asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he is in a position to make a further statement as to the pending negotiations for bringing to an end the war between Italy and Turkey?

As I informed the hon. Member on 23rd

April the Powers have inquired of both belligerents on what conditions they would be prepared to accept the friendly mediation of the Powers. Replies to these inquiries have now been received, but as they have not yet been discussed by the Powers concerned, it would be undesirable to say more on the subject at the present juncture.

May we expect therefore that the Foreign Secretary will be able to make a statement upon the subject next. week?

I hope so. I am sure the Foreign Secretary will desire to make a statement as soon as the answers have been considered by the Powers.

asked whether, in view of the anarchical state of Southern Persia, the consequent injury to British trade and the comparative peace and prosperity of Northern Persia, the hon. Gentleman will consider the advisability of adopting some such measures in the Southern as have produced such satisfactory results in Northern Persia.

Before considering any further steps it is only reasonable to await the results of the efforts to restore order by a force of Persian gendarmerie which is being organised under Swedish officers to which reference was made in the reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Melton on the 21st ultimo. My answer must not be taken as confirming the accuracy of the statements contained in the hon. Member's question.

How many of those Swedish officers are now at work?

I think about nine. Perhaps I should ask for notice of the question to be accurate.

May I ask whether the measures taken in Northern Persia did not include the shooting and hanging of religious teachers, and whether it is intended to repeat this in Southern Persia?

The acts mentioned by the hon. Member and others, as I said, could not be taken as confirming the accuracy of the statement in the question.

May I ask how the interests of British trade progress while these experiments are being tried?

They seem to us to be very much more hopeful than by occupying the country with British troops.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a farmer named John Nugent, possessing a holding of only nine acres, made application for an allotment on the Ussher estate, at Kilmalaw, county Galway, and was refused; and whether he will recommend the Estates Commissioners to grant him an allotment out of the 400 acres purchased by them in 1910, or the Congested Districts Board out of the 200 acres of the Liscard farm which they have had on hand for some years?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from John Nugent for a parcel of land on the estate of W. A. Ussher, county Galway, and, after inquiry and consideration, decided not to make him an allotment, and they see no reason to alter their decision. The Congested Districts Board know nothing of the application of John Nugent, and they cannot say whether he is a person to whom they would give an allotment on the land referred to.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason for the Estates Commissioners refusing the allotment to a small uneconomic holder of this sort?

I do not know the reasons they give in this particular case.

Was it simply and solely because he would not join the local branch of the United Irish League?

No; I do not think so.

Let Lord Ashtown give him a farm.

asked whether, in reference to the estate of Miss Olivia Creagh McMahon, parish of Kilmurry, Ibrickane, county Clare, the Chief Secretary is aware that about three years ago the estate was purchased by the Estates Commissioners, with the exception of a grazing ranch of 54 acres at Kilclehaun; whether he can state the reason of the exemption of this ranch; and whether, in view of the fact that there are still a number of uneconomic tenants on the estate, steps will be taken as soon as possible to divide this ranch for their benefit according to the Land Act of 1909?

The Estates Commissioners acquired and distributed some 363 acres of the lands of Kilclehaun, the property of the trustees of Creagh McMahon, county Clare. The Commissioners are not aware that a grazing ranch of 54 acres was excluded from the sale. The townland of Kilclehaun comprizes in all 390 acres. Of the balance of 27 acres, which was not acquired by the Commissioners, part appears to be taken up by labourers' cottages and part by the local railway.

asked whether at the Irish National Teachers' Congress recently held at Kilkenny a resolution was adopted asking that the code of the Commissioners of National Education be so amended that their rules and regulations shall be laid down upon the Table of the House of Commons one month before receiving the official seal; and whether the Government is prepared to take the necessary steps to have this desired reform carried into effect?

I have seen a copy of the resolution referred to. The codes and syllabuses of the Commissioners of National Education have never been laid upon the Table of the House, and I see no reason to depart from the established practice in this matter.

asked whether five teachers, who were Queen's scholars during the years 1898–1900, got, while in charge of schools under fifty, on their first appointment under the National Board, a higher salary than £56 per annum, while ten teachers who were in training during the same years and in charge of schools over fifty were paid at the rate of £56 per year; can the Chief Secretary state the reasons assigned by the Commissioners for this difference of treatment; whether those Queen's scholars who entered training in 1898 got, prior to their entrance to a training college, any notice to the effect that their initial salary would be £56 per annum; and whether those who had promises of schools worth, under the old rules, about £100 a year got any special consideration from the Commissioners of National Education?

The Board of National Education are unable to make any statement in regard to the teachers referred to unless the names of the teachers, the names of their schools, and the dates of their appointments are furnished. Teachers who entered training colleges in 1898 got no notice to the effect stated. The Commissioners have no knowledge of any such promises to teachers as are alleged in the question.

asked if the new Dublin Parliament will have power by legislation to deal with the rent-fixing provisions of the Irish Land Acts so as to reduce the statutory periods, remove all lands at present excepted from existing protection, appoint new Land Commissioners to fix Tents, and diminish the present rights of appeal?

The rent-fixing provisions of the Irish Land Acts are not a reserved matter, and the Irish Parliament will have power to legislate with regard to them.

Seeing that the interests of Irish landlords are seriously jeopardised by the Acts dealing with the fixing of fair rents, why have the Government decided not to make this a reserved service as they did with land purchase?

That is a matter for argument and not for question.

asked if it will be within the competence of the Dublin Parliament to provide by rule or legislation that no person shall be qualified for any Irish Civil Service appointment or for the Irish Parliament who does not possess a knowledge of the Irish language?

As to the Irish Civil Service the answer is "Yes." As to the Irish House of Commons the answer is "No."

May I ask whether no one will be allowed to enter the Irish Civil Service who does not possess a knowledge of the Irish language?

No, Sir; nothing of the kind.

What did you say?

I said the question was whether it was within the competence of the Dublin Parliament.

asked if the Dublin Parliament will have control of primary and secondary education in Ireland; what will become of the present Imperial Grant; and will the Dublin Parliament have power to provide by legislation for a rate for educational purposes?

The Irish Parliament will have the control of primary and secondary education, and will have power to provide by legislation for a rate for educational purposes. The equivalents of the present Imperial Grants will be included in the transferred sum, and will be at the disposal of the Irish Parliament.

What protection will be provided in the Bill for Protestant teachers in this matter?

asked whether, under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill, the existing regulation preventing the Lord Lieutenant from attending party meetings will be removed?

No existing regulation on the subject is altered by the Bill.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the Lord Lieutenant recently attended a Home Rule meeting? I have here a photograph.

There is no existing regulation on the subject which has been altered.

May I ask whether under the present rules His Majesty's representative in Ireland is permitted to attend these party meetings of Nationalists in Dublin?

I have not got it before me.

Here is the photograph.

I am not speaking of the photograph; I am speaking of the existing regulations.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman actually does not know what the regulations are in this matter?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that no such regulation exists at all?

They will have to go to school again.

asked the Prime Minister whether he would state what salary, if any, was to be paid to members of the Joint Exchequer Board as established by Clause 22 of the Government of Ireland Bill; whether it was proposed that such salary, if any, should be the same in the case of both British and Irish Members; and whether the conduct of the Board as a whole would be within the purview of both the British and Irish Parliaments or limited to the actual Members that represents each nation, respectively?

The question of the salaries of the members of the Joint Exchequer Board has not yet been settled. There is nothing in the Bill to prevent either Parliament discussing the conduct of the Board.

Will the fifth Member nominated by the Prime Minister be subject to the criticism of both the British and the Irish Parliaments?

Subject to criticism? It is very difficult to escape it I am afraid.

asked the Prime Minister whether, owing to the reduced scale of entertainment and economy in mode of living that has been customary for some years past at the Irish Court, he would,, before Clause 31 of the Government of Ireland Bill was discussed, prepare a statement showing the actual annual expense incurred by the holder of the office of Viceroy, any easement derived from the sale of garden or other produce or rent received for grazing being taken into consideration?

There is no ground for the allegation that a reduced scale of entertainment has been adopted at the Irish Court in recent years. Last year the Castle season fell within the period of mourning for his late Majesty, and the usual festivities could not be held. This year the death of the Duke of Fife immediately after the commencement of the Castle season led to a postponement of Court functions, which have been resumed now that the period of mourning is at an end. So far from this postponement resulting in diminished expense, it has necessarily entailed considerably increased outlay. I do not know on what ground the hon. Gentleman undertakes to make the suggestion contained in his question, and I do not propose to ask for the statement indicated by him. It is a well-known fact that the salary of a Lord Lieutenant does not meet the expenses of his office, and must be largely supplemented from his private purse, and the expenditure of the present Lord Lieutenant has in every year since he took office far exceeded his official salary. The sale of produce from the Viceregal gardens, which had been the custom for many years, was stopped by the present Lord Lieutenant shortly after entering upon office, and the surplus produce of the gardens has since been distributed among various charit- able institutions in and around Dublin. The rent for grazing amounts, I understand, to £30 a year.

Is it not a fact that the fruit was offered for sale, but was refused by all the fruit-sellers in Dublin?

No.

Is not this a most ungentlemanly and undeserved question?

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. Is the hon. Gentleman entitled, when another hon. Member asks a question or a supplementary question, to describe him as being an ungentlemanly Member of the House?

It was not the personality of the questioner, but the nature of the question that was referred to.

Is not an observation such as has been made by the hon. Member below the Gangway a direct reflection upon you Sir, seeing that these questions are supposed to be passed by you?

I will bear it with what fortitude I can.

asked what is the estimated yield for the year 1912–13 of the duties that, under the Government of Ireland Bill, the Irish Parliament may increase up to 10 per cent, of the yield or may increase without limitation, respectively?

The estimated true revenue of Ireland for the year 1912–13 in respect of the duties referred to is as follows:—

asked whether the Government of Ireland Bill proposes that the fee stamps, at present realising £81,000 a year, should be handed over to the Irish Exchequer as part of the Post Office revenue?

These fee stamps do not form part of the Post Office revenue, but represent fees (for example, judicial fees) in respect of special Irish services which are excluded from the definition of tax in Clause 47 of the Bill. They will be collected and retained by the Irish Exchequer, and no sum in respect of them will be included in the transferred sum.

asked what is the estimated yield for the year 1912–13 of the Stamp Duties which, by the Government of Ireland Bill, the Irish Parliament may vary or the Irish Parliament may not vary, respectively?

The contribution of Ireland for 1912–13 to the Stamp Duties enumerated in the Second Schedule to the Bill is estimated at £110,000, and to the remainder of the Stamp Duties at £237,000.

asked whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, the Irish representatives in this House will be paid a salary; and, if so, whether that salary will be paid out of Irish or Imperial sources?

The Irish representatives in this House will continue to be paid a salary from Imperial sources.

asked whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, the appointment of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland will be in the hands of the Irish Executive Government; and, if so, whether the nomination of magistrates will be in his hands.

The Lord Chancellor will be appointed by the Lord Lieutenant, and, subject to any arrangements made by the Irish Parliament or Executive, the appointment of magistrates will be in his hands.

asked if, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill passing into law, that country would be represented in the Imperial Government by the Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs or by a new Minister?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Chief Secretary on the 23rd instant in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for the Kingswinford Division.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the population of the constituency of South Armagh, including that part of Newry which is situated in Armagh County, and referred to in the Second Schedule of the Government of Ireland Bill?

The population is approximately 37,674.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will state the number of electors in the constituency of South Down, including that part of Newry which is situated in Down County, and referred to in the First Schedule of the Government of Ireland Bill?

The population is approximately 55,013. The number of electors cannot be stated.

May I ask where the Prime Minister is that he does not come down to answer?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked whether, under the terms of the Government of Ireland Bill, the Grants, salaries, and expenses of the Congested Districts Board will constitute a reserve service; and whether, in the event of the answer being in the negative, it is contemplated to make further advances to the Board from the Imperial Exchequer for the purpose of acquiring estates, reselling the same to tenant occupiers, or for the creation of economic holdings, within the area administered by the Board?

The Grants, salaries, and expenses of the Congested Districts Board, so far as they are not included in the general subject matter of the Land Purchase Acts, will not be a reserved service. Advances for land purchase will continue to be made from the Imperial Exchequer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, by adhering to the conditions in the licence to the Eastern Shipping Company imposed by the Governor of the Straits Settlements, the company's fleet will be driven away from the British Empire and compelled to construct a slip in Siam where it can enjoy the privilege denied to it in the Straits Settlements of repairing its own ships without restriction; and, seeing that, by holding the company to the observance of such conditions, he will render valueless the capital expended by the company in the construction of their slip, whether he will consider the advisability of releasing the company from the conditions of their licence?

I am not aware that the consequences of adhering to the conditions imposed will be as suggested in the first part of this question. If the company find that their expenditure has been useless they have only themselves to blame, as they persisted in the construction of slipways after they had been warned that the Government would not permit the use of the foreshore. The fact that they were subsequently allowed a restricted use of the foreshore shows that they were treated with exceptional consideration, and I am not prepared to intervene on their behalf.

asked whether the late Governor, by the exercise of the Royal Prerogative on the occasion in question, penalised the Eastern Shipping Company in consequence of his avowed object to support a monopoly for the Penang Dock, thereby using against a commercial competitor this powerful weapon for crushing it in an important branch of its trade; and whether the right hon. Gentleman will direct a full and impartial inquiry into the whole matter?

I am advised that the late Governor's action was in accordance with the law, and I see no reason for taking any action in the matter. The Colonial Government has expended enormous sums in acquiring complete control of the wharfage and docking facilities of the Colony, and to give commercial rivals opportunities for competing against them would be to stultify their action.

Is that in accordance with Free Trade?

Yes, entirely in accordance with the principles of Free Trade.

As to the last part of the question, will the right hon. Gentleman institute a full and impartial inquiry into the whole matter which is going on for some time?

I do not know whether the hon. Member will consider an inquiry by myself full and impartial, and if so, I will make it.

I accept the right hon. Gentleman personally to make the inquiry.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that Free Trade is of advantage to the Colonies?

I have no doubt it is to the advantage of any Colony.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will consider the question of the construction of a lift from the Cloak Boom to the Lobby of the House.

In the current financial year there are no available funds for such a purpose. The First Commissioner will give the suggestion his consideration, but at this moment he is not prepared to say more.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of constructing the lift if only for the purpose of assisting the tired supporters of the present Government?

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that we suffer greatly from lack of exercise?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the marine insurance companies on the approved list for Government business can take what amount they choose upon the larger risks, or whether the Admiralty decides upon the amount each company is strong enough to retain; and, if the latter, what principles guide the Department in their decisions?

The Admiralty have fixed an amount which is the maximum risk that an insurance company on the approved list may accept on any ship, but within that limit the shipbuilders are permitted to place the risks among the approved insurance companies as may be most convenient.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can now state the result of the inquiry into the alleged violation of the Fair-Wages Clause by Messrs. A. and J. Inglis, Pointhouse, in the pay to their labourers?

We came to the conclusion that the rate paid to labourers by the firm in question was less than the current district rate, and we have communicated with them accordingly.

At last.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has yet been arrived at regarding the proposal to have a floating dock towed to Cromarty and used temporarily there as a subsidiary base?

No decision has yet been arrived at; the matter is still under consideration.

When is it likely that a decision will be arrived at?

I am afraid I cannot say.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) what is the estimated number of persons who will be entitled to sanatorium benefit on 15th July, 1912; (2) what is estimated will be the cost of permanent and temporary buildings to be provided by 15th July, 1912, for the accommodation of persons entitled to sanatorium benefit; and (3) what are the number, names, and addresses of the private sanatoria with which arrangements have been made to provide the benefits of sanatorium treatment in cases of tuberculosis on the date on which the Insurance Act comes into operation; and what is the number of beds available in such private sanatoria?

It will rest with the local Insurance Committees (or pending their appointment, with other authorities set up temporarily for the purpose), subject to certain conditions, to recommend tuberculous insured persons for sanatorium or other treatment, and to make the necessary arrangements with sanatoria and other institutions. I am unable to say at present how many persons will require sanatorium benefit in July next, and it is clearly impossible that such arrangements as those which the hon. Member suggests should have been concluded as yet with private sanatoria. With regard, however, both to these questions and also to that of the cost of building sanatoria, I would beg to refer the hon. Member to the first Report of the Tuberculosis Committee, which will, I hope, be published in a few days.

Has the hon. Gentleman no further information to give to the House if anything has been done with regard to providing sanatorium benefit for those who are entitled to it under the Act?

Arrangements are being considered, and some of them are being put forward. I think there, is no answer I can usefully give until the Report of the Committee is before the hon. Gentleman.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the case of Thomas v. Portsmouth A Branch of the Ship Constructive, etc., Association, recently decided in the Divisional Court, whereby a member of a trade union was debarred from recovering sick benefit on the ground that the trade union was an illegal association; and whether it will be possible for a trade union becoming an approved society under the National Insurance Act to repudiate its liabilities towards insured members on the above ground, or on the ground that Section 4 of the Trades Union Act, 1871, protects a trade union from being sued in respect of benefits?

The rights of the members of an approved society under the National Insurance Act, 1911, will be decided in accordance with that Act and the rules of the society made thereunder, whether the approved society is .also a trade union or not, and any such member has by Section 67 of the Act a right of appeal from the decision of the society to the Insurance Commissioners.

Is it not a fact that trade unions are not illegal associations, but being in restraint of trade they come under the Trade Union Acts?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will consider the advisability. of giving representation, to rural district councils on the Advisory Committee under the National Insurance Act?

The English Commission are considering the question of including a representative of the Rural District Councils' Association in the Advisory Committee to the Commission.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons could be accommodated in the boats now carried by the passenger steamers plying between Dover and Calais under the English and French flags, respectively; and what is the total number of passengers and crew these steamers are certified to carry?

The information asked for by the hon. Member, so far as I am able to give it, shall be circulated with the Votes. ( See Written Answers this date )

Can the right hon. Gentleman now state whether he has communicated with the companies as he promised a week ago, and what the answer is?

The reply is rather long, and I will circulate it with the Votes. The companies in question have been asked to attend a conference at the Board of Trade.

Do I understand that representatives of the South-Eastern Railway Company and the Northern Railway Company of France will attend this meeting?

Yes.

May I ask whether under the new Regulations which are to be made for the provision of lifeboats, the right hon. Gentleman will see that at least one motor boat is provided?

All those points will be most carefully considered in the inquiry.

Will the right hon Gentleman call special attention to the provision of motor lifeboats?

Is it not the fact that all these boats are well equipped with life-saving apparatus and such like?

I am circulating the answer with the Votes as the particulars are rather long.

They are so fitted.

My hon. Friend will see the details in the printed answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has held an inquiry as to the cause of the collision which took place in daylight and clear weather on the 1st of March last between the Channel mail packet "Le Nord" and the steamer "Lockwood"; if so, what the result of such inquiry is; and, if not, will he say why no inquiry has been held; can he state why prompt assistance was not sent from Dover in response to the signals 6f distress made by "Le Nord"; and whether he can state the number of passengers and crew on board "Le Nord" at the time of the collision and the amount of the boat accommodation available1?

This case was carefully considered. As, however, there was no loss of life, arid neither vessel was very seriously damaged; and in view of the fact that litigation was pending in the Admiralty Court which would elicit the causes of the casualty and fix the responsibility, no formal Board of Trade investigation was ordered in respect of the collision. "Le Nord" is a French vessel. She does not hold a British passenger steamship certificate, nor do her officers hold certificates from the Board of Trade; and therefore they could not have been dealt with by a Court of Inquiry in this country. I am informed that the collision, which occurred two miles off Dover Harbour, was not observed from Dover, but that, as soon as distress signals were sighted on the French vessel, the tug "Lady Crundall," which had been lying in Dover Harbour with steam up, was immediately dispatched to render assistance. I understand that there were about 350 persons on board "Le Nord," including passengers and crew, at the time of the collision, and that the vessel had six boats, and is provided with watertight compartments. I understand that the boats would, accommodate between 160 and 170 persons.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to have said that this Government could not institute an inquiry into an accident happening to a ship owned by a foreign company and proceeding to one of our ports?

I did not say so at all. I gave reasons why, in this particular case, an official inquiry is not held, but I pointed out that it being a French ship, and the certificates not being issued by the Board of Trade, that the Board of Trade have no control over those certificates in the case of an inquiry.

Is the "Le Nord" still running with those boats only carrying 170 persons, while she is certified to carry between five and six hundred persons?

I would rather not go into the details.

May I ask whether, in view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman promised to communicate with the authorities on this point he has had any communication with them, and whether seeing that "Le Nord" and the "Pas de Calais" had no watertight compartments whatever, he cannot make some representation either to the railway company or the Government of France?

I am advised that "Le Nord" has watertight compartments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of dealing promptly with organised national strikes, the Government will now appoint a Commission to inquire into the question of. Industrial Unrest and its causes?

asked the Prime Minister when the Government will be able to give a definite reply to the Memorial asking for a Royal Commission on Co-partnership?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to recommend His Majesty to grant a Royal Commission to inquire how far co-partnership is applicable to the industries of the country and would promote industrial peace?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet been able to see his way to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the applicability of co-partnership to the industries of this country?

The problem of industrial unrest in all its aspects is receiving the careful consideration of the Cabinet. I have already stated that we recognise the importance of an investigation into the quesion of co-partnership; but, as at present advised, we do not think that the question should be treated as an isolated part of the problem; and we are not satisfied that the appointment of a Royal Commission is the best method of dealing with the matter. I hope that the hon. Members concerned will, for the present, be satisfied with this reply.

May I ask when he expects to be able to make a statement on this subject?

I am afraid I cannot say at the present moment. We are proceeding with the investigation into these matters.

Will it be this year?

Does the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Government have definitely decided not to appoint a Royal Commission on the subject?

No. The Noble Lord knows perfectly well that we are examining into the matter. We are attending to the matter, and we hope we will get his assistance, amongst others, in doing so. I trust we shall be able to give an answer in the course of a fortnight or three weeks, when we finish some preliminary investigations into the matter.

Is the Government going to do nothing until a national strike is declared?

The hon. Gentleman has no right to say that.

Has there not been a strike in a profit-sharing establishment in Yorkshire which has just been settled?

As that question is intended to strike at me, and as I feel personally interested, I may be allowed to ask if it is the case that the firm to which allusion has just been made did before and still pays a higher rate for this kind of work than any other firm in the trade?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was aware of the disappointment which was felt by the bodies representative of women's labour that no woman had been appointed on the Industrial Council; and if he could see his way to remedy this defect by appointing two well-qualified women as members of the Council?

The question of the appointment of women as members of the Industrial Council has received very full consideration, but I do not think it would be practicable at the present time to add to the membership of the Council. I may point out to my hon. Friend that in the event of any trade in which women are largely employed being dealt with by the Council it would be open to the Council to have the assistance of women who are experts in such trade or who represent the employers or workers concerned.

Is it the case that the Board of Trade is a woman-hating Department?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any, and, if any, what trusts and combines, had been formed amongst the various British shipping companies engaged in the North Atlantic and South African trades; if so, whether he had official information showing that such trusts or combines had been formed with the object of stifling competition; and whether it was the intention of the Government to introduce legislation similar to the Anti-Trust Laws in the United States of America for the purpose of regulating and controlling the same?

Information as to the nature and objects of shipping conferences in general, and of those in the trade with South Africa and Canada in particular, will be found in the Report of the Royal Commission on Shipping Rings (especially Volume II.), and also, as regards Canada, in the Report to the Board of Trade on the Trade of Canada (Cd. 5591). In view of the Report of the Royal Commission, I do not propose to introduce legislation of the kind referred to by the hon. Member.

The right hon. Gentleman has referred to Canada, but the question is addressed to the North Atlantic.

If the hon. Gentleman has any further question to ask I shall be very glad to answer it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether his attention had been called to the fact that the tube railway companies had recently commenced to carry parcels in the carriages and corridors available for passengers; whether there were any Board of Trade regulations prohibiting the carriage of inflammable articles in these railways; and whether, in view of the fact that a fire or fear of fire in these tubes would necessarily cause a panic amongst the passengers, resulting in loss of life or danger of life, and that this danger would be increased by the obstruction to the passengers caused by the carriage of parcels and the standing of parcels baskets in the corridors leading to the lifts and exits, he would make regulations regulating and limiting the carriage of parcels in the tube railways?

I have asked for the observation of the Railway Companies concerned in this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as their replies have been considered by the Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he would state the value of the total exports of the United Kingdom to the United States of America and to Australia in the years 1910 and 1911, respectively?

The value of the exports of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom consigned to the United States of America was £31,447,000 in 1910 and £27,520,000 in 1911. The value of the exports to the Commonwealth of Australia was £27,652,000 in 1910 and £30,881,000 in 1911.

Does the right hon. Gentleman attribute this enormous increase in the exports to Australia to the preference to the Mother-country, or to any other reason?

I must leave that until we have an opportunity of discussing Free Trade.

Is it due to the presence of a Labour Ministry in. Australia?

asked what was the percentage increase in total exports to the Indian Empire and to Egypt, respectively, from the United Kingdom and the German Empire during the period 1900–11?

The exports of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom to British India were greater in 1911 than in 1900 by 74 per cent, and the exports to Egypt greater in 1911 than in 1900 by 72 per cent. The special exports of Germany to British India increased in the same period by 77 per cent, and to Egypt by 195 per cent. I must explain, with regard to the last figure, that in 1900 German exports to Egypt were relatively trifling.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether, bearing these facts in mind, it is not expedient to have more trade agents in India and in Egypt, as the German nation have?

That is a matter we have in mind.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he would state the percentage increase in exports of manufactures and produce collectively consigned to the Crown Colonies and British Protectorates by the United Kingdom and the German Empire, respectively, during the period 1900–11?

The exports of the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom to all British Possessions other than British India and the self-governing Dominions was greater in 1911 than in 1900 by 55 per cent. The special exports of Germany to the same markets increased in the same period by 42 per cent.

asked what was the collective value of manufactures consigned from, the United Kingdom in the years 1897 and 1911, respectively, to Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands; and what was the total collective value of exports of manufactures consigned to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa in the same years?

This information will take some time to prepare, and the earlier figures will not be absolutely comparable with those for last year, as information with regard to the countries of ultimate destination of exports was not collected in 1897. I will, however, send the hon. Member in due course a statement embodying such information as is available.

asked whether the proposed further degree of development in statutory devolution of Scottish business is to be carried out by a reorganisation of the Scottish Committee or by an immediate scheme of Home Rule for Scotland?

I have nothing to add to the passage in the Prime Minister's speech on the introduction of the Government of Ireland Bill which dealt with this matter.

Am I to understand that any scheme of Scottish devolution is on the shelf in the meantime?

The Noble Lord must understand nothing more than was mentioned in the speech of the Prime Minister.

Will the scheme for Home Rule for Scotland be introduced into this Parliament?

asked the Prime Minister if he can state when it is intended to introduce the Franchise Reform Bill?

I am not able to make any statement in reply to this question:

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing responsibilities of the Board of Trade as regards the mercantile marine, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to establish a separate ministry of mercantile marine?

In my opinion there would be no advantage in multiplying the number of Departments or Ministers.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish the evidence given before the Committee on Irish Finance?

I am not prepared to accede to the hon. Member's request, as much of the evidence was given on the understanding that it would be treated as confidential.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the public are referred to the evidence given before the Commission in the Report that has been published by the Government?

Will the evidence of those members who are willing to consent to their evidence appearing be allowed to appear?

The Government will consider that point if there is any real demand made for the evidence.

Is not the Government bound to publish the evidence if reference is made, to it in the Report?

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by "bound." I do not want to express an opinion upon that. But certainly we could not publish the evidence of those who gave it on the understanding that it was confidential.

When quotations are made in the Report from the Special Report does it not follow that the whole of the evidence ought to be produced?

That is a matter on which I would not like to express an opinion.

Is it not always the case when documents are used by the Government and quotations made by Members of the Government in the House that they are obliged to print the evidence to which reference is made in the Report?

I do not know about evidence, but if the Government quote from a document in this House they must produce the document.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received from the mayor and corporation of Ryde a memorial containing their objections to the proposed new by-laws regulating Artillery practice at Portsmouth; whether he is aware that the proposed by-laws would seriously prejudice the interests of the people of Ryde and the neighbourhood during the summer and regatta season; and whether, before he sanctions the proposed new by-laws, he will order that a Public Inquiry shall be held at which all persons affected by them could give evidence?

I have received a memorial from the corporation of Ryde, in which it is alleged that the proposed new by-laws regulating Artillery practice at Portsmouth would seriously interfere with the use of the yacht anchorage at Ryde, and Would injuriously affect the interests of the borough during the summer. I propose to order a Public Inquiry before coming to a decision regarding the by-laws.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, whether he is aware of a decision of the Ampthill Board of Guardians to take the thumb prints of all vagrants seeking the shelter of the casual ward, the operation to be performed at the police station; whether he has sanctioned the board of guardians taking such action; and, if not, whether he will intervene in the matter?

I understand that some three weeks ago the Ampthill Board of Guardians resolved to offer no objection to a proposal emanating from the police authority that thumb prints should be taken of vagrants applying for way tickets. I am informed, however, that no instructions have yet been given to the assistant relieving officer, that no thumb prints have been taken, that the matter has been reconsidered by the chairman of the board of guardians, and that, at their next meeting, a motion will be submitted for the rescission of the resolution referred to.

If the Board attempt to do that will the right hon. Gentleman intervene and stop them?

It all depends upon what they do at their next meeting.

I would like to know whether the Local Government Board approves of the method?

I have nothing to approve or disapprove; nothing has yet been done.

Is there any legal authority for a board of guardians taking such action?