asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has yet completed his scheme for the promotion of cattle-breeding, and whether the Development Commissioners have made him a Grant for that purpose; and, if so, can he publish the scheme?

The preparation of the scheme is well advanced, but some of its details are still under consideration. I hope shortly to be in a position to submit the scheme to the Treasury.

Has there been any Grant made for the purposes mentioned in this question?

No, none yet.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he was aware that on 5th November, 1911, a young man was fatally worried by dogs running loose in a marine store yard at Middlesbrough; and whether, under the powers given in the Act of 1894, he proposes to take any action for prescribing and regulating the muzzling of dogs and the keeping of dogs under control?

I am aware of the case referred to, but I am advised that it would not be possible for me to take action under the powers conferred by the Diseases of Animals Act which would prevent the occurrence of accidents of this distressing character.

asked whether he was aware that on 5th November, 1911, a youth was fatally worried by dogs running loose in a marine store yard at Middlesbrough; and whether he proposes to take any steps, by legislation or otherwise, to prevent a recurrence of a similar fatality in the future?

My attention was drawn to this distressing occurrence. The facts were that the youth climbed over a fence some twelve feet high, protected by barbed wire, into the yard, where he could have had no lawful business, about midnight, and was fatally mauled by three dogs there. These dogs were kept chained up by day, but were unloosed at night. The owner was prosecuted under Section 2 of the Dogs Act, 1871, for keeping dogs which were dangerous and which were not under proper control, but the charge was dismissed. No similar accident has been brought to the notice of the Home Office, and I do not think that Parliament would sanction an absolute prohibition of the use of unchained dogs to guard enclosed premises.

asked if attention had been called to the fact that certain trawlers are now beginning to trawl for herrings with small-mesh nets, resulting in the destruction of quantities of immature fish, and that this practice must prove detrimental to the great herring industry of this country and to the supply of food; and if the Government propose to take any steps to prohibit this.

Changes have been made recently in the mesh of trawl nets in a certain number of trawlers. The matter is engaging the attention of the Board, and careful inquiries are being made as to the extent of the changes and their effect.

As the matter is one of such importance, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will be prepared to receive a deputation on the matter?

Yes, Sir. We have been collecting information, and, of course, I shall be glad to have any information which hon. Gentlemen can give me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman's inquiry extend to Scotland?

No Sir. I should hesitate to invade the territory of the Scottish Board.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether any Report has been received from an oculist consultant on the respective merits of gas and electricity as an illuminant for this House; and, if so, what is the purport of the Report?

The oculist's report has not yet been made, but when received it shall be laid upon the Table of the House.

Will the oculist have an opportunity of being present during the Debates in the evenings, so as to understand clearly what the conditions are?

Yes, Sir. The oculist will have every opportunity of making all observations which he considers necessary for the purposes of his report.

asked whether, in the employment of men to look after the chairs and tickets in the Royal parks, preference is not given to men who are otherwise unemployed, but men are taken on in the evenings and Saturday afternoons and Sundays who are employed the week through elsewhere; and whether in future this practice will be reversed?

The selection of the men referred to rests solely with the chair licensee and not with the Commissioners of Works.

asked whether the privilege of selling newspapers, periodicals and other literature in the Royal parks is restricted to certain persons; if so, who are the persons so privileged, and what amount, if any, is paid for the privilege; and whether persons whose only means of livelihood is the vending of newspapers can be granted facilities for carrying on their business in the Royal parks?

Under the Parks Regulation Act, 1872, the sale of. any commodity in the Royal parks is forbidden, with a view to the comfort of the public using the parks. Certain exceptions are made to the rule; they include the lessees of the two newspaper kiosks in Hyde Park, who pay£105 a year under a three years' contract with the Commissioners of Works.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the reduction in the cost per word of telegraphing to India has been more than nullified by the regulation that messages at the reduced rate must be sent in the clear; and whether he could see his way to the inclusion of Unicode or any other code at this reduced rate?

The recent reduction of 50 per cent, in rates of telegraphing both to India and to many other parts of the world was specifically intended to apply in plain language telegrams of a non-urgent character. I regret that the reduction cannot be extended to any telegrams in code. The possibility of compressing a meaning of several words into a single word of text enables those persons who are in a position to use codes to effect an economy of considerably more than 50 per cent, as compared with persons who have to use plain language, and consequently pay for every word of the actual meaning.

asked whether the South-brae Drive portion of Jordanhill, Glasgow, is treated as a country district for postal purposes, whereas the remaining portion of the district is afforded town postal facilities; and whether he will remove this distinction in the interests of the. residents?

The Southbrae Drive neighbourhood is less populous and receives far less correspondence than other parts of the Jordanhill area, and I regret there are no grounds for according it additional postal factilities at present.

asked whether John William Reay, a postman of Sunderland, committed suicide through being threatened with removal from his walk owing to alleged complaints from the public, and that at the inquest the chief clerk of the post office at Sunderland stated that Reay was a very capable and thoroughly reliable fellow with an exceptionally good record; whether, seeing that disciplinary removal from walks is only inflicted for serious offences, he will explain why a man with a record like Mr. Reay's was so threatened; and whether he will make full inquiry into the methods of the chief officials at Sunderland in dealing with the postmen's staff?

I have at present no information, but I will inquire and communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state how many passengers and how many railway workers were killed and how many were permanently injured on the railways of the United Kingdom during the last year for which the Board of Trade has Returns?

During the year 1911, 106 passengers and 390 employés were killed and 2,725 passengers and 5,311 employés were injured in accidents to trains or the movement of railway vehicles on the railways of the United Kingdom. I have no information which would enable me to state the number of cases in which the injuries were permanent. There were a large number of other accidents on railway premises, but not connected with the movement of vehicles, and these are included in a Return which was presented to Parliament on 2nd April, and will be issued in the course of the next few days.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received copies of resolutions passed by the Advisory Trade Committee for Ireland and by the Dublin United Trades Council complaining of the delay in erecting suitable buildings for Labour Exchange and insurance purposes in Dublin; whether he is aware that over two years have passed since this matter was first considered, the site secured, and the plans prepared; and whether, in view of the continued depression in the building trade in Dublin, he is now in a position to state when the work of erecting this building will be commenced?

A copy of the resolutions referred to by my hon. Friend was duly received, and the chairman of the Dublin Advisory Trade Committee was informed in January last that the proposals for the erection of a permanent building had been sanctioned and the plans approved. I regret the delay which has taken place in dealing with this matter. I may, however, explain that the building is not to be constructed out of public funds, but by the owner of the site, who has informed the Board of Works that the plans are now ready, and, if no unforeseen difficulties should arise, building operations will shortly be commenced.

May I ask when it is intended to erect similar and suitable buildings in London and other parts of the United Kingdom?

My hon. Friend must give me notice of that question.

asked whether, in the reclassification of Labour Exchanges, it is intended to place the Dublin Labour Exchange in an inferior classification to that of Belfast; whether he is aware that the returns from the Dublin Labour Exchange, as published in the "Labour Gazette," show nearly 100 per cent, better results than Belfast, and equal to, frequently higher than, the returns from most of the first-class Exchanges in Great Britain; and whether he will give favourable consideration to the request made by all the Parliamentary representatives of the city and county of Dublin, as conveyed to him in their letter of the 21st February, namely, that Dublin shall, at least, rank equal to-Belfast in this matter?

It is not intended to place the Exchange in Dublin on an inferior classification to that in Belfast. This, I think, answers all the points raised in my hon. Friend's question.

asked when the Government propose to take the Second Reading of the Railways Bill; and whether, in view of the effect of this Bill upon agriculture and trade throughout the Kingdom, opportunity will be afforded to the House for full discussion of its provisions?

I am unable at present to name a date for the Second Reading. There will be ample opportunity for discussing in detail the provisions of the Bill during the Committee stage.

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate an explanatory memorandum in the form of a White Paper?

I will consider that.

Will there be opportunity for full discussion?

The hon. Member asked how far there would be an opportunity for discussing the details. The Bill will be before a Grand Committee, and there will be an opportunity for discussing it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to reintroduce this Session the Pilotage Bill of last Session, or whether a new Bill dealing with pilotage will be introduced?

I hope very shortly to re-introduce the Pilotage Bill with certain modifications designed to meet the views of various bodies interested with whom I have been in communication.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether a military expedition has been dispatched against the Anuak tribe, and with what object and result; whether the Anuaks possess firearms and ammunition; and, if so, how and whence were they obtained; whether the territory of the Anuak tribe is under the jurisdiction of the Egyptian Government; and, if not, whether the purpose of the expedition is to annex that territory to the Sudan or to establish therein any form of civilised administration; and whether the country is known to possess any resources capable of agricultural, mineral, or commercial development?

An expedition has been dispatched by the Sudan Government against the Anuaks in consequence of their persistent depredations and raids upon their more orderly neighbours. An engagement took place on 15th March in heavy bush. The Anuaks were defeated with loss, and fled after a stubborn engagement in -which the forces of the Sudan Government lost two British and three native officers and forty-two killed. The enemy's positions were destroyed. The Anuaks appeared to be well supplied with arms and ammunition, which, it is supposed, they have obtained from across the Abyssinian frontier, where the bulk of the tribe is settled. Raiding parties have, however, constantly appeared on Sudanese territory, where a portion of the tribe has established itself in the vicinity of the River Sobat. There is no question of annexing territory beyond the Sudanese border; the purpose of the expedition is to restore within that border the order and tranquillity that have been temporarily disturbed by the incursion and excesses of a barbarous tribe. The regions in question are, at present, imperfectly known and mapped. It is intended to carry out a more thorough exploration in connection with the present operations, respecting which I am awaiting a detailed report from His Majesty's Agent and Con-sul-General at Cairo, and the Governor-General of the Sudan.

How many dead and wounded were there?

I shall repeat the numbers. The engagment resulted in the loss of two British officers and three native officers and forty-two killed.

asked whether, pending expected legislation on pilotage, the right hon. Gentleman will refuse his consent to the new by-laws proposed to regulate pilotage in the port of Bristol?

I cannot at present say more than that I will give careful consideration to the objections to the proposed by-laws which I have received from the Bristol pilots, but I am not prepared to say yet what action I shall take in regard to the by-laws.

If the right hon. Gentleman finds that these new by-laws are liable to be altered by legislation to be passed in a very few months, would it not be better to postpone the matter altogether?

That is a point for consideration when we are considering the whole question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered what a great amount of expense, time and trouble will be involved if these by-laws are passed?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will communicate with me on the matter.

asked whether, in the course of the forthcoming inquiry into the loss of the Peninsular and Oriental mail steamer "Oceana," it is intended to take independent evidence regarding the state of discipline on board, the adequacy of provision for manning and lowering the boats, also the seaworthiness and proper equipment of the same; and whether any passengers, particularly officers on passage, are to be examined with reference to these points?

In considering the scope of the inquiry ordered by the Board of Trade into the case of the '; Oceana," due consideration shall be given to the points referred to in the Noble Lord's question.

May I ask whether there are any regulations which require the captain of a steamer to report at the end of his voyage the number of times the boats have been manned, as indicated in the question?

If the hon. Member will kindly give me notice of his question I will give him a considered answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to remit the remaining part of the sentences of imprisonment passed on the women window-smashers, seeing that he has already released from gaol the leader and instigator of these women; and, if not, will he explain why he does not intend to do so?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I advised the remission of a part of Mrs. Pankhurst's sentence in order that she might be in the same position as her co-defendants in preparing her defence on the later charge against her. There are no similar circumstances in the case of the other prisoners.

asked the Home Secretary whether he would state to the House the reason he has not allowed women suffrage prisoners in division three the privileges conceded to such prisoners by his predecessor under Article 243a of the prison rules?

I have given the privileges under Rule 243a to those suffragette prisoners who have been sentenced to short terms in the second or third division, but where the offence was of such a character that the defendants had to be sent for trial on indictment, and the Court regarded the violence as so serious as to call for a long term of imprisonment, it appeared to me that I could not properly accord privileges which were expressly intended only for persons not guilty of serious violence. I have, however, received a letter this morning from the Chairman of Quarter Sessions, and in consequence of what he says, I am considering the question of giving certain of the privileges allowed under Rule 243a.

Is it not a fact that certain women convicted for similar offences last November were given the advantage of this special rule?

Last November certain women were convicted on indictment, but in that case the Court did not appear to take the view that the violence was serious, and only gave a sentence of two months. In the present cases the Court has in no case given less than three months and in many cases six months. That is the distinguishing feature from which it is quite clear that the Court regarded the offences of last March as being of a more serious character than those of last November.

Are we to understand, then, that if the sentence does not exceed two months the special privileges under Article 243a of the Prison Rules are to be granted, and if the sentence exceeds two months they will be denied?

Not altogether, as I have stated in my answer. The Chairman of Quarter Sessions has sent me a letter in which he expresses certain views about the seriousness of the offences, and in consequence of this letter I am considering the question whether certain of the privileges under Rule 243a should not be allowed to the convicted prisoners in these cases.

Is there any possibility of avoiding the horrors of forcible feeding?

Oh, yes. The prisoners have only got to consent to take their food in the ordinary way.

The right hon. Gentleman misunderstands me. I meant, of course, when they do not take their food in the ordinary way.

Is it not a fact that the hunger strike, or going without food, has arisen solely because these women consider themselves entitled to the privileges allowed by the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor?

It would be very dim-cult to enter into the minds of these women, but I cannot accept the view put forward by my hon. Friend because one of these women has gone on the hunger strike who is receiving the benefit of these rules.

Is it not a fact that she did so solely out of sympathy for the other women and because she declined to be made an exception of?

No. Sir; she went on the hunger strike before the other women. [Laughter.]

There is a lot to laugh at, more especially on the part of hon. Members opposite.

asked how many prisoners in prison for offences connected with the recent suffrage disturbances have been forcibly fed; how many are now being forcibly fed; and have any of the prisoners so fed been discharged, and for what reason?

Twenty-five of these prisoners have attempted to starve themselves, and have had to be fed forcibly. Of these five were at once reported for discharge on medical grounds, one suffering from heart disease, two from aortic disease, one from phthisis, and one from asthma. Three of the others have resumed the natural mode of feeding; seven take their food from a feeding cup; and ten have to be fed by tube in order to prevent their injuring themselves by voluntary starvation.

Is it a fact that certain of these women were not allowed to use the water taps during the time the strike was on?

No, Sir, that is not exactly the case. After inquiry I was informed that milk was put into the cells of some of these women who declined to take their food in the ordinary way instead of water, but on their spilling the milk or otherwise getting rid of it, they were given free access to the taps, and they have had supplies of water.

How long was the prohibition of water maintained?

There was no prohibition of the supplies of water. The hon. Member has not given me notice of this question, and I may say that the whole transaction occurred without my knowledge, but as I understand it, what happened was that milk was put in the cells, and as soon as it was found that they would not take the milk they were given access to the water.

Is it not a fact that some of the women are being fed by tubes through the nostrils?

Possibly that is so, but my hon. Friend must give me notice of that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware these women are taking this step to assert their right to be treated as political prisoners, and will he consider whether the Government he represents could not concede to them the same privileges which were fought for in the case of the hon. Member for Cork City (Mr. W. O'Brien), whose clothes were only taken away, and who was not fed in this brutal and disgusting fashion?

I do not know the right hon. Member for Cork City ever declined to take his food.

He declined to wear the prison clothes.

I may remind my hon. Friend that, unlike the case of the hon. Member for Cork City, these women—

They have no votes.

These women are allowed to wear their own clothes, and there is no parallel in the case. Everybody undoubtedly feels very great sympathy with them, and I am sorry to be compelled to force them; but, if they refuse to take their food, there is no other course open to us.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that the fight the Irish Members made was against three separate prison rules—first, that they should wear prison dress; secondly, that they should exercise with ordinary criminals; and, thirdly, that they should carry out menial offices in connection with sweeping out their cells and making their beds; and is it not a fact that some months after the fight had been made at some little risk and pain the Government, the Tory Government, dropped everyone of these rules and treated us for the future as political prisoners?

My recollection of the circumstances is not so clear as that of the hon. Member; but, as far as I remember the case, none of the prisoners of whom the hon. Member speaks were charged with personal violence. That is the chief distinction in the present case.

We were not women.

If these women had confined themselves to expressing political opinions and had been charged with that, as the hon Member for Cork City was, there would have been no question of their receiving these privileges.

May I ask whether the privileges under this new rule are not to be granted to prisoners whose offence does not imply moral turpitude, and whether that does not apply to the women who got six months as much as to the others?

I believe the expression "moral turpitude" was used by my right hon. Friend the late Home Secretary (Mr. Churchill), but there is no mention of "moral turpitude" in the rule, and, as far as I interpret their action, I considered they were guilty of moral turpitude.

asked what number of prisoners arrested in connection with the recent suffrage disturbances have been sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour; what number to imprisonment in division three; and how many of those in division three are receiving the privileges laid down in the prison rule 243a?

Seventy-six have been sentenced to hard labour, and 127 to imprisonment in the third division. Of the latter thirty-one were convicted and sentenced to short terms at the police courts, and have been allowed the privileges of Rule 243a. The others were tried on indictment and were sentenced 10 longer terms of imprisonment.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the case of Richard Williams, who was sentenced to twenty-one days' imprisonment in Worcester Gaol on Saturday, 6th April, for an assault upon the workhouse master in the vagrant ward of Kidderminster Workhouse; whether he is aware that Williams sought and obtained shelter on Thursday evening, 4th April, but on the following morning, being Good Friday, was not allowed to perform his task, which meant keeping him in the workhouse for another four days, whereupon he committed the assault upon the workhouse master for which he was sentenced; and whether, under the circumstances, he will recommend a remission of the remainder of the sentence?

I have made inquiry and find the man was convicted, not of assault, but of wilful damage. He was aware when he entered the workhouse on the Thursday evening that he could not obtain his discharge till the following Sunday and made no complaint, but on the Friday morning he broke two large windows and had to be removed by the police. I see no reason for advising any interference with the sentence.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that in or about the year 1851 an Order in Council was issued enabling the marriage of a man with his deceased wife's sister to be legally entered into in the Channel Islands; and whether he will recommend His Majesty to cause another Order in Council to issue enabling a man in the Channel Islands to marry his' brother's widow?

There is no record of any Order in Council on this subject having been made in or about 1851. Marriage with a deceased wife's sister was legalised in Jersey in 1896 and in Guernsey in 1909. A change in the law can be effected only by an Act of the States, approved by the King in Council; and in the absence of insular legislation, I cannot take any action in the matter.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will furnish to the House an approximate estimate in money terms of the damage done to mine property during the coal strike as the result of direct violence, and owing to the deterioration of workings and plant due to the fact that proper arrangements could not be made for running the pumping and other machinery?

I cannot give any estimate, but I may say that the amount of damage done by direct violence has been comparatively small. Where disturbances have occurred (and they have happily been few) they have been directed against workers rather than against mine property. On the other hand, the damage due to deterioration of workings and plant is no doubt in some localities very great, but it is, I am advised, quite impossible to form even an approximate estimate of the amount of the loss.

asked the Attorney-General if he intends to prosecute Mr. Rudyard Kipling for the offence of sedition for his verses, entitled "Ulster"; and whether he intends to prosecute the publishers of the said verses and the printers who set them up in type?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask you, Sir, whether, in a question of this sort, where a charge of sedition is made, it would not be more appropriate that the hon. Member who puts the question on the Paper should read the verses to the House in order that we may judge?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of having this poem framed, along with the other poem by the same author, entitled "Cleared," and have it hung in the Library?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the general opinion is that this doggerel cannot be called "verse" at all?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is intended by the recently issued memorandum of the Health Insurance Commissioners, authorising the payment of preliminary expenses in connection with the formation and approval of approved societies out of the management fund accruing thereafter, to permit the preliminary expenses in connection with the association or federation of small societies to be defrayed in like manner?

If the hon. Member refers to an association or federation or advisory committee intended to give advice and assistance to societies in their transactions under the Act, the Commissioners are of opinion that reasonable expenses incurred by societies in forming it may properly be charged to their management fund. If the association or federation to which the hon. Member refers becomes an approved society the memorandum as to preliminary expenses applies to it as to any other approved society. If it is an association formed under Section 39 (2) of the Act, the Commissioners are advised that a contribution by an approved society out of its management fund towards the expenses of forming such an association may properly be regarded as expenditure for the purposes of the administration of benefits under the Act. It must, however, be understood that any such contribution by an approved society must come out of the moneys available for administration, and cannot be made additional thereto.

asked the qualification which Mr. F. L. Blundell possesses to be the representative of English agriculture on the advisory committee appointed under Clause 58 of the National Insurance Act, and as such to give advice to the committee on insurance as affecting the agricultural population?

The gentleman referred to is Vice-President of the Lancashire Farmers' Association, and is exceptionally well informed on the conditions of work both of farm labourers and of farmers, and especially concerning the problems of friendly society work amongst farm labourers. He has been engaged since the National Insurance scheme was first introduced to Parliament in active effort in connection with the formation or maintenance under the Act of approved societies for agricultural areas; and is in every way qualified for the work required to be done by members of the advisory committee.

asked with reference to Paragraph lib, Schedule I., of the National Insurance Act, whether persons in civil employment under the Crown with wages below£160 per annum, who can be granted sick leave within a maximum of six months on full pay and six months on half pay, will be exempt from the necessity of becoming assured persons under the provisions of the Act?

As I have already stated, an Interdepartmental Committee is now considering the application of the Act to various classes of Government workers. I think it undesirable to anticipate the Report of that Committee by giving answers to questions falling within their terms of reference. The Report will be produced, and steps taken to bring it to the notice of all persons affected, at the earliest possible date.

asked when the Commissioners under the National Insurance Act will issue the regulations governing the examination of candidates for appointments under that Act, as well as information as to the grades to be appointed and the salaries attaching thereto?

The additional permanent positions which will require to be filled from outside the Civil Service under the four Insurance Commissions and the method of selecting from candidates for these appointments are now under special consideration in conjunction with the Treasury and the Civil Service Commission. I hope to be able to make an announcement very shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state why the iron, steel, tin-plate, and sheet mill industry has not been granted a representative on the advisory committee set up under the National Insurance Act; is he aware that there are at least 150,000 organised workmen in such industry; and will he consider their claim to be represented thereon?

The Joint Committee in selecting trade unionists for their advisory committee adopted the classification of the Board of Trade Official Directory, Cd. 5619. In this the iron, steel, tin-plate, and sheet-mill industry is combined with others falling within the general category of metal, engineering and shipbuilding trades, and the representative finally selected from this group was a member recommended by the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, the largest society within the group.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this industry has no real connection with engineering and the trades mentioned? And, further, that according to the Board of Trade Returns, while there are 150,000 men organised there are over 300,000 in this industry, and they have no direct representative on the advisory committee, and will he reconsider the matter?

The trade union representation is already very big. It is larger than that of the friendly societies or of the employers, and I am not sure I can see my way to promise to add to their number.

How is it the hon. Gentleman has put representatives of small and unimportant industries on the committee and has neglected a great industry like this?

I think if my hon. Friend will look with some attention at the committee he will find that each trade unionist represents a large and important group.

Wrong.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the North-Eastern Railway Servants' Pension Society is refusing to allow men who have previously intimated their desire to make that society their approved society under the National Insurance Act to withdraw from that society, after reconsideration, in favour of their trade union; and, as this action amounts to intimidation, what steps he proposes to take to ensure every man having a free right to choose his approved society?

I have no information as to the alleged action of the society referred to by my hon. Friend. The Insurance Act specifically lays down that it shall not be a condition of employment that the employes of any company shall belong to any employer's fund, or that members shall be forbidden to transfer from such a fund to other approved societies. If my hon. Friend has any evidence that this condition is being violated, I will gladly inquire into the matter.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the usual date, prior to amalgamation of Customs and Excise, of the issue of the annual leave minute for officers of the outdoor department of the Customs service in London; whether owing to shortage of staff the corresponding minute for the current year is being withheld; whether he will cause such increase of staff in the near future as to ensure that the leave periods shall not extend beyond the usual date in October; and whether reasonable notice of annual leave will be given so as to avoid as far as possible the inconvenience and loss arising from the failure to give such notice?

The leave minute is usually issued during the month of February. It has been delayed this year owing to the transitional period of change through which the Service is passing. It is, I fear, impossible to guarantee that every officer shall have his holiday before October, but it is hoped to issue the minute at an early date, and thus as far as practicable, avoid inconvenience and loss.

asked if any report has been issued of the Committee appointed last year to inquire in the conditions of employment of out-port watchers of His Majesty's Customs; and if these men are working for a wage of 21s. per week while the price of goods is increasing?

Out-port watchers receive 21s. a week, one-fourth of their number rising to 24s. by annual increments of Is. a week. The Committee appointed last October to inquire into the conditions of employment, etc., of the Customs Waterguard Service and of the watchers is now preparing its report, and the report when received will be given full consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the report will be issued, and is he aware these men are still working for low wages?

I think it will be issued very shortly. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question later on.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has yet decided upon another and less alarming description for chemically-preserved cream, in place of preserved cream boracised, for insertion in invoices and the labelling of cream receptacles in compliance with the Board's new regulations?

I have not yet come to a final decision, but the hon. Member may rest assured that I will not overlook the point.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how long the arrangement relating to the registration of vagrants within the Metropolitan area under the Metropolitan Asylums Board has been in force; how many have been registered; whether he will issue papers to show the results of the investigation and experiment; whether he proposes to issue any Order dealing with Vagrants and Casual Wards in the course of the next few months; and whether he has any official information showing whether the present treatment of vagrants in the casual wards of country workhouses, is adequate to cure or even mitigate the tramp evil?

The Order which I have issued transferring the casual wards-within the Metropolis to the Metropolitan Asylums Board came into force on the 1st April, but a register of homeless persons found within the Metropolitan area had previously been started, and 1,442 persons have been registered during the last few months. The results of the investigation will be carefully recorded. I am not at present proposing to issue a further Order on the subject of Vagrants and Casual Wards. The latest general information on the subject is to be found in the Report of the Departmental Committee on Vagrancy.

Considering the large number of habitual vagrants convicted last year as common rogues, will the right hon. Gentleman not take some real steps and put a stop to the evil?

Perhaps the result of instituting a register in London may suggest a quicker way out of the difficulty than we had before.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, what is the number of feeble-minded persons in Poor Law union workhouses and the number of feeble-minded, including certified lunatics, maintained by Poor Law guardians in county and borough asylums, whether any Return has been made in connection with these persons since 1st January, 1906; and whether he will ask for a more up-to-date Return from boards of guardians without delay?

The total number of pauper lunatics or idiots on the 1st January, 1912, in county and borough asylums, registered hospitals, and licensed houses was 96,883. The latest Return of feeble-minded persons other than certified lunatics was obtained on 1st January, 1906, and related to persons under sixty years of age. According to that Return, the number of such persons in workhouses or other Poor Law establishments in England and Wales was 8,775. I do not think there would be any special advantage in obtaining another Return of this character at the present time.

Has there been any information since 1906 on this point?

Not specifically.

Is it the intention of the Government to deal with this question by legislation?

The Home Secretary has given notice to bring in a Bill on the subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will issue a White Paper showing the number of children under sixteen years of age in Poor Law union workhouses and infirmaries, and in separate establishments for children, and of children boarded out within the union and boarded out without the union, respectively, on 31st March, 1906, 1st January, 1911, and 1st January, 1912, distinguishing where possible those who were over and those who were under three years of age?

I have in preparation a Paper which will include information of the nature desired by the hon. Member.

asked how many Poor Law unions there were in England and Wales on the 1st January, 1906, and the 1st January, 1912, respectively; whether any further reduction of the number of unions is contemplated; and whether such reduction can be carried out without legislation?

The number of Poor Law unions, exclusive of out-relief unions, in England and Wales was 645 on 1st January, 1906, and 643 on 1st January, 1912. The number is now 641. The Local Government Board have statutory powers under certain circumstances to dissolve a Poor Law union, but a large reduction in the number of unions would hardly be practicable without legislation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the damage that is caused to householders and others in many towns by the splashing of mud from heavy motor vehicles when driven at a rate of ten miles an hour through narrow streets; and whether he will consider the desirability of conferring upon urban authorities the power to fix a lower maximum speed for vehicles exceeding a certain weight when passing through their areas, and to make the carrying of proper mudguards compulsory?

I have received some representations from local authorities in London on this subject. Legislation would be necessary to confer upon urban authorities the powers suggested in the question. As regards the compulsory provision of mudguards, perhaps I may refer my hon. Friend to the reply of the Home Secretary to the hon. Member for North Islington on the 4th ultimo.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very real grievance, and will he consider the desirability of introducing legislation on the matter?

The responsibility, as far as London is concerned, rests with the police authorities.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the authorities of the workhouse at Kidderminster vagrant ward who refused to allow a vagrant who had obtained a night's shelter on Thursday, 4th April, to perform his task work on Good Friday, which meant his detention in the house until the Monday following; whether this is in accordance with the regulations of the Local Government Board; and whether these arrangements can be so amended as to obviate cases of hardship like the one in question?

My attention has been drawn to the case referred to. I understand that the man would have been discharged on Sunday morning. The period for which a casual pauper may be detained is determined by Section 4 of the Casual Poor Act, 1832. In the computation of the time for detention the enactment expressly excludes Sunday, but not Good Friday. I will consider whether the matter is one in which I can take any further action.

Would that arrangement provide that the vagrant should practically be released on the Saturday night instead of on the Sunday?

This man was admitted on Thursday night, and would have, in ordinary circumstances, been discharged on the Saturday. A number of other casuals gave the guardians special reasons why they should be released and were let out on the Friday morning and also on the Sunday. I am afraid this man broke a window, not in connection with the refusal to let him out sooner, but for some other reason I cannot fathom.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he intends introducing the Bankruptcy Law Reform (Scotland) Bill promised last Session; and, if so, on what date?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative; but I am not yet in a position to say when the Bill will be introduced.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Scottish Fishery Board have received complaints of trawlers openly taking advantage of the absence of fishery cruisers to practice illegal fishing within the three-mile limit; and whether the Government will consider the advantage of installing wireless telegraphy on the fishery cruisers with land stations at suitable places?

The Board have received only one complaint of trawling within the three-mile limit since the beginning of March, and on investigation it was found that no proof was available that the alleged offender was within that limit. As. regards the second part of the question, I am advised that the cost of installing and maintaining wireless telegraphy at shore stations and on board the cruisers would involve a very large expenditure.

asked the Prime Minister if he can state the number of resolutions received from various sources protesting against the prosecution and imprisonment of the Messrs. Buck and Mr. Guy Bowman and the arrest of Mr. Tom Mann; and whether he is prepared to-advise the release of the persons mentioned and the abandonment of the prosecution against Mr. Mann?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I have received about 300 resolutions on the subject. I am not prepared to advise any further remission of sentence in the case of the Messrs. Buck and Mr. Bowman, and I have no authority to intervene as regards the proceedings pending against Mr. Tom Mann.

asked the Prime Minister when the Report of the Committee on Irish Finance will be published?

The Report is being printed with a view to being presented to Parliament as soon as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see it is published in time for the Nationalist Convention in Dublin?

It will be published as soon as possible.

asked whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, assuming the subjects and rates of taxation to be uniform in Great Britain and Ireland, the transferred sum will be a fixed amount calculated on the datum of a particular year or a proportionate amount varying with the rise or fall of revenue actually received?

Apart from the surplus, i.e., the sum of£500,000, which will diminish to£200,000, and a sum equal to the proceeds of any Irish taxes imposed in Ireland by the Irish Parliament, the transferred sum will be a fixed sum, and such sum as may be determined by the Joint Exchequer Board to represent the net cost to the Exchequer of the United Kingdom at the time of the passing of the Act of Irish Services. As I have .already indicated, in the event of the reduction or discontinuance of any Imperial tax by the Irish Parliament, the transferred sum will be reduced in each financial year by the amount by which the proceeds of the tax are diminished in that year in consequence of the reduction or discontinuance.

If the Imperial Parliament imposes a new tax and the Irish Parliament consents to a lesser sum will the transferred sum be affected in that case?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked if the proposed Irish Legislature will have power to alter, increase, or reduce its own membership or the units for the constituencies or the boundaries and areas of the constituencies in Ireland in returning Members to the Dublin assembly?

The proposed Irish Legislature will not have power to alter the numbers of its membership, but after three years from the passing of the Act the Irish Parliament may alter, as respects the Irish House of Commons, the qualification of the electors, the mode of election, the constituencies, and the distribution of the Members of the House among the constituencies, provided that in any new distribution due regard is had to the population of the constituencies other than university constituencies.

Is it not possible under that arrangement for the entire Unionist representation to be abolished?

No, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if, under the Government of Ireland Bill, it will be competent for the Irish Parliament to repeal or vary existing Statutes in so far as they apply to Ireland in cases in which such Statutes deal with matters which will, under the Bill, be removed from the control of the Imperial Parliament?

The general answer to the question of the hon. Member is in the affirmative.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to a speech made at Battersea yesterday by the hon. Member for South Kilkenny, in which he is reported to have said that he had had an opportunity of thoroughly examining the Government of Ireland Bill, and had carefully studied every Clause; whether he will state for what reason the hon. Member for South Kilkenny was shown a copy of the Bill before the House of Commons had given leave for its introduction; how many private Members of the House of Commons have seen the Bill, and to what political parties do they belong; and whether he will afford similar facilities to Members of the Unionist party to examine and study the Bill before the Division on the First Reading?

I have not seen the speech referred to, and I do not know whether it is accurately reported. So far as I am aware, no opportunity was given to the hon. Member in question to see or study the Bill. As I have stated before, at various stages in the drafting of the Bill certain of the Irish Members have been consulted as to its provisions. The Bill will be circulated in the usual way as soon as it has been introduced.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a threat made on 4th April by Mr. W. E. Crawford, a representative of railway workers on the Central Conciliation Board, that a general strike of railway workers would take place in the summer, without any notice being given to the railway companies of the intention to strike or of the day on which it would commence; and whether the Government propose to take any steps, by-legislation or otherwise, to protect the public against the danger of a sudden and unforseen cessation of the entire railway service of the country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I have seen reports in the newspapers of the statement referred to by the hon. Member, but I can hardly believe that it correctly represents the views or intentions of railway servants generally. I do not propose to make any announcement as to the steps which the Government would take in the unlikely event of an emergency such as the hon. Member suggests arising.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if his attention has yet been given to certain irregularities respecting the imposing of landlords' rates upon tenants of small houses in Scotch towns since the passing of the House Letting and Eating (Scotland) Act; and, if so, can he take any steps to protect the tenants -against such imposition?

I do not think that I can add anything to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend on 1st April, but if he will give me specific information as to any alleged irregularities, I shall be glad to make further inquiry.

Are not the landlords of Greenock putting an increase of rent on in respect of taxes and using this Bill as a pretext for so doing?

Any attempt to justify the raising of rent on the pretext of the Bill is not necessarily irregular.

asked how many persons have applied for new holdings under the Smallholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, and what is the total acreage of land applied for; and how many persons have applied for extensions of existing holdings, and what is the total acreage of land applied for?

The Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, came into operation only at the beginning of the present month. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland are at the present time engaged in the preliminary organisation of their Department, and I am not prepared to press them to tabulate statistics until sufficient time has elapsed to enable them to get over the initial stages of their work.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when he expects to be in a position to give some statistics as to the applications received?

After this comparatively short time it is not desirable to interrupt the work in order to get that information.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are complaints of the non-arrival of application forms at the various sheriffs' clerks' offices; will he see that they are available at once?

I have not heard of any such complaints.

How soon must the forms be filled up by intending applicants?

I shall be glad to have notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has taken into consideration the question of the pay of the men of His Majesty's Fleet; whether he is aware that the pay of men of other branches of His Majesty's Service has been raised during late years; whether he is aware that the prices of provisions have considerably increased; and whether he can assure the House that he will take these matters into consideration with a view of making the pay of the men of His Majesty's Fleet suitable for modern requirements?

I must refer the Noble Lord to my statement in the naval Debate of 20th March, that we recognise it as the first of our duties to watch sympathetically over the interests, comfort, and contentment of the seamen of the Fleet. The question of pay is constantly under the consideration of the Admiralty, and I have nothing to add to what was said in the Debate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the seamen in the Fleet have not had a rise in pay for the last fifty years?

I have nothing to add to what I said in Debate.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will give similar comparative particulars of the naval estimates of Austria and Italy to those which he recently furnished as regards Germany] Mr. CHURCHILL: It has not been found possible in the time available to obtain the information required, and I must therefore ask the hon. Member to postpone his question for a week.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a discharge of some 300 men from the engineer manager's department in Devonport Dockyard is contemplated; whether he will explain the reason for so large and so sudden a displacement of labour; and whether, seeing that work is plentiful in the engineer manager's department, he can see his way to reconsider the matter of these discharges, especially in view of the great distress that such a course must entail upon the men and their families?

One hundred and twenty men are under notice of discharge on reduction, and further discharges, bringing the total beyond the figure mentioned in the question, appear to be inevitable in the engineer department. It is simply a question of the amount and nature of the work before us. Probably the grand total of men to be employed in the yard this year will not fall below that of last year. But an adjustment is necessary because of the nature of the work to be accomplished. In making these discharges we shall show what consideration we can, by arranging the order of standing off in such a way as to secure that, all other things being equal, the men who have been the shortest time in our employment shall go first—subject to a preference which is given to our own ex-apprentices.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything as to the possibility of these 300 or more men being taken on again during the next three or four months?

No, I cannot say that, but should it be necessary these men who are compelled to stand off, all other things being equal, who have been the longest in our service prior to their discharge, will have the preference should there be work to do.

Am wrong in making the statement that there was not sufficient work in the shipyards for the men?

There is not sufficient work, otherwise they would be retained to do it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received the terms of the preferential agreement arranged between the Government of Canada and the Government of the West Indian Colonies; and, if so, whether he can state what are the general terms of the agreement, and if he will lay the agreement upon the Table?

I have received a telegram from the Governor-General of Canada stating that an agreement was signed on the 10th instant by representatives of the Dominion Government and the Governments of the West Indian Colonies concerned. The agreement is subject to the approval of the Government of Canada, the West Indian legislatures, and the Secretary of State. The Governor-General adds that it is not proposed to publish the agreement before it is considered by the legislatures, and, in view of this decision, I cannot at present state the terms of the agreement.