asked if the right hon. Gentleman has any reports showing that the production of opium is being carried on unchecked in certain provinces in China; and, if so, has he any information which he can give the House on the matter?

Reports have been received that opium cultivation is proceeding in certain provinces of China, over which in the present circumstances the Chinese Government are unable to exercise any effective control. His Majesty's Government are, however, confident that with the full restoration of order the Chinese Government will take the necessary steps to ensure the enforcement of the suppression of the cultivation of opium throughout China.

Do existing circumstances in China justify that confidence on behalf of His Majesty's Government?

We should not be confident only under circumstances that justify our confidence.

asked the Secretary of State for Foregn Affairs if Tie could say whether the sentence passed on Miss Malecka involves the deprivation of all civil rights, and, after the four years' penal servitude, exile to Siberia for life?

asked whether, in view of the fact that Miss Malecka was described both in the indictment and in the sentence as a British subject, it may be assumed that the Russian Government have abandoned their claim to treat her as a Russian subject?

asked (1) whether the right hon. Gentleman could now state what representations he has made to the Russian, Government with regard to the conviction and sentence of Miss Malecka; (2) whether he has obtained any Report from the British Consul at Warsaw to the health of Miss Malecka; (3) if he can state whether Miss Malecka has entered notice of appeal against her sentence; and (4) whether he has now received the Report from the British Consul at Warsaw on Miss Malecka's case?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman has yet made full inquiries into the Report of the trial of Miss Malecka; and whether, in the event of his being satisfied that she cannot be proved to have been associated with any definite act of conspiracy or other criminal practice, he will make representations to the Russian Government on her behalf?

asked if the right hon. Gentleman can state where Miss Malecka is now confined?

asked whether Miss Malecka is permitted to receive letters and to see any of her friends; and whether she has yet been visited either by the British Consul or by any other person since her trial?

asked (1) whether the Report which he has received from Warsaw concerning Miss Malecka's trial includes a verbatim report of the proceedings or only an abstract of the evidence, addresses of counsel, and the judgment of, the Court; and (2) whether there has been received at the Foreign Office any petitions, letters, or other communications protesting against the conviction of Miss Malecka?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can say when the sentence of hard labour on Miss Malecka will be enforced; and whether it will have to be served in a Siberian or a European prison?

asked whether Miss Malecka has been sentenced by a Russian Court to undergo a period of penal servitude involving exile to Siberia for life; whether she was described as a British subject in the indictment on which she was tried; and whether he will make an immediate and energetic representation to the Russian Government with a view to obtaining the lady's pardon and release?

asked (1) whether the right hon. Gentleman has ascertained that the charge against Miss Malecka is one of association with Terrorists or of association with Socialists only; (2) whether he adheres to his original opinion that Miss Malecka is a British subject, and that the Foreign Office was justified in granting her the protection of a British passport, or whether he has adopted the Russian view that she is technically a Russian subject; and (3) whether the British Consul has visited Miss Malecka since the date of her conviction; and, if not, whether he has definitely obtained permission to do so?

asked whether Miss Malecka has been refused permission by the Procuror Jigin to see her lawyer or the British Consul?

I have been in communication with the Russian Government on this subject, who state that it is impossible for them to say anything until they have been able to student the record of the trial, and that Miss Malecka has a fortnight from the 17th May in which to decide whether to avail herself of any means of appeal. They further state that there is incontrovertible proof of her Russian nationality, that the Court had made a mistake in describing her otherwise, and that in consequence the Consul can only visit her privately on the same footing and in the same way as other private persons. I have telegraphed to the Consul to apply for permission to visit Miss Malecka unofficially. The Consul informs me that the despatch of the full report was delayed by consultation with Miss Malecka's counsel, but that full particulars of the trial were sent by post on Saturday; they will presumably be received to-day or to-morrow. But meanwhile I can give the following information on points of detail. I am informed by the Consul that her counsel, acting on her instructions, is preparing a petition to the Emperor; her health is good; she is at present in Warsaw female prison and has a separate room. Pending a reply to her petition the sentence will be in abeyance, and if carried out will be served in the same prison in Warsaw. At present friends can visit her and letters should be sent to her counsel. When the full report of the trial has been received the whole case will be carefully considered by His Majesty's Government. Till that has been done I cannot make any full statement. I shall be ready to give what further information I can on Wednesday.

Is the hon. Gentleman not in a position to give an answer to the particular question which I put on the Paper as to what this sentence involves?

That is just one of the things we cannot say for certain until we have a full report of the trial.

May I ask whether an agitation which presumes that the Russian Courts are unjust and oppressive can fail to prejudice Miss Malecka's case before the Court of Appeal?

That is a matter of opinion which His Majesty's Government cannot answer.

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to convey to the Foreign Secretary the very widespread interest which is taken in this case, not only in this country, but also in Ireland, and the fact that there is a strong desire that special and particular action should be taken by the Foreign Office in regard to this matter in order to prove whether it is worth anyone's while to be a British subject at all?

I think the House may be fully assured that a very deep interest is taken in this matter, and the very full appreciation by the Foreign Secretary of the feeling in this country on the subject, and the fact that we have already made communications with the Russian Govern- ment on that point, verifies what I have said on that question.

Arising out of the reply, I desire to ask whether the petition to the Czar the Under-Secretary referred to is the same thing as a formal notice of appeal; and, if not, if a formal notice of appeal has been given by Miss Malecka or her counsel?

No, Sir; we understand it was open to Miss Malecka to appeal on a point of law to a Committee of the Senate. It was also open to her to send a petition to the Czar, and we understand that she has elected to take the second course.

May I ask whether the Foreign Office is going to admit the contention of the Russian Government that she is a Russian subject, or whether they will not rather insist that the Russian Government, if they have made a mistake, should now be bound by their own mistake?

I think hon. Members who desire to ask questions with regard to the point of nationality had better wait till we reach the question of the hon. Member for North Somerset (Mr. King).

As the report is expected to be received to-morrow and the House breaks up on Wednesday, can the hon. Gentleman promise a further statement before the holidays?

I have already stated that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs will be willing to give any further information, possibly on Wednesday.

May I ask whether the lady in question has no right of appeal except on a point of law?

I think I have made it clear that, so far as my information goes, she has a right of appeal to the Committee of the Senate on a point of law and a right of appeal to the Czar apart from any point of law.

Am I to understand that, apart from the petition to the Czar, she has no right of appeal except on a question of law?

As we understand it, as appeal only lies to a higher court on a question of law or of procedure arising out of the trial itself.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how long a reply to these petitions usually takes? It will not be unduly prolonged?

I have no information on that point. All we know is that until the petition has been presented and a decision has been come to upon it, sentence will not take effect.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us any assurance, apart altogether from the legal aspects of the case, and assuming the appeal, if made, goes against the lady, His Majesty's Government will take any steps with a view to obtaining a free pardon from the Russian Emperor?

The hon. Member's question is based on an assumption which I would rather not entertain.

May I ask whether any explanation has been offered as to how it came about the Russian Court made the mistake, if it be a mistake, of describing this lady as a British subject?

I have no information on that point.

asked whether on several occasions the British Government has successfully intervened for the release of a British subject condemned in the Courts of a foreign Power?

I have not referred to precedents, but I should think that the answer is probably in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the various occasions on which the Government of this country has intervened on behalf of British subjects condemned in foreign Courts for purely political offences or on charges involving no moral turpitude; and whether he has found any applicable to the circumstances of Miss Malecka?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer just given. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. The question of Miss Malecka's nationality formed the subject of correspondence with the Russian Government last year, which can be laid before the House if desired.

Do I understand the hon. Gentleman to say that in the view of the Russian Government the Russian Court was mistaken as to the fact of her nationality?

That was the effect of what I said in answer to the previous question.

If the Court is mistaken on one question of fact may it not be mistaken in other facts, and1 ought there not to be an appeal?

The hon. Gentleman cannot answer that question.

Is it not a fact that during the eighteen months she was in Warsaw she was living all the time under a British passport?

Yes, naturally a person who under our law is, while in England, a British subject, would be granted a British, passport if she desired to visit a foreign country, but that does not exclude the-possibility that under the law of some other nation she might equally be the subject of that other nation when in that country.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether a foreigner under the circumstances would be granted a British passport stating clearly thereon the "holder is a British subject"?

If she was a British subject in the eyes of the British law, she would be granted a British passport.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he or any Members of His Majesty's Government are of opinion that Miss Malecka was a British subject?

The hon. Gentleman cannot answer a question of that kind.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he will take it that it is the desire of the House that any correspondence which has passed between this country and the Russian Government should be laid on the Table?

Certainly, the correspondence and papers are being now collected in order that they may be laid.

Can they be laid before the House adjourns?

It would probably not be possible to get all the papers in print and distributed before Wednesday, but, of course, I will see what can be done.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of laying the first part?

I will see what can be done.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if it is his intention to see his undertaking of 7th December last in this House, that the desires of all of the class termed architectural assistants should be ascertained with a view to placing them upon the established list, carried into effect?

I beg to refer my hon. Friend to my reply of the 6th instant in answer to a similar question asked by him.

May I ask the hon. Member if he is aware that the reply to which he refers me was no answer to my question at all?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I did give.

asked the hon. Gentleman whether up to and including the year 1903 the class termed architectural assistants, formerly senior draughtsmen, engaged in his Department, performed all the professional duties, and with the ability now expected, of the assistant architects, consisting of the charge of one or more contracts with the preparation of all the design and construction plans directly under the architects; or what class did perform these duties at this period, seeing that the total number of the class termed assistant architects numbered only eight, who were engaged in nearly every instance upon official routine, and that the amount of the architectural work in the Department was within 80 per cent, of the total amount at present, but that the total number now is forty-six; whether he is prepared to aver that the professional abilities exhibited in the exercise of these duties by the architectural assistants were not equal to those exhibited now by the class termed assistant architects; and why since that period numbers of junior draughtsmen have been established to take over these duties formerly satisfactorily performed, thus causing grave dissatisfaction to the architectural assistants?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In reply to the second part, the hon. Member is mistaken in his figures. There were thirty-one assistant architects in 1903. There are now forty-nine. Of temporary men there were about 120 in 1903, and there are about 216 now. As regards the third point, the architectural assistants have in the majority of cases had the opportunity of competing for permanent posts, and have either not availed themselves of it or have failed. As regards the last point, the establishment has since 1902 been recruited by competitive examination of members of the unestablished staff.

asked the hon. Gentleman whether the titles of the two classes engaged in his Department, architectural assistants and assistant architects, are upon professional grounds one and the same; that the professional diplomas held by both classes are equally distributed, the number of associates and licentiates of the Royal Institution of British Architects in the architectural assistants' class being twenty out of a total of fifty and that of the assistant architect class eighteen out of a total of forty-six; whether the services rendered by both these classes are one and the same; and that both these classes are equally certificated, the one class holding the technical certificate of the Commissioners of the Board of Works and the other class that of the Commissioners of the Civil Service; and will he therefore see that the Civil Service rule of equal reward for equal class conditions is in this case observed by establishment and remuneration?

There are nineteen Associates of the Royal Institute of British Architects among the assistant architects, and eleven among the architectural assistants. There are also two Licentiates among the former and twelve among the latter. The Associates and Licentiates are, of course, not upon the same footing. The answer to the third question is in the negative, and to the fourth that the two certificates are not in, any way equivalent.

asked the hon. Gentleman whether he will take the necessary steps to prevent the present established architects' staff, termed assistant architects, from being increased by the present method by members of the junior unestablished staff, termed draughtsmen, by examination or otherwise, until the services of every member of the present certificated senior unestablished staff, termed architectural assistants, has been fully utilised by establishment and remuneration as those in a similar professional position, classed as assistant architects?

The First Commissioner regrets that he is unable to give the undertaking required.

asked the hon. Gentleman whether the designs and the necessary constructive documents constituting the basis of the building contracts formerly in the sole charge of the class termed architectural assistants directly under the chief of the branch is being now taken from them, thus reducing their position to a subordinate one, and handed over to a class junior to them in age and service and termed assistant architects of the second class; that the resulting friction occasioned by this action is hampering the progress of the work of the Department; and will he give instructions that the orginal express conditions of service in this and other respects of the architectural assistants be reverted to?

The points raised in this question are practically dealt with in my previous replies. The growth of work has rendered necessary the increase of the permanent staff in order to relieve the architects by devolving a certain amount of the work on the assistant architects. Mo instance of friction hampering the progress of the work of the Department has been brought to the notice of the First Commissioner, and no instructions are needed for any change in the current procedure.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been called to the recent death by drowning in the Serpentine; whether the accident that occurred was due to the tenacious mud at the bottom which prevented the body from rising; if so, whether he would con- sider the advisability of cleaning the Serpentine at the earliest possible moment; and could he state the date when last the Serpentine was cleaned?

The attention of the First Commissioner has been called to this accident, but there is no reason to think that the mud in the Serpentine had anything to do with the drowning. The Serpentine has only once been cleaned out, namely, in 1869. The cost of this operation is very large, and there seems to be no reason for another cleaning at present.

May I ask whether steps will be taken to make further inquiries?

No, Sir. When the hon. Member put his question down, a most careful inquiry was made from the bailiff and others connected with the Serpentine, and they came to the conclusion that there was no ground for supposing that the mud was responsible for the accident?

Is it not a fact that the turning out of the Serpentine in 1869 was due to a sad accident at the time?

I am afraid my memory does not carry me back to that time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Second Reading of the Railways Bill will be taken; whether he can promise that at least two days will be given for the Second Reading Debate; and whether he can let the deputation of traders, represented by the Mansion House Association, have his reply to the points raised before Whitsuntide in order that it may have adequate consideration before the date fixed for the Second Reading, in view of the importance of the trade questions involved?

I am afraid that I cannot yet fix a date for the Second Reading of this Bill, but I hardly think that so much time as is suggested will be required for the Debate on the general principles of the measure. Ample opportunity would be given in Committee for the discussion of the clauses. I am considering carefully the points put before me by the deputation representing the Mansion House Association. I am seeing various interests concerned, and I am afraid, therefore, that I shall not be in a position to send a reply before Whitsuntide.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that there will be a reasonable interval, after we have received the reply—say, at least a fortnight—before the Second Reading is taken?

I cannot say there will be a fortnight, but there will be sufficient time, for the associations to consider the reply.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give attention to the opinions of the various Chambers of Commerce in the country with regard to this Bill—as to its probable effect on traders.

I am going to see various Chambers of Commerce, and I hope to be able to show them the evil effects they fear may be the result of the Bill are not likely to be so great as they anticipate.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the ferry boat at Culmore, Londonderry, carries a light at night, and, if so, since when; whether he will direct the Board's surveyor at Londonderry to make a report regarding the sort of light carried and the appliances by which the lights, if any used, are attached to the boats; how long are such appliances in use and lights carried; and whether he will take such steps as are necessary, having regard to the traffic on the River Foyle, to ensure public safety and to prevent disaster?

Since my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary addressed his communication on this subject to the hon. Member, the Board of Trade have made further inquiries respecting this matter. They are now informed that although the ferryman has instructions from the Foyle and Bann Fishery Company to whom the ferry rights are leased to carry a light at night, he does not appear to do so, and that the manager of the company will take steps in future to ensure that the instructions are carried out.

asked whether the right of ferrying across the Foyle was granted by charter to the honourable the Irish Society under certain conditions; and, if so, whether these conditions are being fulfilled, and for how long have the honourable the Irish Society leased the ferry to the Foyle and Bann Fishery Company?

I am informed by the honourable the Irish Society that a charter conferring these ferry rights was granted to them by James I. in the year 1613, and that it contained no conditions in regard to ferrying across the Foyle. I am further informed that the society gave a lease of the ferry to the Foyle and Bann. Fishery Company in 1873.

asked whether the minimum wage fixed by Lord St. Aldwyn, acting as chairman of the Welsh District Board under the Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act, is 3s. per day plus any percentage which may be for the time being in force?

It is not practicable to state the effect of an interim decision given in the course of proceedings held under the chairmanship of an independent arbitrator, which may involve many subsidiary questions and may be affected by rules and other circumstances which have not yet been the subject of discussion between the parties or considered either by the parties or the chairman.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the dispute affecting blind workers at the Blind School of Industry, Bristol; whether the demand made is for a minimum of £1 for men and 13s. per week for women; whether his Department can take any step; to secure these rates; and whether he can advise that facilities should be given for the consideration during this Session of the Bill for the establishment of technical schools and workshops for the education and suitable employment at fair wages of the adult blind?

The Industrial Commissioner's Department is aware of the dispute referred to by my hon. Friend, and so far as information has been received the demand of the workpeople is as stated in the question. It does not appear that the Department can usefully take any steps at the present time with a view to bringing about a settlement. With regard to the latter part of the question perhaps my hon. Friend will address a question to the Prime Minister as the matter is not one for the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that the contractor for the adapting and re-fitting of premises in Whitehaven for a Labour Exchange does not pay the recognisel rate of wages to his joiners and does not abide by the agreed rules of the trade; and whether he will make inquiry into the matter with a view to securing compliance with the fair wages clause?

The First Commissioner has no reason to believe that the contractor engaged on the work at the Whitehaven Labour Exchange is not paying the recognised rates of wages to joiners, but immediate inquiries will be made. It is understood, however, that there is a general demand in the town for an increase in' the rates hitherto paid.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether Lords of Appeal are permitted by their appointments to act as arbitrators in cases of dispute; if so, can they, accept remuneration for such work; and is any Return got by his Department to show how many times they have so acted, and what sums have been paid them?

I understand that there is nothing in the Letters Patent on which Lords of Appeal are appointed which would prevent them acting as arbitrators or accepting remuneration for such work. I have no information with regard to the latter part of the question.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether they do actually act; was there not a proposal last year to make fresh appointments of judges to cover the work of the Department?

I cannot say. I shall be glad to receive any information the hon. Gentleman can give me on the subject.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it is necessary, in stating objections to a provisional valuation under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, to indicate what, in the opinion of the objector, the assessment figures ought to be, or whether, on the analogy of Rule 3 (2) and the Schedule of the Statutory Rules and Orders issued in 1910 in reference to Land Value Duties, it is sufficient to allege against such provisional valuation that the items are excessive or inadequate, as the case may be?

An owner has under Section 27 (2) of the Act to state the ground of his objection and the amendment he desires. While the Commissioners reserve their right to reject a notice of objection to a provisional valuation on the ground that the amendment desired is not specifically stated, they have in the past accepted notices of the kind indicated in the question, where the progress of the valuation has not been thereby impeded.

asked the Prime Minister whether a lord lieutenant will be appointed for the county of London; if so, when the appointment may be expected?

I regret that I cannot yet make any announcement as to the appointment, but I hope to be able to do so shortly.

May I ask whether, pending the appointment of the lord lieutenant, the appointments of justices of the peace for the county of London are held up and the proceedings of the Committee, which sat some time ago, rendered nugatory?

I very much regret there is some delay in the matter, but I hope it will not last much longer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, under Section 18 of the Government of Ireland Bill, the Irish Government would have power, by deductions from Grants to defaulting counties (as the Treasury is entitled to do at present) or otherwise, to recoup itself for any deduction from the transferred sum on account of non-payment of annuities under the Land Purchase Acts?

The Irish Parliament will be in a position to make provision for this matter under their general powers.

asked whether, under the Government of Ireland Bill, it is intended that advances to local authorities for building labourers' cottages shall continue to be made out of the Land Purchase Fund under the Labourers (Ireland) Acts, and Two and Three-quarters per Cent. Stock issued on that account as before; and, if so, whether the functions of the Land Commission in this respect are to be an Irish service or a reserved service?

It is intended that advances to local authorities for the provision of labourers' cottages shall continue to be made out of the Land Purchase Fund as heretofore; and the functions of the Land Commission in this matter will be a reserved service.

asked whether, under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill, it is within the power of the Lord Lieutenant to nominate a cardinal or bishop of the Roman Catholic Church as a member of the Irish Senate?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked whether, under the provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill, the salaries of the two members of the Joint Exchequer Board, which are nominated by the Irish Treasury, will be defrayed from the Irish Exchequer?

If and so far as any special salaries are required, the answer is in the affirmative.

asked whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, the Irish Parliament will be able to enact that the notes of any specified bank or banks carrying on business in Ireland shall be legal tender to any particular amount or for any particular class of transaction or generally?

The answer is in the negative in view of Clause 2 (9).

asked whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, the Irish Parliament will have power to enact that in order to effect a legal transfer in Ireland of Consols, or any other security, such transfer must be made through a particular Irish bank specified in such enactment?

The answer is in the negative unless the security is such that the transfer is a matter exclusively relating to Ireland. This would not be the case with Consols.

asked whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, the Irish Parliament will have power to enact that any particular bank now in existence or hereafter created shall become the only bank in Ireland through which all or any of the transactions in which the Irish Government shall be financially interested must be carried on?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, the Irish Parliament will have power to rescind, alter, or modify the laws under which banking companies in Ireland at present carry on business; whether it will have power to enact new laws dealing with banking; and whether it will have power to give to any present bank, or to one which may hereafter be established, the right to issue notes to any extent the Irish Parliament may determine?

The answer is in each case in the affirmative, subject to the provisions of Clause 2 (9).

asked whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, the Irish Parliament, for the purpose of revenue or otherwise, will be able to enact that any scale of fees or Stamp Duties it may fix must be payable, upon the transfer of stocks, shares, and other securities in Ireland?

The answer is in the negative. I would refer the hon. Member to Clause 15 (1) ( c ) and the Second Schedule.

asked (1) whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, it will be open to the Parliament of the United Kingdom to reduce or discontinue the existing Customs duties on tea, sugar, and tobacco, as regards the imports of those articles into Great Britain, while leaving unaltered the existing Customs duties on those articles when imported into Ireland; if so, whether, in view of the fact that such an arrangement will necessitate an examination of all goods imported into Ireland from Great Britain, whether as ships' cargo or as passengers' luggage or by parcel post, and the levying of the appropriate duty, the result will be to cause an increase in the cost of collection of such Customs duties; and whether such increased cost will fall exclusively on the Imperial Exchequer; and (2) whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, it will be open to the Parliament of the United Kingdom to reduce the Income Tax and Death Duties so far as respects the levy of those taxes in Great Gritain, while leaving unaltered those taxes so far as respects the levy of them in Ireland; and, if so, seeing that the result will be to cause difficulty and confusion as regards the levy of these taxes in Great Britain and Ireland, respectively, and an increase in the cost of collection of such taxes, whether such increased cost will fall exclusively on the Imperial Exchequer?

No change in the powers of the Parliament of the United Kingdom to reduce or discontinue taxes in Great Britain, while leaving unaltered the taxes in Ireland, will be made by the Government of Ireland Bill. Any increased cost of collection would fall on the Imperial Exchequer.

asked (1) whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, the Irish Parliament will have power to impose an Irish Income Tax at any rate they choose by way of addition to the Imperial Income Tax; whether such Government will have power to impose such additional Irish Income Tax in respect of all property which is subject to the Imperial Income Tax, whether situate in Ireland or elsewhere; whether any distinction will be observed between the case of persons domiciled in Ireland and of persons not domiciled in Ireland; whether the whole proceeds of such additional Irish Income Tax, not exceeding one-tenth of the proceeds in Ireland of the Imperial Income Tax for the same period, will be paid to the Irish Exchequer, and the excess, if any, of the proceeds of such additional Irish Income Tax over and above such one-tenth will be payable to the Exchequer of the United Kingdom; and (2) whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, the Irish Parliament will have power to impose Irish Death Duties-at any rate they choose by way of addition to the Imperial Death Duties levied in respect of the property passing on the death of a deceased person; whether such Government will have power to impose such additional Irish Death Duties in respect of all property which is subject to the Imperial Death Duties, whether situate in Ireland or elsewhere; whether any distinction will be drawn between the case of persons who died, domiciled in Ireland and of persons who died domiciled elsewhere; and whether the whole proceeds of such additional Irish Death Duties, not exceeding one-tenth of the proceeds in Ireland of the Imperial Death Duties for the same period, will be payable to the Irish Exchequer, and the excess, if any, of the proceeds of such additional Irish Death Duties over and above such one-tenth will be payable to the Exchequer of the United Kingdom?

In each case the answer to the first parts of the questions is in the affirmative. With regard to the second parts, property and income arising from property situated elsewhere than in Ireland would in certain cases be liable to pay Irish additions to Imperial Death Duties and Income Tax. The answer to the third part of the first question is that under certain circumstances a distinction might exist between the cases of persons resident and those non-resident in Ireland; to the third part of the second question the answer is that under certain circumstances a distinction might exist between the cases of persons who died domiciled and those who died not domiciled in Ireland. The answer to the-fourth part of each question is in the affirmative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us the circumstances in which it would be possible to impose these additional duties on persons not domiciled in Ireland?

The case is exceedingly technical in detail. It would be impossible in the course of an answer to give special cases. That can be done in discussion on the Clause.

In regard to Income Tax, if a person not domiciled in Ireland has Irish railway securities, would it be competent for the Irish Parliament to impose an additional Income Tax on those securities?

I would rather discuss the matter on the Clause. Primâ facie I should say not.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the memorial signed by many Members of this House, he will now publish that portion of the evidence given before the Committee on Irish Finance in respect of which no pledge of secrecy was given or is now insisted upon?

I have not received any such memorial as that referred to by the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Commissioners of the Treasury have communicated to the War Department a wish to discourage Civil servants from joining the Special Reserve; and whether, in the event of the answer being in the negative, he will make a statement of Government policy in regard to Civil servants joining the Reserve Forces?

While facilities are afforded to Civil servants to join the Territorial Force, neither the War Office nor the Treasury consider it desirable that they should be encouraged to enter the Special Reserve, seeing that, as was explained in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for East Down on 27th September, 1909, the conditions of service and training required in the Special Reserve cannot be adequately fulfilled by Civil servants with due regard to the exigencies of their Departments.

asked the Prime Minister how many times the Advisory Committee to deal with the selection of county magistrates has met; how many additional magistrates have been appointed by the Lord Chancellor; how many non-effective magistrates have been removed; and to what extent the admitted preponderance of one political party on the county benches in Shropsire has been dealt with since the Advisory Committee was set up?

I am informed that meetings have been held by the Advisory Committee in Shropshire, but no recommendations have as yet been placed before the Lord Chancellor, and, therefore, no additional magistrates appointed. I understand that the Lord Chancellor expects shortly to receive the recommendations of the Committee.

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the question about the removal of non-effective magistrates?

I am afraid I have not got the information for that. I suppose the answer is in the negative.

Is this the Committee where there was so much friction that one of the members died from it?

I must have notice of that question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any representations that these committees are not of much use, because the chairmen are absolutely dictators?

No, Sir; I have no such information.

asked for what reason, and on whose initiative, the recommendation; contained in Resolution XXIV. of the Imperial Conference, 1911, to the effect that the question of securing more uniformity throughout the Empire in the law of alien immigration exclusion should be referred' to the Imperial Royal Commission, has been omitted from the terms of reference of that Commission as recently declared; and whether the assent of the Dominion Government was obtained to the omission?

The terms of reference which, as was stated by the Secretary of State for the Colonies in quoting them on 10th April, have received the concurrence of all the Governments concerned, do not exclude the consideration of immigration law, and it has always been agreed that the question should be considered by the Commission.

asked if the Inter-departmental Committee to be established will, an addition to the question of the three-mile limit, have referred to it also the question of trawling for herrings with small-mesh nets, which the bulk of the fishermen employed in the herring industry view with anxiety?

I will consider whether the question referred to by the hon. Member can with advantage be included in the terms of reference, which are not yet definitely settled?

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange for all papers at, the disposal of the Government bearing upon the proposed trade reciprocity treatment between Canada and the United States of America to be printed for the use and information of the House?

I would refer the hon. Member to the correspondence and other papers which have already been published on the subject, namely, Command Papers 5512, 5516, 5523, and 5537 of 1911.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a circular was issued by the Board of Customs and Excise in November, 1910, inviting applications from senior assistants of Customs to serve as second officers for two years with an allowance of £10 per annum in each case in addition to salary; whether, seeing that the seven officers were actually in receipt of the £10 allowance from the date of their appointment to December, 1911, he will state why, in calculating the amount of back pay due to these officers under paragraph 171 of the Amalgamation Committee's Report, the Board of Customs and Excise reckoned the allowance already paid as ordinary salary and awarded a correspondingly less amount of back pay, thus abrogating in December, 1911, a stipulation definitely contracted for in November, 1910; and whether he will take steps to return to these officers the money deducted from their back pay, in view of the fact that they sacrificed their right of promotion for two years and were in consequence up to February, 1912, in receipt of a lower scale of leave and overtime pay than their juniors in the service, who had in the meantime been promoted?

The special duties which these officers performed as second officers at certain ports, and for which an allowance of £10 was granted in addition to their old scale of salary, are included in the general duties of the new grade of officer of Customs and Excise. The superior scale of salary applicable to the latter grade was—as a special indulgence—antedated to 1st April, 1909. As a necessary corollary, the £10 allowances were simultaneously abolished, but, each of the seven officers in question entered the new scale at a salary higher than his old salary and allowance combined.

asked if the scheme for the constitution of a committee of management of the Seamen's National Insurance Society has yet been prepared; if so, whether it has been approved by the Insurance Commissioners; and whether, seeing that the National Insurance Act is to come into operation on 15th July next, any steps have been taken to appoint the committee of management?

I have appointed a preliminary committee representing the various interests concerned to advise me with regard to the formation of the Seamen's National Insurance Society and the preparation of its rules, and the final settlement of the constitution of the committee of management will be deferred until that committee has reported.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state whether overseers and foremen receiving more than £160 per annum are within the provisions of the Insurance Act; and whether they come under the head of manual labour?

Such overseers or foremen would not be insured under Part I. of the National Insurance Act unless they were themselves employed by way of manual labour. The Noble Lord will find in the case of Osborne v. Jackson, 11 Q.B.D. 619, a decision bearing on this point.

Will that apply to navvies who are at times engaged on the work? Will they be excluded if their wages happen to be over £160?

I think the definition in the Act is if they are employed on manual labour.

Is it necessary they should be employed on manual labour all the time?

I do not think I can discuss that by way of question and answer.

asked if the lecturers who attend the classes of instruction for the National Insurance Act receive any pay whilst attending such classes until they are efficient; and if the expenses of these classes are included in the £25,000 spent in explaining the Act?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked what is the position under the National Insurance Act of the women cleaners in the post offices of the United Kingdom?

An Interdepartmental Committee is now considering the position of different classes of persons employed by the Crown under Part I. of the National Insurance Act, and I hope to issue a statement at an early date.

asked whether, in the event of the formation of a domestic servants' health insurance society for England and Wales, it will be necessary, prior to its approval by the Commissioners, to state precisely in its rules or otherwise the nature and extent of the substituted alternative or additional benefits intended to meet the special requirements of this class of employed contributors based upon expert actuarial calculations, or whether the provision of such data can be deferred until after approval of the society?

Such a, society should apply for approval without waiting to frame a scheme for substituting benefits under Section 13 of the National Insurance Act. Schemes under this Section will be examined and confirmed after approval by the Society, and the exact nature and extent of the substituted benefits need not be inserted in the rules, or otherwise communicated to members, before approval. The schemes will be separately confirmed after examination, and inquiry have shown that they satisfy the requirements of the Act, namely, that the new benefits are actuarially equivalent to those for which they have been substituted, and that they are suitable to the members or classes of members affected.

Do I understand from that answer that it will be necessary in the case of such a society for the applicants to prove the actuarial justification for their becoming an approved society?

Any such society may become approved on the statement that it is prepared to offer such alternative benefits, and it will subsequently present for our consideration the tables on which it proposes to offer the benefits, and we will decide whether we regard them as actuarially sound or not.

Can-not the Government give some sample alternative benefits prepared by their own actuaries?

I answered that question two or three days ago.

Are there any such societies in course of formation?

I think there are such societies in course of formation.

asked the Postmaster-General why his Department has raised the charge for the use of a telephone operator for private branch exchanges to £74 4s. per annum as against £45 10s. charged by the National Telephone Company?

I have no knowledge of the particular case mentioned in the question. The charges for operators supplied by the Post Office to work private branch exchanges are, however, necessarily higher than those imposed by the National Telephone Company in similar circumstances, owing to the higher rate of wages paid in the Post Office service. The operators are now entitled also to pensions, sick pay, and other privileges of established Civil servants. It is desirable that operators employed in private premises should be in the direct employment of the subscribers. Such operators can be trained in switchboard working, without charge, in the Post Office school and their working tested from time to time by travelling supervisors. As a rule, also, candidates can, if desired, be recommended for employment by subscribers.

Can private owners of telephone exchanges apply to the Post Office to have their operators trained?

Yes, we shall be glad to train them, without charge, at Post Office schools.

Do I understand that the transfer from the company to the Government implies a general rise in the cost of the service to the public?

A general rise in the labour charge, certainly.

I mean a general rise in the cost to users?

So far as labour is concerned. On the other hand, there is a saving in interest and other charges.

What are the net results?

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the Motor Traction Company of Edinburgh do not pay the wages agreed upon or current in the Edinburgh district for overtime; and if he will take steps to get compliance, or cease to employ the company in the carrying of mails?

I have received a complaint that the overtime rates paid to certain workmen employed by the company to which the hon. Member refers infringe the Fair-Wages Clauses in the contracts, and I am inquiring into the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General, whether, in view of the necessity for the employés to prepare their evidence for the Select Committee, he can give any indication as to when the revision in the Stores Department will be taken?

I am not sure what information is desired. If the employés will let me know where their difficulty lies, I will endeavour to remove it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when he intends to present Supplementary Naval Estimates for men and money, which he intimated would be necessary in the event of the existing programmes of other naval Powers being increased?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the date on which he will present the Supplementary Naval Estimates?

These Estimates will be presented at the first convenient opportunity.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will lay upon the Table of the House a full translation of the new German Navy Law recently introduced into the Reichstag?

Yes, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can say the cost of His Majesty's ships in Indian waters, including interest on the original cost and depreciation of ships, for which a contribution is received annually from the Indian Government; and can he say the total contribution received from the Indian Government for the use of these ships?

The annual cost of His Majesty's East Indies squadron, allowing a charge for depreciation, is approximately £393,000, towards which India is contributing a lump sum of £100,000 per annum and the cost of two ships specially employed in connection with the suppression of the arms traffic in the Persian Gulf, estimated at £67,500, a total repayment at the rate of £167,600 per annum. A balance of £225,000 thus remains chargeable to Navy Votes for services rendered to India.

asked whether the pay of able seamen in the British Navy has only advanced from 1s. 7d. a day to 1s. 8d. a day since 1852; if certain requests have been received from the lower deck rating for improved pay, and, if so, what the cost of granting such requests would be; and if, as the men referred to are precluded by the Regulations from taking the usual action to draw attention to grievances, an opportunity will be given to the House to discuss the matter with the object of provision being made in the Estimates of the present year for the granting of an increase of pay to these men?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the pay of the able seaman in the Navy has only been raised 1d. a day during the last 50 years, and that he has now to serve twenty-two years for a pension instead of as formerly twenty years, and in view of the fact that the pay in the Army and still more the pay of other Government employés has been increased to a far greater extent in the last fifty years, he can see his way to grant a fair increase to the men in the Navy?

I am giving careful attention to this question, which clearly deserves to be closely examined in relation to present conditions. But at the present time I have nothing to add to what I said when introducing the Navy Estimates.