asked whether it was the intention of the Government to make this country a party to the International Convention for the Regulation of Conflicts of Law respecting Marriage, made at The Hague in June, 1902; and, if not, what reason can be given for declining to enter into an agreement to which France, Germany, Italy, and other European countries are parties?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In reply to the second I must observe that the terms of the. Convention conflict in many important respects with the doctrines at present accepted by British Courts of Law, and that although the States which he has mentioned are parties to it, Russia, Austria, Spain, Denmark, Norway, and many other European States, the United States of America and the whole of the South American Republics are not parties.

asked whether representations made to the Italian Government on the cutting of cables in the Ægean Sea have received any reply; and whether any statement could be made on this subject?

I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 1st May. The cutting of cables by a belligerent is not per se a violation of international law or practice. If there is wanton or unnecessary interference or violation of neutral waters or some such circumstances, any claims that may arise in consequence must be considered on their merits.

Would it not be possible to have some method of stopping the communication of news other than the destruction of the cables, for instance by an international agreement by which cables should be interdicted from use in certain circumstances?

I cannot say what may be found possible by future international agreement. I only have to deal with the circumstances as they are.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he would approach the Austro-Hungarian Government with a request for information as to the alleged conditions under which Italy refrains from carrying the war with Turkey into Albania and the Balkans?

I must ask the hon. Member not to press questions of this kind, which it is both inexpedient and unnecessary for us to raise in this way.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he could yet give any further particulars of the bombardment by Russian troops on 30th March of the mosque and shrine at Meshed, in Persia; and, if not, when a report may be expected?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and I cannot say when dispatches, which, I understand, are on their way, will arrive.

asked what is the nature of the proposals that are now being made for the building of a railway through Persia from Russia into India; whether the project has received either formally or informally the sanction or assent of His Majesty's Government; whether a société d'études representing Great Britain, France, and Russia has been formed to promote it, and, if so, who are the representatives of this country in that society; and whether this House will have an early opportunity of discussing the project?

As regards the first three points in the hon. Member's question, I beg to refer him to the answer returned to the Noble Earl the Member for the Hornsey Division of Middlesex on the 19th ultimo, which dealt with these points. As regards the fourth point, the société d'études has not been finally constituted. As regards the last point, there is at this stage no urgency, but the question can, of course, be raised on any ordinary opportunity.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that the Persian people or the Persian Government approve of this railway or desire it?

The matter is not far enough advanced for us to be able to put forward any scheme before anybody. We do not even know it ourselves.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information to the effect that Indian labour is about to be recruited for the mines in German South-West Africa; and, if so, upon what conditions?

We have heard that the Government of German South-West Africa, have granted to the local Chamber of Mines permission to import from the Indian Empire 1,000 coolie emigrants for employment in the mining industry. As to whether or on what conditions the Government of India allows or is likely to allow Indian labourers to emigrate under indenture, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given by the Under-Secretary of State for India on the 30th April to the questions on this subject by the-Members for the Isle of Wight and for the Orkney and Shetland Isles.

asked whether Mr. Bryce has been granted leave of absence from the Embassy at Washington; whether he has left the United States; and, if so, whether any date can be given when he will return to his duties?

Mr. Bryce is visiting Australia and New Zealand, on leave of absence at his own request for the holiday that is due to him. He will return to Washington about the beginning of September to resume his work as Ambassador.

May we assume that the useful work of Mr. Bryce at Washington will certainly be resumed?

I have said that he returns to do his work as Ambassador at the beginning of September. As to my own personal opinion as to the value of his work, I would refer my hon. Friend to what I said last night.

Is Mr. Bryce likely to come home before he goes back to Washington?

He can spend his holiday as he pleases. Beyond his going to Australia and New Zealand, I have not inquired as to what will be his movements.

Is it a fact that Mr. Bryce is at the present time on the high seas, and that he has no opportunity of seeing the charges made against him, much less of replying to them, and in these circumstances is it really fair play to attack a man behind his back?

I said last night, whether Mr. Bryce is on the high seas or not, I would deprecate most strongly attacks being made upon him or upon any other Ambassador. I hope, if the question which was discussed last night is made the subject of criticism again, that the criticism will be directed against His Majesty's Government.

So it was.

Not entirely. The speech to which I was replying last night deliberately suggested the recall of Mr. Bryce.

The speech to which I was referring was the speech of the right hon. Gentleman.

We are getting a long way from the question on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India proposes in future to publish the names of Members voting, as well as the totals of votes recorded, in divisions in the Governor-General's Legislative Council?

This has been the practice for the last two years, and I have no reason to believe that the Government of India contemplate any change.

asked whether the Indian Tea Association, while recording a protest against the unprecedented method in which the administrative changes announced at the Delhi Durbar have been effected, and while viewing with alarm the probable cost of carrying out these measures, which in their opinion must exceed the estimated four millions, and the heavy increase in recurring charges, which must withdraw funds needed for education, sanitation, and communications, has asked, in view of the expense to which Assam has been put in connection with the partition, for a substantial Imperial Grant for the improvement of communications throughout the province; and whether this request is receiving the attention of the Secretary of State for India?

Such a representation as that to which the hon. Member refers would not be addressed to the Secretary of State—he has seen a newspaper report—but to the Government of India, and would not reach the Secretary of State unless the Government of India were prepared to recommend it for his sanction. The Government of India has recommended, and the Secretary of State has sanctioned, a provisional settlement for the new province of Assam for the next three years, which will give it a starting balance of 40 lakhs (£267,000). The Secretary of State is of opinion that this will prove ample, and the sum was fixed after due consideration of all the needs of the province, including the improvement of communications.

asked what was the difference between the lowest British tender and that of the Phœnix Bridge Company, of Phœnixville, United States of America, who were awarded the contract for the bridge over the River Jumna, at Hamilpur station, on the Indian State Railways; and whether the British tenderers had an opportunity of carrying out the work for the price at which the American firm tendered before the order was finally placed with such firm?

As I stated on the 26th March the difference was 26½ per cent. The lowest British tenderer was approached in the sense suggested by the hon. Member, and made a considerable reduction. The figure I have quoted was the difference between the American tender and the lowest British tender as reduced.

What wages would have been earned and what revenue would the State have obtained out of those wages if this tender had been given to an English firm?

The Fair-Wages Clause applies to all contracts which are allotted.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any reason why an American firm paying double our wages can beat us in cheapness in our own Empire?

I do not think I could give reasons which would satisfy the hon. Gentleman in answer to a question.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give any reason at all?

I cannot enter into an economic disputation at question time.

asked the Undersecretary of State for India (1) whether he is aware that Sir George Rooskeppel, Chief Commissioner, N. F. W. province, is interesting himself in collecting funds for the establishment of an Islamia College at Peshawar; whether his subordinate officers are soliciting subscriptions personally and by letter and approached, amongst others, Khan Bahadur Khawaja Muhammad, Khan of Hoti, by means of a letter offering to remove a certain cloud which was alleged to be hanging over the Khan, and also to procure honour for him on condition that he contributed; whether this is in contravention of the desire of Lord Hardinge, the Viceroy, that no Government servant should join any movement for collecting subscriptions for universities and colleges; what action the Secretary of State for India intends taking in the matter; (2) whether Khan Bahadur Khawaja Muhammad, Khan of Hoti, is the same person who received high commendations from various British officers for services rendered during the Indian Mutiny and on many occasions since; whether he is aware that in 1896 the Viceroy of India, Lord Elgin, conferred the title of Khan Bahadur upon him as a personal distinction; and that he received the special thanks in 1887 of the Viceroy and the late Queen Victoria for services rendered in connection with the Chitral Relief Expedition; whether he can explain the circumstances under which he was arrested on the day following his return from the Coronation Durbar at Delhi on a warrant issued by the local police, who lodged him in gaol and refused him bail, although he is known to be very wealthy; whether the High Court of Judicature at Bombay subsequently stated that the Khan had been arrested without complaint having been made against him, and taken to Bombay to answer a charge when there was no charge against him; whether he will cause full and impartial investigation to be made into all the facts and circumstances of the case; and; (3) whether he is aware that the Khan Bahadur Khawaja Muhammad, Khan of Hoti, during his imprisonment in Peshawar Gaol on what was subsequently-shown to be a false charge, handed his agent four telegrams, addressed respectively to His Majesty the King, Lord Hardinge, the Viceroy, Lord Crewe, the Secretary of State for India, and the Foreign Secretary of the Government of India, and that these telegrams were suppressed by the Post Office officials at Peshawar and, instead of being forwarded to their destination, were handed over to the local authorities; and what action has been taken to punish those guilty of this breach of the Post Office regulations?

The three questions on this subject asked by the hon. Member raise a number of points of detail on which I have as yet no information. I recognise the importance of the case, and the Government of India are inquiring, and have promised a full Report. I shall be glad to give full information as soon as it is received.

When may we expect it?

I will let the hon. Member know as soon as I receive it.

asked what will be the extra cost of starting the new province of Behar and Orissa with adjuncts of executive and legislative councils, as compared with the cost of a lieutenant-governorship without an executive council?

If I understand the hon. Member's question rightly, he desires to know the estimated annual cost of the executive council for Behar. The estimate is two lakhs.

That is in addition to the previous cost?

As I understand it, that is the cost of the executive council of Behar.

asked what will be the pay and allowances of the Governor in Council of Bengal, his staff, contract allowance, bodyguard, if any, his executive and legislative council, and other paraphernalia of governorship, personal and administrative, as compared with the cost of the previously existing Lieutenant-Governor, with legislative council; what will be the cost, calculated on the same lines, of the maintenance of the Presidency of Bengal and of the province of Behar and Orissa, and the Chief Commissionership of Assam, with executive and legislative council and with legislative council, respectively, as compared with the cost of the previously existing lieutenant-governorships of Bengal and Eastern Bengal and Assam; whether any and, if so, what new High Courts and Universities will be created in consequence of the subdivision now effected of previously existing administrative units; and how many new offices will be created and at what cost to the Indian taxpayer?

It is estimated that the total annual cost of the new Governorship of Bengal in Council will exceed by about two lakhs that of the Lieutenant-Governorship in Council. The hon. Member seems to forget that the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal was provided with an Executive as well as a Legislative Council. It is estimated that the cost of the Governments of the three new provinces will exceed by about five and a half lakhs that of the two former provinces. These estimates must be taken as provisional, and I am at present unable to inform the hon. Member how many new offices will be created throughout the three provinces or what their cost will be. No proposal to create any new High Court is being considered at present. The new university which is being created at Lacca will not be founded as a consequence of the rearrangement of provinces, but in pursuance of the general policy of the Government of India for the extension of higher education.

Will the new Governor of Bengal be provided with a bodyguard and all the expenses adjunct to the Governorships of Bombay and Madras?

The equipment of the new Governor of Bengal will be precisely similar to that of the other Governorships.

asked whether the Government of India proposes to take power to create a High Court at Patna for the new province of Behar and Orissa; and, if so, at what cost?

Statutory power already exists for the creation of a High Court under the Royal Sign Manual. As regards its application to this particular province, I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Kincardineshire on 5th March.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, with reference to Table I., page 103, of the General Annual Report of the British Army, 1912, he can say what punishments have been inflicted on the fourteen officers and 1,455 non-commissioned officers and men of the Special Reserve shown therein as absent without leave?

This information is not available at the War Office, as the annual retunrs contain no details from which the statistics required could be compiled.

asked what was the average cost of a Militiaman in 1905–6, and the estimated cost of each Special Reservist in 1912–13?

The average cost of each force (all ranks) per head is as follows:—

Militia, 1905–6 £20 8 5 Special Reserve, 1912–13 27 6 9

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the information could be supplied by the medical officers and their staffs, he could say what was the average age, height, weight, and chest measurement of the 20,616 recruits taken for the Special Reserve in the year ending 30th September, 1911?

This information could only be obtained by calling for a special return from the medical officers concerned, and it is not considered that the advantages to be obtained from it are sufficient to justify the labour involved in compilation.

Have not the medical officers and their staffs plenty of time during peace?

No, I think the Army is suffering from too great a number of returns rather than too small a number. I hope the hon. Gentleman will not press for this return as to 20,000 persons. It will involve great labour.

It only applies to medical officers. Have they not got plenty of time?

No, I understand doctors are particularly busy just now.

asked what are the reasons of Army policy, as opposed to financial policy, which necessitates that privates in the Special Reserve should not be paid separation allowance, while those of the Regular and Territorial forces are paid such allowance?

As regards the Regulars, there has been no change in the relative advantages of the two descriptions of Service, and the Army Council are not satisfied that any is necessary. As regards the Territorial Force, the terms and conditions differ widely from those of the Special Reserve in nearly every point—pay, bounties, clothing, service, training—and it is the policy of the Army Council to deal with each independently.

Is it the policy of the Army Council that the Special Reserve, who are drawn from the poorest class probably of the three, and who serve a considerably longer period than the Territorial Force, should not have a separation allowance, while those of the Territorial Force have?

The conditions are wholly different. There is a large bounty payable to the Special Reserve which is not payable to the Territorial Force. That is one difference.

asked when the promised Yeomanry drill book will be issued?

I cannot give a date at present.

Will it be issued this year?

Certainly, this year.

Before the Yeomanry go into training?

It depends when the Yeomanry go into training—not in the course of the next week or so.

Whether trained with the rifle or not?

All that part which does not relate to shot tactics of course contains valuable information.

Is it of any use at this late season?

It will be a very good book.

Is the book still in course of preparation?

Yes. I was reading part of it this morning.

asked, in view of the fact that Sir John French stated at West Ham, on Saturday, 27th April, that the Territorial troops are not fit and cannot be fit to face regular troops in the field, and that training on war conditions is absolutely necessary, what steps the Government propose to take to make the Territorial Force of any real use against the regular troops of an invading army?

I am informed by Sir John French that the published report of the speech mentioned is incomplete, and conveys an erroneous impression of what he actually said, and further that he did not say "Territorial troops are not fit and cannot be fit to face regular troops in the field." The hon. Gentleman's question does not therefore arise.

Are we to understand that General French practically repudiates what he is reported to have said in a great number of papers?

Sir John French says he did not say what is attributed to him. I have a copy of what he did say. I will convey it to the House on another occasion.

Are we to understand that he considers the Territorial Artillery is fit to stand up to Continental troops?

That is not a question which can be discussed by way of question and answer. It will involve a long statement.

asked what is the rank to which an officer of the Regular Army must rise before he draws pay at the rate of £400 a year; and what are the subjects in which an officer must pass satisfactory examinations before he can draw the sum mentioned?

As regards the first part of the question, the hon. Gentleman will find the information he requires in Appendix XVI., Army Estimates—pages 191 to 198 inclusive—and as regards the second part of the question, in the King's Regulations—paragraphs 854 to 895 inclusive.

asked what is the pay of the members of the Army Council; and what would be the pay of a member of that Council if he were to resign and be placed on the half-pay of his rank?

Members of the Army Council are paid according to rank, and there is no special rate of pay or half-pay for a member of the Army Council as such.

Are we to understand that if one of the Army Council retires he gets no pension?

That is rather a personal question. I am a member of the Army Council, and if I were to retire I should obviously get no pension.

The right hon. Gentleman would get his Parliamentary pay.

asked when the work now being carried out at the Duke of York's headquarters will be finished?

The alteration of existing buildings will be completed by the 1st June. There will, however, be some new buildings to be erected, of which some are already in hand and others will be commenced as soon as the designs and specifications are completed. No date can at present be given for the completion of all these new buildings.

When will the wall be taken down in King's Road?

I could not say offhand. If the hon. Gentleman puts a question down I will find out.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say what arrangements have been made between the governors of Chelsea Hospital and the promoters of the International Flower Show; what sum is being paid for the use of the hospital grounds; how long the flower show will last; and what precautions have been taken to prevent injury being done to the trees and shrubs?

The grounds of the Royal Hospital have been let under a legal agreement for a rent of £580. The exhibition will last from the 22nd May to 30th May—both dates inclusive. The agreement contains special clauses stipulating that the grounds shall be restored to the condition they were in before the tenancy of the exhibition authorities, and providing that any damage done to any trees or shrubs shall be made good.

asked whether the Government are themselves now manufacturing acetone, or whether they intend to resume the manufacture of it?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the reply to a question on this subject put by the hon. Gentleman the Member for the South Division of Wiltshire on the 25th March.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to give the reasons for the change of policy involved in this, seeing that as late as November, 1910, the War Office was selling plant for the manufacture of acetone?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will refer to the answer I gave on 25th March, I think he will see that it covers the question he now asks.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) if he will state the principles regulating the grant of war medals under which thousands of men received the South African War medal who never went near the scene of action, and men who were constantly under fire in the Dakka-n-Kerri expedition, and some of them wounded, are refused a medal; and (2) if he will state the reasons why the West African medal was not granted to those who took part in the Dakka-n-Kerri operations in Northern Nigeria in 1908, seeing that the expedition was entirely successful, was carried out under trying conditions in the rainy season under constant danger from poisoned arrows, that no less than one officer and six men were severely wounded, that five native soldiers earned the distinguished conduct medal, that the Governor of Northern Nigeria, Sir Percy Girouard, recommended the grant of a war medal, and that the Secretary of State for the Colonies endorsed this recommendation?

The question of the grant of a medal to the officers and men who took part in the Dakka-n-Kerri operations in. Northern Nigeria in 1908 was fully considered on two separate occasions, and it was decided that the operations were not of sufficient importance to warrant the publication of a dispatch in the "London Gazette" nor the grant of a medal.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the first question, and state why medals were not given to men who had seen active service?

We are not responsible for what took place during the South African War in regard to the grant of medals. We had to deal with this question when it arose.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state when the system of allowing surveyors of taxes a lump sum for the hire of clerks ceased?

The system under which clerks were hired by surveyors of taxes and were paid out of a lump sum provided for the purpose in the Inland Revenue Vote ceased on the 10th April, 1908.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that over two-thirds, or about 500, of the men clerks to surveyors of taxes are employed on weekly agreements and receive salaries ranging from £l to £2 10s. per week; whether these clerks have access in the course of their duties to every return and statement furnished by taxpayers for the information of surveyors, including balance-sheets, trading and profit and loss accounts, deeds of partnership, etc.; and, if so, whether, in the interests of the tax-paying public, he will take steps to prevent this state of affairs continuing to exist, and to acquaint taxpayers with the position?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the answer to the second part is in the negative. I may add that the documents referred to are not always of a confidential nature and that all reasonable precautions are taken to prevent the contents of those which taxpayers would wish to keep private from being divulged.

Am I to understand that some of these clerks are working for £l a week, and, if so, does the right hon. Gentleman think that that is sufficient pay for a clerk?

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware of the fact that the surveyors themselves have over and over again borne testimony to the fact that the responsibilities of the work do lie with the clerks, and that the wages are not sufficient for the work they do?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give some assurance, in view of the immensely increased work these clerks have now to do owing to the Finance Act of 1909–10, that their case will receive special consideration?

Their case has received consideration.

May I ask whether the matter has not been finally closed yet?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether local education authorities in Scotland receive half the cost of medical inspection out of funds provided by taxation, and, in addition will receive a special Grant for medical treatment; and, if so, will he explain why in England it is only proposed to distribute a Grant for treatment?

School boards in Scotland receive half the cost of medical inspection out of the Education (Scotland) Fund, constituted under the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908. This fund consists of a number of Grants which form, generally speaking, the Scottish equivalent to Grants otherwise allocated in England.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will take steps to remedy this injustice?

I do not think the Noble Lord could have followed the answer. It is simply that in Scotland they have used for this purpose Grants which have been used in England for totally different purposes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the Referee's decision in the Plymouth case, given on the 29th ultimo, he will withdraw the White Paper instructions issued to valuers, and issue others in accordance with the Referee's interpretation of the Finance Act?

The answer to the hon. Member's question appears in Column 173 of the OFFICIAL REPORT for yesterday, and I have nothing to add to it.

No answer to the question has reached me. The question was postponed, and I would like the right hon. Gentleman to explain how it came to be answered through the OFFICIAL REPORT. May I ask whether the site value on the occasion was made in accordance with the White Paper issued to the valuers?

I cannot answer that without notice. With regard to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, I have to say that I received no notice of the postponing of the question on the Paper, and as the question had not been reached at a quarter before four o'clock I handed it in the usual way to be printed with the Written Answers. If the hon. Gentleman would like a copy of the answer, I will let him have it this afternoon.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what steps he proposes to take to carry out the terms of the Resolution moved by the hon. Member for West Cumberland on Wednesday last with regard to the co-operation of the medical profession in working the National Insurance Act, and accepted by him on behalf of the Government; and (2) how many deputations he received from the British Medical Association before the introduction of the National Insurance Bill on 4th May, 1911, and on what dates; did he, before the introduction of the Bill, invite representations from the British-Medical Association; and did he afford the association any opportunity of becoming acquainted before 4th May with the special provisions of the Bill affecting the medical profession?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers to these questions which appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT for yesterday. I have nothing to add to these answers except, with regard to the latter, I had overlooked the fact that, in addition to the deputation to which I have already referred, I received a deputation from, members of the medical profession in my room at this House at the beginning of the year 1911.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that the doctors were appointed to the Advisory Committee so long ago as 16th March, and, if so, how is it that the Committee is only going to meet for the first-time, as I understand, next Friday—nearly two months after the doctors had nominated their members?

That does not quite arise out of the answer which I gave, but I may be allowed to answer the hon. Gentleman. The Advisory Committee does not consist merely of members of the medical profession. We had to get nominations from the great employers' associations in the country, the friendly societies, the trade unions, and several other bodies. The Advisory Committee meets on Friday to consider the Regulations. They were not ready for consideration earlier.

May I ask whether, in view of the report of the actuaries, it is really any use for the doctors to be allowed to present their case to the Commissioners as regards further payment?

The hon. Gentleman should give notice of that question.

I put down these two questions yesterday, and then I postponed them until to-day. I find, to my intense surprise, that the answer to one of them is set out in the public Press. May I ask whether it as not the case that if a Member of the House asks that a question should be postponed, he is entitled to have that request complied with?

It may sometimes happen that though notice of the withdrawal or postponement of a question has been given at the Table here, notice may not have been given to the Minister. The right hon. Gentleman was not aware of the question being postponed. He had no intimation of the question being postponed, and he supposed that as it had not been reached at a quarter before four o'clock the answer should be printed in the usual way.

I was here right to the end of the answers to questions. I received no notice of the two questions which the hon. Member for Taunton had on the Paper being postponed. I was not aware that they were postponed until today, and that being so, they were published in the ordinary course.

I certainly understood that it was enough to give notice at the Table and that one need not give notice to the Minister. The answer to one of these questions was not sent to me at all. Surely, when an hon. Member asks a question, he has a prior right to have the question sent to him before it is sent to the Press.

Is it not a fact that the whole of the names of the Advisory Committee were published on the 16th of March, and that the real cause of the delay in meeting was due to mistake in the Act which has since been amended by Regulation?

I am informed that this has actually nothing to do with it.

Were not the names of the Advisory Committee announced on the 16th of March?

That I cannot answer without notice. No doubt the hon. Gentleman is correct.

With reference to the question I asked just now of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Chancellor complained that notice had not been given to him that two of my questions had been postponed until to-day. I gave notice in the ordinary way at the Table that the questions were postponed, and I find that his secretary was informed that the questions had been postponed until to-day. I therefore submit I am entitled to have those questions answered orally, and instead of that I understand the answers were circulated with the Votes. The answer to one is sent to me, and the answer to the other is not. Of course in this way it is very easy for Ministers to avoid supplementary questions being asked. I think I am entitled when notice is properly given to have questions answered orally at the Table, in order to put supplementary questions if necessary.

I have nothing to add to what I said. I was here to the very end of questions to answer the questions of the hon. Gentleman. I received no notice.

Your secretary did.

No, I beg your pardon, my secretary did not receive the notice before the end of questions. I was here right to the end, and if the hon. Member had only had the civility to give notice—[HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw."] The hon. Member is complaining of my conduct, and suggesting that I was trying to avoid supplementary questions. I say if he had only the ordinary courtesy to give notice to the Minister that he was going to postpone his questions, then I would have taken the usual steps.

May I ask, as a question of procedure, as it is impossible to know how many questions are going to be reached day after day—to-day, I think, seventy-two being reached, and yesterday, I think, ninety-six or ninety-seven—is it not sufficient practice for hon. Members who desire to postpone their questions to the following day to give notice to the learned Clerks at the Table before 3.45 o'clock, in which case notice of the question may appear on the Order Book; and the Minister who answers the question, in handing in his replies to the official recorders, does not hand in the reply to that question, of which he then has notice that postponement has been effected. May I ask for your ruling as to the ordinary procedure of the House on that point?

The Noble Lord is quite correct. It is sufficient for an hon. Member to go to the Clerk at the Table and ask to have his question postponed, and, provided he goes to the Table before a quarter to four o'clock, the question is postponed. I understand that what generally happens is that the Parliamentary Secretary of the Minister, before he hands in the replies, goes to the Table and asks whether any question has been postponed. Those that are postponed he ought to hold back, and in the case of those that are not postponed he hands the answers in at the Table.

Perhaps, as the matter affects me slightly, I may explain. In order to oblige the official reporters, an advance copy is sent down early so that the answers to the questions may not be delayed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. When a Member postpones his question, it sometimes happens that it gets through, whereas the others are stopped. Yesterday all copies of the questions were stopped, except that of the official reporter, and the question which the hon. Member did not ask I think did not appear in the Press, and was not sent to him. The one that appeared in the Press was sent to him.

With regard to the charge of incivility, I have constantly postponed questions and asked them the next day. What I did yesterday was in the ordinary course. I have never before given notice to the Minister; it has always been given to the learned Clerks at the Table. Therefore I ask the right hon. Gentleman to withdraw the charge of discourtesy.

The hon. Member rather brought it on himself by suggesting that the Chancellor of the Exchequer had done something in order to avoid supplementary questions.

With regard to my question, the complaint I desire to make is that the right hon. Gentleman did not answer it, but referred to an answer which he had given yesterday, although notice of postponement had been given at the beginning of Questions. The right hon. Gentleman refused to give me a specific answer to-day. He merely referred to a printed answer, without letting the House know what the answer was, and of which a copy had never been sent to me at all.

The hon. Gentleman, at any rate, did not accuse me of deliberately refusing to answer his question. Therefore it is in a different category. If a copy of the answer was not supplied to him I regret it. It ought to have been sent, and I have already given instructions that an official copy shall be sent to him. With regard to my answer to-day, I only referred him to an answer which appeared in the OFFICIAL REPORT this morning. If the hon. Gentleman does not think that sufficient, I am sorry.

Is it not the case that, as a matter of convenience, answers are occasionaly sent to the Press direct from the Department concerned, and unless hon. Members give notice to the Minister or his secretary, would it not be very difficult to stop them?

I do not know what happens about that. That does not come within my cognisance at all.

I generally receive notice from hon. Members opposite when questions are postponed. I have made inquiries among my colleagues, who inform me that they also generally receive notice of the postponement of questions. Therefore, I think I have a right to complain that I did not receive it on this occasion.

That notice of postponement is given only when a Member will not be present and wishes to ask the question another day. My notice of postponement was one of those given in the five minutes before quarter to four—the only time when it could be given, because the question was not likely to be reached that day.

In order to avoid any difficulty in future, may I point out that I and forty other Members have not had our questions answered to-day. Is it open to us at the last moment just before a quarter to four to go in a body to the Clerk at the Table and ask for those questions to be postponed until the next day? Also, if we have that right, is it a practical policy which can be carried through?

The answer is yes. I would point out that there is another and still simpler way of getting questions answered, and that is by not asking so many supplementary questions.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what steps lave been taken to collect information as to what accommodation in existing sanatoria or other institutions will be available on 15th July, 1912, for the use of persons entitled to sanatoria benefit on that date?

In December last I directed a form to be sent to each medical officer of health in England and Wales asking for information as to the number of beds provided for the treatment of cases of phthisis in his district, and as to the arrangements for the use of such beds. Over 1,750 of the 1,800 forms which were issued have been returned, and from these it would appear that, apart from beds in Poor Law institutions and excluding beds for which 30s. a week or more is charged, nearly 4,000 beds have been provided. I am not aware what proportion of these beds could be approved for the reception of cases under the National Insurance Act, nor can I say how many of these beds will be unoccupied on the 15th of July next. It is proposed to ask the councils of counties and county boroughs to organise schemes of treatment, either separately or in combination, and in the organisation of schemes it will be necessary for them to take into account any existing suitable accommodation, and to consult other local authorities and bodies who may be interested.

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest how these other parties are going to find out how many beds are available at the date of the Act coming into operation?

I think they may do it through the medium by means of which this excellent information was obtained.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Report of the Fisheries Department for 1911 has yet been published; and, if not, when it may be expected?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The preparation of the Report is well advanced, but I am not able to say precisely when it can be published.

asked whether the Board of Agriculture has obtained any Grant from the Development Commissioners for the assistance of small fishermen; and whether he can give any information as to the general scheme which has been arranged between the Board and the Development Commissioners?

The Board have applied to the Development Commission for a Grant, which is designed to promote the improvement of the fisheries in the interests of fishermen generally. This application is at present under consideration. I am considering what further steps it may be desirable to take with a view especially to assisting the class of fishermen to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked whether, in reply to the inquiries now being addressed by the Board of Agriculture to stock owners in reference to tuberculosis, the results of annual or other periodical tests with tuberculin of pedigree herds will be deemed to afford any useful information?

Yes. We should be glad to receive such information.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it is his intention, in addressing his present inquiries to owners of cattle on the subject of tests for the elimination of tuberculosis from their herds, to make a rough census of tuberculous cattle throughout the country; and, if so, whether such census is deemed likely to prove a reliable guide to the Board as regards legislation or administration in reference to this disease?

The sole object of the inquiry is to obtain information as to the results of experiments undertaken by stock breeders and others. It could not possibly form the basis of anything in the nature of a census of tuberculous cattle.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the ignorance prevailing among agriculturists as to the nature of Johne's disease and the difficulty, without postmortem examination in order to ascertain the absence of tubercle in the intestines, of differentiating between this disease and tuberculosis, he will, when asking for information from agricultural societies and chambers of agriculture as to the local prevalence of Johne's disease, advise such examination before attributing the death of any animal to this disease solely on account of its having suffered from emaciation and scouring?

Great care is exercised by the Board in the consideration of the information forwarded to them, and they do not accept a report of the existence of Johne's disease unless it is supported by good evidence. I think the Board would hardly be justified in asking chambers of agriculture and others to incur all the trouble and expense of obtaining a post-mortem examination of each reported case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is almost an entire ignorance among farmers as to the nature of this disease and in cases of cattle dying from tuberculosis with scouring, which are the only symptoms indicated by the Board in connection with Johne's disease?

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what is Johne's disease?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister if he can say when he proposes to introduce the Naval Prize Bill?

I cannot at present make any statement. Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to repeat the question after the Whitsuntide recess.

asked whether the staff of the India Office in London come within the scope of the terms of reference of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the conditions of the Civil Service?

The interpretation of the terms of reference is a matter which rests in the discretion of the Commission.

asked whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, it will be in the power of the Irish Parliament to impose a higher rate of Income Tax in Ireland than the Imperial Parliament may be exacting at the same time in Great Britain; and whether residents in Great Britain having investments in Ireland upon which Income Tax is payable in Ireland will under any and, if so, what, circumstances be called upon to pay Income Tax in both countries because of their investments being in Ireland and their domicile in Great Britain?

Under the provisions of Clause 15 of the Bill, the Irish Parliament will have power to impose an additional rate of Income Tax in Ireland. In the event of it exercising that power, then Income Tax in Ireland would be levied at the full rate of the Imperial Duty plus the Irish additional rate of duty; but, of course, the Imperial duty would not be levied on the same income both in England and in Ireland The whole duty would be paid into the Imperial Exchequer, and the proceeds of the additional Irish duty (not exceeding one-tenth of the proceeds in Ireland of the Imperial tax) would be transferred to the Irish Exchequer.

Is it anticipated that any sane person living in Great Britain will have money invested in Ireland?

asked whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, the Irish Members sitting at Westminster will be equally eligible with other Members of the British Parliament for appointment as Cabinet Ministers or Members of the British Government?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any scale of wages for women employed either in cleaning work or in the serving and preparation of food in the various offices belonging to His Majesty's Government; and, if not, whether he will give a return of the number of women employed on such work, their hours, and their wages?

There is no uniform rate of pay for charwomen, or other women, employed as cleaners in Government offices. The women engaged in serving and preparing food in Government offices are in no case, so far as I am aware, in the direct employment of the State. Having regard to the very large numbers of Government offices in the United Kingdom, I do not consider that the value of the suggested Return would be commensurate with the labour involved in its preparation.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that an estate situated near Althorne, in Essex, the property of an American citizen, Mr. Joseph Fels, and containing a number of experimental small holdings, is about to be disposed of; whether any yearly tenants of such small holdings have approached the Board of Agriculture with a view to becoming holders under any Clauses of the Allotments and Small Holdings Act; and, if so, in view of the interest that this experiment in small holdings has caused, whether he can see his way to make any inquiry into the cause of its failure.

I have seen it stated in the Press that the estate referred to is to be sold. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by formal inquiry into the matter.

Is it a fact that two-thirds of these men failed owing to the excessive rent charges imposed by Mr. Joseph Fels?

I have no official information on the subject, and certainly no information to justify that suggestion.

Is Mr. Joseph Fels a disciple of Mr. Henry George?

In view of the great importance of this matter, would the right hon. Gentleman ask for a report from Mr. Fels?

If Mr. Fels cares to give me any information on the subject I shall be glad to receive it; but there is no justification whatever for me to demand from him information that I cannot get from other people.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Legislative Council of Rhodesia has lately issued a Labour Tax Ordinance the proceeds of which are handed over to the Rhodesian Native Labour Bureau; whether this bureau is an association of employers whose main object is to recruit and distribute alien labour and to prevent native wages from rising; whether there is any precedent for a tax of this kind being paid over to an unrepresentative corporation; and whether the Home Government has sanctioned a tax so imposed and so allocated?

An Ordinance to impose a tax on all employers of coloured labourers, and to allow the payment of such tax to the Rhodesian Native Labour Bureau was passed by the Southern Rhodesian Legislative Council last year. The purpose of the bureau as stated in the Memorandum scheduled to the Ordinance establishing the bureau, is to procure, supply, organise, and regulate native labour for the benefit of its members and other employers of labour in Rhodesia. It is required to look after the interests of the native in various ways, and cannot pay dividends. I am not aware of any exact precedent elsewhere. I do not think that it is altogether accurate to describe the bureau as an unrepresentative corporation as the administration is represented on the Board of Management, and two members of the Board must be elected by members of the association other than joint stock companies. When the Ordinance was passed only one elected member out of seven in the legislative council dissented, and the High Commissioner assented to the Ordinance. Since then considerable discontent has been excited among the farmers, but there is reason to hope that the matter will be satisfactorily settled. I have not so far taken any steps in regard to the disallowance of the Ordinance.