asked whether the policy of this country is being directed with the object of restricting within the narrowest possible limits the field of warlike operations between Turkey and Italy?

The policy of His Majesty's Government is directed to the protection of British interests in the best manner compatible with an attitude of strict neutrality. I cannot usefully give any closer definition.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. Walter Schofield, Mr. Guy Hatton Sugden, and Mr. John Erskine Kempe, who passed the Civil Service examination held in August, 1911, have been appointed to the Civil Services of Hong Kong, the Straits Settlements, and the Federated Malay States, respectively; whether each of these candidates satisfied the Colonial Office Regulation that all candidates for appointments to the Civil Service in these States and Colonies should be of pure European descent on both sides; and will he state what evidence each candidate was required to produce as to his age and as to his descent?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Each of these gentlemen signed a declaration as to his descent, and there being no reason to question the declaration, no further evidence was required. In other respects each of them was certified by the Civil Service Commissioners to be duly qualified under the Regulations for appointment to a cadetship.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what evidence these gentlemen were required to give as to their age?

They were required to give evidence which will satisfy me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what evidence was required to satisfy the right hon. Gentleman as to their age?

No.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why he is not prepared to take the word of these gentlemen as to their age, if he is prepared to take their word as to their descent?

I did not say I was not prepared to take their word as to their age.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state why he is not prepared to state the evidence he requires as to their age?

No.

I will raise it on the question of the Colonial Secretary's salary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the academic careers of Dr. Lim Boon Keng, M.B.C.M., at Edinburgh and Cambridge Universities, of Dr. Wu Lien Teh, M.A., M.D., at Cambridge University, of Sze Jin Chan, LL.B., at Cambridge University and at Gray's Inn, where he held a 100 guineas Inns of Court studentship for three years, of G. S. Yeoh, LL.B., at Cambridge University and at Gray's Inn, of Song Ong Siang, M.A., LL.M., at Cambridge University and at the Middle Temple, where he held an Inns of Court scholarship of 100 guineas for one year, of Chan Sze Pong, B.A., B.C., at Cambridge University, of Chan Sze Jin, B.A., LL.B., at Cambridge, of Koh Lip Teng, M.B., Ch.B., at Edinburgh University, and of Tan Seng Suan, B.A., M.B., B.C., at Cambridge University; whether he can say how many of these gentlemen were enabled to pursue their studies in this country by the aid of the Queen's scholarships in the Straits Settlements, which have recently been abolished by the Government; whether he is aware that these gentlemen are all excluded from the Civil Service of the Colony of their birth by the Regulation recently made by the Colonial Office excluding from that service all persons who are not of pure European descent on both sides; and whether he is now prepared to implement his promise to admit British-born Chinese to examination for the Civil Service of their Colony if he were satisfied as to the ability of Chinese to pass examinations?

I am acquainted with the careers of some of these gentlemen and I am content to accept as accurate my hon. Friend's statements with regard to the others. Five of them were Straits Settlements scholars, but I cannot say whether they would not have been able to pursue their studies in this country without the aid of the scholarships. None of these gentlemen would now be eligible under the Regulations made in 1904 for appointment to a cadetship in the Straits Settlements, but I have no reason to believe that any of them ever desired such an appointment. I may point out that some of them could have competed for cadetships if they had wished to do so, as the change in the Regulations was not made till after they had ceased to be eligible on the ground of age. I have never made the promise which my hon. Friend ascribes to me. What I said was that I would consider the question of admitting British-born Chinese and Malays to the Cadet Service if there were any chance of such candidates being successful in the competitive examination and if there were a local demand for the concession, which at present does not exist.

Do not the names of those gentlemen indicate that there is a considerable class of Chinese in the Colony who are competent to pass an examination?

No.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the gentlemen whose names are here would have much more chance of passing an examination than the right hon. Gentleman if he were in competition with them?

That may be quite true.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, with the view of relieving the congestion of business in this House caused by the questions of the hon. Gentleman (Mr. MacCallum Scott), he will have all matters relating to the Federated Malay States transferred to the Irish Parliament?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if it is proposed to take any steps with regard to the extension of the use of oil as fuel for the Navy; and whether he could state what information is available to show how oil compares with coal as regards cost and other considerations determining the relative efficiency of the two forms of fuel?

I cannot add anything to the statement made by the First Lord of the Admiralty in introducing the Navy Estimates. The importance of this subject is recognised, and continual study and developments are in progress.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the great success that is already claimed for the "Zelania"?

Perhaps the hon. Member will refresh his memory on the statement made by the First Lord. I will send it to him.

asked how many battleships have been launched for the British and German Navies, respectively, from and including 1908 to the present time?

The answer is: Germany, thirteen battleships; Great Britain, thirteen battleships. I may add that four German battle cruisers have also been launched during the same period, and five British battle cruisers, including the "New Zealand." The battle cruiser "Australia," being built for the Australian Government, has also been launched within the period mentioned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that that statement is consistent with maintaining the two-Power standard?

The hon. Member should take a full and comprehensive view of the whole field before he makes a statement of that kind.

Does the right hon. Gentleman affirm that he is maintaining the standard?

If the examination is confined to this, the hon. Member has not taken a comprehensive view of our naval strength.

asked how many armoured ships of the British and German programmes for 1910–11 have been launched, and how many are still on the stocks?

The four armoured ships of the German programme for 1910–11 have been launched, and there are therefore none still on the stocks. Four armoured ships of the British programme for 1910–11 (exclusive of the "New Zealand" building for the British Navy at the charge of the New Zealand Government) have been launched, and one is still on the stocks.

asked when orders were placed for the armoured cruisers of the German programme for 1912–13, and when it is anticipated that orders will be placed for the corresponding British ships?

There is no official information as to the date of placing the order for the battle cruiser of the German 1912–13 programme; but it has been stated in the German Press towards the end of April that the order has been placed subject to the sanction of the Reichstag. The dates for laying down the ships of the British programme for 1912–13 are now under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in favour of our lagging behind the Germans in placing orders for ships?

Our general practice is to lay these ships down late in the year.

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of that when the Germans lay them down early in the year?

I think our procedure meets all our needs.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it has been the custom in setting on labourers in the rigging house, who will in their turn become riggers, to give preference to men who have served in the Navy; if so, whether he is aware that men who have never served in the Navy have recently been started as labourers in the rigging house; and will he state what is the policy of the Admiralty in the matter?

So far as I know, there has not been any recent general change of practice in respect of the entry of labourers in the rigging houses. It is the fact that a labourer engaged in the rigging houses could not become a rigger unless he had had previous suitable training. But we do not on that account exclude other men from employment as labourers in the rigging houses, though, in the absence of the qualification indicated, they would not be eligible for appointment as riggers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received an application for a Greenwich Hospital old age pension from Josiah Blandford, aged seventy-six, of 2, Marine Parade, Sheerness; and, if so, whether he will state the reason for withholding the pension in this case?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Blandford was superannuated as a messenger, and is therefore not eligible for a Greenwich Hospital age pension.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that this man holds a certificate for long service as an ordinary seaman and that he is debarred from a pension through a mistake?

No, I think not. Blandford was superannuated as a messenger and is not eligible for a Greenwich age pension. His pension as a messenger is £60 16s. 7d. a year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have a certificate signed by the dockyard superintendent in which he is put down as an ordinary seaman?

No. In any case he was superannuated as a messenger and he is not eligible for a Greenwich age pension.

asked whether the right of raising loans is a power reserved to the provincial councils under Clause 88 of the South African Act, 1909; whether such power of borrowing has, since the date of the passing of the Act, been exercised by any such provincial council; and, if so, at what percentage of interest has such borrowing been effected?

Under Section 85 of the Act the provinces have power to borrow on the sole credit of the province with the consent of the Governor-General in Council, and in accordance with regulations to be framed by the Union Parliament. No arrangements for such borrowing have, I understand, at present been made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Sir Francis Swettenham, when Governor of the Straits Settlements, suggested to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the right hon. Member for West Birmingham, that the Queen's scholarships, which have enabled many natives of that Colony to complete their education at British universities, should be reduced or abolished; whether the right hon. Member for West Birmingham refused his assent to this proposal; whether the present Secretary of State for the Colonies has abolished these scholarships in spite of the opposition of the Hon. Tan Jiak Kim, C.M.G., the only member of the Legislative Council who is entitled to speak as a native of the Colony; and whether he will state for what purpose these scholarships were instituted, and in what way they have failed to fulfil that purpose?

Sir Francis Swettenham proposed ten years ago, on the advice of a Commission which inquired into the system of education in the Colony, that the value of the scholarships should be reduced. The Secretary of State deprecated, at that time, the adoption of this proposal, mainly on the ground that the value had only recently been raised, and Sir F. Swettenham acquiesced in their being retained, though he stated that he was not satisfied that they met the objects for which they were instituted. My hon. Friend is incorrect in saying that I have abolished these scholarships. They have been abolished by the Colonial Government, which established them. I am aware that my friend Mr. Tan Jiak Kim was not in favour of the abolition. The scholarships were created to allow promising boys an opportunity of completing their studies in England, and to encourage a number of boys to remain at school and acquire a really useful education. The general opinion is that their existence led to an undue amount of attention being given to the few boys who competed for them, that it was unnecessary to continue this special inducement for boys to remain at school, and that the financial situation of the Colony does not justify the expenditure on a favoured few of large sums of money, which can be better employed for the furtherance of education in other ways. This matter is one for the Government and Legislature of the Colony, and I must decline to interfere in it in any way.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish the correspondence dealing with this subject?

I think I had better reread the correspondence first and see if I can publish it.

Did the right hon. Gentleman not read it before answering the question?

Yes, Sir, I read it and forgot it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has official information to the effect that the recent Census of the Maltese shows that one-fourth of the population is unemployed; and, if so, whether he is considering any scheme, either in conjunction with the Malta Government or otherwise, to provide a remedy?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative; but I can assure the hon. Member that the question of unemployment in Malta is occupying my earnest consideration.

asked whether claims have been made by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue for Increment Value Duty upon sale of a house and land when they have been sold at an actual loss and no increase had taken place in the value of the site since 30th April, 1909; and, if so, whether directions will be given for the discontinuance of such claims?

The basis of calculating the site value of a composite property on the occasion of a sale is the subject of several appeals, and pending the final decision of the Courts, I am not prepared to make any statement on the matter.

asked whether the valuers in ascertaining assessable site value under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, have been instructed to disallow any claim for deduction in respect of works executed or expenditure incurred in improving the value of the land unless such claim is accompanied by actual details of the cost of such works; and whether, in cases where the reclamation and user of lands are solely attributable to works executed, such as sea walls, embankments, and drainage of fen lands, where it is impossible to produce actual proof of outlay, the valuers have been instructed to disallow any claim for deduction?

The Statute requires owners desirous of claiming site value deductions in respect of works executed or expenditure incurred in improving the value of the land to prove to the Commissioners the value attributable to such works or expenditure. The Commissioners have instructed the valuation officers to accept reasonable evidence in support of such claims, and details of the amount of the expenditure are not required if the accretion of value can be otherwise demonstrated.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the capital expended and remuneratively invested is taken as capital expended with the object of raising the value of the land, such as railway building carried out on the Great Eastern Railway?

I would not like to answer a technical question of that kind without notice. If my hon. Friend will put it on the Paper, I will answer it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that when substituted site value is applied for in respect of a freehold house and land the Commissioners decline to accede to the application unless the owner can prove that on purchase the price paid for the land apart from buildings exceeded the assessable site value; and whether, in view of the fact that on purchase no separate values are ever placed on the site and buildings respectively and it is not possible for an owner to comply with the Commissioners' requirements, he will give directions for the present practice to be discontinued?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The Commissioners do not require proof that the price paid for the land apart from the buildings exceeded the assessable site value.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the ascertainment of the site values of component parts of an occupation in respect of which separate valuations have been required, he will instruct valuers to make their valuation of each part as if the whole of such occupation were divested of buildings in accordance with the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, in view of the fact that the present practice of valuing one part of an occupation as if it were divested of buildings and the other component parts as if it were not is contrary to the provisions of the Act?

I am advised that the existing practice is in accordance with the provisions of the law, and it is therefore unnecessary to give instructions such as the hon. Member suggests.

asked whether, in view of the fact that as a result of the recent strike of coal miners the revenues of railway companies may be so affected as to make it impossible for them to pay any dividend on their ordinary stock during the current year, or cause any dividend to be less than three per cent., the Government will take such steps as may be necessary to insure that any such failure of or shortage in the dividend on the ordinary stock of any railway company during the current year shall not have the effect of removing the debenture, guaranteed, preference, or lien stocks of such company from the list of investments authorised by law for the investment of trust funds?

The Government are unable to state what course of action they might consider desirable in circumstances which have not yet arisen.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very serious nature of this particular matter, and has he himself considered whether steps ought to be taken should the event I have mentioned arise, and further, has he formed any opinion as to what should be done should the contingency arise?

The hon. Baronet knows very well that the question cannot arise until the end of the year when we get the returns. It is rather premature now to consider it. It is one of the questions that arise out of the coal strike undoubtedly, but we should wait and see whether trade will not recover in the remaining months of the year.

asked whether moneys contributed under the terms of the National Insurance Act will be regarded as national property?

The moneys so contributed will be dealt with as provided by the Act.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the terms of the pledge contained in a document addressed by the medical secretary of the British Medical Association to an members of the medical profession, whether engaged in club practice or not, and to the form of resignation of contract practice appointments now held by club doctors to be used in the event of the Commissioners being unable to arrange terms of practice satisfactory to the medical profession; and if so, what action he proposes to take; and whether, having regard to the document issued by the British Medical Association, it is still the intention of the Government to bring the Insurance Act into operation on 15th July of this year, notwithstanding the fact that any Act for the cure of sickness and prevention of disease cannot become operative without the assistance and voluntary support of members of the medical profession?

I am aware that statements have been made in the Press as to a form of pledge which is alleged to have been issued by the British Medical Association to members of the medical profession in reference to conditions which were in existence before the Insurance Act was introduced, and which that Act neither extends nor perpetuates. The pledge appears only to relate to action to be taken if the Commissioners and Insurance Committees fail to come to agreement with medical men as to work under the Act. Negotiations will commence as soon as the Advisory Committee meets. The first meeting has been fixed for Friday next. Medical benefit does not commence until next January, and no decision on this matter is necessary before bringing into operation such portion of the Act as comes into effect in July. Moreover, the general operation of the Act cannot be affected by any decision as to the particular form medical benefit may take, whether the panel system with free choice of doctor or the alternatives of special arrangements by the Insurance Committees or Commissioners with the approved societies or the payment of a monetary equivalent to each insured person.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is still of opinion that medical benefit will take place as from January next?

Yes, Sir.

To finally settle this matter, why not agree to place to the credit of each insured person something within at least a reasonable sum of what is to be paid?

As I pointed out in the answer I gave, that is one of the possible alternatives.

Why not decide it at once?

asked whether the provisions of the Collecting Societies and Industrial Assurance Companies Act, 1896, prohibiting the collectors of these societies from attending members' meetings, will apply to the separate sections formed by such societies for the purposes of the National Insurance Act?

The disabilities imposed upon collectors by Section 8 of the Collecting Societies and Industrial Assurance Companies Act, 1896, will not apply to the collector of a society or company which forms a separate section for the purpose of the National Insurance Act unless he acts for that section as a collector within the meaning of the Act of 1896.

Will the same provision be applied to the other paid officials such as clerks who are acting under the special section of the Act?

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question relating I will be glad to give him an answer.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the fact that, under the National Insurance Act, a man, having paid six months (twenty-six weeks) contributions and then falling seriously ill, is able to draw six months' sick benefit only, and can under no circumstances draw further benefit of any kind until he has paid 104 contributions; and whether he will take care that this point is made clear by means of a leaflet or through the lecturers engaged in explaining the Act?

After paying contributions for six months— i.e., twenty-six weeks—an insured person is entitled not only to sickness benefit for six months, but also to the other benefits of the Act, including medical benefit, sanatorium benefit, and maternity benefit when and for as long as they are required, with the single exception of disablement benefit. Permanent disablement benefit can only be drawn after 104 contributions have been paid. The position is exactly and fully stated on page 2 of the official explanatory leaflet No. 10, and is also explained by the official lecturers.

asked if the emergency cards to be issued to employers under the National Insurance Act, 1911, will be applicable to the cases where the employés are deposit contributors?

Yes, Sir. Both the emergency cards and all other cards will be exactly the same for deposit contributors as for members of approved societies.

Will they be used in the case of a casual labourer who gets one day's employment?

The cards will only be used where an insured person is not able to produce a card, but whose employer is under the obligation to stamp a card. It is for the benefit of the employer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now say to what purposes he is going to apply the surplus of £6,500,000; and, if not, can he say when he will be able to do so?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the statements I have already made in the House.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when he will be able to tell us?

No, Sir; I do not think I can add anything at the present moment.

asked whether, under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill, the Irish Parliament can provide that no receipt which requires to be stamped shall be valid unless stamped with an Irish stamp?

The answer is in the negative. The Irish Parliament will have no power to interfere with the mode in which any receipt stamp duty is levied.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to which country, under Section 24 of the proposed Government of Ireland Bill the Income Tax collected on dividends on shares in English railways or other English companies (where the shares are owned by residents in Ireland) will be attributed, to England or Ireland?

Section 24 of the Bill leaves the matter to the discretion of the Joint Exchequer Board.

Will the action of the Joint Exchequer Board be controlled by the Imperial Parliament?

Oh! yes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in what manner it will be brought before this House? Will he also see that that is provided for in the Bill?

I think the hon. Baronet should not put that question to me without notice.

Will not the right hon. Gentleman claim for the Imperial Exchequer any Income Tax on the profits of English railways wherever the shareholders may be resident?

How is the Chancellor of the Exchequer going to control the action of the Irish representatives on the Joint Exchequer Board?

That is exactly the question put by the hon. Baronet.

We have not got an answer.

I gave an answer. I invited the hon. Baronet to put down a question.

asked whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, there is any obligation on the Irish Executive to continue the grant of £28,000 per annum to the Queen's University, Belfast; and what safeguard he proposes to ensure that the provisions of the Irish Universities Act, 1908, are duly carried out?

The Irish Executive will have the same obligation to pay £18,000 per annum to the Queen's University, Belfast, when voted by the Irish Parliament as the United Kingdom Executive have to pay that sum now when voted by the United Kingdom Parliament. The payment of £10,000 now paid out of the Church Temporalities Fund will also depend on the action of the Irish Parliament.

asked, in view of the fact that it is proposed, under Clause 26 of the Government of Ireland Bill, to increase in the Division Lobbies of this House the voting strength of Ireland on the lines of representation in proportion to population, whether the Prime Minister is prepared, for the purposes of any future financial revision, while the financial arrangements under this Bill are being in the first place laid down, to adopt the same policy towards England, namely, of equalising on a population basis her voting strength as compared to Ireland, thus affording England an equal voice in the framing of any decisions as to finance that may be arrived at?

No, Sir, the Prime Minister is not prepared to adopt this suggestion.

asked whether it would be competent to the Irish Parliament, under the Government of Ireland Bill, to discontinue for Ireland all or any of the duties imposed by the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, on the rest of the United Kingdom by the votes of Irish Members?

I must refer the hon. Member to Clause 15 of the Bill.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?

These are really Debating matters, and I think the hon. Member should refer to the Bill.

asked whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, the costs of the valuation of land in Ireland, pursuant to the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, would be costs of the collection of taxes and therefore fall upon the Imperial Exchequer, or whether such costs would fall upon the Irish Exchequer?

Subject to Clause 40 of the Bill the cost of the valuation of land in Ireland pursuant to Part I. of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, will fall upon the Imperial Exchequer, to which will accrue the benefit of the taxes thereby imposed.

asked whether it would be within the competence of the Irish Parliament, under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill, to repeal the land valuation Clauses and Land Values Duties of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910; and how it would be possible for the Exchequer Board to estimate from year to year, with any approach to correctness, what Land Values Duties not in force would have produced if they had been in force?

With regard to the first part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to Clause 15 of the Bill. The latter part of the question is more suitable for discussion in Committee on Clause 17.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the construction of Clause 15 is very ambiguous?

That is precisely the kind of matter which ought to be discussed in Committee of the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that there will be an opportunity for discussion?

There is little doubt that there will be ample opportunity to discuss all these matters if the Opposition will so arrange their business as to enable that to be done.

asked whether, in the event of Clause 23 of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, it is proposed to similarly include in the list of trustee securities under the Trustee Act, 1893, any stock or security issued in respect of any loan by a component state of any federal system within the Empire?

This question can be considered if, and when, occasion arises.

asked whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, he can say if the Irish Parliament will have power to transfer any annual sum of money from any of the revenues of the Catholic or other churches in Ireland to assist or establish an Irish museum?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Prime Minister's reply to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Denbigh district on 6th instant.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say "Yes" or "No." If he cannot do that, can he say why the British Government is to be allowed to take away the revenue of the Welsh Church for a Welsh museum while the poor Irish Government is not to be allowed to have the same privilege for an Irish museum?

The answer of the Prime Minister was that there is "no express prohibition in the Bill of such legislation, nor do I think such prohibition is necessary in view of the powers of veto reserved to the Crown and to the Imperial Parliament."

Are we to understand that this power will be allowed to the Irish Parliament?

There is no express prohibition of it, but restriction of it is obtained in the way I have described.

asked if the Prime Minister will state on whose advice the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland now acts in exercising control and making regulations under Section 23 (8) of the Land Purchase Act, 1903; whether this matter is provided for in the Government of Ireland Bill; and, if so, whether the Lord Lieutenant will in future exercise his powers under this Section on the advice of the Imperial or of the Irish Ministers?

The Lord Lieutenant, if he is not himself a member of the Cabinet, acts on the advice of a responsible Minister, and, after the passing of the Bill, will continue to act on the advice of a Minister responsible to the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The matter is provided for in Clause 4 of the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister if the provincial councils of the South African Union possess autonomy in regard to direct taxation within their States, all education other than higher education, municipal institutions, and generally over all provincial as distinct from federal matters; and, if so, will he say from what Section of the Act of Union these powers are derived?

Yes, Sir, under Section 85.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the idea originated that the South African States do not possess Home Rule?

May I ask whether, as a matter of fact, the powers of education in South African provinces are for five years only, and that they can impose no direct taxation except such as may from time to time be assented to by the central Parliament of the Union?

May I ask whether that particular provision has not been generally condemned in South Africa since it was passed, and whether there was not the strongest view that it ought not to have been accepted?

I have no information on that subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the procedure under the proposed Government of Ireland Bill by which Imperial supremacy is to be exercised and enforced in an instance where the Imperial Parliament having formally objected to or vetoed a measure passed by the Irish Government the latter, rather than submit, resigns?

No special procedure is provided or needed. If such a case were to arise, it is clear that the measure referred to would not have the effect of law.

asked the Prime Minister whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, the Parliament proposed to be established in Dublin will have power to authorise any device on stamps other than the King's head?

The design of stamps is properly a matter of prerogative in regard to which the King's consent would require to be taken.

asked the Prime Minister whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, the proposed Irish Parliament will have jurisdiction over Royal harbours or harbours under Admiralty control, or over the coast line between high and low-water mark?

There is nothing in the Bill to prohibit the Irish Parliament making laws with respect to harbours so far as the legislation does not interfere with the rights of the Crown (including naval and military rights). The ground between high and low-water mark is primâ facie Crown property, and, as such, excluded from Irish legislation, but under Clause 39 such property may be placed at the disposal of the Irish Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, if the proposed Irish Parliament did away with or reduced the rate of old age pensions, the equivalent amount saved would be credited to the Irish Parliament for other purposes?

Should the Irish Government avail themselves of their power under Clause 5 of the Bill to secure the transfer of the old age pensions services, the cost at the date of transfer, as determined under the provisions of Clause 17 (4), will be added to the transferred sum at the disposal of the Irish Government, and the Irish Exchequer will thereafter secure the benefit of any savings in the cost, as it will have to meet any increase. The rights of pensioners at the time of the transfer are safeguarded by Clause 4 (a) of the Bill.

asked what is the number of persons in receipt of old age pensions in Ireland at the present time; if this number will by the death tables decrease considerably in the next ten years; and if he can state what will be the estimated number of pensioners there in each of the following ten years?

The total number of pensions payable in Ireland on the last Friday of the quarter ending 31st March last was 205,317. Against any decrease in the next few years must be set the increase owing to the removal of the pauper disqualification, the effect of which will probably be increasingly felt. I fear I am unable to give an estimate of the number of pensioners in future years in Ireland.

asked whether, seeing that the view expressed on behalf of the Government in the outline of financial provisions that the cost of old age pensions in Ireland will decrease is at variance with the views expressed by the Committee on Irish Finance in their Report, the right hon. Gentleman will state how it is proposed that the Exchequer Board, in the event of old age pensions in Ireland being taken over by the Irish administration, shall estimate the cost of this service?

In the event indicated the Joint Exchequer Board will no doubt take into consideration when estimating the cost of old age pensions in Ireland all the data then available. It is not proposed to prescribe the manner in which they shall arive at their estimates.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question, how it will be possible for the Exchequer Board—in view of the difference of opinion between the Government and the Committee as to the increase or decrease of the charge for this service—to determine that matter?

I shall be very happy to discuss the hon. Member's question when we come to discuss the Clauses.

asked the Prime Minister whether it will be within the power of the Irish Parliament, under the Government of Ireland Bill, to alter the electoral franchise so as to include duly qualified women?

There is nothing to prevent the Irish Parliament doing so after three years from the passing of the Act under the powers conferred by Clause 9.

asked (1) whether, under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill, the proposed Irish Government would be able to raise the Customs and Excise Duty on sugar and then give back the Excise to Irish producers of sugar in the form of a bounty; and, if so, whether such a policy would involve a discrimination not only against British sugar, but also against British confectionery, jam, biscuits, and mineral waters; (2) whether, under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill, the proposed Irish Government would be able to raise the Customs and Excise Duty on tobacco and then give back the Excise to the Irish producers to tobacco in the form of a bounty; and (3) whether, under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill, the proposed Irish Government would be able to raise the Customs and Excise Duty on spirits and then give back the Excise to Irish producers of spirits in the form of a bounty?

I will answer these three questions together. Clause 15 (d) provides that the Excise Duty shall correspond to the Customs Duty, and there can be no doubt that the course suggested in the question of levying an Excise Duty and of returning the proceeds to the payers so as to effect, in practice, a differentiation between the rates of Customs and Excise would be an evasion of that provision and would be held to be ultra vires.

What provision is there in the Bill to prevent the Irish Government giving a slightly different amount in bounties in such a way as to be not an absolute evasion of the provision and yet give adequate protection to Irish produce?

It would depend on the merits of the case whether it was ultra vires or not. The Irish Government, like any other Government, will be able to make a Grant to a particular industry for the encouragement of that industry.

Who would decide whether it was ultra vires?

The Courts.

Would not the Courts decide the question according to the language of the Statute, and not whether it was an evasion or not?

By the intention of the Statute as declared by its language.

asked the sources from which the £1,464,500 increase of the true revenue from Ireland in the year 1911–12 as compared with the year 1908–9 are drawn, giving the amount of the increase resulting from the new and additional taxation imposed by the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and the amount of the increase from any other source, and mentioning what that source is?

As I stated in answer to a question by the hon. Member on Monday last, the increase due to new and increased taxation imposed by the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, is approximately £1,100,000. The remainder is due to increases distributed over various heads. The figures for 1911–12 will be published in due course.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give the heads of the other increases? That was the principal object of the question.

I am afraid I could not give them now. There is no objection to giving them. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a notice down on the Paper.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to frequent sales of valuable works of art which leave this country for foreign purchasers, and especially to a picture by Rembrandt, sold to an American buyer for £50,000; whether he is aware that the value of such works of art has greatly appreciated in recent years; and whether, in order to retain such works of art in this country and in cases where they leave these shores to provide a financial compensation to the Exchequer, he will consider the imposition of a tax on sales of objects of artistic value exported to foreign lands?

I am aware of the circumstances alluded to by my hon. Friend. While agreeing that the matter is one of importance, I am not prepared to commit myself to the imposition of taxation, as suggested.

Will the right hon. Gentleman read the speech of the President of the Royal Academy on the subject?

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if, in consequence of Members finding it difficult, if not impossible, to read their notes, he will see his way to remedying the lighting of the Chamber of the House of Commons?

The alterations which it is proposed to make will allow the illumination on the benches to be increased to any desired value. Experiments are now being made to find the lighting value all over the floor of the House.

Does the hon. Member approve of the system of lighting the Chamber through a glass medium?

Yes. As I have stated in answer to questions, it is proposed, after having a report from the specialist who examines this matter to alter the lighting.

Is there really any general demand for increasing the strength or intensity of the light?

I think, perhaps the Noble Lord should wait and see the report which will shortly be laid on the Table. The matter affects the ventilation of the House also.

Is it not the fact that on some days the gas is much stronger than on other days?

If the hon. Gentleman refers to the illumination he will find that it is impossible to turn the gas up very high on some days because the fan is likely to blow it out.

asked how much land has been fenced off for the enclosure round the Tea House in Hyde Park; whether any extension of this enclosure is contemplated; and whether the use of the Tea House justifies any further abstraction of land from the open park?

The enclosure round the Ring Tea House in Hyde Park is about one and a quarter acres. No extension is at present contemplated.

asked whether it is proposed to make any structural alteration in the old General Post Office buildings in Aldersgate Street; and, if so, to what extent these buildings of national and artistic interest will be altered; whether any action has been taken in the matter already; and whether the House will be consulted before any work of destruction takes place?

The First Commissioner has considered this question very carefully. Unfortunately the present plan of the buildings in Aldersgate Street, known as the General Post Office East, is very prodigal of space, while the increased business of the Post Office and the enhanced value of land make economy of the utmost importance. It was found, to his very great regret, that it would be quite impossible to provide the necessary space by adapting the buildings in Aldersgate Street, and a scheme has been prepared for demolishing them and erecting a new block. A contract for clearing the site is now under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many of the eighty-nine schools which have been closed or handed over to local authorities by the Church of England are situated in the county of Carnarvon?

Since 31st March, 1903, five Church of England schools have been closed in the county of Carnarvon, and eight have been handed over to local authorities.

Is it not the fact that the endowments of the Church of England in Carnarvon are greater, pro rata, with respect to the population, than in any other county?

I cannot say.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state how many days he proposes to allow for the Second Reading of the Established Church (Wales) Bill, in view of the number of days spent on the Second Reading of the Irish Church Bill in 1869?

As has already been stated, the Debate will begin next Monday, and be continued on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, when we hope to have the Division.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the Irish Church Bill five days were given for the Second Reading?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that twice Bills for the Disestablishment of the Welsh Church have been passed by this House. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no."]

The right hon. Gentleman is not aware of any such thing.

As to Ireland, I was under the impression it took four days.

Five days. In view of that, will the right hon. Gentleman give us five days?

There have already been one or two discussions in recent years on the same subject.

Can the Chancellor of the Exchequer now state what is the intention of the Government in reference to the Committee stage of the Welsh Disestablishment Bill?