragraph, an opportunity for discussion will arise on the Vote for the Houses of Parliament. The First Commissioner is not aware that leading oculists have expressed any such opinion in regard to lights placed as these will be. The reply to the third paragraph is in the negative. Under the arrangements proposed, the House will be better ventilated than heretofore.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no preparations will be made for altering the lighting until the matter has been fully discussed?

No, I cannot give such an assurance as that.

Does the hon. Gentleman think any useful purpose will be served by discussing it after the preparation has been made?

Will the alterations include some alteration in the method by which cold air is pumped up from under the seats?

I do not think it is contemplated to alter that form of ventilation.

As the lighting of the House is generally approved, will the hon. Gentleman consider that it should not be altered until he has satisfied himself that the majority of Members and officials of the House is in favour of the proposed change?

One pane in the ceiling has already for some days been lit in the new fashion. Perhaps the Noble Lord will point it out to me, and point out what objections there are to it.

When will the Vote for the Houses of Parliament be put down?

That is not a question which should be addressed to me.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will make arrangements, in the case of old people applying for their old age pensions, to enable them to secure copies of their birth certificates either free or for 6d., as in the case of applicants to approved societies under the Insurance Act?

An applicant for an old age pension can already have par- ticulars of birth verified free of charge, if they are forwarded through the pension officer to the Registrar-General.

asked whether, seeing that under the legislation of recent years bringing into existence in Ireland new departments and branches of administration, the need of office accommodation for this work is greater now than when the original scheme for buildings for public offices in Upper Merrion Street was decided upon, and that this need is attempted to be met at present by the Board of Works hiring private houses in various parts of Dublin, sections of the staffs of the same office being often separated from each other by several streets, and that the buildings cannot be left in their present half-built state, the Government will proceed now with the completion of this work at a time when employment is badly needed by the working classes of Dublin?

I am afraid I have nothing to add to my reply of 26th February.

What is the estimated cost of these buildings?

The only cost estimated is that of the architect's plans—I think something like £2,000—and not the cost of the buildings. There is considerable doubt whether the buildings as originally arranged will be proceeded with in view of changes which may take place in the future.

Is it possible that the buildings have not been estimated for? How have they progressed as far as they have gone?

Estimates have been made and money has been voted for the buildings as completed, and a certain section has been completed. The new scheme has not been estimated for, and the money has not been voted by the House.

Does the hon. Gentleman suggest that all building operations are stopped until Home Rule is passed?

As money is being spent for the purpose of relieving distress in Dublin at present, would it not be better to put this work in hand at once, and give honest labour to those who are in need of it?

If the buildings are wanted there is much in what the hon. Member says, but if they are not wanted it would be waste of money.

Is it not a fact that the buildings are wanted at present, and that in consequence private houses are being taken all over Dublin, and that officers in a particular department are frequently separated from each other by streets?

The Office of Works, I think, are not convinced that the building will be wanted in this particular form.

Will not the Office of Works consult the representatives of the country?

I am in communication with hon. Gentlemen opposite on the subject.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has yet received any reply from the Development Commissioners with regard to the application of the Department of Agriculture for a Grant in aid of the organisation of agricultural co-operation in Ireland; and, if so, what is the nature of such reply?

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will state what decision has been arrived at by the Development Commissioners upon his application for a Grant to the Department of Agriculture for the organisation of agricultural co-operation in Ireland?

The Department have received a letter from the Development Commissioners stating that whilst they do not doubt that the existing work of the Department in some or all of the six directions mentioned in the proposed scheme might usefully be extended, they are unable to regard the scheme as one for the organisation of co-operation in the sense which the Development Commissioners feel bound to attach to these words. When I gave evidence before the Commissioners the chairman asked me whether, if the question of co-operation was eliminated altogether, I would be prepared to again bring forward one or all of the items dealt with in the scheme, as it was possible the funds of the Commissioners-might be utilised for some of these purposes. Having now received the decision of the Commissioners on the question of co-operation, the Department has resolved to apply, as suggested, for funds for the promotion of the objects embraced in the scheme on their merits and without reference to co-operation.

What ground had the right hon. Gentleman for the assurance that the money would be given to his Department?

I made no such promise. What I said was that the Development Commissioners had invited the co-operation of the Department in devising a scheme, and that I thought I could submit such a scheme as would meet with their approbation.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman give a positive assurance?

No.

Will the correspondence that has taken place between the right hon. Gentleman and the Development Commissioners be laid on the Table?

I have not the slightest objection to the whole correspondence being laid.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he will make inquiries with regard to the iron mines and smelting furnaces at Creevelea, the pottery works at Drumkeerin, and the coal mines at Arigna, all situated in North Leitrim, with a view of reviving and developing these industries and giving employment in the district?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question regarding the Arigna coal mines asked by the hon. Member for South Sligo on 26th instant. The Department's mineral expert reported some years ago on the ironstone deposits and the pottery works referred to, and his report was communicated to the Leitrim County Council. The Department will be happy to afford any available information to persons interested in the development of these industries.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Scottish Education Department has ordered the amalgamation of the Banff (Landward) and Orr school districts with Banff burgh in contravention of Section 22 (1) of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, which lays down that the school board making representations shall be that board whose identity would be merged by amalgamation; and whether, in view of the fact that in this instance the representations have been made by the school board which desires to effect annexation, he will refuse to ratify the Order?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and, as regards both parts, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to him on the subject on Monday, to which I have only to add that I cannot find that the Act lays down the condition stated in the question.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he intends issuing Regulations laying down a standard for fat in preserved cream, and requiring the words, Preserved cream, boricised," to be inscribed on every bill, invoice, card, or other announcement in respect of the sale of preserved cream; if so, when these Regulations will come into force; and whether those engaged in the preparation and sale of preserved cream have been, or will be, given an opportunity of expressing their views upon the proposed Regulations?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the proposed regulations as to the sale of cream will seriously injure the trade and prejudice consumers to an unreasonable extent; and whether he can see his way to altering the proposed wording of the labelling and invoicing so as, while conveying the necessary intimation to the public, it shall not give an erroneous impression that the use of the article is prejudicial to health?

asked the President of the Local Government Board if, in view of the anxiety felt as to the new regulations for the restriction of the use of preservatives in cream, he will postpone the date when the Regulations become operative for a fortnight, so that all reasonable objections may be considered?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that, of the whole cream trade at least 90 per cont. is in preserved cream; and whether he will reconsider the proposed Regulations which, compel labels to be put on every vessel containing preserved cream stating the percentage of boric acid, seeing that such labels may injure the trade by unnecessarily alarming the public?

Some misapprehension exists in regard to these proposals. As a result of numerous investigations which have been made by medical inspectors of the Foods Department of the Local Government Board, and by others, I am satisfied that, in the interests of public health, regulations are required in regard to the sale of cream containing preservatives. I have accordingly had Regulations prepared, and public notice has been given of them. I am anxious that any Regulations which are made should interfere with legitimate trading as little as possible, and any representations which are submitted in regard to the proposals which are contained in the draft will be fully considered. The statutory period under the Rules Publication Act, 1893, for the making of objections will expire at the end of this month, but this would not, of course, preclude my taking into consideration communications; subsequently received. As the drafs now stands, no part of the order will come into operation until 1st June next, and certain provisions not until 1st January next. If the trade consider other dates should be chosen, I should, of course, take account of any facts which they may submit in support of a suggestion to alter the dates. The points of detail raised in the question have, I think, all been brought forward in official representations that have reached my Department, and will be carefully considered.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can see his way to substitute for the word "boricised," which rather suggests to consumers that they are going to be poisoned, some harmless word, say "aseptic," which would probably meet the case?

As between "boricised" and "aseptic," I do not think there is much to choose. The latter word is rather suggestive of a bandage or an accident hospital.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that boric acid is very injurious to health, and that its use is prohibited as a criminal offence in America, and whether he will have its use here made a criminal offence, instead of poisoning people's insides?

It is true that boric acid and many other preservatives, when disproportionately used, are dangerous to health, and it is to prevent that that these draft orders have been prepared for the consideration of those interested. It is the temporary object of the Local Government Board to diminish the use of preservatives to the very lowest minimum. I hope it will be possible some day to get rid of them altogether.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, as this is a very great ddeparture and really seriously concerns the milk and creamery trade, he will notify at once that some later day than 1st June may be fixed for these much disputed Regulations coming into operation?

I do not think that on the point of notice any complaint can be made. Everybody concerned has had forty days' notice. As to 1st June for the first introduction of the orders, I have already said that I am prepared to consider the question whether a later date should be substituted for June, and whether a later date still should be substituted for January. On the whole, the trade has been treated reasonably well, particularly when it is borne in mind that it is at the instigation of the honest producers of pure cream that action like this has been undertaken.

May I ask if it is open to alter the Regulations between 30th March and 1st June?

Oh, yes; that is so.

Are we to understand that when no preservative is added to cream there is no necessity for a label?

If pure cream is pure, there will be no need to say it is impure.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether having regard to the fact that it has been established by departmental investigation that the adulteration of flour by the addition of various deleterious substances is largely practised by millers, and the matter has been under his consideration for more than a year, he can now state when he expects to be in a position to announce the steps to be taken to put a stop to this practice, in the public interests?

I have received a number of deputations on this subject since the Reports were issued from my Foods Department last year, and the matter has been carefully considered by my expert advisers from all points of view. As a result, I have come to the conclusion that, in some respects, the matter can be adequately dealt with by the ordinary law against adulteration. I am, however, still considering whether it may not be possible to deal with some of the practices to which the hon. Baronet refers by regulations under the Public Health (Regulations as to Food) Act, 1907.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to deal with the matter under the existing law, which he has just suggested as possible?

It is being dealt with by the local authorities who are responsible for the administration of the Act.

Have there been any prosecutions?

I will be pleased to ascertain for the hon. Baronet.

asked the Postmaster-General whether women supervisors of the London districts counter and telegraph force are being retained after the age of sixty; and, if so, whether he will state the number of these officers and the number of the general body who are at the maximum of their class?

At the present time one supervisor and five assistant supervisors over sixty years of age are being retained in the London postal service, and it is proposed also to retain two assistant supervisors who will reach that age during 1912. All these officers are reported to be thoroughly efficient. There are forty-seven supervisors and assistant supervisors, and 165 women counter clerks and telegraphists at the maxima of their scales.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to include within the scope of his amended superannuation scheme for elementary school teachers persons who have, since the 1st April, 1899, retired from the teaching profession at the age of 65 on a superannuation allowance, and who, owing to lack of all private means and to the increased cost of living, find it difficult to maintain themselves in a manner befitting their position?

The point is being considered, but I am not able at the moment to hold out much hope of including in the scheme teachers who have already retired from the profession at, the age of sixty-five.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has had under consideration the judgment delivered last Friday in the case of Smith v. MacNally; and whether he will issue a circular to local education authorities calling attention to the ruling of the judge in this case that the Education Act of 1902 intended specifically to exclude any inquiry into the religious belief of teachers in elementary schools?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In answer to the second part of the question, I have no reason to believe that the attention of local education authorities will not be sufficiently called to the judgment in the case referred to in the usual way, and I see no necessity for issuing a circular on the subject.

Is it not a fact that local education authorities have been pursuing a practice of inquiring into the religious professions of the teachers?

I do not know of any other case at the present moment. If the hon. Member desires to call my attention to any case I shall be very glad to go into it.

Is it not the fact that a Miss Marsh, near Glasgow, was dismissed by the county council because of a change in her religion?

That question should be addressed to the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether and, if so, when he proposes to introduce his promised Bill to carry out the assurance given by the Government at the time of the settlement of the railway dispute; and whether, before seeking to authorise by statute increased charges for the carriage of agricultural produce, he will take steps to ascertain the effect of such legislation upon agricultural production and employment in rural districts; and (2) whether, before embodying the recommendations of the recent Committee on Railway Amalgamations and Agreements in the forthcoming Railway Bill and permitting railway companies to raise their rates within their legal maxima to the possible detriment of traders and farmers, he will consider the advisability of requiring the companies to submit to the Board their proposals for increases of rates and of referring such proposals to a Select Committee before whom all sections of the trading community, including dairy farmers and other agriculturists, will be given an opportunity of stating their case?

I hope to be able to introduce a Railway Bill very shortly, which is intended to deal with the matters on which the Select Committee on Railway Agreements and Amalgamation made recommendations, and also to give effect to the undertaking given to the railway companies in August last. The hon. Member seems, however, to be under a misapprehension as to the effect of that undertaking, and I would refer him to the reply given to a question put by him on this subject on the 24th October last. I do not think it would be practicable or desirable to require the submission of proposals to increase particular rates to a Select Committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the total amount to be expended on education in India this year; and how much of that is to be devoted to education for domiciled Europeans and Anglo-Indians?

I presume that by "this year" the hon. and gallant Member means the financial year 1912–13. The revised estimate of educational expenditure is £3,068,000. That is the total of Imperial and provincial expenditure under the specific head "Education," but does not include expenditure on buildings or expenditure met from local funds or municipalities. I hope shortly to be able to give details as to the allocation of the sum.

Has the attention of the hon. Gentleman been drawn to the statement that a Grant of three lakhs was given for domiciled Europeans and Anglo-Indians, and, considering the great disabilities that these people suffer from, will he not give a larger amount for the education of their children?

The sum of fifty lakhs mentioned at the recent Durbar is included in the £3,000,000, which shows an excess over last year of over a million sterling. I hope very shortly to be able to say what part of that sum will be given to the education of children of domiciled Europeans and Anglo-Indians.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the question of giving more than three lakhs?

Yes; that is the revised estimate for this year, 1912–13, and no further sum will be available in that year. That is only an instalment of the larger sum to be expended.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is being taken as the annual value for rating of the lands belonging to the Marquess of Clanricarde, in county Galway, as to the compulsory acquisition of which a notice appears in the "Dublin Gazette"; and what was the amount of final and highest offer made for them by the Congested Districts Board and rejected?

The Congested Districts Board have taken steps to acquire compulsorily certain lands owned by Lord Clanricarde, in the county of Galway, and as the matter is now pending before the Judicial Commissioner of the Land Commission, I do not consider it advisable to give at the present time any further information than that appearing in the "Dublin Gazette."

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can state when the Estates Commissioners expect to be able to prepare a scheme for the settlement of the Miss Dolphin estate, situate in Cross, parish of New Inn, Loughrea, county Galway; is he aware that the estate contains some small holdings, and that agreements to purchase these holdings were signed and perfected five years ago; and whether all the grazing land was included in the originating request served on the Commissioners by Miss Dolphin for the sale of this estate?

Formal proceedings for the sale of the estate of Annie Dolphin and others to the Estates Commissioners were instituted in October, 1908, and the estate has not yet been reached in order of priority to be dealt with. When so reached inquiries will be made into the matter referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that troops marching after dark along a road are exposed to considerable risk from traffic either meeting or overtaking them, he will consider whether means can be devised to indicate their presence?

This question is now receiving consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman hope to be able to take any effective action in the near future?

I hope so. I hope that we shall take action at once.

asked how many officers and men of the National Reserve have been asked and how many have agreed to serve in case of war under Territorial officers, and non-commissioned officers?

No official inquiry of the nature suggested has been made. It is understood that in some cases National Reservists have been approached on the initiative of county associations with a view to ascertaining their views on the matter, but no reports have been received from the associations concerned.

Did not the Secretary of State for War state that the whole National Reserve Force would be mobilised behind the Territorial Force? If so, how is that going to be done when the National Reserve has got no organisation, rifles or uniform?

I do not think that I can discuss the whole question of the National Reserve at question-time.

asked, in view of the fact that Lord Haldane stated at the Guildhall that the National Reserve was behind the Territorial Force and could be mobilised up to its full strength on a national emergency, how many of the whole number of the officers and men now registered in the National Reserve were between fifty-five and sixty years of age; how many were between sixty and seventy years of age; how many between seventy and eighty; and how many over eighty years of age?

On the 1st January the National Reserve numbered 76,972, and of this total there were 16,964 who were either officers between fifty-five and sixty, or other ranks between forty-five and fifty-five. Officers over sixty and other ranks over fifty-five are registered as honorary members, and no record of their ages is kept. This class numbered 10,630.

How many of them are over ninety or one hundred?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the labourers employed in the ordnance depots in His Majesty's gun-wharf and Tipnor magazine at Portsmouth are only paid 20s. 6d. per week; whether lie is aware that the lowest rate paid by the Portsmouth Corporation for unskilled labour is 24s. per week; and whether he will place the case of the men referred to before the Advisory Committee for consideration?

The Admiralty is largely concerned in the rates of wages at Portsmouth, and the matter is now under the consideration of both the Admiralty and the War Office.

asked why field officers in the Territorial Forces and field officers in the Special Reserve are treated differently in respect of exemption from service as sheriff?

I regret that I have nothing to add to the answer given to a similar question put by the hon. Gentleman on the 14th instant.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, as he had no reason to give the last time, has he no reason to give now?

I think I did give a reason the last time. It may not have been adequate in the view of the hon. Member, but I cannot give any other reason now. If the hon. Member wants another reason I will try to find one.

asked if in future continuous good service of an officer with his regiment or battalion will not be held as entitling him to obtain command of a regiment or battalion, even if recommended by his commanding officer as being thoroughly capable for the position?

The command of a regiment or a battalion is entirely a matter of selection, but, as a matter of fact, the senior officer with the regiment or battalion who has consistently earned strong recommendations as being thoroughly capable, is usually selected for the command.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know of any case where the rule has not been followed?

No; I do not believe that I know of any case in which this rule has not been followed.

asked whether it is the policy of the War Office to pass over for command officers next for command of regiments or battalions who do not hold Staff College certificates but are qualified in every other respect, and to grant them to those that hold these certificates?

The reply is in the negative.

asked to what extent the advance in the musketry of the Territorial Force, which has earned the appreciation of the Army Council, is attributable to the facts that coaching is now permitted during the firing of the standard test, and that the rapid firing (practice in standard test) is now carried out at a second-class figure target at 200 yards instead of at a first-class figure target at 500 yards, as in previous years?

The amendments in the Regulations, for the standard test mentioned were only introduced about five months after the commencement of the musketry year 1910–11. It is, therefore, impracticable to estimate how far the improvement of the musketry is due to these changes, but undoubtedly coaching at the firing point would tend to improve the shooting.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman still further increase the efficiency in musketry of the Territorial Force by again decreasing the range and increasing the size of the target.