asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the desirability of establishing a lighthouse on Cape Guardafui, the easternmost point of Africa, in view of the dangerous character of the adjoining coast and the fact that such a light would be made by all the ships coming from the East and from the East Coast of Africa, and would render their navigation safer; whether any negotiations have taken place with the Italian Government for the establishment of such a lighthouse; and, if so, what is the present position of such negotiations?

The question of erecting a lighthouse on Cape Guardafui has been under consideration at intervals for many years, and in 1901 proposals were made by the Italian Government for placing a light on the upper part of the Cape. His Majesty's Government accepted in principle the scheme of the Italian Government on condition that it was also accepted by the Governments of other countries interested and that satisfactory arrangements could be made as to the amount of dues to be charged and the method of collection. The difficulties as to the collection of dues at particular ports not in Italian territory were found to be insuperable, and the negotiations with the Italian Ambassador were discontinued in 1908, but His Majesty's Government are still not without hope that a scheme may be devised which will be satisfactory to this and the other maritime countries interested.

asked with reference to the proposal of the Italian Government to establish a national institute of life assurance in Italy without due regard to the existing and well-established rights and interests of the numerous insurance companies of various nationalities which have existed in that country for many years, if the right hon. Gentleman can state what are the latest developments of this question, more especially with regard to the representations made to the Italian Government by His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome and by other Powers; and if he can say whether any proposal has been made to the Italian Government by any Power to submit the question of these rights to The Hague Tribunal, and, if not, whether he would consider the advisability of joint action in this direction with the other Powers interested?

His Majesty's Ambassador at Rome will be instructed to inquire when a reply may be expected to the representations addressed to the Italian Government on this subject. I have not heard that any Power has proposed to the Italian Government to submit the questions at issue to The Hague Tribunal, but the point will be borne in mind by His Majesty's Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Consultative Committee of France, a committee composed of most eminent men, corresponding in authority and importance to the committee of our Privy Council, has examined the question, and unanimously reported that it is a subject fit for reference to The Hague Tribunal?

I was not aware of that. Of course I gather from what my hon. Friend has said that that does not mean that the French Government have necessarily put forward that proposition.

:Not yet.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman has sanctioned the further loans which are being made to the Chinese Government by the groups of bankers representing certain great Powers; and, if this is the fact, if he has sanctioned the terms which are being obtained from the Chinese Government for these loans, and if the independence of China is being safeguarded in the matter?

Certain advances are being made by a British financial group, in association with American, French, German, Japanese, and Russian financial groups, to the Chinese Government to meet their immediate requirements, on conditions which appear to provide the necessary security. We have expressed approval of this proceeding which, of course, entails no pecuniary liability upon His Majesty's Government. Negotiations are now proceeding with the other Governments interested in regard to a organisation loan to China which will cover these advances and the conditions of which will provide for adequate guarantees for the proper and useful expenditure of the proceeds and satisfactory security for the payment of principal and interest. Pending the issue of these negotiations I am not in a position to give any further information on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say anything in regard to the independence of China being safeguarded in these negotiations?

Nobody wishes to infringe the independence of China in any way. If China wants to borrow money, of course it is for the groups of bankers proposing to lend the money and the Governments concerned to stipulate the conditions on which proper security shall be afforded. There is not necessarily in that anything to infringe the independence of China, but, of course, until the conditions are arranged I cannot say what they are.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will state under what authority the steamship "Menzaleh," a vessel on passage from Suez to Aden, and belonging to the Khedivial Mail Steamship and Graving Dock Company, Limited, an English company, and flying the British flag, was stopped by the Italian warship "Calabria" on the 21st December, 1911, outside Jeddah, and the mails, containing £919 shipped by the Ottoman Post Office at Constantinople to the Post Office at Hodeidah, seized by that vessel, seeing that by the conditions of The Hague Conference of 1907 mails are absolutely inviolable?

The right of visit and search of neutral vessels by the public ships of belligerents is well recognised and cannot be contested. His Majesty's Government have already addressed a representation to the Italian Government on the impropriety of interfering with mails carried by neutral vessels, but inasmuch as The Hague Convention No. 11 of 1907 has not been ratified by Italy His Majesty's Government are not entitled to insist on the strict observance of its terms, and their remonstrance has accordingly been based on general well-recognised principles. With regard to the specie seized on board the " Menzaleh," which at the time of the seizure was on her way to Jeddah, a Turkish port, His Majesty's Government consider that the question whether the seizure was justifiable or otherwise is primarily one for the consideration of the Prize Court of the captor, and His Majesty's Government have accordingly strongly urged that the matter should be brought before that tribunal for adjudication.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will state on what authority the steamship "Tantah," a vessel belonging to the Khedevial Mail Steamship and Graving Dock Company, Limited, an English company, and flying the British flag, was boarded at Massowah by the local Italian authorities on the 15th November, 1911, and a first-class passenger named Mehmet Faik Bey, who is an Ottoman Customs inspector and not a belligerent, was taken ashore and imprisoned and still remains a prisoner; and whether the legality of such seizure and detention is to be submitted to a Prize "Court, and when the decision of that Prize court is likely to be known?

The right of arrest of a suspected person on board a merchant ship in the territorial waters of a foreign State by the authorities of that State is one that is well recognised in International Law, and consequently His Majesty's Government have no ground for taking exception to the proceedings on that score, nor is it a matter for a Prize Court.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the sale of the county Kilkenny estates of Viscount Mountgarret are yet completed; if so, if the portions of 130 Irish acres in Ballyconra and 90 in Lisdowney, respectively held by a man named Fitzgerald, of Waterford, are included in the sale; is he aware that these were lands from which tenants were evicted within the statutory limit; is he aware that Mr. Fitzgerald holds over 1,000 acres of such lands for most of which he did not pay a penny compensation to anybody; and will steps be taken to secure that these lands are not included, but will be reserved for distribution amongst those who may be entitled to portions thereof?

The reply to the first paragraph of the question is in the negative and to the second paragraph in the affirmative. The lands referred to are tenanted lands and are not therefore available for distribution as untenanted land. The Estates Commissioners have received an application from a person who states his father held portion of these lands at one time. They are not prepared to take any action in regard to such application, and they have no information as regards the other matters referred to in the question.

asked when the Land Commission Report for the last financial year will be published; whether seven millions of property are sold every year; whether the cost of the Land Commission is a million a year to carry out these sales; what was the money value of the agreements for sale lodged the last financial year; how many Sub-Commissions are there now for fixing fair rent; what is the money value of the fair rents fixed during the last financial year; and is there any way by which sales can be carried out before eight years have elapsed after the agreements are lodged?

The annual Reports of the Irish Land Commission and the Estates Commissioners are at present in course of preparation and will, it is anticipated, be presented to Parliament at an early date, when the hon. Member will be able to obtain from them all the information now asked for respecting the proceedings of the Land Commission and the Estates Commissioners. As regards the amount of property sold, it may be stated that in the year ended the 31st March last, advances were made to the total amount of no less than £7,965,068, which was greater than the amount advanced in any previous financial year. The hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to the cost of the Irish Land Commission. It will be seen from the Estimates for 1912ȓ13, that the net cost is £618,147, and that this sum includes provision for dividend and sinking fund upon stock required for the Land Purchase Aid Fund, Excess Stock, and Improvement of Estates.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the sales he refers to are under the 1902 Act?

Oh, certainly, the enormous majority of them!

asked whether the Congested Districts Board made an inspection of the Monatique Farm, Athenry, the property of Mr. M'Donagh, Galway; has the farm been purchased by the Board; and, if so, when does the Board expect to be able to deal with this farm?

This estate has been inspected, and the Congested Districts Board hope to be in a position to consider the question of making an offer for purchase of the property at an early date.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give me any idea when the people may expect this estate to be dealt with?

No, Sir.

I have been asking this question for two or three years? Will the right hon. Gentleman bring it to the notice of the Commission?

I will communicate with the Board, but they are simply smothered with cases.

asked whether the twenty-nine teachers who completed their two years' training in 1900 and were appointed to schools with an average attendance of between thirty and fifty had the same classification; can he state why the payment of the ordinary salary (£56) would work inequitably in the case of two of them when, in the judgment of the Commissioners, it worked equitably in the case of the remaining twenty-seven; and whether he will explain why the Commissioners, when they gave special consideration to two of their number, did not give the same consideration to all?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the teachers referred to were all second-class teachers. The Commissioners considered the circumstances of all these teachers, and in regard to twenty-seven of them they could find no adequate reason for awarding exceptional incomes under the new Regulations. In two cases the Commissioners were of opinion that the strict application of the new scale of remuneration would have operated inequitably.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that it is impossible under the present procedure for a returning officer at local government elections to have his costs and witnesses' expenses refunded to him, unless the accused are returned for trial, owing to the refusal of the Crown to issue the certificate and order on the county treasurer which are usual in these cases; and whether he will move the Crown authorities to issue the necessary certificate in cases where it is applied for, as otherwise there is no authority to the county treasurer to pay sums incurred as costs?

The refusal of the Crown to issue the certificates referred to is explained by the terms of the 24th Section of the Ballot Act, which, as interpreted by the Law Officers, is confined to cases which have been brought to trial, and does not extend to cases in which informations are refused at Petty Sessions.

Might I ask whether the Crown would have any objection to issuing the certificate in this case?

Yes, the Crown are of opinion they cannot issue it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest any means by which the returning officer can get his costs and the; witnesses' expenses refunded to him when the Crown refuse to issue the certificate.

No, I am afraid that is a matter for the Law Officers.

asked when the Return, standing in the name of the hon. Member for East Down, of firing, etc., outrages will be issued?

The Return is approaching completion, and it is hoped that it will be presented in a few days.

Will it be presented before the close of the Debate on the Second Reading of the Government of Ireland Bill?

I cannot say.

Would the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the importance of this subject, see that is done?

Well, I will hurry it up as much as I can.

Well, do not be afraid.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) when he will be in a position to state what are the arrangements made with the Development Commissioners for the further encouragement and conduct of the tobacco-growing industry in Ireland?

The Department have not yet been apprised of the decision of the Development Commissioners on their application.

Would the right hon. Gentleman indicate when this matter is likely to be dealt with?

The hon. Gentleman knows the Department has made an application for a grant for this purpose. We made the application some time ago, and presented a scheme for carrying it out; but the negotiations are not complete.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), if he is aware that the dredger was not sent to Kilmore according to promise and that dissatisfaction exists there amongst fishermen and others who use the harbour; and can he say when dredging will commence at Kilmore?

Kilmore is the first on the list of places to which the Department's hopper dredging plant will be sent. It will be towed there as soon as it is ready and weather permits.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he promised one of the North of Ireland harbours should be first on the list?

No North of Ireland harbour has made any application.

Oh, yes.

Well, not to me.

Is this the dredger we have already discussed for several days?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken in the last twelve months to improve the financial position of officials in the British East Africa Protectorate?

I am glad to say that it has been found possible to effect a substantial improvement in the scales of pay of certain Departments, including the Administrative staff, on the Estimates for the current financial year. I regret that I am not yet in a position to give the details, as some minor questions connected with the change are still outstanding.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will consider making these new Regulations retrospective for five years, so as to benefit those officials who have already served for many years in the British East Africa Protectorate?

I am afraid I could not treat the question retrospectively unless the Treasury approved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to the state of affairs in Somaliland and the positions held by the Mullah and his followers?

I am awaiting a Memorandum from the Commissioner on the general situation in the Protectorate, and I am unable to make any statement until I have received and considered it. It is difficult to obtain reliable information regarding the movements of the Mullah and his followers, and I have nothing that I can usefully communicate with regard to "their present positions.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say when this Mullah ceased to be called the "Mad Mullah"?

I think my hon. Friend is confusing him with another gentleman of the same name.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, with reference to his statement that the Poulsen Company had been invited to tender for a wireless station in Trinidad and had declined, he is aware that the time given (ten days) was too short to give them any opportunity of tendering; and whether, in future, in calling for tenders for wireless installations, ample time may be given to the companies concerned?

In the case of the Trinidad tenders the Governor had reported that the matter was exceedingly urgent. In ordinary cases a longer time than ten days would be allowed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction and unrest among the white population on the Rand, owing to certain outrages recently committed by certain members of the native population; whether proposals have been or are about to be made in the Union Parliament to confine the native population in compounds; and whether, in view of the opinion expressed by Members of the Government of this country as to the evils and degradation inflicted on Chinese indentured labour under the compound system, it is his intention to make any representation to the Union Legislature should any such proposals be in fact made the subject of legislation?

I have no information beyond what appears in the Press, and I do not, as at present advised, propose to make representations to the Union Government.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the inquiry into diseases which should be scheduled under the Workmen's Compensation Act will include carbon-monoxide poisoning; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of extending the scope of the inquiry to admit of this being done?

The inquiry does not include carbon-monoxide poisoning. The previous Committee which inquired into the subject of the application of the Compensation Act to industrial diseases reported that the evidence was to the effect that poisoning by carbon-monoxide gas was almost invariably sudden, and therefore as an accident entitled the injured person to compensation. They held that they had no sufficient evidence of slow poisoning by carbon-monoxide to show that it could be regarded as a trade disease. Attention was called by my hon. Friend in 1909 to a case which appeared to be one of gradual poisoning by the gas, and the matter has been carefully watched since. No further cases, however, have come to light, nor has any fresh evidence on the subject been obtained; and in the circumstances, it does not seem that anything would be gained by reopening the question.

asked if, and in what circumstances, persons released from prison have periodically to report themselves to the police?

Convicts under sentence of penal servitude are allowed to serve part of their sentence on licence, and during the time they are in this way at large on licence, they are required by the Penal Servitude Acts to report to the police, unless this requirement is specially remitted by the Secretary of State, as is frequently done in suitable cases. Further, criminals of bad antecedents coming within Section 8 of the Prevention of Crimes Act, 1871, may by special order of the Court convicting them, be placed under police supervision for a term of years—not exceeding seven—after the expiration of their sentence of imprisonment or penal servitude, and are then required by the Statute to report to the police in the same manner as convicts at large on licence.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been directed to the drowning of two children in a pit at some disused brickworks on the Gorringe Park estate, near Mitcham; and whether, having regard to the number of such accidents due to the unprotected state in which disused clay and other pits are left, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to amend the Quarry (Fencing) Act, 1887, so as to require that dangerous pits at all accessible to the public shall be properly fenced?

My attention has been called to this case, and I have made inquiry of the Coroner as to the circumstances. It appeared from the evidence given at the inquest that the pit in question, though close to the highway, was separated from it by a secure and sufficient fence, and was only accessible from the railway or by trespassing for a considerable distance over vacant building land. The question whether it is desirable to strengthen the provisions of the Quarry Fencing Act with a view to securing greater safety for the public is now before the Royal Commission on Metalliferous Mines and Quarries, and will come up for consideration, with other proposals, for the amendment of the law relating to quarries, when the Commission's Report is received.

asked the Home "Secretary whether he has made the inquiry promised to the hon. Member for North Salford into the case of two boys imprisoned at Wandsworth in default of a fine of 2s. 6d.; and, if so, with what result?

I have made inquiry. Four youths, all above the age of sixteen, were charged with gaming in the street and pleaded guilty and were fined 2s. 6d. each. One paid the fine, one asked for and was given time to pay; the other two chose to go to prison at once. They belonged to a gang about whom many complaints had been received, and one of the two had been previously convicted and bound over. Street gaming is both a public nuisance and a source of demoralisation; and unless it is to be allowed to go on unchecked, it is absolutely necessary that offenders should be punished. The penalty imposed was a very lenient one, and as the law stands, it seems to me no other course was open to the magistrate.

Does that mean that if they do not have 2s. 6d. in their pockets they must go to prison?

Oh, no, they would be given time in which to pay if they asked for it. One was given time.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether "gaming in the streets" means marbles or pitch and toss?

It means some gaming which comes within the provisions of the Act.

May I ask whether in any future case he will apply to me for the 2s. 6d.?

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing the time that must elapse before a permanent museum can be opened and also the interest taken in the matter at the present, he will arrange a temporary exhibition of live-saving appliances, particularly for use in mines, in fires, and at sea, for an early date?

So far as regards life-saving appliances for use in mines and at fires, I am afraid my Department cannot undertake to organise a temporary exhibition as suggested. Several temporary exhibitions of rescue and other safety appliances for use in mines have been held in recent years. A large exhibition of fire appliances was held in London in 1903, and the British Fire Prevention Committee have a small permanent exhibition which, I understand, includes some life-saving appliances, and can be visited by the public. I am not aware that any special demand or need exists at the present moment for another temporary exhibition. The question of life-saving appliances for use at sea does not come within the jurisdiction of my Department.

asked the Home Secretary what are the duties imposed on the Historical Manuscripts Commission; what is the cost of the Commission annually; what number of copies of its publications were issued; and what number were sold to the public last year?

The duties of the Commissioners are to examine collections of papers belonging to institutions and private persons, a knowledge of which would be of utility in the illustration of history, constitutional law, science, and general literature, and to publish reports on such papers as are of general public interest. The annual cost of the Commission is about £1,800 to £l,900, apart from about £500 for stationery and printing. Six thousand one hundred and forty-eight copies of the Commission's various publications were issued last year, of which 2,141 were sold to the public. The net receipts from the sale of these copies were £165.

Arising out of that answer, is the matter of the spoliation of Ecclesiastical estates in past times within the scope of this Commission?

I think that is the subject matter of the ensuing question.

I will ask it then.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks his Department get value for their money so invested?

Yes, certainly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these volumes are not available in the public libraries throughout the country?

Yes; that is one source through which the information is communicated to the public.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is within his power to direct the operations of the Historical Manuscripts Commission so that special attention may be from time to time given to elucidation of questions of general public interest; and, if he has this power, whether he will call for a volume showing the documentary evidence bearing on the spoliation of ancient ecclesiastical endowments and the appropriation of religious or ecclesiastical properties by private persons?

The Commissioners act in accordance with the instructions contained in the warrant of appointment, and I have no power to ask them to enter the interesting field of investigation suggested by my hon. Friend.

If the right hon. Gentleman has not the power to command, has he the power to suggest to them?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that all these particulars are published in the current State Papers?

Yes, they are published there, of course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state how many London Liberal and Radical associations and clubs have appealed to him to grant a public inquiry into the reasons leading up to the discharge of Inspector Syme, late an officer in the Metropolitan Police; and whether he intends taking any steps to secure such an inquiry?

I have received representations of this kind from four political associations within the London area. I see no reason to doubt the decision of my two predecessors in this case, to which they gave patient and exhaustive consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the difference between a Liberal and a Radical?

It is difficult to define, but privately I will communicate it to the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to an occurrence at a Bicester hotel on 11th April, when four gentlemen broke into the bedrooms of Miss Sheepshanks, the daughter of the Bishop of Norwich, and Miss Philippa Faucett, at 10.45 at night, and proceeded to rag their rooms and clothes, on the ground, apparently, that they were suffragettes; whether he is aware that no proceedings could be taken because, being wealthy gentlemen, there could be no presumption of a desire to steal connected with the breaking in; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent such incidents in future?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, may I ask whether the hon. Member is correct in describing one of the ladies as a daughter of the Bishop of Norwich?

I have no information on the subject. My attention has not previously been called to this affair, but I am making inquiry.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will make special inquiry as to whether two of these gentlemen are not gentlemen who hold His Majesty's commission?

That will be certainly one of the subject matters of the inquiry.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in directing this inquiry he will consult the Law Officers of the Crown as to whether there are no means of dealing under the existing criminal law with disgusting offences of this kind?

All relevant circumstances will be examined into.

Will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to find out the names of the four gentlemen?

And publish them.

I do not know anything about the circumstances of the case, but I will inquire.

Will independent investigation be made or only through the police on the spot?

That will be independent investigation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the police on the spot have this matter already before them, and that if he only inquires through them into the circumstances he is not getting independent investigation?

Surely the police will give independent testimony as to what took place. I cannot say what further evidence will be necessary. I will inquire further. I cannot say more.

Will the right hon. Gentleman send gentlemen—[HON. MEMBWES: "Order."]

Will the—

If the hon. Member has any further question to ask he had better put it down.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received a request from the National Union of Dairy Employés to receive a deputation on the question of inserting in the forthcoming Milk Bill provisions regarding the conditions of labour of dairy employés; and whether he is prepared to accede to the request?

I have received the request referred to, and am willing to receive a deputation; but, as I intimated on 12th March, I do not think the matters they complain of could properly be dealt with in the Milk Bill.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is still his intention to reintroduce the Milk and Dairies Bill this Session; and, if so, whether he can state when he proposes to do so?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I cannot yet fix a day for the introduction of the Bill.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the magistrates at Cefn, on Thursday, 25tb April, made an order for the abatement of overcrowding consequent upon the lack of accommodation for navvies employed upon the new waterworks for the Mountain Ash Council, and that in the case in question thirteen persons were sleeping in a two-room cottage; what steps were taken to comply with Standing Order 184A when the local authority obtained powers from Parliament to construct the waterworks; and whether the Local Government Board will take immediate action to assist in abating the overcrowding in connection with this undertaking?

I am informed that there have been two prosecutions for overcrowding at Hirwain, where some of the navvies on the works in question have been accommodated, but I have received no details of the cases. The Standing Order referred to was not made when the local authority obtained their powers. I have had these works visited by one of my inspectors on more than one occasion, and am doing what I can to secure the abatement of overcrowding.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Breconshire County Council tried to get a Clause to prevent these occurrences inserted when the Bill was in Committee, and will he in view of the fact that there are similarly important public works now before a Committee of this House draw special attention to the Standing Order relating to this subject?

I am informed of the fact that a Parliamentary Committee was asked by the county council referred to to insert such a Clause, and refused. I am pleased to say that all the Committees of the House are seized of the importance of this matter, and I think we can trust them to do their duty in this matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the North Kensington Care Committee has written to the Hammersmith Board of Guardians declining to give dinners to a lad named Charles Roberts on the grounds that as the child is in receipt of outdoor relief such relief should be adequate for its needs; and whether he will take steps to compel the Hammersmith Board of Guardians to adequately relieve this and similar cases, or induce the education authority to provide meals in accordance with the provisions of the Education (Provision of Meals) Act?

My attention had not been called to this case. I am in communication with the guardians on the subject.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will also communicate with his colleague, the President of the Board of Education, on the matter, so that the care committees or boards of guardians can see that the children are not underfed?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received any resolutions from boards of guardians asking for an amendment of the Old Age Pensions Act to permit boards of guardians to recover the cost of maintenance of old age pensioners who have become chargeable to the common fund by making it obligatory on pension officers to issue orders for the payment of pensions falling due to such pensioners during the period of chargeability direct to the guardians; and whether he proposes to introduce legislation to this effect?

I have received from some fifty boards of guardians in England and Wales resolutions to the effect stated in the question. Whether any such action should be taken as is suggested is a matter for the consideration of the Treasury rather than the Local Government Board, and I am forwarding to the Treasury a statement of the effect of the representations received from the guardians.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a communication from the Ealing and Hampstead Associations of Tenant Co-partners, alleging that the Co-partnership Tenants, Limited, are violating Clause 17 (2) of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893, in refusing to allow members to inspect the books of the societies named in the manner prescribed by the said Act; and, if so, whether he is able to make any statement thereon?

I am informed that the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies, who is responsible for the administration of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, has received no communication from the Ealing and Hampstead Associations on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is receiving remonstrances from the trading and commercial classes against the proposals of the Railways Bill; and whether he proposes to go on with it?

I have received a number of representations with regard to some of the provisions of the Bill. Most of these representations appear to me to be based on misapprehension of the intention and effect of the Bill. This is owing, no doubt, in part to the highly technical character of the subject matter. I shall at all times be glad to do what I can to remove any of these misunderstandings, and to meet reasonable criticisms. Perhaps my hon. Friend may care to discuss the matter with me. There is every intention of proceeding with the Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state how long motor auxiliary vessels have been common on the high seas, and when it is proposed to establish such signals for a motor auxiliary vessel as will show when she is using her engine to avoid a collision at sea?

It is only during the last few years that sea-going vessels fitted with auxiliary motors have become at all numerous. As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, practically all the maritime countries of the world are parties to the collision regulations, and steps are now being taken to obtain international consent to an alteration specifying a distinctive signal for vessels proceeding under sail and mechanical power simultaneously.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to expedite these proceedings, as the season when these vessels are largely used is coming on?

It is a question of international agreement, but we will do our best.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the large acreage of land, formerly common lands accessible to the people, subsequently enclosed under various Enclosure Acts and turned into estates attached to bishoprics and other ecclesiastical bodies; whether these lands are now held by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in trust for the Church; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the extent and present character of these lands, or, alternatively, introduce legislation for the complete restoration of them to national purposes, and in so doing making them especially available for small agricultural holders?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I am informed that the lands allotted to Bishops, Deans, and Chapters, or other Ecclesiastical Corporations (other than the Incumbents of Benefices) upon enclosures made under the provisions of special Acts are in the main, and with the exception of such parts as have been sold or otherwise disposed of, now in the possession of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners; but I am unable to make any statement as to the extent of such lands. I am further informed that Ecclesiastical Corporations became entitled to allotments upon enclosures precisely in the same way and upon the same grounds as the Crown and private persons, that is to say, in exchange for antecedent rights. It would not be possible now to repeal the Enclosure Acts, and to replace the holders in the original position of their predecessors in title.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Committee stage of the Housing of the Working Classes Bill will be taken shortly, he is prepared to propose in Committee of the Whole House a financial Resolution to give effect to Clauses 11 and 12 of the Bill, by which it is proposed to make an annual Grant for housing purposes and to pay the salaries and expenses of the Housing Commissioners?

No, Sir, I am not prepared to introduce such a Resolution, for the reasons indicated in the speech of my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board on the Second Reading Debate on 15th March.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Bill was given its Second Reading willingly on the advice of the President of the Local Government Board, and, further, that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has £6,500,000 up his sleeve, which he can use?

asked the Prime Minister if he can state, as an example of a better understanding with Germany, what progress has been made with Germany, Turkey, and Great Britain in the negotiations for the building of the Baghdad Railway?

His Majesty's Government are carrying on negotiations respecting British participation in the proposed railway from Baghdad to Bussorah with the Turkish Government who, in return for compensations elsewhere, have bought out the Baghdad Railway Company from this section subject to a certain condition as to German participation.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the matters of public and personal importance to hon. Members in this House and Members of the Upper House contained in the Motion which stood in the names of the hon. Members for West Ham, East Leeds, and Bow and Bromley, he will give facilities on an early day for the discussion of that Motion, which owing to a count-out on Wednesday, 24th April, could not be reached?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I— as my name was mentioned in the notice upon the Notice Paper for last Wednesday by the hon. Member who has put this question—ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be fair, when these kinds of charges are put on the Records of the House of Commons, that some opportunity of disposing of them should be provided?

Certainly. I am quite as anxious as the hon. and learned Gentleman that there should be such an opportunity, but I regret I do not see my way at this moment to give Government time for the purpose.

Is there any truth in the statement made in the notice of Motion that the Government make a selection between rich people and poor people as regards the institution of prosecutions?

No, none.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that lying in His Majesty's prison at the present moment is a man suffering a sentence of six months' imprisonment for only writing—

Notice should be given of that question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one man is in gaol at the present moment for preaching sedition, and the right hon. and learned Gentleman (Sir E. Carson) who preached sedition—

The hon. Member is not entitled to speak when I am standing. The only time the hon. Member is entitled to speak is when I am sitting. The question which he desires to ask does not arise out of the question on the Paper. If he will put down a question he will be entitled to an answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was prosecuted for using language less strong than that used by the right hon. and learned Gentleman?

That does not arise out of the question, which is as to whether and when facilities will be given. We cannot now discuss the matter.

May I ask for a reply to my question on the Paper?

I have already given the reply. I am afraid, though I quite recognise the importance of the matter, I do not see my way to give Government time for the discussion?

I want to bow to your ruling, Sir, but my question did arise out of the question of the right hon. Gentleman (Sir E. Carson). He asked the Prime Minister whether there was any truth in the statement in the Resolution that we wished to move last week that the Government were discriminating between rich and poor people?

The hon. Member will see it is perfectly impossible to conduct a Debate in that sort of manner. Hon. Members must await a proper opportunity.

asked whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, the Parliament proposed to be established in Dublin will have power to design and to prescribe a national flag and prohibit any one flying the Union Jack in Ireland?

I am advised that this is a matter of Royal Prerogative, and, as such, it would fall within the terms of Clause 2 of the Bill.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the fixing of fair rents and the duties of the Irish Land Commission generally will, under the terms of the Government of Ireland Bill, constitute an Irish service, he will say what control or security, if any, will be reserved to the Imperial Exchequer in respect of moneys already advanced or to be advanced for the completion of land purchase and for the collection of annuities due in repayment of such loans; and (2) whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, it is intended that the Departments charged with the fixing of fair rents and with the administration of the Land Purchase Acts, 1903 and 1909, shall continue as heretofore to be under the direction of officials described in the official directory as holding the appointment of Land Commissioner and Estate Commissioner, with joint offices and an interchangeable staff of inspectors and sub-commissioners; and whether any Tote for their salaries will be borne on the Irish Estimates only?

The administration of the Land Law Acts, including the fixing of fair rents, will be an Irish Service, and the administration of the Land Purchase Acts will be a reserved service. The Imperial Exchequer will retain control over the collection of the annuities due in repayment of the advances for land purchase. The necessary Departmental changes will be made in the first instance by Order in Council under the transitory provisions of the Bill, and the cost of the Irish and reserved services will fall on the Irish and United Kingdom Votes respectively.

Would the Congested Districts Board constitute an Irish service or a reserved service?

So far as the Congested Districts Board is concerned with land purchase and annuities under the Land Purchase Acts it will be a reserved service, but so far as it carries on the other work of the Board it will be on Irish service.

Will there be two separate Boards established?

No, Sir.

Will there be dual control?

Certainly. They will retain, as they do now, all the money necessary to purchase estates through the Land Commissioners.

What provision will be made to safeguard the cases where purchases which are made consequent upon the fair rents being fixed by the Commissioners appointed under the Irish Executive and to secure that they will be fixed in such a way as will not cause unnecessary trouble and unrest throughout the rest of Ireland where purchases have already been carried out, perhaps at a higher price?

The whole of that objection, so far as it is an objection, exists at the present moment.

asked whether, in view of the statement contained in the Report of the Committee on Irish Finance that local Irish expenditure has increased 91 per cent, during the last fifteen years, compared with an increase of only 28 per cent, in revenue, it is proposed to take any and, if so, what steps, under the scheme of Irish self-government, to ensure that Ireland shall within a reasonable period bear the whole of Irish local expenditure and a proper proportion of Imperial expenditure; and what period will be fixed for the purpose?

I would refer the hon. Member to the arrangements made by Clause 26 of the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a resolution passed by Scottish Liberal Members welcoming his statement made on introducing the Government of Ireland Bill that the measure was introduced as an instalment of devolution applicable to other component parts of the United Kingdom; whether there exists any precedent for the local assembly of a component part of any federal system being designated a Parliament, or where no financial contribution is required from any one component part to the central authority of such federal system; whether it is his intention to introduce a Government of Scotland Bill in the next Session of Parliament; and whether he has received any deputation on the subject?

The answer to the first paragraph of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second paragraph, the materials for an answer are as accessible to the hon. Member as to myself, and can be more satisfactorily dealt with in debate. To the third paragraph, the answer is that it would be premature at this stage to make any statement as to the business of next Session; to the fourth paragraph the answer is in the negative.

Is it a fact that three years ago, so far as Ireland is concerned, the policy of devolution was described as "dead and damned"?

With reference to the latter part of the question as to whether the right hon. Gentleman will receive a deputation from Scotland, will he receive the deputation with as little delay as possible, in view of the fact that some Members are basing their attitude on Home Rule for Ireland entirely upon the answer that will be given to the deputation?

I understand that the deputation is going to meet me next week.

Before the Second Reading of the Irish Home Rule Bill?

I believe on Monday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the limited time given to the discussion of the Home Rule Bill, dozens of hon. Members on this side of the House have no chance whatever of asking him anything?

An indication was given yesterday as to how that might be achieved—by the abbreviation of speeches

In view of the fact that many people in Scotland have interpreted the right hon. Gentleman's past statements that Devolution or Home Rule for Scotland will be the immediate result of the passing of the Irish Bill, may I ask if they are right in their surmise, and, if so, when and how this measure is to be carried out?

I have already answered that question.

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that there is no idea of carrying it out?

No, the Noble Lord must take the answer which I have already given.

Having regard to the limited opportunities allowed in this Debate, will the right hon. Gentleman give a day specially for the discussion of the-whole federal system?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Lord Chancellor has set up an advisory committee for the appointment of justices of the peace for the county of Bute; if so, will he give the names of the men so appointed; and, if not, will he say whether it is the intention of the Lord Chancellor to institute such a committee in that county, and when?

The advisory committee has already been set up. I understand that the names of the gentlemen appointed are being furnished to the hon. Member by the Lord Chancellor.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the temporary expedient of carrying an excess of passengers on the London County Council trams is still in operation; and whether he can state definitely when it is to be discontinued and the usual service of trams restored?

The by-law made on 8th March, permitting the carrying of ai certain number of excess passengers inside the tramcars, was rescinded by a by law made on 30th April, which came into force yesterday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when permission to overstock the cars was given the council put a notice in each car, and that no notice has been placed in the cars with regard to the withdrawal, leaving the conductors to fight the matter out with the passengers? Will the right hon. Gentleman make some representations?

I will look into that point.

Was not the temporary regulation in consequence of the inability of the county council to deal otherwise with the difficulty caused by the coal strike?

That is the reason why the Board of Trade under its statutory powers allowed them for the time being to have an excess number of passengers. The particular emergency having disappeared, that particular by-law is now rescinded.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will say how many of the eighty-nine schools formerly managed by Church of England managers in Wales but now closed or handed over to local authorities are situated in the county of Carmarthen?

Two Church of England schools in the county of Carmarthen have been closed since the 31st March, 1903. None have been handed over to local authorities.

asked what percentage the Grants from the Exchequer bore to the total income of the universities and colleges in England and Wales, respectively, in the years 1910–11 and 1911–12?

The Returns from the universities and university colleges for 1910–11 have not yet been finally revised, but I anticipate that the percentages in question will be about the same as for last year— namely, about 28 per cent, for England and 54 per cent, for Wales. The Returns for 1911–12 have not yet been received, but in the case of England there will be a substantial increase in the percentage.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will say what were the total numbers of students in the universities and colleges of England and Wales, respectively, in the year 1910–11, separating full-time and part-time students?

The Returns from universities and university colleges participating in the Exchequer Grant for 1910–11 have not yet been finally revised, but the number of full-time students in England was about 7,900; the apparent decrease of about 250, as compared with 1909–10 is more than accounted for by more accurate classification. The number in Wales was about the same as last year, namely, 1,363. The number of part-time students was somewhat less than in 1909–10, when the numbers were 13,725 in England, and 335 in Wales. The effects of the application of stricter criteria may have to be taken into account in comparing the two years. The Returns referred to above will, I hope, be available next month.