asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information regarding the continued insecurity of the roads of Southern Persia; and will he say what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take in the matter?

I have received no recent reports indicating any improvement in the state of the roads, but a detachment of the newly organised gendarmerie under Swedish officers has now reached Shiraz, and it may be hoped that the good effect of their presence will be felt immediately.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if there is any improvement in the state of the Karman road?

I do not think we have any news of improvement.

asked whether any communication has been received from His Majesty's Minister at Peking regarding the illegal prohibition imposed by the Chinese Government on the Indian opium trade; whether opium valued at upwards of nine millions sterling is affected; and whether the British Government intends to allow the Chinese authorities to defy the provisions of the Anglo-Chinese opium agreement in favour of British traders while they are not observing the conditions imposed by that instrument upon themselves?

His Majesty's Government take a very serious view of the situation that has been created and His Majesty's Minister at Peking is making strong representations to the Chinese Government, whose inability to enforce observance of their recognised treaty obligations both in this and in other matters in the provinces must, so long as it continues, delay the recognition of the new Chinese Government.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will use his best offices to obtain the co-operation of educational authorities of adjoining counties in the matter of technical education in agricultural subjects where assistance is offered by recognised agricultural societies, whose influence and sphere of usefulness in such adjoining counties is undoubted; and whether he will consider the advisability of granting certificates of proficiency to those who prove successful in competitions organised by such societies for ploughing, rick-building, thatching, hedging and ditching, and farriery?

The Board will welcome and encourage co-operation between neighbouring local education authorities and agricultural societies in the promotion of agricultural education. The question of granting certificates of the character referred to in the second part of the question is a matter rather for local education authorities than for the Board.

asked what is the present total income of the Board and what portion of it is allocated to purely agricultural purposes, and what proportion consists of Grants from the Development Fund?

The aggregate net expenditure of the Board, including the various Grants made to local authorities, agricultural department and colleges, and other bodies, is estimated to amount to £409,869 for the current financial year, 1912–13. Of this sum £95,330 will be received from the Development Fund. In addition, £49,993 will be provided in other Votes for expenditure in connection with the work of the Board. It is not possible to distinguish the cost of purely agricultural business from the other expenditure incurred by the Board.

May I ask whether the first figure does or does not include the expenditure at Kew?

It includes all the expenditure which comes under the control of the Board.

asked whether, in the opinion of the veterinary experts of the Board, Johne's disease can in all cases be differentiated from tuberculosis with out a post-mortem examination when the latter disease is accompanied, as is not uncommon, by both wasting and scouring?

The Board's veterinary officers are of opinion that it would be rash to say that a differential diagnosis could be made with certainty in all cases without a post-mortem examination.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the steadily increasing prevalence of swine fever, the character of the existing Orders and Regulations, and the present enormous expenditure of public money on compensation and administration under this heading without any appreciable result, he proposes to reverse or modify the policy of the Board in connection with this disease?

I do not contemplate any drastic change in the present procedure pending the receipt of the final Report of the Departmental Committee on Swine Fever and the issue of the experiments now being conducted on their behalf. The present unsatisfactory condition of affairs is, however, receiving my most serious consideration, and I hope it may be possible to devise some more satisfactory means of checking the disease.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea as to the time when the Report of the Departmental Committee will be published?

I am afraid I do not know.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of modifying the recent Swine Fever Regulations in counties where there has been no swine fever?

No, Sir, I am afraid I could not do that at the present time, for that would be flying in the face of the advice I have already received from the Departmental Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will say when it is proposed to publish the evidence given before the Depart mental Committee on Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

To-morrow afternoon, I hope.

May I ask the President of the Board of Agriculture a question, of which I have given him private notice—whether there is any corroboration as to the reported outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease near Penrith?

There is any amount at the docks.

The Board received a telegraphic report yesterday (Sunday) morning that foot-and-mouth disease was suspected on a farm about two miles from Penrith. Six cows were reported to be affected. One of the veterinary inspectors of the Board proceeded to Penrith last night, and has this morning reported by telegram that the animals are affected with typical symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease. There are forty-nine cattle and ninety-two sheep on the farm—sixteen milking cows are affected. Two cows have been recently moved on to the farm, and one cow was sold about three weeks ago. On receiving the report of suspected foot-and-mouth disease the police imposed restrictions on movement not only of the animals on the farm itself, but also as regards those on two adjoining farms pending further veterinary examination. They also arranged with the proprietors of the Penrith Auction Mart that no cattle or sheep from the district where the suspected outbreak of disease had been reported should be allowed to pass through their auction mart, which is held to-day (Monday).

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state in how many cases county councils are now throwing sinking fund charges in connection with small holdings on the ratepayers in exoneration of the small holders; and whether the Public Works Loans Commissioners still decline to approve loans to county councils which propose to adopt this course?

I understand that three county councils, namely, the West Riding of Yorkshire, Glamorganshire, and Cardiganshire, are paying sinking fund charges in respect of the purchase of land for small holdings out of the rates. With regard to the second part of the question, I am not aware that the Public Works Loans Commissioners have altered their practice as regards the making of loans. I am in communication with my colleagues on the subject.

Has the right hon. Gentleman communicated with the Public Works Loans Commissioners on this matter since the Debate which took place upon it in this House?

No, Sir, it scarcely comes within my province to communicate with the Public Works Loans Commissioners, but I understand there have been communications of an informal character.

May I ask whether, as the freehold of the land is to be vested in the council, there is any reason why the sinking fund should not be paid for out of the rates?

That is scarcely the point raised by the question, and I have on previous occasions stated the views of those who administer the Small Holdings Act. For my own part I see no reason why the tenants should have to bear sinking fund charges when the land on which they pay is to become the property of the county councils.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the report of an inquiry into the case of George Challinor, who met with his death in a tank of hot water at the works of Messrs. John Russell and Sons, Wednesbury, the jury returning a verdict of accidental death, but suggesting that the firm should make the tank safer; whether he is aware that one witness stated that he worked almost continuously from dinner time on the Monday till five o'clock on the Tuesday evening; and whether any official action has been taken in the matter?

I have obtained a report on this case. It appears that the tank is situated outside the factory buildings, and it is supposed that Challinor, who was not seen alive after 1 a.m., when the meal interval was taken, sat on the low retaining wall of the tank, which was occasionally used as a seat by the workmen, and, falling asleep, overbalanced and fell into the tank. The place where the tank is situated is reported to be well lighted. The statement of the witness mentioned in the question referred to his own hours of work, and not to Challinor's. On the night when the accident occurred Challinor commenced work at 6 p.m. At the request of the factory inspector, the retaining wall has been made higher and a sharp coping placed on the top.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the recent police case tried at Hackney, in which a husband and wife were charged with assaulting a man; whether he is aware that the husband was sentenced to two months' and the wife to three months' imprisonment; and whether, in view of the discrepancy in the sentences, he will advise that that, of the wife be reduced?

I find on inquiry that the wife committed two distinct assaults, each upon a different person, and the magistrate, in passing sentence, directed that the sentences be consecutive.

As the wife was trying to assist her husband, I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider whether the double punishment is justified?

I understand there were two separate assaults.

asked when the House will be given an opportunity to discuss the Prisons Vote?

I am unable at present to answer my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether Post Office clerks were specially invited to apply for posts under the Welsh Insurance Commissioners; how many Post Office clerks have received appointments under the Welsh Commissioners; and what is the grade of those appointed?

The Civil Service Commission circularised the entire Civil Service inviting applications for posts under the Welsh Insurance Commissioners. Up to the present none have been transferred from the Post Office. The clerical staff of the Commission is not yet completed and Post Office applications will receive consideration with others when further additions are made.

asked what, if any, is the penalty under the National Insurance Act upon the employer of any person who abstains or declines to get an insurance ticket, either through an approved society or through the Post Office; and whether, in the case of a domestic servant, such penalty is imposed upon the mistress or the head of the household in case such happens to be a man?

The employer whether master or mistress is not liable to any penalty as regards payment of contributions if he pays the contribution at the proper time and in the proper manner, and if the employé fails to produce his card when required means have been provided by which the employer can himself obtain the necessary card and so fulfil his statutory obligation. In normal cases the head of the household is legally responsible for payments if he happens to be a man.

asked whether the leaflet issued by the National Health Insurance Commissioners relating to the contributions payable in respect of domestic servants was submitted to and approved by the Advisory Committee, or whether such leaflet was issued on the sole authority of the Commissioners?

The two leaflets relating to domestic servants, Nos. 16 and 17, which correctly and exactly state the law as to the contributions payable in respect of them were issued on the authority of the Commissioners. In Section 58 of the Act, the function of the Advisory Committee is defined as giving advice and assistance in connection with the making of regulations under the Act, and it is no part of their duties to examine documents issued by the Commission containing explanations of its provisions or statements of the law.

asked when the tables showing superannuation benefits for female domestic servants will be issued; and if such tables will take full account of the favourable character of the conditions of life of the women to be insured and of the small prospect of many of them making any claim for sickness or sanatoria benefits?

The deliberations of a special Departmental Committee to which certain questions affecting these tables have been referred are now almost completed, and I expect to be able to publish the tables and some model schemes based on them at a very early date. The tables will show the equivalent substitutes for sickness benefit and disablement benefit or for sickness benefit only, but not for sanatorium, maternity, or medical benefits, for which substituted benefits cannot be given under Section 13 of the Act.

Pending the issue of those tables, may I ask will it clearly be to the advantage of domestic servants not to join any society until they see what the superannuation benefits will be?

I think it largely depends on the kind of service they are in. If servants are in service in which they are practically guaranteed sickness and disablement benefits, I think it would be advisable for them to wait until they see what superannuation benefits are offered. If servants have no such conditions that sickness and disablement benefits would be guaranteed, I think they ought to take the ordinary benefits.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to communicate that information widely to employers and employed?

Immediately I have the tables, I am going to issue a statement and communicate it as widely as possible. I hope to have them in the course of the next two or three days.

asked whether the National Insurance Commissioners will issue a Regulation showing whether an Englishman who lives ten months in each year abroad and the remaining two months in England must contribute to the National Insurance Fund in respect of his English servants during the time that they spend abroad with him and of his foreign servants during the time that they are in England with him?

The Commissioners have no power to make Regulations on the matter. No contribution is payable by the employer in respect of English servants while they are employed abroad; but the ordinary contributions must be paid in respect of foreign servants while employed in England.

What happens when foreign servants leave England and return to their own country?

If they go back to their own country they cease to pay the contribution.

What happens with regard to the contributions they have paid?

Their contributions are paid into a fund the purpose of which is prescribed by the Commissioners.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman arrange that the English servants who are ten months abroad might be considered as not depending for their living upon service while in England?

I am not sure whether that is not a question of fact or a question of regulation.

If that is not done then they will have to pay ten months for which they can get no possible benefit?

If there is any claim for future exemption such claim will be considered.

Will the contributions of foreign servants who return to their own country remain in this country, or will they be given to them?

That depends upon the Commissioners, who will prescribe to what purpose they are to be devoted.

May I ask what the Commissioners prescribe?

In due course the Noble Lord will see.

asked whether an employed person who attains seventy years of age between the 15th of July and the 1st of January next will have to pay contributions under the National Insurance Act until he attains that age?

The answer is in the affirmative. Such a person would come under the provisions of Section 49 of the Act, and would get such benefits as his society are able and elect to give to persons between sixty-five and seventy coming under that Section. The position of such an insured person is fully explained in Circular A.S. 29.

May I ask if the legal effect of Section 49 is to enforce contributions from a man between ages of 65 and 70?

If he is working.

Anyhow?

I would like notice of that question.

Was it not the impression of the House that the true construction of the Act was that no person over 65 is liable for payment?

I think it was clearly explained last Autumn that a person over 65 who is employed will pay, and the contributions will go to a special fund for such persons.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will cause to be exhibited prominently in all Post Offices and published in the newspapers the names and addresses of all societies which have been approved under the National Insurance Act?

Lists of approved societies with the names and addresses of the secretaries will be supplied free at all Post Offices, or on application to the Insurance Commissioners, and I am considering other means of making these lists known to insured persons.

Are they ready?

Lists of societies approved of up-to-date are ready and can be obtained at any time.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that friendly societies and trade unions are being discouraged in their work in connection with the National Insurance Act by the attempts made by profit-making institutions to monopolise national insurance for the indirect advantage of their industrial branches; and what he proposes to do to make the original intention of the Act, namely, to utilise and encourage the friendly societies and trade unions in their benefit work, effective; (36) if he is aware that the Prudential approved society is advertising that it is prepared to give all possible assistance to employers in connection with the National Insurance Act; and if, in view of the fact that there are no necessary or desirable relations between approved societies and employers under the Act, he will prevent the assumption by this society of undue influence in connection with its operations; and (37) if his attention has been directed to the fact that the Prudential Assurance Company, which makes a profit of £500,000 a year on an original subscribed capital of a few thousands, has formed an approved society section under the National Insurance Act, and is advertising at great cost and employing an army of agents; if he is aware that friendly societies properly so called and trades unions cannot afford either to advertise or to employ canvassers paid out of the small subscriptions of the poor; and what he proposes to do in order to make widely known to employed contributors the names and addresses of all approved societies in order that they may have a fair chance to make a good selection and not be left to the representations of interested canvassers?

I will take questions 35, 36, and 37 together. Lists of approved societies have been sent to public libraries, to Labour Exchanges, and to officers of Customs and Excise, and arrangements are being made for supplies to be kept at Post Offices. I hope to make them available so that all insured persons will be able to exercise a free choice among the societies open to receive them. The Commissioners cannot undertake either to recommend or to pronounce against any particular society or type of society. They have, however, taken all necessary steps to see that no undue advantage is given to employers by any particular society which might induce them to put any pressure on their employés to join that society.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of those institutions advertises asking employers to communicate with them with a view to bringing pressure on their employés to join that institution?

That has been withdrawn. I do not think it is quite fair to say that the society was asking employers to bring pressure upon their employés. Perhaps it would be fairer to say it was holding out inducements to employers and employés alike, but the particular system recommended has been vetoed by the Insurance Commissioners, and I understand the society has withdrawn the circular.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since the issue of the embargo, or rather, since he made the explanation, the institution in question has had large-type advertise- ments in the newspapers reiterating the invitation to employers?

I will make inquiries if my hon. Friend desires, but certainly the officials of the society inform me they have withdrawn all such invitations.

asked in the case of a person in regular employment during the week who is employed as sexton, clerk, or otherwise in connection with the Church, and paid for the duties in such capacity performed on Sunday, which day is considered the first day of the week under the National Insurance Act; and whether the vicar or rector is responsible as his employer for contributions under the Act in virtue of his employment on Sunday or, alternatively, the person in whose employment he is from Monday to Saturday?

The employment of sexton is included in National Health Draft Order No. 1 among the subsidiary employments to be excepted from compulsory insurance. Sunday is not the first but the last day of the week for the purpose of determining the first employer of the week under the National Insurance Act. "Calendar week" is defined in paragraph (11) of the Third Schedule of the Act as meaning the period from midnight on one Sunday to midnight on the following Sunday, so that the employer of Monday is the first employer of the week.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say where we can get Draft Order No. 1?

I shall gladly supply the hon. Member with copies. I tried to arrange to have them at the Vote Office, but as they have to be laid before Parliament they said they were unable to do so. I would be glad to have them sent to any hon. Member.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has arranged with the Insurance Commissioners that notices relating to the National Insurance Act should be posted by local authorities on all church and chapel doors in their area; and, if so, under what authority rural district councils can act as bill-posters for the Treasury at the expense of local ratepayers without the risk of surcharge by auditors?

In view of the importance of giving the widest publicity to the notices relating to the National Insurance Act, I should be willing, if objection were taken by the Auditors, to sanction, under the Local Authorities (Expenses) Act, 1887, any small outlay which may have been reasonably incurred by district councils in connection with this service.

May I ask would not equal publicity be given to this question if the bill-posting were refunded by the Treasury to the local authorities, instead of imposing fresh burdens on the local ratepayers?

That matter might be discussed, and perhaps arranged, after the auditor has made his recommendations.

asked whether joiners and millwrights employed permanently in textile and other factories to keep the buildings and machinery in repair are included in Part II. of the National Insurance Act?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. By Section 91 of the Act, decisions as to whether any workman, or class of workmen, come within the scope of the scheme of unemployment insurance, rests, not with the Board of Trade, but with the Umpire appointed under Section 89. I may mention that the Umpire has decided that contributions are payable in respect of joiners engaged wholly or mainly in the work of construction, alteration, repair, decoration, or demolition of buildings, and in respect of smiths and mechanics who are engaged wholly or mainly in the work of maintenance or up-keep of machinery, although the work is connected with businesses other than those included under the trades specified in the Sixth Schedule to the Act. Notice of these decisions was given in the Board of Trade Journal for the 13th of this month, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked what fees have been paid to Members of this House in connection with the "Titanic" inquiry and telephone arbitration, respectively, out of public moneys, and to whom such fees have been paid; and what the sum total of such payments is likely to amount to?

No fees have yet been paid to Members of this House in respect of the "Titanic" inquiry and the case of the Postmaster-General and the National Telephone Company, nor is it possible to estimate to what such fees will amount. The Members of the House whose professional services have been retained are Mr. Attorney-General, Mr. Solicitor-General, and in the latter case the hon. Member for the Keighley Division of Yorkshire.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Departmental Inquiry into the Customs and Waterguard preventive officers' case is, concluded, and on what date may the Report be expected?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 13th instant to the hon. Member for East. Leeds?

asked the Postmaster-General, whether he is aware that the employés of the Nottingham factory of the National Telephone Company, now taken over by the State, have been placed upon a new scale of hours, reducing; their hours from 62 to 48 per week, and at the same time reducing their payment by a similar amount; and whether this treatment is in consonance with his undertaking that no employé should suffer any loss by the transfer?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given in reply to similar questions on the 18th and 20th instant.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Nottingham they do consider that they suffer loss?

I think the hon. Member will find the matter dealt with in the replies.

asked the average length of service of the 123 officers of the late National Telephone Company whom he proposes to transfer to the Engineering Department of the Post Office as Civil Service assistant clerks; and whether he intends to count the whole of this service for the purposes of seniority?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the statement contained in the Memorandum already submitted to this House to the effect that service with the company will have the same value as service on corresponding duties in the Post Office for purposes of seniority.

asked the Post master-General whether, in view of the fact that it appears to be the general rule in most Government Departments outside the Post Office to grant payment at double the ordinary rates in respect of the per formance of duty on Sundays by Civil Service assistant clerks, he will state if a similar rule is extended to Civil Service assistant clerks employed in the Engineering Department of the Post Office; and, if not, what is the rule applicable in that Department?

Assistant clerks are very rarely employed on Sundays in the Post Office Engineering Department, and they have hitherto been paid at the authorised Post Office extra duty rates. I will, however, consider the matter afresh, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he will afford the two assistant clerks employed in the Engineering Department of the Post Office, who recently declined the offer of appointments to the grade of third class clerks, superintending engineers' offices, provinces, on the ground that such appointments were not considered by them as adequate rewards for meritorious service and ability, the opportunity of promotion to clerkships of the second division, either in the Accountant-General's or the Savings Bank Departments?

In ordinary course, the promotion of assistant clerks in the Post Office is effected within the Department in which they are serving; and I see no reason for making an exception in the case of the two officers in question.

asked the Postmaster-General (44) whether he arrived at any estimate of the cost to the Marconi Company of installing the wireless telegraphy apparatus in the proposed Imperial stations before agreeing to pay them £60,000 per station, and what such estimate amounted to; (50) whether he arrived at any estimate of the working cost of the proposed new Imperial wireless telegraphy stations before he agreed to pay the Marconi Company 10 per cent. of the gross as distinguished from the net receipts of such stations, and what such estimate amounted to; and for what term of years such agreement will have validity?

The cost of erecting and working the wireless stations of the Imperial Chain was carefully considered before the provisional contract was made with the Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company. The details will be fully explained when the agreement is submitted to the House for approval.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is contemplated under the terms of the Franchise and Registration Bill to defray from public funds the whole or any part of the expenses of a Parliamentary election now incurred by candidates; and, if not, whether he will, in order that the statutory sum to be expended in the prosecution of an election may be as accurately as possible known, grant a Return showing the estimated increase in the electorate of each Division of the United Kingdom in the event of the Franchise and Registration Bill being placed on the Statute Book?

The Prime Minister has asked my right hon. Friend (Mr. J. A. Pease) to reply to this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Any estimate that could be made would be so conjectural that I do not think the value of the Return suggested would be commensurate with the trouble and expense involved in granting it.

May I ask if in future questions in connection with the Franchise Bill are to be addressed to the Minister of Education?

Yes, I have asked that to be done.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to take the Second Reading of the Franchise and Registration Bill?

I cannot at present fix a date.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an opportunity for discussing the Motion standing on the Paper in the name of the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme? [Mr. Wedgwood,—Volunteer Police Force (Stipendiary Magistrates),—That, in the opinion of this House, it is undesirable that the Hon. John de Grey, Sir Albert de Rutzen, and Mr. Chichele Plowden, stipendiary magistrates, should continue to serve on the grand council of the Volunteer Police Force, in view of the conflicts that are likely to occur between this body of strike-breakers and the trade unionists strikers, and upon which they may have to adjudicate.]

I fear that I cannot provide the opportunity asked for

May I ask whether trade unionists who are brought before those magistrates have the power to object to being tried by them pending a discussion?

That is a question of law which I should not care to answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before introducing any resolution to set up a time table for the Committee stage of the Government of Ireland Bill, it is his intention to move to suspend the Eleven o'clock Rule and allow discussion on Amendments to be freely exercised until a reasonable hour of the ensuing morning?

I have no statement to make on the subject to which the hon. Member's question refers.

Is it not the fact that on the 1893 Bill the Committee were allowed to sit up freely and discuss Amendments?

To sit up freely?

To sit up late.

In 1893 we were accustomed to debauched habits of living in which we do not indulge now.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state how many conferences or meetings between traders and representatives of railway companies have been held during the years 1911, 1910, and 1909, respectively, at the Board of Trade; how many of these questions have been referred to the Railway and Canal Commissioners; and how many of these questions have been settled without having recourse to the Railway and Canal Commissioners?

The number of meetings held at the Board of Trade between traders and railway companies under Section 31 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, in each of the three years mentioned was seventeen, twenty-seven, and twenty-six, respectively. Of these seventy meetings forty-one resulted in a settlement or partial settlement of the matters in dispute. Of the cases not settled eleven were concerned with matters in regard to which a certificate of the Board of Trade was necessary to admit of proceedings being taken before the Railway and Canal Commission, and in eight of these cases such a certificate was asked for and issued to the complainants. These figures do not, of course, include a large number of cases in which the complaint was dealt with entirely by correspondence. A report of the proceedings of the Board of Trade under the Section mentioned is issued periodically.

asked if there was any import of motor cars into the United Kingdom from the Dominion of Canada at the present time; and, if so, how many cars had been imported during the present year to the latest date available; and what was their value?

During the first five months of the current year 260 motor cars have been imported into this country which were consigned for sale from the Dominion of Canada. The total declared value of these cars was £41,385.

May we have a Duty on these cars?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he was now able to state the result of his further inquiries into the lock-out of sett-makers in the employ of the Enderby and Stoney Stanton Granite Company; and what action he proposed to take in the matter?

The Chief Industrial Commissioner is in communication with the parties, and at present I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 19th June.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the fact that since the recent agreement between the London and North-Western Railway and the Midland Railway, and the con sequent abolition of competition, the traffic facilities on the Nuneaton, Hinckley, and Leicester line had greatly deteriorated; whether he was aware of the very serious complaints on the part of Hinckley manufacturers and tradesmen as to delay in transit, shortage of wagons, damage to goods, and delay in settlement of claims; and what action he proposed to take in the matter?

The Board of Trade have received two or three complaints from firms in Hinckley relating principally to delay. They communicated with the railway companies where necessary, and were informed that arrangements had been made to improve the transit. If, however, the facilities are still regarded as unsatisfactory, and the Board are furnished with particulars, they will communicate further with the companies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intended to issue a Report on the working of the Trade Boards Act; and, if so, when he would issue it?

I am considering the question of issuing a Report on the steps taken to put this Act into operation, but I am disposed to think that the experience of the working of the Act has been too short to admit of any useful Report on the results achieved.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the fact that the prices of week-end tickets to Kilkee and Lahinch had recently been raised 50 per cent.; that the effect of this action would be prejudicial to these seaside resorts at the most important time of their season, and that various public bodies in Clare, including the county council, had passed resolutions condemning the policy of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company and the West and South Clare Railway Company in this respect; and whether he could state what steps would be taken to remedy this condition of affairs?

I have forwarded a copy of the hon. Member's question to each of the railway companies concerned, and I will communicate with him on receipt of their replies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the terms on which the Great Southern and Western Railway Company acquired the line serving county Clare permitted it to raise the railway rates to the disadvantage of the traffic of the county; and whether, in view of various differences of treatment which had been instituted in regard to these rates, as for example that the through rates to stations in Clare were consider ably in excess of the sum of the through rates to Limerick and the local rates to such stations from Limerick, a readjustment of the schedules of rates and of the service of trains would be imposed on the Great Southern and Western Railway Company?

When the Great Southern and Western Railway Company acquired in 1900 the Waterford and Limerick Railway, which served a portion of county Clare, the authorising Act provided that the existing rates on the acquired line were not to be raised without the sanction of the Railway and Canal Commission. I have received a complaint with regard to the through rates and the train service to Ennis, and I am in communication with the railway company thereon.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the privilege granted to boot and shoe manufacturers with regard to the purchase of uppers made from foreign leather for use in manufacturing boots for the Navy was in conflict with the general policy of the British Admiralty in insisting upon the use of British-made materials; what grounds there were for stating that uppers made from British leather were not as cheap, durable, and flexible as uppers made from foreign leather; and whether, in view of the importance of this question to British workmen, he would forthwith meet a deputation from the Light Leather Trades Federation and consult fully with them as to the best means of altering the practice referred to?

It is the policy of the Admiralty to specify British-made materials wherever this is essential on such grounds as the obtaining of a particular quality, or the application of special tests, or the avoidance of risk of failure to obtain suitable supplies, especially in time of war. In the present case these considerations do not arise. The Admiralty view as to the higher cost of British box-calf of the desired quality was based on trade opinion, which has received confirmation from the fact that the Light Leather Trades' Federation have not been able to show any consensus of British trade opinion to the contrary; and, as I said on Thursday last, in reply to the hon. Member for Darlington, the Federation have not responded to the invitation twice extended to them to test this matter further in the only practicable way, namely, by production of samples and prices for expert examination and comparison. When this essential preliminary step has been taken, I shall be willing to confer further with the trade if necessary. I may add that we are quite open to conviction in this matter, but cannot consent materially to increase the expense to the taxpayer for first issues of boots to the sailor, or to the sailor himself, who has to pay for subsequent supplies of boots out of his own pocket. The Admiralty is not entitled, in my opinion, to restrict competition, with the result, so far as I can see, that additional cost would fall both upon the general taxpayer and the individual sailor.

In future contracts will the right hon. Gentleman have embodied a Clause stipulating the rates of wages to be paid?

The boots are made in this country and the contractors are British, and the Clause is operative; but if the contractors obtain from abroad manufactured materials wherewith to make the uppers our Clause would not run.

That is the very point I wish to raise with the right hon. Gentleman—whether, if materials are manufactured in Germany, the same wages are paid as have to be paid in our own country?

Do I understand the hon. Gentleman to suggest that wages are lower in these protected countries?

As the right hon. Gentleman has challenged me, I shall be glad to give a report thereon.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he could give the number of pairs of boots which it was proposed to manufacture with foreign leather uppers for the Navy; and if he could give the difference in price between the British and the foreign tenders, if any, or cost of material for such uppers and the cost of the finished boot?

The answer to the first part of the question is that it is quite open to contractors to supply British leather, if they so desire, for the whole of the boots ordered by the Admiralty. Under the new specification we expect to order annually about 100,000 pairs. All the tenders are from British bootmakers, and are for total cost per pair. The details as to the cost of the component materials are not shown in the tenders; but if British leather for the uppers were specified, it is estimated that the extra cost for 100,000 pairs would be roughly £1,500. Of this, public funds would meet annually roughly £500 in the first free kit issues. The sailors themselves, in the replacement of first free kit issues, would probably find the cost increased by about £1,000 annually.

asked if this was the first occasion on which foreign leather had been allowed and accepted for the manufacture of the uppers of boots intended for the Navy; and, if so, whether this was a precedent which it was intended to follow in the future?

In the pattern of boot ordered for the Navy before the orders were placed for the new pattern in October, 1911, English Kip leather was specified for the uppers. On the introduction of the improved and more comfortable boot, box-calf was adopted as being more flexible. The circumstances rendered it desirable to leave it open to contractors to obtain material equal to pattern and specification from any source. So far as I can trace, this is the only occasion on which this has been necessary so far as leather for uppers is concerned. But, on the other hand, it may be pointed out, that the new pattern boot favours British trade in respect of sole leather. The specification for the earlier pattern required British leather to be used for the middle and inner soles, and either British or foreign for the outer soles. Under the new specification the whole of the sole of the boot is now required to be made of British leather on grounds of quality. With regard to the last part of the question, the Admiralty practice and general policy are based on considerations explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Chippenham.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he could give the House any authentic information regarding the five years Russian naval programme, including the expenditure of £50,000,000 on shipbuilding, reported in the Press to have been sanctioned by the Duma?

The answer is in the negative. The Admiralty have no information beyond that which has appeared in the Press.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that a case of smallpox was recently reported at Dartington, near Totnes; and will he state if the patient had been vaccinated?

I am aware of the case referred to, but I have no information as to whether the patient had been vaccinated. The case was not treated in hospital.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the number of fatal accidents caused by motor vehicles, especially to children, he will introduce further legislation and apply with more stringency his present powers to limit speed?

I regret that there has been unfortunately an increase in the number of accidents due to motor vehicles. I have given, and I shall continue to give, very careful consideration to all applications for reduced speed limits which come before me, but as regards amending legislation I am disposed to think that the existing powers under the Act of 1903 are not inadequate. As regards the Metropolis, the matter is largely one of control of the traffic, and I am proposing to confer with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Is the increase in the number of accidents anything more than proportionate to the increase in the number of motor cars?

I should say not.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether the plans for the new school at Hounslow Grove were submitted to the Board as long ago as September, 1910; whether the delay was occasioned by the action of the Board in suggesting an entirely new school north of the tram lines at Hounslow; whether he is aware that five months was required for discovering and treating for a new piece of land suitable for a school; and will he say what further steps the Board considers that the local education authority could have taken in order to find the land in question?

Plans for enlargement of the school at Hounslow Grove were received in August, 1910. The proposals were not satisfactory, and in September the Board suggested the provision of a new school and warned the authority that the usual three months' notice under the Act of 1902 would be necessary. Plans of a site were not received until March, 1911. In the same month the authority were informed that the site was generally satisfactory, but that notices should be issued forthwith. In May, 1911, the Board again warned the authority that they could not give formal approval of the site until the expiration of the necessary notices. The notices were not issued until June, 1911. My right hon. Friend does not think he can be called upon to answer the last part of the question.

Might I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that considerable feeling prevails over this matter, and would he receive a small deputation from the local authorities?

I will ask my right hon. Friend, as soon as I see him, whether he will do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Colonial Office has indicated its concurrence with or dissent from the conclusion of Lord Sanderson's committee to the effect that the system of indentured labour is good for the labourer and for the country in which he labours?

The Colonial Office has not expressed any opinion on the conclusion referred to.

May I inquire if the Colonial Office will not record any findings on this report?

I hope the Colonial Office will express no opinion on any matter unless it is their duty to do so.

Can the right hon. Gentleman, says how the New Hebrides Convention respecting this matter is working?

That scarcely arises on the question. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Super-tax claimed on the income derived from a partnership and based on the previous year's assessment is levied for the current year when, owing to the termination of the partnership, no income has been derived from it during the current-year?

The basis of the Super-tax charge for any given year is the amount of the total statutory income for the previous year. Liability for the given year is not affected by changes in the sources or in the amount of the income subsequent to the previous year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the recommendations of the Customs and Excise Amalgamation Committee, and the changes subsequently announced by him to a deputation of Customs and Excise officials on 3rd May last, have resulted in granting the right of nearly all sections of clerks in the Customs as well as in the Excise branches to proceed to the maximum of the next grade, with the exception of Customs clerks of the first class, who have been allowed the right of progressing in salary to only half the next step above, in marked contrast to the two sections of Customs clerks of the second class, the immediate grade below, and the principal clerks, the immediate grade above; and whether he will explain why the principle of granting the full step has been adopted as regards these two and all other classes of clerks, but ignored in the sole instance of Customs clerks of the first class?

The case of each of the old classes in the two Services has necessarily been treated according to-its merits, and I cannot admit that the Customs first-class clerks have any grievance by comparison with other classes.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has made inquiry into the case of Patrick Sullivan, who was attacked and wounded by a picket, and subsequently given a pass by the secretary to the dockers' union at Grays, allowing him to use the King's highway?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for South Birmingham on the 19th June.

After what loss of life does picketing cease to be peaceful?

That does not arise out of the question.

Is not the giving of a pass an act which in itself is liable to lead to a prosecution for obstruction, as inferentially it shows that these people are forbidden to use the highways?

That is a point to be determined by the Attorney-General.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that during the years 1910 and 1911 bodies of the Metro tropolitan Police force were sent into the provinces upon occasions of actual or apprehended disorder in different localities; that this course was adopted under the order or by the sanction of the Home Secretary for the time being; and whether he can see his way to strengthen the police force in Essex at the present time by a supplement from the Metropolitan Police force?

The answer to the first two questions is in the affirmative; to the third, in the negative. The Metropolitan Police have been sent to aid provincial forces only at times when there was no exceptional demand for their services in London, and the Essex Police have already been reinforced by other police forces which are not involved in troubles arising from the present labour disputes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the Essex Police have incurred serious injury in the discharge of their duty, and have any arrangements for compensation been made on their behalf?

That is a question of which clearly I must have notice. The Essex Police do not report to me.

Is there any intention, if representations are made, to take this matter into account, having regard to the fact that the Essex Police have gone outside their own sphere at the request of the Home Office?

No, I do not think that is the case. The Essex Police carry out their duties in Essex, and any question of compensation would have to come up before the Standing Committee in Essex.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that in 1911 about 500 men of the Metropolitan Police force were sent to Hull to assist the local police; whether these men were ever taken off pay in London; whether the local authority contributed anything towards the pay of these men during their service in Hull; whether their pay during the time in question was made from the Metro politan Police Fund, and so borne by the Metropolitan ratepayers; and whether he has taken any steps to obtain any con tribution from the local authority in Hull, and with what success?

I find that, owing to a misunderstanding, a promise was made to the Hull authorities that they would not be charged with the pay of these men if required only for a few days. No charge for their pay was therefore made; but the Hull authorities met all the charges for travelling, lodgings, and maintenance, and no additional charge of any sort fell on the Metropolitan Police Fund.

Yes.

Am I to understand that the London ratepayers will be debited with the cost of the service in the provinces, and yet the Home Secretary has no command whatever over them after they have left London?

No. The hon. Gentleman is drawing a conclusion which is not justified by anything I have said.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the result of his inquiries at the Poplar and London hospitals in respect of injuries inflicted on men working or willing to work in the docks and on the river; whether he has been informed that the almoners and others connected with both hospitals have reported that a wide system of terrorism exists in consequence of the assaults that have taken place and the threats used; and what steps, if any, he has taken to restore public confidence?

asked the number of patients that have been treated at Poplar Hospital up to and including Thursday, 20th instant, for wounds, bruises, contusions, or other injuries inflicted on them in connection with the present labour dispute in the dock area?

As the inquiries which I am making are not yet completed, I shall be obliged if the hon. Members would postpone their questions until to-morrow.

Has there been any increase in terrorism since the Leader of the Opposition said that they might try to lynch Ministers in London?

I do not think that there has been any material increase in terrorism.