asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware that an international exhibition was to be held at Ghent, Belgium, next year, commencing at the end of April; whether the exhibitions branch of the Board of Trade had yet decided to make a grant; and, if not, would he endeavour to obtain an early decision on that point, in view of the fact that the representative of the Belgium authorities in this country is apparently unable to allocate space to British traders until that decision had been given?

An invitation to participate officially in this exhibition has been received, and the matter is at present under consideration. I hope that a decision will be arrived at at an early date.

On what date were the communications received?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice.

I have already given notice. That is the object of the question, to know why the delay has taken place.

The hon. Member did not ask me the date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention had been called to the excessive hours a number of engine-drivers, firemen, and guards were kept on duty by the Midland Great Western Railway (Ireland) since the 1st of March up to the present time this year; and if he would call for a return from this company of the actual hours on duty of trainmen for this time, and also ask for the number of men available, but laid idle, on the days excessive time was worked by other men?

I have received no complaint in this matter, but if my hon. Friend will furnish specific instances of the long hours in question I will cause inquiry to be made.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works whether it is proposed where necessary to extend the facilities given for playing games in the Royal parks?

The First Commissioner is in sympathy with any proposal to extend the facilities for playing games in the Royal parks so long as no harm is done to the grass and the comfort of the public is not interfered with. Experiments to this end have been made during the last six months.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been called to the extent to which parks under the control of the London County Council are utilised to promote the physical welfare of the young by means of outdoor gymnasia and organised games; and whether he will take steps to secure that the Royal parks in London shall be used as extensively and as advantageously to the youth of London?

The reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. Steps have already been taken to make use of the Royal parks for children's games; and the First Commissioner is anxious to extend these facilities as much as possible. He believes that all the requirements of the London Education Authority have so far been met, but will favourably consider any further request which they make.

asked the President of the Board of Education if the spaces allotted to games for London school children in Hyde Park and Regent's Park are available for each school on every day of the week; if not, how often can each school obtain a pitch; and if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the arrangements and of the space provided?

I am informed that the arrangements with reference to the provision of spaces in Hyde Park and Regent's Park for games for London school children for this year are not yet complete, but that no difficulties are anticipated. I may refer the hon. Member to the statement given by the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East to the Noble Lord the Member for Bath on Thursday last, that the First Commissioner of Works would be glad to consider favourably any request by the London Education Authority for more ground. I understand that ten departments asked for pitches in Hyde Park during 1911—two for three times a week, two for twice a week, and six for once a week. Thirty-one departments asked for pitches in Regent's Park—two for four times a week, three for three times a week, seven for twice a week, and the remainder for once a week. The accommodation required was provided for all the schools from which applications were received.

asked the Attorney-General if he will state what judges in the King's Bench Division have sat on Saturdays, and on what Saturdays, since the Prime Minister promised last Session that such a course would be taken; and whether the appointment of two additional judges last year had the effect of overtaking the arrears in the King's Bench Division, as promised; and, if not, will he explain why?

The judges of the King's Bench Division have sat on Saturdays whenever it was possible. When on circuit, which occupies about half the time of the judges, they sit on Saturdays and generally throughout the whole day except when travelling from one circuit town to another. In London those judges who are not engaged in the work of the Court of Criminal Appeal sit on Saturdays unless arrangements have been made for giving extra time on the preceding days of the week. Further, it not infrequently happens that judges sit late on Fridays in order to save expense and to relieve the jurors and the parties and witnesses from the necessity of attending on Saturday. The appointment of two additional judges resulted in a marked overtaking of the arrears in the King's Bench Division until Hilary Sittings of this year, when arrears again commenced to accumulate, the explanation being the death of one judge and the illness of another, who has since resigned, and the temporary illness of the Lord Chief Justice.

I asked for the dates when the judges of the King's Bench Division actually sat, not the excuse for not sitting.

The explanation I gave was in answer to the question why the arrears had not been overtaken, if in fact they have not been reduced so as to extinguish them altogether. The answer to the first part of the question it is impossible to give in detail, because some of the judges are sitting in London, some are on circuit, and some are engaged in the work of the Court of Criminal Appeal on Saturdays. It is impossible to give a detailed list with regard to each judge. I could tell the hon. Member on what days they sat in Court on Saturdays in London, but that will not give him the information which he requires.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give me that information?

Certainly, if the hon. Member will put a question down as to the London sittings I can give him that information. It is the other which I cannot give.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on a recent occasion no fewer than three of His Majesty's judges sat till nine o'clock at night for the purpose of completing a, case in which I was concerned?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if His Majesty's ship "Monarch" has left the builders' yard on the Tyne, if so, when; whether this ship has run her final acceptance trials and has been taken over by His Majesty's Government, if so, can he say when the trials took place?

The "Monarch" left the builders' yard on 28th March, and completed acceptance trials on passage south. The vessel is practically ready for service, but a few items in respect of the contract are not yet fully complete.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the cost of living generally for working men and artisans in Queenstown is about the same as in Sheerness, Chatham, Portsmouth, and Devonport; and, if so, will he explain how, under these circumstances, a lower rate of wages is paid in the Government dockyard in the first-named place; and whether he will take immediate steps to remedy the complaint of the workers there?

As the hon. Gentleman was informed on 28th February, the rates of pay prevailing in the dockyard at Haul-bowline appear to compare favourably with those for outside local labour of a similar character.

Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to make fresh inquiries into the matter?

The matter is now before the Board of Admiralty. Of course the result will be communicated in due course.

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say, with regard to the dockyard at Devonport, that the price paid for labour compares favourably with the price paid in other localities?

The question here specifically relates to Haulbowline. If the hon. Member wishes me to make any inquiry in regard to Devonport I shall be glad to do so.

asked on what basis Grants to be made by the Board of Education to local education authorities in respect of medical inspection work carried on by those authorities will be calculated?

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to refer him to the regulations and the circular which were recently issued on this subject, copies of which I am sending him.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not a fact that these regulations do not lay down any fixed rate of payment, and that the question of payment or no payment, and the rate of payment, if any, is left to the Board of Education?

I am aware that the facts are somewhat analogous to what is stated by the hon. Member, but I am quite unable to commit myself to any scale of Grants until I have seen all the claims that may be presented.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the statements made by the Hull stipendiary magistrate that there has recently been an extraordinary increase in juvenile crime traceable to melodramatic films shown at picture palaces, and the evidence of the detective tracing to this cause the crime of four schoolboys, who purchased revolvers and committed burglaries in Hull; whether he has evidence from magistrates or police in other places confirming these statements as to the vicious effect of certain cinematograph exhibits; whether he proposes to institute an inquiry into this matter; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation dealing with the evil into this House?

:I am informed by the chief constable of Hull that the four boys recently charged with housebreaking stated, while they were in the remand home, that their proceedings were suggested by cinematograph pictures, and that the stipendiary magistrate remarked that he wondered whether the increase of juvenile crime that had been noticed was in any part due to the influence of these pictures. One or two other reports have been received in the Home Office which suggest that films representing crime are sometimes exhibited which have a demoralising effect on young persons who see them. I recently received a deputation from the principal makers of films on the question of the formation of a committee by the manufacturers, with the duty of examining all films before they are used. I understand that such a committee is in course of formation, and I am not without hope that good may result. I do not see my way to propose legislation for the establishment of an official censorship.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give some consideration to the low class of literature which is distributed so widely, and which is even more pernicious in its effect than the pictures?

Yes, Sir, I will do so.

asked when the Report of the Departmental Committee on Reformatory and Industrial Schools will be issued?

I understand that the Committee will probably not be in a position to report until the autumn.

asked the Home Secretary what steps he proposes to take to find accommodation in industrial schools for the girls now under remand in the remand homes of the London County Council?

The London County Council, and not the Home Office, is the authority responsible, under the Children Act, for finding accommodation for girls committed to industrial schools who reside in the county of London. I have given approval to several proposals made by the London County Council and intended to meet, to some extent, the difficulty that has arisen; and plans for providing additional accommodation, partly in a new temporary school and partly by the enlargement of an existing school, have recently been submitted by the council, and have been approved by me.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the stipendiary magistrates in London asked that these facts should be brought to the notice of the Home Secretary by report?

Yes, Sir; I believe I remember seeing the report of the case in question.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the charge made by Miss Sylvia Pank-hurst that in dozens of cases forcible feeding of suffragist prisoners have been accompanied by wanton and unnecessary cruelty; that women have been thrown into dark, damp, and unwholesome cells; and that they have been handcuffed, frog-marched, beaten, and bruised; if there is any substance or foundation for these statements; and, if not, if he will take steps to protect the prison authorities and officials from charges of this character?

The letter to which my hon. Friend refers is a tissue of falsehood. Every charge of cruelty or unnecessary violence brought against the prison officers in terms sufficiently definite to permit of investigation has been investigated and found to be untrue. Where forcible feeding has been necessary it has been carried out with as little use of force and as much gentleness as the conduct of the prisoners would permit. No woman has been thrown into dark, damp, or unwholesome cells. No woman has been handcuffed, except where that was the only way to prevent her breaking her windows or furniture. No woman has been frog-marched, beaten, or bruised. It is a disgraceful thing that these accusations against subordinate officers of the Prison Service should be repeated after they have been investigated and disproved; but I trust that the public will not attach any weight to charges carefully made in such general terms as to prevent the possibility of legal proceedings being taken against those responsible for the falsehoods.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the reply we have just heard applies to London prisons only or to the prisons throughout the country, and whether he is aware that substantial evidence to prove such statements exists, and that one lady prisoner actually obtained damages owing to the great injustice of her treatment referred to in the question?

When, Sir? The hon. Gentleman has failed to mention the time when the lady was imprisoned.

It was in 1909 or 1910. I have got the information in my pocket. The information is detailed and specific. I think the right hon. Gentleman received a copy of it.

The case was some time ago, and the lady did not receive damages in respect of any one of the charges mentioned in this particular question. There is no evidence at the present time that there is the slightest ground for any of the charges made in the letter.

May I ask whether the reply refers to the London prisons or to the prisons of the country, and whether, in view of the gravity of the statements now made, a committee will be appointed, apart from the officials, to investigate these things?

The statement refers to the prisons all over the country. I do not understand that there is any serious dispute of the statement I have made.

The letter to which I referred is dated 30th April, and it referred to Aylesbury prison.

I understand that to be the case to which my hon. Friend referred, and I am happy to be able to say that there is no truth at all in the statements.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make a statement giving the latest information showing any changes in treatment that had been made or were in contemplation concerning the suffragists who are being forcibly fed?

On representations made to me by the Chairman of the London Quarter Sessions I have allowed all the women now in prison for window breaking the privileges of Rule 243a, subject to certain modifications which I stated last Wednesday in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley. All these prisoners are now taking their food in the natural way.

asked the Home Secretary what are the privileges at present enjoyed by Mr. Guy Bowman which he could not have received had he remained a prisoner serving a term of imprisonment with hard labour?

When the hard labour imposed as part of this prisoner's sentence was remitted he passed into the third division. His separate confinement, which would have lasted for twenty-eight days, ceased; and he was employed, in association, on industrial work and for somewhat shorter hours than those of a hard labour prisoner.

May I ask if this man wears prison clothes and has no privilege at all other than what the right hon. Gentleman has just stated?

The prisoner, who is in. the third division, wears prison clothes, and serves under the rules applicable to prisoners in that division.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state in what division of the prison at Brixton Mr. E. T. Hooley is confined, and what are the precise privileges enjoyed by this, prisoner which persons confined in lower divisions are not entitled to receive; and if Mr. Hooley is able to carry on his business and has full facilities for correspondence necessary to carry on his business?

Mr. E. T. Hooley is confined at Wormwood Scrubs prison in the part of the prison in which the other second division prisoners are confined. He enjoys no privileges beyond those laid down in the rules for second division prisoners, namely, the wearing of prison clothing of a different colour, associated labour from the beginning of the sentence, and receiving letters and visits at intervals of one month. He has no facilities for carrying on his business, nor for correspondence other than the letters allowed by the rules.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the inhabitants of Benbecula sent a petition to the Prime Minister asking him to have the inadequate postal service of mails for Benbecula improved, he can see his way to grant an independent inquiry as to improving the mail service of Benbecula?

I do not quite understand what kind of inquiry is suggested by the hon. Member. I have already had full inquiry made by impartial officers of my Department concerning the several proposals put forward by the hon. Member and the inhabitants of Benbecula for the improvement of the mail service.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the mail steamers go daily past Loch Skip-port within two or three miles of the pier, and that Loch Skipport is sheltered and easy of access, he can see his way to have the Benbecula mails landed and taken off three days a week at this pier, to which there is a road?

I have called for a report upon this suggestion, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked why A. Heywood, late auxiliary postman at Shifnal, was discharged recently from Government employ; whether for misdemeanour, and, if so, what; how many years' service he had served under the Government; whether, previous to his discharge, there had been anything against his character; and what evidence of misdemeanour was brought up against him?

Mr. Heywood had been employed for a little more than four years on the part-time duty of an auxiliary postman. His record up to December last was good, but a complaint was then made by the hon. Member that a number of halfpenny packets, out of some 12,000 sent by him, had not been delivered. It was found on inquiry that all the packets in question were packets which would fall to be delivered by Mr. Heywood, and in these circumstances it was necessary to dispense with his services.

Will the right hon. Gentleman go somewhat further into the case and see whether there are any specific charges against the postman in question beyond that to which he has referred?

I have made full inquiry in this case. The dismissal rests upon this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the cost of the working of the wireless station at Bowden, Jamaica, in the past year; and whether the working resulted in a profit or loss, and, if so, what was the amount of such profit or loss?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the last sentence of the reply which I gave on the 27th March to his inquiry as to the cost of maintaining the Jamaica station.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be in a position to make a statement in reply to the question?

It is a private enterprise of which I know nothing.

asked the receipts and expenditure on the Trinidad-Tobago wireless system for 1910–11?

The revenue received from the Government wireless stations in Trinidad and Tobago during the year 1910–1911 amounted to £292, and the expenditure to £922.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the number of copies of Form IV. that have been distributed to date in Ireland; how many of such forms have been returned giving the information asked for; and how many provisional valuations have been served on and accepted by owners of Irish hereditaments to date?

The number of copies of Form IV. that have been distributed in Ireland up to date is approximately 200,000. Of these 90,000 have been returned wholly or partially filled up. The number of provisional valuations issued is 6,400. I cannot say how many of these have been finally accepted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the Irish Land Valuation Department will not be a reserved service under the terms of the Government of Ireland Bill, and that dislike to those Clauses imposing taxes on land in the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, has been expressed by authoritative Nationalist opinion in Ireland, it is his intention to proceed with the general revaluation of Irish hereditaments pursuant to Section 26 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910?

It is not proposed to suspend the valuation of Irish hereditaments under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910.

Is there any chance of this valuation being finished by September, 1914.

I take it that it will be finished about the same time as the valuation in this country, which I expect to take about five years altogether.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to expedite this valuation in Ireland and Great Britain?

It has been expedited, as has been already pointed out, and there has been an increase in the staff.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they are actually making some of the valuations without sending out Form IV. at all, and that, when made, there is no appeal?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would give me particulars.

asked why stone sold for building purposes to persons engaged in private enterprise is exempt from Mineral Rights Duty whilst stone sold for the public purpose of road making is not exempt; and what is the principle which governs such differentiation.

The hon. Member is under some misapprehension. No such differentiation as that suggested by him exists.

asked whether, in view of the fact that there are about 300,000 people in the United Kingdom suffering from consumption every year, how many consumptive people will have been provided with beds in the Government sanatoriums at the end of three years after the National Insurance Act has come into operation?

I have no reason to anticipate that within the period named by the hon. Member beds will not have been provided in sanatoria for all cases for which such treatment is found necessary. Other forms of treatment, either institutional or otherwise, will be provided for other cases according to their respective requirements. I should add that the Act does not contemplate the provision of sanatoria by the Government, but by the county councils and other local bodies, with the assistance of the Grant which Parliament has made for the purpose under the conditions laid down in Section 64 of the Act.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that there will be sufficient accommodation for all the consumptive people of the country at the end of three years?

For all those who need special sanatorium treatment.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what was the nature of the special sanatoria benefit, other than treatment in sanatoria not there provided, which he hoped would be available for assured persons entitled to such benefit on 16th July, 1912?

Arrangements are under consideration for giving from 15th July onwards, to insured persons suffering from tuberculosis who are not treated in sanatoria, such special treatment in other institutions or otherwise as their cases severally require. No announcement, however, as to the precise character of these arrangements can usefully be made pending the consideration of the report of the Tuberculosis Committee, the issue of which is expected within the next few days.

Is the hon. Member in a position to assure the House and those people that sanatorium benefits of the kind promised will be available at the date promised?

A very considerable amount of sanatorium benefit will be available from 15th July onwards. I would suggest that the hon. Member should consult the Report, which I hope will be put this week, then probably he will be satisfied in the matter.

Would the hon. Member say what steps are being taken to stimulate the action of the county councils with regard to the provision of sanatoria?

I think the Commissioners are in communication with the county councils on the matter.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what steps, if any, were being taken by the Insurance Commission by means of literature, or otherwise, to spread knowledge of the National Insurance Act in rural and agricultural districts, and to encourage the formation of special approved societies for agricultural labourers in such districts?

Courses of lectures in agricultural centres are being arranged to which secretaries of rural friendly and other societies are invited. Lecturers are also making tours and addressing series of meetings in certain rural districts. In addition, leaflets dealing with small societies are being sent for distribution to ministers of religion of all denominations in villages and smaller towns. The Commission cannot take the initiative in the formation of new societies, but (will consider all applications from those who desire to form them for the assistance of lecturers or leaflets in explaining the requirements of the Act.

Will the hon. Member see that instructions are issued stating clearly what contributions employers and employed have to pay where wages are below 15s. a week?

That is one of the subjects that are engaging the attention of the Commissioners at this time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, at the time that the provisions of the National Insurance Act relating to Ireland were framed, any undertaking was given to any persons that under the proposed Government of Ireland Bill the cost of administering the Act in Ireland would remain a charge upon the Imperial Exchequer.

The answer is in the negative.

Under the circumstances, will the Government take into consideration the amending of the Insurance Act so as to bring the conditions in the two countries into harmony?

That was done last year while the Bill was being considered.

asked the Prime Minister if the power to raise loans conferred by the Government of Ireland Bill on the Irish Parliament is to be limited in amount; and, if such loans are issued by the Joint Exchequer Board, will this country assume any liability for the due payment of the interest and sinking fund on such loans?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. It should, however, be observed that the Bill does not propose to lay upon the Joint Exchequer Board any obligation to issue loans.

asked, in view of the fact that the Irish Parliament will have power to relieve the growers and manufacturers of sugar and tobacco in Ireland of any or all Excise Duty, whether manufactured sugar and manufactured tobacco imported into Ireland from Great Britain or from other countries will be charged more in Import Duty at Irish ports than the rate paid in Excise Duty in Ireland?

The answer is in the negative. The hon. Member will see that the point is dealt with as respects articles sent from Great Britain into Ireland by Clause 16 of the Bill, and as respects articles imported into Ireland from abroad by Clause 15 (1) ( d ).

Am I to understand that the Irish Government will have no power of reducing the Excise Duties on tobacco and sugar without also reducing the Import Duties?

asked whether the Government of Ireland Bill prevents the Irish Parliament from granting bounties, modifying the Imperial factory laws as to conditions and hours of labour, or instituting a system of commercial travellers' licences which might be employed to give advantages to Irish commerce and industry not enjoyed by their competitors from Great Britain?

Generally speaking, the answer to this question is in the negative. The details of the question are matters for discussion in Committee.

asked whether an Irish Parliament, in the exercise of the powers under the Government of Ireland Bill, would be able to impose higher Customs Duties on foreign than on British or Imperial imports; and will the Excise limitation of Section 15 (1) ( d ) apply in respect of the duty on foreign or British imports?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, Clause 15 (1) ( d ) applies to foreign and Colonial imports. Imports from Great Britain are put on an equality with Irish products by Clause 16.

asked whether Section 15 (1) ( d ) of the Government of Ireland Bill, in regard to the relation between Irish Customs and Excise, would restrict the fiscal power of an Irish Parliament even if the Imperial Parliament should hereafter impose any Customs Duty without any corresponding Excise Duty?

The answer is in the affirmative, subject, of course, to the powers of the Imperial Parliament to alter the provision in question.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will treat the questions with regard to the Home Rule Bill in the same way as questions with regard to the Insurance Act, and try and keep them together in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

I think that is a very admirable suggestion, and I will inquire about it.

asked the Prime Minister whether and, if so, under what Clause of the Government of Ireland Bill are British Members of the Imperial House of Commons precluded from standing as candidates for or sitting in the Irish House of Commons?

The Bill does not prohibit Members of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom from sitting in the Irish House of Commons.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government of Ireland Bill contains any provision and, if so, in what Clause for the appointment of a Speaker or Chairman of the Irish House of Commons; and whether the Irish Lord Chancellor or a judge of the Irish High Court of Justice can occupy this position?

It is not necessary to confer on the Irish House of Commons the power to appoint a Speaker or Chairman, which is inherent in any public assembly. Under Sub-section (2) of Clause 12 of the Bill a judge is disqualified from sitting in the House.

asked whether payment of Members will be allowed in the Irish Parliament; and, if so, whether the payment will be made out of moneys provided by the British taxpayer?

There is nothing to prevent the Irish Parliament paying its Members, if it thinks fit, but this will not affect the British taxpayer.

asked whether the Prime Minister is aware that large commons, in most parts of the country, which enabled small farmers and yeomen to exist and flourish, where now only large farms are to be found, were enclosed under the Enclosure Acts and in many cases transferred to ecclesiastical benefices, and that these lands are now held by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners; and whether he will so frame the Welsh Disestablishment Bill that such lands in "Wales may be ultimately available for the maintenance of small agricultural holders?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I am unable to add anything to the replies which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 3rd and 10th April.

asked the Prime Minister whether any representative of the iron and steel industry in this country is numbered amongst the members of the Commission recently appointed to inquire into the trade of the Empire; and, if not, whether he will take steps to see that the interests of this industry are specially and adequately represented?

His Majesty's Government are satisfied that the Commission, which includes Mr. Lorimer, is fully representative of the trade and industry of the United Kingdom, and they do not propose to recommend any alteration.

Can the light hon. Gentleman say what special knowledge Mr. Lorimer has?

Yes, he is chairman of the Steel Company of Scotland.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in preparing the Welsh Disestablishment Bill, the Government has taken steps to consult any representative leaders of the Established Church in Wales?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The answer is in the negative.

Have any of the Nonconformists been taken into the Government's confidence in the matter?

The answer is in the negative.

May I ask a further question—

The hon. Member can put down his further questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether the proposals of the Government for extending the present basis of the franchise for Parliamentary elections will be modified in consequence of the rejection of the Parliamentary Franchise (Women) Bill?

I am unable to anticipate the details of the proposals for a reform of the franchise laws, and can therefore add nothing to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 8th November last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it is likely to be introduced?

I could not answer that.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state whether he proposes to take the Second Reading of the Railways Bill within the next fortnight; if so, on what day; and, if he is unable to mention the date, will he, in view of the importance of the measure and the magnitude of the interests involved, give at least four days' notice before doing so?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It is not proposed to take the Second Reading of this Bill during the present week, and I hope to be able to give reasonable notice of the date when it will be taken.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say approximately what reasonable notice will amount to, as the matter is considered of great importance outside this House?

Two or three days.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that the Court of Session in Scotland has decided that minus valuation is non-existent, if he will state what steps will be taken with regard to valuations already made and in regard to future ones?

An appeal is being lodged in this case from the decision of the Court of Session, and therefore I am not in a position to discuss the matter.

Since it appears, from the decision of the highest Court in Scotland, that it is illegal to have minus valuations, may I ask whether, pending further proceedings, the practice will be stopped?

Yes. An order has been given to that effect.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that several decisions of this branch of the Court of Session have been overthrown by the House of Lords?

There is an, appeal at the present moment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will state the present condition of the project begun in April, 1900, for connecting by a permanent bridge over the Irrawaddy River at Sagaing, near Mandalay, the Amarapura station with the Sagaing shore station?

A final construction estimate for the Sagaing bridge has been received by the Government of India, but its consideration has been held over, as owing to want of funds, it is proposed to defer the construction of the bridge for the next few years.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can give any information as to what is the present state of affairs in Tibet?

During the present month fighting between the Chinese and Tibetans at Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse has been reported by the British Trade Agent at Gyantse. It was stated that at Lhasa continuous fighting had ended in the Chinese seeking a truce; that at Gyantse the Chinese troops surrendered their arms and ammunition to the Tibetans, and received the cost price of the same, and a sum of money for travelling expenses, with which they left for China via India; and that at Shigatse five days' fighting, in which the losses on both sides amounted to twelve killed and one wounded, resulted similarly. No information has been received regarding the movements of the Dalai Lama.

Are there any Chinese now left in Tibet?

Perhaps the hon. and learned Member would give me notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will lay upon the Table of the House the Proclamations issued by the Governor-General in Council on 22nd March, 1912, delimiting the presidency of Fort William, in Bengal, and constituting the province of Bihar and Orissa, and taking the province of Assam under the immediate authority and management of the Governor-General in Council; and will he name the sections of the different Statutes empowering the Governor-General in Council to effect these changes by Proclamation?

I will lay the Proclamations upon the Table. The sections of the Statutes are respectively: For the delimitation of Section 47 of the Indian Councils Act, 1861, Sections 4 and 5 of the Government of India Act, 1865, "and all other powers enabling him in this behalf." For the constitution of Sections 44, 46, 47, and 49 of the Indian Councils Act, 1861, and Sections 4 and 5 of the Government of India Act, 1865. For taking under the immediate authority and management of the Governor-General in Council, Section 3 of the Government of India Act, 1854.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state what is the present position of land purchase in Ireland; what liabilities have already been incurred; to what extent those owners whose lands have been acquired by tenants have received payment therefor; and what is the extent and estimated value of land which can still be acquired under the Land Purchase Act; and whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, if it become law, it will be possible for the present method of valuation and purchase to be varied in any way without the authority of the Imperial Parliament?

Up to 2nd March last (the latest date for which figures are available), lands to the value of £119,518,325 had been sold or were pending for sale before the Estates-Commissioners, and of that amount £73,981,474 has already been advanced. The area of land for the sale of which proceedings had not been instituted under the Land Purchase Acts was estimated at 7,301,798 acres, the estimated purchase money being £82,263,747. The answer to the final paragraph of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under Secretary of State for war whether, in view of the fact that the Special Reserve is now part of the Regular Army, he will arrange that the information as to the physique of the Special Reserve recruits shall be published annually, as is done in the case of recruits for the Regular Army?

This question has been carefully considered. The compilation of the figures for recruits of the Regular Army involves a very large amount of labour on complicated returns, and it is considered that the value of the information obtained is hardly proportionate to the work expended on their preparation. It is not proposed, therefore, to extend the Return so as to include the Special Reserve.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will consider granting to those members of the Territorial Force who are not married, but who may have near relatives dependent upon their earnings, an allowance whilst in training on the basis of the proposed separation allowance to married men?

In the case of the Regular Army no such basis for the grant of allowances as that suggested by my hon. Friend for near relatives is recognised, and I am afraid that it would be exceedingly difficult to attempt to adopt it in the case of the Territorial Force.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me the approximate number of unmarried men?

I could not give the answer haphazard. Though I have a figure in my mind, I do not like to commit myself, but I will find out the number.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a voluntary association, known as the Greystones Improvement Association, applied in a formal manner to the Development Commission for a Grant to improve the harbour works at Greystones, now in a condition dangerous to life and property; whether this application was sent to the Treasury in accordance with the Regulations to be by them forwarded to the Commission; whether the Treasury refused to send on this application; and if he can state on what ground the Treasury refused to discharge this ministerial duty?

An application was received from the hon. Member as representing the Greystones Harbour Committee for a Grant from the Development Fund to be made to the Board of Works for the execution of harbour improvements at "Greystones. No application was however made by the Board of Works, as Greystones Harbour is vested in the Wicklow County Council. The Treasury cannot regard an application from one body for a Grant to be made to another as being an application within the meaning of the Act.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the profit, if any, made by the Imperial Government out of West Indian currency issues, inculding British Guiana and British Honduras, in each of the last ten years?

The only West Indian issue in respect of which profit has accrued to the Imperial Government is that of British Guiana fourpences. The gross profit has been as follows:—

Does the hon. Gentleman say that no profit has been made out of British Honduras and other West Indian issues?

So I understand.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it was found necessary, during a period of five years after the inception of the Ridley scheme, to cause inquiries to be made into the work of any of the Government Departments; and, if so, will he furnish information as to the offices in which such inquiries were held?

Inquiries were held under the provisions of Clauses 17 and 18 of the Order in Council of 15th August, 1890, into the Charity Commission, the Metropolitan Police, Court Clerkships, and the Public Record Office.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he would furnish information as to the Order or Orders in Council by which the introduction into the Civil Service of the following grades was authorised, namely: assistant clerks (new class), supervisory assistant clerks, and the intermediate grade of clerks?

The grades referred to were not set up by Order in Council. This procedure is not necessary for the introduction of a new grade into the Civil Service.

asked when the Return would be ready which was moved for by the hon. Member for Salisbury, respecting the differential rates of taxation in Great Britain and Ireland?

I hope that the Return will be ready in a few days.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he could state the cause of the delay in erecting suitable and commodious buildings for Labour Exchange purposes in London, as outlined and promised when the Bill was first introduced; and whether, in view of the number of workpeople using the Exchanges and for whom the existing accommodation was entirely inadequate, he could see his way to give early consideration to this matter?

A number of new premises for Labour Exchanges in London have been acquired in place of the existing temporary ones, and others are in process of adaptation. The question of the erection of permanent buildings is receiving my careful consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he was aware that the Plymouth telephone area was recently enlarged; that those who held an agreement for an unlimited service in the Plymouth area were charged an extra rate in consequence of the enlargement of the area, and that money deposited by subscribers for postal facilities was appropriated to cover the extra charge; whether it was the rule of the Post Office to compel subscribers to pay increased rates for an unlimited service over an enlarged area; and whether such increased rates were charged to subscribers during the currency of the existing agreement?

The Plymouth telephone area was extended some time ago to include Yelverton. Previously calls between Plymouth and Yelverton made by unlimited rate subscribers, as well as others, were subject to trunk fees of 3d. per call, but on the extension the fee was reduced to 2d. There was therefore a reduction, and not an increase, of charge for unlimited rate subscribers. Any amounts due for calls made by subscribers, if not paid in the ordinary course, would be charged against their deposits.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention had been drawn to the circumstances under which the Governor of Trinidad refused assent to the Port-of-Spain House Rate Ordinance; whether he would say whether the veto of a Governor of a Crown Colony was an absolute one applicable to all Motions and Bills, irrespective of whether they were Imperial or local in character, or whether the veto was reserved for those subjects specified in Section 25 of the Royal Instructions in the Letters Patent or was in any way subject to modification or condition; and whether there was any provision by which a Governor must submit to the Home Government any Bill to which he had refused assent, together with his reasons for rejection?

I have received by the last mail a dispatch on the subject from the Governor of Trinidad and shall, if necessary, consult my legal advisers. In the meantime it would be better that I should not make any further statement in regard to it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention had been drawn to the memorial recently addressed to the Members of the House of Commons praying for a full and impartial inquiry into the grievances of the Clerks to Surveyors of Taxes; and, if so, would he, in view of the dissatisfaction expressed by the clerks with their conditions of service, consider the desirability of appointing a Select Committee of the House to go into the matter?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I do not consider that the appointment of a Select Committee of the House to go into the grievances of the Clerks to the Surveyors of Taxes is desirable.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a question, of which I have given private notice, namely, whether His Majesty's Government has any information to lay before the House with regard to the reported blockade of the Dardanelles by the Italian fleet, the closing of the Straits by the Ottoman Government by means of submarine mines, and the present naval situation in the Ægean?

There is no blockade of the Dardanelles, and we know of no further firing than that which has been reported in the Press. In a communication to the Turkish Government, we have expressed the hope, while recognising the right of Turkey to adopt measures of self defence, that the Turkish Government will find it possible to open a passage through the Straits to foreign commerce as soon as possible, on account of the great injury which is being caused to commercial and shipping interests by the closing of the Straits. We have reason to believe that the Turkish Government are fully alive to the importance of the question, but are unable to give any assurances in existing circumstances. Information has been asked for as to what has occurred with regard to floating mines, and whether any measures have been taken to prevent them from being carried into the open sea. We are informed that no mines have been set free, and that no floating unattached mines have been used. One mine escaped, but was recaptured near Dedeagatch. The mines that have been laid in the Straits are, we are informed on good authority, of such a character as to become inocuous if they break loose. As to the possibility in the Ægean, the Consul at Samos has reported that two Italian war vessels bombarded Turkish barracks there and destroyed a stationnaire. The Turkish troops retired into the interior. The Tenedos-Lemnos and Chio-Syra-Tene-dos cables are reported to have been cut.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many passenger ships are provided with lifeboat accommodation sufficient only for the conveyance of but a small portion of the passengers and crew; that in many cases lifeboat drill is carried out at Very rare intervals and in a very perfunctory manner; that upon emergency it has been found that, owing to long disuse, the lifeboat gear has so deteriorated as to prevent the proper launching of the boats; and whether he can see his way to introduce legislation to ensure that passenger ships carry a sufficient number of lifeboats to convey all the passengers and crew; that the crew are adequately drilled in their launching and manning; and that all tackle is kept in perfect condition?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what number of boats and of what capacity the steamship "Titanic" was supposed to carry; what number of passengers and crew she was licensed to carry; what number of boats and their capacity she actually carried, and what number of passengers and crew when she left Southampton on Wednesday, 10th inst.; and whether the Board of Trade have power to compel the carrying of sufficient boats to hold all the passengers and crew conveyed by a vessel; and, if not, whether he will immediately introduce legislation to give the Board of Trade such power or give facilities for such a measure to be passed into law if introduced by a Private Member?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the alleged absence of proper and sufficient life-boat accommodation on board British passenger ships; and whether his Department are now in a position to take action in accordance with his statement on the 11th December last?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what number of lifeboats was carried by the "Titanic"; and what are the requirements of the Board of Trade with regard to lifeboats for ships of this size; (2) if he is prepared to hold an immediate inquiry into the necessity and practicability of large passenger steamers carrying and using at night powerful search lights?

asked the correct number of passengers, men, women, and children, carried by the "Titanic," first, second, and third class, separately; the number of each class saved from the wreck, separately; and the proportion of passengers saved in each class to the total in each class?

asked what percentage of first, second, and third-class passengers, respectively, compared with the number of passengers carried, were saved from the recent wreck of the ss. "Titanic," the percentage of women passengers of each class who were saved, and also the percentage of men who were saved in like comparison?

asked the names of the members of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee that reported to the Board of Trade on the proposed alterations of the regulations relating to saving life at sea, and by whom they were appointed and the interests that they represented?

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether, in view of recent events, he will consider the advisability of making such regulations as will ensure that, on all vessels equipped with the Marconi system of telegraphy, a sufficient number of operators are on board to secure constant attendance at the instrument by night and day?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared, in view of the grave loss of life which attended the wreck of the "Titanic," to appoint a Committee to inquire into the question of the precautions taken on board vessels of the mercantile marine to prevent disaster at sea, and in particular to the supply of searchlights, boats, and life-saving devices generally, as well as the efficacy of the existing Board of Trade regulations, with a view to the adoption of more effective means in the future?

Many of the particulars asked for were given by me to the House in my statement on Thursday last. I do not propose to repeat those particulars, but I am sending a copy of the statement containing them to the hon. Members who have asked for the same details. The number of passengers on board the "Titanic" when she left Southampton was 922, and the crew numbered 892. Additional passengers were taken on board at Cherbourg and Queenstown, making the total persons on board, according to the Board of Trade information, 2,208, as stated by me on Thursday. As regards the percentage of passengers classified according to sex and class whose lives were saved, I regret that my information does not yet enable me to give a complete and accurate reply. As soon as the particulars are available, I will circulate them with the Votes.

As regards the performance of boat drill, the Merchant Shipping Act requires that boats and other live-saving appliances on board any ship shall be kept so as to be at all times fit and ready for use, and if any case comes to the knowledge of the Board of Trade in which this requirement is not complied with, the case is investigated and proceedings are instituted if necessary. I am having printed with the Votes copy of a notice to owners and masters issued at the end of 1908, calling their special attention to this matter. Further, the boats of all passenger steamers are inspected by the Board's surveyors at least once a year, and the boats of emigrant ships are inspected before each voyage, special attention being paid to the arrangements for launching the boats. The Board of Trade have full power under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, to make and enforce rules prescribing the number and description of the boats and other life-saving appliances to be carried by British ships. The rules must be laid before Parliament for forty days before coming into operation, but no legislation is required to make them effective. Should, however, the course of the inquiry about to be held indicate that the powers of the Board of Trade require to be supplemented in any mariner, I shall not hesitate to ask Parliament at once to enact the necessary legislation.

I have already informed the House that the whole of the questions of safety raised by the disaster will be submitted to searching examination. Steps are being taken at once to constitute the strongest possible Court of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances of the loss of the "Titanic," and in consequence of the exceptional gravity of the case I am in communication with the Lord Chancellor with a view, if possible, to the special appointment of a person recognised as of high judicial authority as a Wreck Commissioner, under Section 477 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. The Commissioner so appointed would form an independent Court, sitting with assessors, for the purpose of this Inquiry. Meanwhile the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee is meeting at once to consider not only the matters previously referred back to them by the Board of Trade in accordance with the statement made by me on Thursday last, but also the new situation which has now arisen, and its bearing on the question not only of boat accommodation, but on a number of matters affecting the question of safety at sea which have been raised in a more or less new form by the present disaster. Some of these questions cannot probably be cleared up finally until the Court of Inquiry has completed its investigation, but some of them— e.g., the routes for passenger ships across the Atlantic, the speed of such ships under certain conditions, the use of searchlights, the operation of wireless telegraphy, etc.—can be examined, at all events, in a preliminary manner without awaiting the verdict of the Court, and I am extremely anxious that there should be no avoidable delay. I am having the names and other particulars, of the members of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee printed with the Votes.

When I have received Reports both of the Court of Inquiry and of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, I shall be in a position to advise the House whether further investigation is required by a Committee or Commission of Inquiry, either of a national or of an international character. The House may also like to know that the Board of Trade have convened a meeting of representatives of the principal British shipping companies which own great passenger ships for the purpose of an immediate exchange of views as to the measures contemplated by the companies themselves, pending the revision of the statutory rules.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, in the case of any inquiry he makes or any Regulations he enforces, he will consider the advisability of making them apply not only to British ships, but all foreign ships that take British passengers at our ports?

I will certainly consider the point.

May I repeat the question I asked the other day, Have the Board of Trade power to make Regulations to compel the practice of manning and lowering boats on board ship, and for the captain to make a report at the close of a voyage concerning such practice; and do any such Regulations exist as well as the power to make them?

Does the hon. Member mean that at the end of the voyage the captain of a particular ship shall report in regard to the method in which the boat drill has been carried out? We have powers, as I have already stated, when a ship is leaving port—and we always carry those powers out—to see that there is a proper complement of boats under the Regulations, and that proper arrangements are made for launching them.