asked whether before officially recognising the Chinese Republic Government, His Majesty's Government will take steps to secure that the conflict of authority at present existing between the Chinese officials and the municipal government of the international settlement at Shanghai will be terminnated, and that the boundaries of the settlement will be re-adjusted to meet the present unsatisfactory position?

His Majesty's Legation at Peking continue now, as in the past, to make every effort to secure an amelioration of the sanitary and police conditions prevailing in the district of Chapel, which borders on the limits of the international settlement, and a clear and satisfactory demarcation of the boundary of the settlement itself. Any measure calculated to attain these objects, which may be initiated by the Consular Body at Shanghai and receive the approval of the Diplomatic Representatives at Peking, will have the cordial support of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that there are certain British (Glasgow) interests in Chinese railways, etc., with regard to which he was endeavouring to arrive at a general settlement with the Chinese Government in 1906, and which still remain unsettled; whether a settlement of these outstanding Glasgow interests is included in the negotiations now proceeding, or in contemplation, regarding Chinese financial matters; and, if not, what steps he is taking or proposing to take to secure a settlement of these claims?

The interests referred to are presumably certain claims in connection with Chinese railways, etc., put forward by Mr. George Turner, a contractor residing in Glasgow. These claims have been carefully investigated, both before and since I went to the Foreign Office in 1905, and I am satisfied that there is no ground for the intervention of His Majesty's Government. They were therefore not included among the claims to which reference was made in 1906, and have not been the subject of any negotiations with the Chinese Government.

asked whether the British Government continues the policy of giving diplomatic support to only one British bank in Chinese finance, thereby allowing compacts between certain banks and others whereby competition for Chinese finance is excluded, and the application of the money and the attendant patronage are monopolised?

Pending the final issue of the loan now being negotiated with the Chinese Government, His Majesty's Government have assured their exclusive support to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, the British representative in the International Combination which, it is hoped, will render effective the aim of His Majesty's Government to prevent any return to the former unprofitable policy of international competition in Chinese loans. The support now given to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in no sense confers a monopoly on it for the emission of future loans that may be issued on behalf of China, and I understand that the bank is perfectly willing to admit to full financial participation British houses of well-established reputation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the American section of the six-Power group for financing China is identical in personnel with, or embraces the same parties as, the American group who, acting in secret compact with a British firm in 1910, contracted for a loan with the Chinese Government for the construction of the Chinchow-Aigun Railway and for the application of the money; whether he is now aware of the terms of that secret compact; and whether the British Government gave any diplomatic or other support to the British firm towards obtaining the concession for the Chinchow-Aigun Railway?

We have no accurate information as to the constitution of the American group referred to nor do we know of any secret compact between them and Messrs. Pauling, the firm interested in the Chinchow-Aigun Railway. With regard to the concession in question, His Majesty's Government were unable to give diplomatic support for this particular enterprise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the names of the individuals and banks constituting the different groups of financiers now acting together with the support of their respective Governments as the six-Power group for the purpose of financing China; whether the terms of the agreements between these groups and between them jointly and China, and the nature of their authority from their respective Governments, will be made public; whether the groups undertake to find a sixth of the money in each of their respective countries; if the money is to be raised mainly or wholly in England and France, will he explain to what extent the other groups or the countries they represent are to participate in the profits or to control the expenditure, and for what consideration; and, if their only contribution is silence or support in taking advantage of China's difficulties by creating a monopoly in Chinese finance, whether the British Government will support the combination for this purpose?

I cannot supply details as to the composition of the financial groups concerned in the loan to China or the terms of their agreements, which are at present the subject of confidential negotiations between themselves. I have already explained, in reply to previous questions, the nature of the support given by His Majesty's Government to the British group in the financial combination, and that it involves no pecuniary liability on them. We have no desire to take any advantage of China's difficulties. It is China who wants to borrow, and not others who wish to press loans upon her. If China can do without foreign loans at all it would be a very great relief, and put an end to many troublesome questions. It is clear that in the present state of affairs in China, if money is to be lent, it must be upon proper conditions, otherwise Chinese credit will disappear and confusion and chaos will result, and I cannot support anything that is likely to produce these untoward consequences.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not supporting a Home Rule Bill which will produce these consequences? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order."]

So far as I have heard the Debates on the Home Rule Bill it has never been suggested that it will ever produce any consequences in China.

In view of the actual financial condition of China, does His Majesty's Government regard it as consistent with the advice tendered to the Chinese Government by foreign Ministers and others, and reported in this day's "Times," in reference to the circumscribing of Chinese finance?

If the hon. Member will let me have a copy of that question on the Paper I will answer it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that if the Home Rule Bill is passed it will not have the effect indicated?

The Home Rule Bill has nothing whatever to do with this matter.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state the personnel of the British and other groups of financiers who undertake the finance, construction, and equipment of the proposed Trans-Persian Railway, their terms of participation, the nature and extent of the British Government support, and the present condition of the negotiations?

The "Société d'êtudes," consisting of British, French, and Russian members, who will undertake the preliminary investigation connected with the railway, is not yet definitely constituted, but it is expected that the three groups will shortly be completed, after which a meeting will be held in Paris for the purpose of constituting it. The financing, construction, and equipment of the line will be undertaken by a company or companies to be formed later, and the control of those operations will be equally divided between the representatives of the three Powers concerned. As regards the extent to which His Majesty's Government are supporting the enterprise, I have nothing to add to the reply returned to the Noble Earl the Member for the Hornsey Division of Middlesex on 19th March last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any British syndicate has been registered for this purpose in England?

I imagine not. If the hon. Member will give notice of the question, I will give him a specific answer.

May I ask whether the negotiations have reached a stage at which they could be conveniently discussed in this House?

Of course, the question is one that can be discussed at any time, Tout in regard to the negotiations themselves at the present stage at which they are there is really very little to be said, because so little is definite.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what was the result of the trial of the Portuguese customs official who shot the Rev. Arthur Douglas at Nyasa; and whether His Majesty's Government propose to take any further action in the matter?

His Majesty's Government have received from an official of the Nyasaland Protectorate, deputed for this purpose, a full report on the murder and all the circumstances leading up to it. They propose, however, to defer taking any action on that report until they shall have learnt the result of the trial, which, according to the request preferred by His Majesty's Government at the instance of the Bishop of Nyasaland, should be held at an early date at Mtengula instead of at Ibo, the ordinary seat of the competent court.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he will state whether Koweit is to be abandoned as the terminus of the Baghdad Railway, and, if so, why; and what terminus is to take its place?

No decision as to the terminus beyond Baghdad has been arrived at, but negotiations on the subject of the Baghdad Railway are still in progress between His Majesty's Government and the Turkish Government, and until they are concluded I can make no further statement with regard to the question.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can give us any further information with regard to the settlement among the various Powers interested?

I cannot make any further statement at the present stage of the negotiations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information regarding the present position in Fez?

A despatch from His Majesty's Consul at Fez, dated 26th May, states that all the European British subjects were inside the Consulate quarter when the attack began on the night of 25th May, and next morning he brought them to the Consulate. It appears that they have been quite safe during the fighting. The latest information, dated 2nd June, is to the effect that the situation at Fez is much improved.

asked whether any report had been made by the British Plenipotentiaries to the International Opium Conference at The Hague; whether the Convention and the report were signed by all the Plenipotentiaries with or without reservations; what the reservations, if any, were; and whether the further papers to be presented will contain full information on these points?

A report is now in course of preparation by the British Plenipotentiaries to the International Opium Convention, and will be laid before Parliament. It will contain no reservations, and will, I believe, bear the signatures of all the Plenipotentiaries. The Convention was presented to Parliament in February last, contains one reservation, and bears the signatures of all the British Plenipotentiaries with the exception of Sir Cecil Clementi-Smith, who was absent in England at the time that the Convention was signed.

Were any definite instructions given to the British Plenipotentiaries and were they carried out?

I would like the hon. Member to give me notice of that question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what reasons are assigned by the Commissioners of National Education for not putting lay assistants in convent schools on the same footing as regards security of tenure, salary, and pension rights as the women teachers in ordinary national schools; whether he is aware that a number of these teachers have been trained at the expense of the State, and that in some cases these lay assistants are obliged to teach extra subjects without any remuneration; whether he is prepared to have this question of convent assistants fully investigated; and whether he is aware that at the recent teachers' congress a resolution embodying the headings named was unanimously adopted?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that lay assistants in convent national schools are employed and paid by the communities, and not by the Commissioners. They are not eligible for pension under the Teachers' Pension Act of 1879 so long as they are employed only as lay assistants. Some of these lay assistants are trained teachers, and have been unable to obtain employment in ordinary national schools owing to the non-occurrence of vacancies. A resolution to the effect stated was passed at the recent Congress of National Teachers. My right hon. Friend sees no necessity for any investigation in regard to these teachers, whose position and conditions of employment are well understood.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a rule has recently been made by the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland withholding three months' salary from married women teachers at the time of maternity unless such teachers pay substitutes for that period out of their own pockets; whether he is aware that difficulty is found in obtaining substitutes, and consequently the money is withheld at a time when it is most useful to pay the nurse, doctor, and other incidental expenses; and whether the money so saved is handed back to the Treasury or goes towards other educational purposes in Ireland?

My right hon. Friend is aware that a rule has been made as stated. The Commissioners of National Education have no knowledge of the alleged difficulties in obtaining substitutes. They do not insist on such substitutes having the full qualifications required in other cases. Any portion of the Parliamentary Vote unexpended at the end of the financial year must be refunded to the Treasury.

asked the Solicitor-General for Ireland whether, in granting paper promotion to first grade teachers, the Commissioners of National Education have, on the strength of Rule 105 ( a ), which positively asserts that teachers promoted from a lower to a higher grade receive on promotion the salary fixed for the grade to which they are promoted, made themselves responsible for the payment of the arrears due to these teachers; and whether these teachers could individually or collectively take any action to recover the sums due according to the rules of the Commissioners of National Education.

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary is advised that the answer is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, under Sub-section (11) of Clause 2 of the Government of Ireland Bill, it would be competent for the Irish Legislature to alter or modify the details of the Land Purchase Acts, the Old Age Pensions Acts, the National Insurance Act, and the Labour Exchange Act; and if he will state what is meant by the general subject matter of those Acts?

It will not be competent for the Irish Parliament to alter or modify the details of any of the enactments referred to so long as the administration of the enactment in question is a reserved service.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of my question and say what is the meaning of the expression "general subject matter of these Acts"?

It may not be a very happy expression, but it had reference to land purchase enactments which are spread over a large number of Land Acts that are not specially Land Purchase Acts. That was the real reason of it. It can be considered in Committee if necessary.

Is it possible for the Irish authorities to pay the expenses of workmen in this country, under the Labour Exchange Act, to go to Ireland?

I do not see how that arises.

Who is to be the judge as to which Acts are capable of revision by the Irish Parliament?

That is for discussion in Committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the memorial signed by a large number of 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 made or is now insisted upon?

The memorial will be considered by the Prime Minister on his return, and perhaps the hon. Member would therefore be good enough to repeat his question next week.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the memorial to the Congested Districts Board in regard to the division of the demesne lands of the-Wills-Sandford estate was signed by 82 towns tenants in Castlerea, who submit that these lands should be apportioned amongst the town tenants generally; and if he will state whether the petition of the memorialists will receive further consideration?

The Congested Districts Board received a memorial purporting to be signed by 82 tenants and subtenants of the town of Castlerea. As my right hon. Friend has already stated, the primary object of the Board in purchasing the demesne lands of the Wills-Sandford estate was the improvement in the condition of agricultural tenants, not the partitioning of such lands among town tenants. The petition referred to, which has been already ruled upon by the Board, cannot be further considered.

asked how much of the £225,000, authorised by the Public Offices Sites (Dublin) Act, 1903, for the building of a college of science and other offices in Dublin, was unexpended on the 31st March, 1912; were plans and specifications prepared for buildings which would have exhausted substantially the whole amount provided; was work stopped on the buildings; has this unexpended amount been brought into the estimated expenditure on Irish services in 1912–13, Appendix B of the White Paper [Cd. 6154], on the outline of the financial provisions of the Government of Ireland Bill; and, if not, and it it is not intended to resume the work, will this unexpended amount be credited to the Irish Exchequer in the event of the Bill becoming law?

The sum mentioned by the hon. Member has been used for the acquisition of sites and for the building of the Royal College of Science. A small amount remained unexpended on the 31st March, 1912, but the whole of the balance is required to meet liabilities already incurred at that date. The remaining parts of the hon. Member's question do not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the finances of Malta are in a serious condition; and, if so, what steps His Majesty's Government intend to take to meet the difficulties arising?

I must refer the Noble Lord to the Report, presented to Parliament last month, of the Royal Commission on the Finances of Malta. The recommendations made in that Report are now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is aware that the Child's Geography, by M. J. Barrington Ward, M.A., published by Bell and Sons, is used as a text-book for Standard III. in the Victoria Bridge school, in Singapore; whether he is aware that on pages 50 and 51 of this book it is stated that the false religion known as Mahomedan was founded by Mahomed, a native of Arabia, who called himself the prophet of the true God; whether he is aware that the pupils at this school are largely Mahomedan; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the negative, though I presume that, as the pupils are to a large extent Malay boys, many of them profess the Mahomedan religion. A copy of my hon. Friend's question will be sent to the Governor for his consideration. If the facts are as alleged I do not think the book a suitable one for such use.

Is the attitude of the Colonial Education Department due to the fact that Mahomed was not of pure European descent?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in the Annual Report of the Selangor Health Department, in the Federated Malay States, Dr. Gerrard states that an unprecedented amount of obstruction and passive resistance has been shown by certain members of the planting community towards the sanitary regulations laid down in the Estate Labourers Enactment, that gross cases of insanitation have been discovered, and that the majority of the visiting medical practitioners, except in a few cases, have not inspected the dwellings of the labourers or given any advice to managers as to the ordinary sanitation of these places; and whether the Government proposes to take any action?

I have seen in the Press an extract from the Report to the effect quoted in the question. I have no doubt that the Local Government will take any steps that may be necessary or desirable.

asked whether it is intended that no further Grant-in-Aid will be given by the Imperial Government towards the finances of British East Africa; and whether, in that case, the Colonial Office proposes to alter the form of local government so as to give the Colonists a full voice in the spending of their own money?

I am not in a position to say whether or not any further Grant-in-Aid from Imperial funds will be required for British East Africa.

In the event of further financial aid being required, will it be forthcoming?

I think that that question approaches the region of hypothesis.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give any figures showing the increase of the police force in England and Wales on some such date as 1st April, 1912, compared with a similar date in the preceding year; and whether this increase in the force has been due to the fear of labour troubles?

The numbers of police in England and Wales are published annually in one of the Appendices to the Reports of His Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary; and I do not think any useful purpose would be served by calling for the special Return suggested by my hon. Friend. It would not be possible to distinguish the increase of numbers due to fear of disturbances in connection with labour disputes from the much greater increase due to growth of population and to the arrangements now being made for the grant of the weekly rest-day.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very largely increased cost has been put on the county councils owing to the increase in the police force?

Yes, but I believe that the reasons which I have given are the cause of that increase.

Was the increase due to the provision of an expeditionary force to Wild Wales or other parts of the country?

No, Sir.

asked if the memorandum issued by the Home Office on the law relating to shops is intended to convey the decision that the whole premises of a coal merchant where the business is conducted, including the wharf, the yards, and the lorries from which coal is retailed, will be regarded as a shop within the meaning of the Act; and if the men in charge of the lorry from which coal is retailed, and the men wholly employed in loading or unloading coal and filling coal bags, will be regarded as shop assistants within the meaning of the Act?

I have no authority to give a decision on the particular questions raised by the hon. Member, but I think a retail coal merchant would be well advised in regarding any premises in his occupation in which coal is sold by retail and dispatched to customers as coming within the Act. I would refer the hon. Member to the definition of the expressions "shop" and "shop assistant" in Section 19 of the Act. Persons employed in selling coal from carts in the street are not shop assistants, but the provisions of Section 9 of the Act apply to such sales.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the 19th May last year the Home Secretary wrote from the Home Office to say that the provisions of the Shops Bill will not apply to people delivering coal at houses?

That is quite consistent with what I have said. The words-are "who are mainly employed."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer he has just given is in conflict with that given by his predecessor in Grand Committee in regard to the men employed as carmen and others mentioned in the latter part of the hon. Member's question?

No; I was not aware of that.

asked whether the Home Secretary's attention has been called to the case of John Fitzgibbons, who was fined 40s. at the Thames Police-Court for shouting at blacklegs, urging them to come out on strike; and whether he will review this and other sentences passed on the same occasion for similar offences?

I have obtained a report of the facts proved at the hearing of the charges against this man and two others concerned in preventing certain vanmen from working, and find no reason for advising any interference with the sentence. His fine has been paid.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the police attack upon people who stood upon the footpath between Canning Town station and the iron bridge, Barking Road, on Thursday morning last; if he is aware that a reporter of the "Star" newspaper, who was witness to a man being chased across the road, was pushed and struck by the police, and that the man moved off to the pavement and approached a sergeant, when two other constables rushed at him, seized him by the scruff of the neck and, with unnecessary force, hurried him off down a side turning; whether he is aware that on Wednesday, 29th May, at the corner of Beckton Road, the police on horseback rushed into the crowd and attacked men, women, and children, with the result that. two children and an old man and woman were injured; and if he is prepared to hold an inquiry into the matter?

Before my question is answered, I wish to point out that the way it reads makes it represent that the witness was assaulted. I wish to make it clear that he was only witness of an assault.

Inquiry is being made into the circumstances referred to by my hon Friend. It is quite impossible to get the Report to-day. I will make further inquiry about the matter.

asked the circumstances in which on the 28th May the Home Secretary received a deputation from the strike committee of the transport workers; if at that meeting he gave any undertaking to the men that the military would not be employed to protect the carriage of merchandise from the docks into London; and whether, in view of the allegations made by the men as to the conduct of the police in connection with the strike, he will issue a verbatim report of what took place at the interview?

I received the deputation at their own request. Their object was to make certain complaints against the police, and to offer their own co-operation in securing the delivery of the food supplies. I gave no undertaking of any sort with regard to the employment of the military, but I explained that no soldiers had been employed, and I expressed the hope—which I am sure this House shares—that order would be maintained without the necessity for their employment. The interview was private.

Was a shorthand note taken of the interview, and, if so, can a copy of it be obtained by any Member of the House?

No, Sir.

asked how many additional police have had to be employed for the protection of life and property endangered by the action of the transport workers on strike in endeavouring forcibly to prevent the removal of goods and merchandise from the London Docks, and how the cost thereby incurred will be borne?

The services of 791 men of the Reserve of Metropolitan Police pensioners have been utilised as additional constables. The cost will be borne by the Metropolitan Police Fund.

asked whether, in reply to requests for protection in connection with the transport strike, the protection of the Metropolitan Police was promised so far as the resources at their disposal permitted; whether these resources were in all cases sufficient to comply with requests for protection; and, if not, what steps were taken to supplement the police forces available?

So far as the resources of the police permitted, they have given protection against risk of disorder or intimidation, but it is only in the case of the food supply that extensive precautionary measures have been taken. The number of police available for this duty has been increased by stopping leave, by drawing police from quiet districts to those where disturbance was feared, and by recalling a large number of police pensioners to the ranks.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the reluctance on his part to get the military to assist the police was in any way in consequence of information received for and on behalf of the candidate for North-West Norfolk?

I do not understand the point of the hon. Gentleman.

I am very sorry the right hon. Gentleman does not understand the question.

The hon. Gentleman can put it down on the Paper.

May I ask whether the Metropolitan Police will have consideration for leave to make up for the extra duty they have done, and also for certain extra allowances on account of the additional work of which he has spoken?

I believe that is the general practice.

asked whether the Home Secretary has received a copy of a resolution passed by the executive committee of the London Corn Trade Association, asking the Government to let it be known during the present dock strike that protection would be given to all those desiring to work; and, if so, whether he has taken steps with a view to an official announcement of the Government's willingness to furnish such protection, in view of the publicity given to the assurances which he gave to the strikers' leaders on certain points?

I received the resolution referred to. No formal declaration of the intention of the Government appeared to me to be called for. The intention of the Government to maintain order and protect the food supply was amply shown by the steps which have been taken.

HALL asked whether the police protection given to merchants and traders during the transport strike extended to all classes of goods, or whether it was limited to food and perishables or in any other manner?

The police have been ready to act wherever they were called on to suppress disturbance or intimidation, but it is only in connection with the food supply that they have arranged extensive precautionary measures.

Has not the hon. Gentleman exhausted the number of questions allowed?

The number of questions permitted to an hon. Member is eight.

asked whether the facilities in the shape of permits given by the disputes committee of the National Transport Workers' Federation in the dock strike for the conveyance of goods in certain circumstances, have been utilised in any way in connection with the Post Office or any other Department of the Government service; and whether the Law Officers of the Crown have advised on the question of the legality of the issue of such permits on the part of the Federation in the conditions obtaining?

I have communicated with the Post Office, and find that no permits have been used, and I know of no Department that has used them. I have not consulted the Law Officers.

asked whether the Home Office entered into any arrangement or bargain with either party as regards measures of repression or protection during the strike?

No, Sir.

asked whether the Home Secretary moved the Port Authority of London to refuse the "Lady Jocelyn" leave to enter the Albert Dock; and, if the answer be in the affirmative, whether such action was taken in consequence of representations made by any and, if so, by what persons?

I have from the first strongly deprecated the bringing of the "Lady Jocelyn" into the docks as a step likely to cause irritation and to increase the difficulties of the police. I was led to take this view after consultation with my advisers, and not in consequence of any representations made to me.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he does not think that it rather impairs his claim to a position of perfect impartiality between the two parties to the strike?

No, Sir; the admission of the "Lady Jocelyn" would undoubtedly greatly aggravate the present state of feeling, and I conceive it to be my duty not to allow anything to be done which would unnecessarily provoke strong feeling.

Can the right hon. Gentleman consider the claim of any portion of the community to exercise their legal rights unnecessary, or whether it is not his duty to support any such effort on their part?

I have no power to stop the "Lady Jocelyn" from coming into dock if it chooses to exercise its legal right to come into dock, but the owners of the "Lady Jocelyn" have no necessary claim on the police of London to withdraw their forces from other places where they may be required to protect the "Lady Jocelyn," which is advised not to come into dock.

In that case, may I ask whether the claim for protection is a geographical matter, and depends on the distribution for the moment of the police?

The claim for protection in every case must depend upon the number of police available for the purpose. It would be impossible to give precautionary protection in the case of every demand made upon them; but it is desirable in all disputes of this kind that efforts should be made on both sides to avoid all unnecessary causes of friction.

What was the nature of the cargo on the "Lady Jocelyn"?

The cargo was one of men.

Is it not the fact that the "Lady Jocelyn" was amply protected by a volunteer police force?

I have no knowledge whatever of a volunteer police force.

asked whether the Home Secretary was a party to the recent issue of permits by officials of the Transport Workers' Federation to the Thames Steamboat Company and other services?

No, Sir.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember the promotion of an agitation against the payment of rates under the Education Act, for which his right hon. colleague beside him was chiefly responsible?

I do not know whether my right hon. Friend was then at the Home Office.

asked whether, under the existing law, non-union men have the same right to work as union men; and, if so, why protection is not given to them when leaving and returning to their homes?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative; to the second, that where protection is necessary it is given so far as practicable. It is obviously impossible to have a constable continuously in attendance on every workman.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only yesterday men had to leave the unloading of a ship in the Surrey Commercial Dock, and give notice to their employers to that effect, because of the threats to which they were subjected that their homes would be attacked if they continued to work, and that they would not run that risk on account of their wives and families; and whether the right hon. Gentleman is prepared to give them protection?

I dealt with that particular case in the reply which I have given to the hon. Gentleman. I do not understand that he alleges that in any cases homes were attacked.

asked the Home Secretary whether Sir Edward Clarke's report on the recent strike of transport workers was submitted in a draft form for approval by the Board of Trade before he signed it; and what alterations, if any, were made in his original draft report before it was signed by him?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The answer is in the negative.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation this Session with the object of prohibiting the employment of non-union labour or which would have the effect of making it impossible or difficult for non-union men to obtain work at the Port of London?

No, Sir.

If this federation scheme is carried out, would not that prevent non-union men from obtaining work?

No, Sir.

asked the circumstances under which Maurice Leahy, a member of the society of railway servants, was convicted on the 13th May at the West London Police Court for assault; and on what grounds the Home Secretary has seen fit to remit the sentence, in view of the expression of opinion by the magistrate as to the necessity for the adequate punishment of such conduct as that for which Leahy was found guilty?

I was not satisfied on the evidence that no provocation had been offered by the prosecutor. The magistrate passed the sentence on the view that it was a case of deliberate and unjustifiable bullying, but it seems to me unlikely that one man who was alone would have bullied two railway inspectors, who were strangers to him. In view of the prisoner's previous good character, of which evidence was given extending over a period of twenty years, I considered a term of fourteen days' imprisonment was sufficient punishment for the offence proved.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether in future in cases of sentence for assault it is his intention to draw a distinction between members of trade unions and other men? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]

There is no ground for putting such a question as that to me.

I simply asked it as arising out of the question I put, and I think a reasonable answer might be given.

asked whether passive resistance to the payment of compulsory contributions under the National Insurance Act will be regarded in the same light as passive resistance to payments due under the Education Act, 1902, so as to assure persons concerned of the friendly intervention of his Department?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by the friendly intervention of my Department, nor have I any reason to anticipate the hypothetical circumstances on which he grounds his question.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether it was proposed that officers of Customs and Excise should undertake certain duties in connection with the administration of the National Insurance Act; and, if so, what was the nature of those duties?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The main duties of these officers will be the dissemination of general information about the Act, preliminary work in connection with claims for exemption certificates, and dealing with questions as to the rate of remuneration as affecting the contributions payable by the employer and employé respectively under Section 66 of the Act.

Will these officers receive extra remuneration for the work they are called upon to undertake?

There has been a recent revision of pay and conditions in which these extra duties have been taken into consideration. There is also being made at present a very substantial increase in the number of the staff.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases the men are already grossly over-worked?

I am aware of the conditions under which these men work, and I think there will be no difficulty in their carrying out these duties.

Will clerical assistance he given where it would be useful?

I should like to have notice of that. Perhaps some arrangement of that sort might be made.

Will these officers also continue their work under the Old Age Pensions Act?

Certainly.

Will these new duties be merely temporary to bring the Act into force, or will they be permanent?

The great bulk of the work we expect to be purely temporary in character.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he would issue regulations stating whether an insured person, who was a member of a trade union which was his approved society under the National Insurance Act, would be able to sue his trade union for benefits to which he was entitled under the National Insurance Act?

If an approved society refuses to pay any of its members the benefits to which they are entitled under the Insurance Act, the latter will be able to appeal, under Section 67, to the Insurance Commissioners, who will take steps to ensure that the society carries out the duties under the Act which it undertook as a condition of approval.

asked whether the tables on reserve values and on contributions at different ages issued by the Insurance Commission were based on the same rates of average sickness as were assumed by Messrs. Hardy and Wyatt when the National Insurance Bill was before Parliament?

The basis of the reserve values in respect of sickness as well as the other factors will be fully explained in a Report which I hope to lay on the Table of the House at an early date. I may say, however, that the basis, so far as sickness is concerned, is the same as that used by Messrs. Hardy and Wyatt, namely, the experience of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, and that, although the adjustments made to those rates are somewhat different in form from those adopted by Messrs. Hardy and Wyatt, the ultimate results are in close agreement with those obtained by them.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention had been drawn to a circular issued to friendly societies, containing model resolutions to be passed by societies and branches of societies desiring to become approved under the National Insurance Act; whether these model resolutions implied that the subscriptions paid by members of these societies and branches must be immediately reduced pending the final approval of the scheme submitted to the Registrar; whether he was aware that the circular was causing considerable resentment amongst numbers of friendly society members; and whether the circular would be withdrawn owing to its ambiguity and interference with the rights of self-government which members of friendly societies had always enjoyed?

If the hon. Member's question refers to the form of provisional scheme under Section 72 of the National Insurance Act issued by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies, this form does not imply that the subscriptions paid by members of societies and branches must be immediately reduced pending the final approval of the scheme submitted to the Registrar. It was intended to provide societies with an easy method of reducing, by a proper amount, the contributions of members who become insured persons, if the society desires to make such reductions, and was accompanied in each case by a circular which makes the matter clear. The circular states that it is open to a society to submit a scheme for continuing each member's contributions and benefits as before, and that it may give an option to members who become insured persons to continue their present contributions and benefits, or to pay contributions and receive benefits at a reduced rate.

Have the hon. Gentleman's Department and the Commissioners received several letters of protest, asking for an explanation with regard to this particular form? Under these circumstances, would it not be best to withdraw the circular because of its misleading character? A large number of friendly society leaders, at any rate in my own town of Sheffield, are up in arms against it, thinking it means that they have to do this compulsorily.

I have received no representations at all on the subject, and I have no knowledge of my Department having received any. If the hon. Member will look at the circular he will see that it is quite voluntary on the part of the friendly societies. I am quite prepared to make that clear in the proper fashion.

asked what was the total number of societies which had been in communication with the National Insurance Health Commissioners with a view to their becoming approved or with a view to their obtaining information prior to their deciding to become approved; and what proportion of the total working population did these societies represent?

I am quite unable to give any numbers of all societies which have communicated in any way with the Commissioners with a view to obtaining information prior to deciding to apply for approval, as it would involve examination of some thousands of letters and reference to some hundreds of interviews. A first list of societies actually approved will be issued to-morrow, and further lists from time to time, as they are ready.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House any indication of the proportion of the working population of the country that are likely to drift into the position of deposit contributors?

I think it would be perfectly premature to make any statement as to that. From all the indications I can see I think there will be very few indeed. We shall not know really how many until next October.

asked if it was the intention of the National Insurance Commissioners to supply the approved societies with the first set of books; and, if so, whether they would be supplied free of cost?

The books which the Commissioners will require to be kept in prescribed form, that is to say the Membership Register, Contribution Register, and Benefits Register, will be supplied to approved societies in unbound form or in temporary binding free of cost.

asked the Postmaster-General, what arrangements he has made to remunerate Post Office employés for the additional work which they will be called upon to undertake in connection, with the National Insurance Act?

I am considering the question of the remuneration to be paid to Scale Payment Sub-Postmasters for the additional work to be imposed upon them in connection with the National Insurance Act. The additional work at other offices, staffed by persons in the direct employ of the Post Office, will be met by the provision of additional staff where necessary.

Will the extra payment be made out of Post Office funds or out of the funds of the Treasury?

The Post Office is recouped its expenditure either from the Treasury or the National Insurance Fund.

asked whether a young person under fourteen years of age and employed underground in a coal mine before the 1st July, 1912, will be compelled to give up such employment under the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulations Act, 1911?

The employment below ground of persons under the age of fourteen is prohibited after 1st July next, except in the case of persons who were lawfully so employed before the passing of the Act—that is, before 16th December last. Persons under fourteen who commenced work underground after 16th December cannot, after 1st July, legally be employed underground until they reach the age of fourteen.

asked the Home Secretary whether two sentences of fifteen strokes with the birch in addition to nine months' imprisonment were passed under the Vagrancy Act at the London Sessions on 7th May; whether he has noticed the recent marked increase in the number of floggings ordered by magistrates under this ancient Statute; whether it is the policy of the Home Office to discourage and restrict the powers of flogging thus given to magistrates which Sir Matthew White Ridley, when Home Secretary, proposed to withdraw; and whether he can hold out any hope that the matter will be dealt with by legislation or otherwise?

Two incorrigible rogues were sentenced under the Vagrancy Act, as stated in the question, the latest of the offences proved against them being persistent solicitation by a male person for immoral purposes. With regard to the increase in the number of cases under the Vagrancy Act in which whipping has been ordered and the way in which such case's as have been brought under my notice have been dealt with, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 1st May. I maintain the policy of my predecessors in objecting to whipping as a sentence for such offences as begging or sleeping out, but the present case is quite different. I have no intention at present of proposing legislation on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to say when it is proposed to take Vote 8 of the Naval Estimates?

The answer is in the negative, but perhaps the hon. Member would postpone this question to a somewhat later date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question is put down at the request of the Prime Minister, and I have received no intimation that it would not be convenient for him to be here to-day to answer?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can see his way to providing facilities for the further discussion this Session of the Criminal Law Amendment (White Slave Traffic) Bill?

I am aware of the strong feeling in the House with regard to this measure, but I can at present make no statement with regard to facilities.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to proceed with the Report of the Resolutions agreed to in Committee of Ways and Means?

I fear it is not yet possible to fix a date.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to introduce an Electoral Reform Bill before the adjournment of Parliament in August; and whether, in the event of his answer being in the affirmative, he can give the approximate date of its introduction?

I can make no statement on this subject at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to impose further taxation on real estate, with a view to the remission of taxation at present imposed on certain necessaries of life?

I have already laid before the House my proposals for raising the revenue required for the current year. As regards the year 1913–14, I must ask the hon. Member to await the next Budget statement.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has considered the advisability of issuing Regulations prohibiting the use of cut-outs or open exhausts on motor cycles, in view of the fact that with a properly designed silencer silence can be obtained without appreciable loss of power?

The matter has been under my consideration, and I am having some investigations made with a view to the possible issue of Regulations to secure the object which my hon. Friend has in view.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has now abandoned the intention of introducing a Milk Bill this Session?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has any information as to the total number of Lascars employed in British shipping, and as to the character the Lascars have borne as able seamen according to the records of the Board of Trade?

The total number of persons comprised under the head of Lascars, who were returned as employed on ships registered in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, during the year 1910 was 43,934. The term "Lascars "in these statistics includes Asiatics and East Africans, whether British subjects or foreigners, employed on vessels trading between India and the United Kingdom, or entirely in Asiatic or Australian waters, and serving under agreements which terminate in Asia. The Board have no records which would enable a comparison to be drawn between Lascars and any other class of seamen, as to the character they have borne as able seamen.

Am I to understand that in the right hon. Gentleman's Department the term Lascar connotes any Asiatic blood or birth?

It includes Asiatics and East Africans, whether British subjects or foreigners.

Does it or does it not connote any Asiatic blood?

What I read was Asiatic or East African.