asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the number of British battleships in full commission at the end of 1904 was thirty-three; whether the number now in full commission is twenty-seven; and what are the corresponding figures in the case of Germany?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. As regards the third part, there were fifteen German battleships in commission on 31st December, 1904, and nineteen at present.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to look through the Navy List and then he will obtain fur then information. He is counting, when he speaks of fifteen—

This is not the time for debating that point.

In regard to the fifteen battleships, I presume that the right hon. Gentleman is including—

The hon. Member must put what he has to say in an interrogative form.

May I try once again. I am always sorry if I am at all disorderly, and I apologise to you, Mr. Speaker, and the House. Is the right hon. Gentleman including in those fifteen battleships four under 4,000 tons, employed exclusively for coast protection?

The hon. Member had better put down a further question. There were fifteen battleships in full commission on 31st December, 1904.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will state the names, displacemnts, and dates of launch of the protected cruisers remaining on the Mediterranean station?

The particulars asked for are as follow:

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is any practical use including in those battleships ships over a certain age and which the Germans exclude from their Navy?

The hon. Member asks for certain facts, and he has got them. If he wants anything more he must put down a question.

asked whether the number of battleships in full commission is twenty-seven and the number of protected cruisers, attached to the four battle squadrons is seven; and, if so, whether he can assure the House that this proportion of one cruiser to every four battleships fulfils the requirements of the Sea Lords of the Admiralty and of the officers in command of the squadrons?

The figures given by the hon. Member are correct. The numbers of ships of the various classes that are maintained in permanent commission is decided by the Board of Admiralty. As I informed the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on Monday, I am not prepared to discuss the proportion of the various classes in answer to a question.

Is it not a fact that the proportion of the various classes is less than it ought to be owing to the shortage of men?

As I have already said, I am not prepared to discuss the proportion of the various classes in answer to a question.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will give the number of officers and men added to the active lists of the British and German navies, respectively, between 1904 and 1912?

In the case of Great Britain the numbers voted for 1904–05 and 1911–12 were 131,100 and 134,000 respectively. In the case of Germany the corresponding figures are 38,128 and 60,805.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will give the total amounts, respectively, that have accrued to the Admiralty during the past five years from mulcts for leave-breaking in the Navy from sale of dead and run men's effects, and from profits on sale of clothing, tobacco, and soap and provisions?

Mulcts for leave-breaking are not separately distinguished and I am afraid that I cannot therefore give the information asked in this case. In the five years 1906–7 to 1910–11 the amounts brought to account under the heading of the sale of effects forfeited by desertion amounted to £2,939. The proceeds of the sale of dead men's effects are of course paid over to their legal representatives wherever possible. Any amounts outstanding after the lapse of a certain period are paid over to Greenwich Hospital funds. With regard to the sales of clothing, tobacco, soap, provisions and so on, the Admiralty does not aim at making a profit on stores sold to the seamen. Generally, the selling price is fixed at the actual cost price plus a small percentage addition to cover expenses of packages, handling, etc. It is true there is a profit on tobacco, but this is probably more than balanced by the fact that on other stores the percentage addition to the actual cost price does not cover incidental expenses.

Are we to understand that all profits arising out of the amounts paid to the Admiralty in this connection are held over for pensions?

With regard to the sale of stores, taking the whole, it is doubtful whether there is any profit at all. The sums handed over to the Greenwich Hospital are the effects of dead men in cases where we cannot get any representatives after the lapse of time, and the amounts forfeited by desertion are used as Appropriations-in-Aid.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the total amount of the mulcts?

I have said already that they are not distinguished separately, and I am sorry I cannot give them.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman can now state when the answers will be given to the petitions from the Royal dockyards?

I hope to be in a position to issue the replies very shortly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have asked this question on many occasions, and that in reply to my more recent question he said that a reply would be given as early as possible after Whitsuntide? Does the right hon. Gentleman still adhere to that assertion?

Yes, I am aware that the hon. and gallant Member has asked this question several times. We are doing our best to expedite the answers. This is a matter not entirely in our hands, because there are other Departments concerned. It is perfectly true that I said they will be issued after Whitsuntide, and so they will.

Will the right hon. Gentleman specify the Departments I should apply to for an answer in the future?

As I have already said, the matter is not one for which we are entirely responsible. I am doing all I can to expedite matters.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, to afford Members of the Legislature the opportunity of personally testing the sufficiency and suitability of the food now supplied to the men of the Royal Navy, he will, on the occasion of the Naval Review on 9th July, provide each of such Members attending the review with nothing beyond a seaman's ration for the day?

If I may say so, I think the idea a good one, but I fear that, in view of the arrangements already made, it would not now be practicable to carry it into effect. Hon. Gentlemen who take the opportunity of going on board one of His Majesty's ships on the occasion of the Review will doubtless be able to investigate the quality of the food supplied, or, if the hon. Member prefers it, I shall be glad to give him facilities for visiting one of the Royal Naval Barracks for the purpose.

Are we to understand that the food is not to be supplied by the Admiralty but by Lyons and Co.?

The food which I trust the hon. Gentleman will enjoy—

I hope so.

Will be supplied by contractors, of course.

Are we to understand we are to test the food and try a tot of rum ourselves?

If hon. Members desire to test the character and quality of the food, they will be offered facilities. With regard to the rum, I cannot give any promise.

I would remind hon. Members there, are over 100 questions, and, if we spend so much time on supplementaries, we shall not get half through them.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give any information as to the Naval Review to be held on the 9th July, and if he can state the amount, if any, to be paid by each Member of this House attending the Review, or if each Member is to be given a free railway pass as well as a free ship and free meals; the number of pressmen invited, the number of pressmen on each ship, and the period they are to stay aboard; and the reason for these frequent naval reviews and the object of inviting Members of this House to attend these reviews?

The programme for the official visit of Members of both Houses of Parliament to the Fleet is with the printers, and will be issued to Members almost immediately. I may state, for the convenience of Members, that special trains will leave Waterloo at 8.50 a.m., and that on the return journey special trains will leave Southampton at 8 p.m., arriving at Waterloo about 10.15 p.m. In the course of the visit Members will have an opportunity of visiting any one of six of the most recently built battleships or battle cruisers, and also of seeing some work by aeroplanes, submarines, and destroyers. The invitation addressed to each Member may be accepted without putting him to any expense. Invitations have been issued to about 130 representatives of the Press. They will be accommodated for the day in a special vessel, and will remain on board for a few hours. This arrangement must not be confused with the invitation which has been given to representatives of the Press to spend about a week on board His Majesty's ships before the manœuvres, and incidentally to witness the assemblage and dispersal of the Fleet. About twenty of these latter may therefore be present, distributed over as many ships. In reply to the last part of the question, I can only repeat what was stated by the First Lord on the 12th June, in answer to the hon. Member for Carlisle, namely, that it is desirable that Members of both Houses of Parliament should have opportunities from time to time of visiting the Fleets, over whose interests they watch and for whose maintenance they provide.

Are the representatives of the Press to be invited to luncheon?

The 130 Pressmen will have luncheon and tea provided for them on a special vessel.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only one luncheon is provided for Members of Parliament, while two dinners are provided?

Certainly not. Members of Parliament will be entitled to have one luncheon, tea, and dinner.

asked whether this House will sit on Tuesday, 9th July, the date of the Spithead Review, as many Members cannot decide whether they can attend the Review or not until this question is answered?

:I am still making inquiries, and will make a definite statement on this subject tomorrow.

asked the Frst Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received a complaint against the firm of Beardmore and Company, Dalmuir, for discharging a number of men who refused to take part in the cleaning of tubes on His Majesty's Ship "Conqueror" unless they were paid the recognised rate of 8d. an hour; and whether he is making inquiry into the matter under the Fair-Wages Clause?

A complaint has been received this week, and the matter will be investigated forthwith.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has any information respecting a narrowly averted disaster on board His Majesty's ship "Thunderer," in connection with the dropping of a fully charged shell into the magazine?

I have read the statements in the newspapers on this matter. There is a question on the same subject on the Paper to-morrow, when I hope to be in possession of the facts.

asked the contributions made to the Imperial Navy and the annual value of their sea-borne commerce in the case of the Union of South Africa and the Dominion of New Zealand, respectively?

The annual contributions of the Union of South Africa and of New Zealand are £85,000 and £100,000, respectively. The value of their imports and exports were as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under the agreement of 15th November, 1907, between the United Kingdom and France respecting Death Duties, the question as to whether a person is domiciled in France is decided by His Majesty's Government or by the French Government; and whether French law or English law as to domicile is applicable?

My right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has asked me to reply to this question. Where in an English affidavit it is claimed that the deceased was domiciled in France the case is notified to the French Government, and it is understood that the French Government act upon similar lines. English law as to domicile is applicable in England and French law in France: that is to say, a person would not be considered in this country as domiciled in France unless he had intention permanently to reside there, nor would a person be considered in France as domiciled in this country unless his principal residence was here.

Is the hon. Gentleman in a position to state whether these questions of domicile and nationality are, as he seemed to indicate, to be settled by the Treasury and not by the Foreign Office?

The original agreement was made by the Inland Revenue Office, and I think they are the people to go into these questions with the French Government.

Do the Inland Revenue Office communicate direct to the French Government and not through the Foreign Office?

No, but naturally they are the people to institute inquiries as to questions of domicile.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he still affirms that the Chinese Government wants to borrow £60,000,000 sterling, and, if so, upon what theory does he explain the fact that the Chinese Government have hitherto resisted all pressure to have this sum, for which they have no immediate need, forced upon them, and is being supported in this refusal by the Minister representing the United States of America; and whether he will make further inquiries from independent sources, and, if he finds that the utmost sum asked for by the Chinese Government is £10,000,000, whether he will join with the American Minister in protecting the Chinese people from the usury-making designs of a ring of European financiers?

As I have already explained, the initiative in the matter of loans has rested throughout, and now rests entirely, with China, and there has never been any question of forcing her to borrow more than she wants. The statement in the question that any one of the Governments is acting at variance with the others is untrue. If the sum now desired by the Chinese Government is less than that which they originally asked for, I have no reason to think that there will not be complete accord between the groups and Governments concerned with regard to the provision of the lesser sum only, if the conditions of the loan and the security are satisfactory. The hon. Member's question is formed upon an entire misapprehension, and I cannot too strongly repeat that there is no question of forcing upon China any sum for which she does not ask. On the contrary, the difficulty is to arrange safe conditions on which to lend the money for which she does ask.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether the Foreign Office has had direct communication with the Chinese Government on this matter?

Oh, no; we have had direct communication on the matter from our representative at Pekin.

Will these State Papers be laid on the Table of the House?

I will ask my right hon. Friend to consider that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the anxiety in commercial circles and amongst the natives of the Colony of the Gambia lest that Colony should be transferred to a friendly Power; and whether he will give an undertaking that no such transfer shall take place without Parliamentary sanction and after full inquiry into the attitude of the native tribes upon the question?

No proposal for the cession of the Gambia is under consideration, and my hon. Friend may rest assured that, should any such proposal be made, the attitude of the native tribes would be ascertained. As stated in a reply given on the 22nd of February last, the assent of the House would be asked for any cession of territory which was more than a frontier rectification.

asked whether the Committee appointed to consider the Land Laws of the West African Colonies will be prepared to receive evidence from representative natives from the Sierra Leone, Gold Coast, and Southern Nigeria Colonies?

The Committee held its first formal meeting to-day. It will be for it to consider in due course what witnesses, whether European or native, should be called upon to give evidence, but it is not possible at present to say what the decision of the Committee will be.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to legislation introduced in the Union Assembly of South Africa proposing to dismiss from the Civil Service officials who fail to make them selves expert in the Dutch language; and whether he proposes to instruct the Governor-General to disallow any legislation having the object named?

I do not find anything in the Public Service Bill involving the dismissal of officials who fail to make themselves expert in Dutch, and I may remind the hon. Member that officers in the Service at the date of Union are protected against dismissal on such a ground by Section 145 of the South Africa Act. The Bill does, however, require the passing of examinations in both official languages before promotion. No question of disallowance arises.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that cases often arise where British subjects who emigrate from this country to Australia, and who pass the ship's doctor and the Board of Trade doctor here, are refused landing in Australia for slight physical defects, such as short-sight; and, in view of the hardship of this, will he arrange for emigrants to be passed by a medical officer of the Australian Government in this country before emigrating or in some other way avoid this risk of being sent back?

I understand that some cases of hardship have occurred through the absence of means by which an intending immigrant to Australia, can ascertain in this country whether he will be permitted to land in the Commonwealth. I have requested the Emigrants' Information Office to insert in their publications a specific warning to the effect that under existing arrangements the medical examination by the Board of Trade doctor prior to departure from this country is solely for the purposes of the Merchant Shipping Acts, and does not in any way guarantee the emigrant against exclusion on arrival on medical or physical grounds. I am communicating copies of the hon. Member's question, and this reply, to the Commonwealth Government.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman consider the time has now arrived for the appointment of a Board of Emigration so that these difficulties may be considered?

The hon. Member had better give notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any sum of money is available sufficient to enable the First Commissioner of Works to make the structural arrangements which would be required to provide a few seats in the House for representatives of the foreign Press; and, if not, whether, in view of the importance of the matter in regard to promoting international good understanding, he will at the earliest opportunity place on the Estimates a suitable amount?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The First Commissioner would he very glad to provide more room for the Press, but this year there is no money taken in the Votes for the structural work required. The First Commissioner would not like to proceed, however, without being assured that the House is willing to surrender the seats in the Gallery at present allotted to Members, which would have to be taken for an enlargement of the Press accommodation.

Is the hon. Member aware of the exceptional privileges and courtesies extended to British representatives of the Press in capitals abroad?

Yes, the hon. Member has drawn attention to that before, and it has been taken into consideration.

May we understand from the reply that no seats at present available for Members will be withdrawn from their use without the opinion of the House having been first taken on it?

Yes, that is the effect of the answer which has been given.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state whether the junior Member for Southampton has applied for the office of steward or bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds or steward of the Manor of Northstead; and whether he proposes to constitute and appoint the junior Member to either of these offices?

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

May I ask you, Sir, whether the junior Member for Southampton has obtained your licence, which I believe he must obtain from you under Statute, to absent himself from attendance in the Commons?

The hon. Member ought to have done me the courtesy of letting me know. I am not here to answer questions; that is for the Government.

May I ask whom am I to ask if I am not to ask you?

asked whether a surveyor of taxes is authorised by the official regulations to demand increased House Duty before an appeal against the rates has been decided by the local union; and whether, after the appeal has been decided in favour of the householder and notified by him to the surveyor, the latter may demand peremptory payment on the ground that, in his opinion, a parish is under-rated?

The amount of the Inhabited House Duty assessment is one for the determination of the District Commissioners of Taxes, who are not bound by the local rating assessment. If the specific case which the hon. and gallant Member has in mind can be indicated inquiry will be made with regard to it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of Income Tax levied on and since the 6th April last without assessment and by deduction or at the source; and has he taken, or will he take, the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown as to the legality of such a deduction of Income Tax before the tax has been imposed or the rate fixed by Act of Parliament?

The Income Tax deducted from interest and dividends and paid over to the revenue for the current financial year, amounts approximately to £600,000. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on Monday to the hon. and learned Member for Cambridge University, in which I stated that the legality of the long established custom of bankers to deduct Income Tax from dividends payable before the Finance Bill of the year becomes law is sub judice.

asked if the poundage of 4d. in the £ allowed to the Bank of England for Income Tax is deducted by them from the dividends on Irish Land Stock, the payment whereof is entrusted to them, on payment by them to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue of the In come Tax so deducted; and, if so, what is the amount allowed to the Bank of England in respect of the dividend on Irish Land Stock payable on 1st July, 1912?

Poundage is not allowed to the Bank of England in respect of Income Tax deducted from the dividends on Irish Land Stock.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the necessity of providing loans at the lowest possible rate of interest for individual small holders and other small cultivators for stocking their holdings and for other purposes connected with the land they occupy, and for co-operative small holdings and allotment societies buying or renting land for the use of their members, for the purposes of erecting cottages or necessary farm premises or such adjuncts as grist-mills, and of the further fact that savings banks draw from the country money which could be utilised for the provision of such loans, he will appoint a committee to consider and report whether any portion of the deposits in savings banks can be so utilised under adequate safeguards?

I do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by an inquiry of the kind suggested at the present moment. I may remind the hon. Member that all available savings banks deposits are already fully utilised in providing cash for various public purposes (including advances from the Local Loans Fund), through which the money returns to circulation.

asked if a decision has been arrived at on the memorial of the assessors and collectors of taxes, and, if so, what is that decision; and, if not, will he hasten the consideration in view of the seriousness of some of the grievances from which this class is suffering?

The memorial is still under consideration. A decision, will be arrived at as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this has been under consideration for five years?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he proposes that State credit should be used for fishermen's credit banks; for what rate of interest and on what conditions he hopes to arrange with joint stock banks in the interests of fishermen; and over what area those banks would operate?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will allow me to refer him to the statement I made in this House on the 26th June. I do not think I can usefully add anything to that statement pending the issue of the inquiries I have set on foot.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman proposes to assist fishermen to provide boats, motors, or steam engines by loans or grants advanced from the Development Fund or other national funds?

I am axious to assist fishermen in the formation of credit societies, but, as I pointed out in the statement to which I have already referred, I hope it may be possible for the fishermen by collective effort to finance themselves without a direct subvention from national funds.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is able to make any statement consequent on the decision of the First Division of the Court of Session, Scotland, as to the intention of the First Commissioner of Works with regard to the new buildings it is proposed to erect at Inverleith Row, Edinburgh?

Before giving any instructions for the completion of the building the First Commissioner will communicate with the city council.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he will consider the practicability of providing temporary and uncovered stands for bicycles during the summer in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, in order that the cyclists desiring to use such public parks may be able to leave their bicycles in safety?

From the evidence at present before him the First Commissioner is not satisfied that a demand exists for these stands. In the circumstances, he is reluctant to place structures or enclosures of any kind in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the estimated amount to be deducted from school boards and school managers under Article 5 (1) ( b ) of the superannuation scheme from teachers; and what is the estimated amount to be paid out of the Education (Scotland) Fund under Article 5 (2) ( a ) and ( b ), respectively, of the same scheme during the year ending March, 1913?

For the year ending March, 1913, the estimated amount to be deducted from school boards and school managers under Article 5 (1) ( b ) of the superannuation scheme for teachers is £44,000. The estimated amount to be paid out of the Education (Scotland) Fund under Articles 5 (2) ( a ) and ( b ) conjointly is £85,000. It is not possible at the present time to give the sums under Articles 5 (2) ( a ) and ( b ) separately, but the amount under ( b ) may be taken to be relatively very small.

Is it the fact that the English ratepayer pays nothing for the superannuation of teachers, and that the Scottish ratepayer pays £150,000 for the superannuation of teachers?

I think the hon. Member ought to give me notice of a question like that.

asked when the minute of the Scotch Education Department will be issued to the Scottish Members of Parliament which was laid upon the Table of the House on the 28th ultimo with the proposed allocation of Grants?

I learn from the printers that the supply of the minute which was laid upon the Table of the House on the 28th ultimo will be ready some time to-day. Copies will then be available to hon. Members in the ordinary course.

asked how far the total amount of the Grant, under the minute laid upon the Table of the House on the 28th ultimo by the Education Department, has been reduced by the amount required for the scheme for the superannuation of teachers, and by how much each county and burgh has been affected by it?

The amount by which the estimated sum available for distribution under the Minute in question has been reduced on account of the new superannuation scheme for teachers is £68,000. As will be seen from the nature of the proviso to the first clause of the Minute, it is not possible to allocate this sum proportionately among the several districts.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether there has been any improvement in the coinage issued in the last few weeks from the Mint?

I have made inquiries, as I promised the hon. Member, but I am informed that the small blemish on the 6d. coin to which he recently drew attention is unavoidable. I understand that it disappears after the 6d. has been in use a short while. Every care is taken that no marked, cracked, or damaged piece is issued.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to hand him a coin, two years old, on which this blemish is quite apparent?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Treasury has not fulfilled the duty imposed upon it by the Irish Land Act, 1903, and the National Debt Act, 1870, to issue sufficient money to the chief cashier of the Bank of England to pay the dividend on £he Irish Land Stock of £52,000,000 due on 1st July, and amounting to £715,000 or thereabouts; and what steps does he propose to take in the matter?

asked whether the Treasury, instead of issuing sufficient money to pay the whole dividend due on 1st July of £715,000 or thereabouts on Irish Land Stock, has only issued that sum less property tax at 1s. 2d. in the £; if so, how was the amount of that property tax so deducted ascertained by the Treasury; and was it from an assessment made by the governor and directors of the Bank of England in their capacity as Commissioners for executing the Income Tax Act, 1842, or, if not, how otherwise was it ascertained?

My right hon. Friend has requested me to answer these questions. The full amount required to pay the dividend due on the 1st July was duly issued to the Bank of England on the 29th ultimo. The amount of the tax has been ascertained and paid under an assessment made by the governor and directors of the Bank of England in their capacity as Commissioners for executing the Income Tax Act, 1842.

asked whether any orders or information have been given to civilian subordinates employed at the Gunwharf, Portsmouth, with regard to their position under the National Insurance Act; and whether these men come under Part I. of the Act or Part II. or both?

A pamphlet setting forth their position in regard to Part I. of the Act will shortly be in the hands of all workmen in naval establishments. As regards Part II., explanatory posters have already been issued, and further information is about to be circulated.

asked whether a crofter, who is employed two months in the year as a ghillie and is his own master during the rest of the year, will be obliged to come under the provisions of the National Insurance Act in respect of both himself and his employer, or whether he can be a voluntary contributor and thus come under the Act by his own free will, the employer in such a case being only obliged to pay contributions in the event of the crofter, who is his own master at other times, being a voluntary contributor?

The employment in question will be employment within the meaning of Part I. of the Act, and while it lasts contributions will be payable both by employer and employé in accordance with the provisions of the Statute. No evidence has been submitted to the Commissioners that any general desire exists on the part either of gillies or their employers to have this kind of employment brought within the scope of a Special Order as being ordinarily adopted as subsidiary employment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what benefit a crofter can obtain after he has been for two months a deposit contributor under the Act?

I cannot straight off. The money will, of course, be accumulated until sufficient is obtained in order that he can obtain benefit.

Must not the administrative expenses be first deducted, and what benefit will he get after the two months?

I really cannot discuss the whole position of deposit contributors in a question and answer. If the Noble Lord will put down a question I will gladly give him an answer.

asked what is the position of a contributor under Part I. of the National Insurance Act who joins a society which has not been approved by the 15th of July, in the event of such society not becoming an approved society by the 15th October or at any future date?

A member of a friendly society, who is an employed contributor within the meaning of the Act, which does not become approved by the middle of October will, after that date, become a deposit contributor.

asked who will certify that an insured person is suffering from tuberculosis and is a proper case for sanatorium benefit in the event of no arrangement being come to with the medical profession by 15th July; and whether the insured person will have to pay for this certificate himself in addition to his contribution for sanatorium benefit?

The arrangements will depend on local circumstances; in some cases the Insurance Committee will probably arrange that the medical officers of the local authority will certify, and in other cases that a report from the private medical attendant of the patient will be accepted, the Insurance Committee having expert advice on the matter. It is contemplated that the cost of such certificates should be defrayed by the Insurance Committee, where these arrangements are adopted.

asked who will be liable for affixing stamps to the card of an employed person in cases where the family of that employed person are suffering from scarlet fever or some other highly infectious disease?

If the man is at work, his employer.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether societies which have applied for approval under the National Insurance Act have been kept for a very considerable time waiting for the decision of the Commissioners; whether in the meantime they are prohibited from distributing insurance cards to their members; whether employers are demanding the production of insurance cards, thus prejudicing the interests of the societies that are not in a position to supply cards to their members; and whether he will take action to ensure that approval shall be promptly given to suit able societies?

asked whether the refusal of the Insurance Commissioners to issue contribution cards to societies until approved is causing much uneasiness to the members; and whether these cards have been issued to any society before approval?

asked if those friendly societies which have applied for approval under the National Insurance Act, but which have not yet been approved, may obtain from the Post Office or from the Commissioners a full supply of contribution cards for all the persons who have intimated their intention to make such a society their approved society, in order to avoid the necessity of such persons having to apply individually at the Post Office for such cards; and whether the inability of the societies waiting approval to supply cards is having a serious effect on their prospects?

Every effort is being made to deal expeditiously with applications for approval, and a second completed list was issued last night. Further approvals will be given from day to day as soon as each society can comply with the necessary requirements. The issue of cards to societies not yet approved would necessarily prejudice the recipient of such cards if the society did not become approved. Societies, however, which have made satisfactory progress with their arrangements, but have not yet actually received approval, are being supplied with special forms to be countersigned by the society and issued to intending members, on the presentation of which at the post office a contribution card will be at once issued. No employer has any right to demand the production of a card from his employé before the 15th July. Any men or women who will become insured persons under the Act and who have not received cards from approved societies can obtain cards on filling up a form at any post office.

Are we to understand that members of societies which are not yet approved must apply personally to the Post Office for a card?

It depends upon whether they are under the conditions I have read out. Where the societies have made satisfactory progress with their arrangements, in that case they can obtain a special form dealing with the matter.

In that case would they have to apply to the post office for a contribution card?

Yes, certainly.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is prejudicing some societies very much?

I have no information on the subject. The natural desire of the Commissioners is to approve every society which wishes to be approved as soon as the society can comply with the Regulations. Immediately that is done the cards are issued to the society.

Will this not prejudice members of small societies in rural districts, which cannot be expected to be forward with their arrangements?

It will not prejudice them. They can get cards from any post office.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that agents of certain life insurance societies which have approved sections are inducing working men and women to sign entrance forms, which have been already filled up by the agents, without knowing the contents; and what measures, having regard to the penalties attached to misstatements in such forms under the Act, he proposes to take towards the protection of such persons from such risks?

Under the terms of Section 69 (1) guilty knowledge is a necessary element in the offence, and if an incorrect statement was contained in a form signed by a person under a real misapprehension of its contents, the person signing such a form would not be liable to any penalty. I am assured that the societies employing agents will do all in their power to stop action of this kind. I should be glad if the hon. Member would give me particulars of any case which has come to his knowledge.

asked what is the position, under the National Insurance Act, of an unmarried female outworker employed to do posters and Christmas cards by three different firms, whose employment is irregular, and whose success entirely depends upon pleasing her employer with designs?

On the facts as stated by the hon. Member it would appear very doubtful whether such a person is an outworker within the meaning of the Act. If he will communicate with me, giving further particulars, I will have the case investigated.

asked what is the position under the National Insurance Act of a female piece worker who is only employed when the firm to which she is attached require her services; and if she has to pay her own contribution when unemployed as well as her employer's contribution?

A female pieceworker while employed must be insured unless she can prove that she is ordinarily and mainly dependent for her livelihood upon some other person, in which case she can get a certificate of exemption. If she is insured she will be subject to the ordinary rules as to the arrears of employed contributors.

asked whether the Government intend to pay the employer's 3d., in addition to the employé's 3d., in the case of the charwomen who are engaged in Government offices?

The Government will pay the employer's contribution and deduct the employé's from wages.

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay on the Table the instructions issued by the Treasury for the guidance of heads of Departments in dealing with those societies which may be affected by this Act?

I am not sure that any instructions have been issued. The right hon. Gentleman has perhaps seen the instruction of the Inter-departmental Committee which has been printed and circulated dealing with the various classes of Government employés. I shall be glad to send a copy of that to him, and if any instructions have been issued since, I will gladly submit them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not allow the Government to be, in his own words, a decent employer of labour?

It is the function of every Government Department to see that the Government is a decent employer of labour. I do not know to what words of mine the hon. Member refers.

asked whether taxi-cab drivers are subjected to compulsory insurance under Part I. of the National Insurance Act although they are not paid wages?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked who were invited to submit names of suitable per sons to represent insured persons on the Provisional Health Insurance Committee for the city of York; by whom were the Commissioners advised in their selection of the persons to serve on the Committee; and on what principle was the selection made, and why have two non-residents in the city been included?

The steps which have been taken by the Insurance Commissioners to secure the formation of Provisional Insurance Committees are fully explained in the Memorandum of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.

asked how many societies having a membership of less than 1,500 are included in the first list of approved societies?

The number of societies included in the first list which,, according to their own preliminary statements, had less than 1,500 members, is 119. A second list was issued yesterday including further societies of this size, of which I will ascertain the exact number if the hon. Member desires.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware of the sums being spent by insurance companies in advertising the approved society section of their business, and, as these approved societies are at present without funds, can he say from what source the cost of advertising comes; and will these companies be entitled later to recoup themselves for this expenditure from the contributions of insured persons, seeing that this expenditure has been incurred without the authority of the members of the self-governing approved societies?

I have no knowledge of the source from which the expenditure referred to is being defrayed. Under an Order made by the Commissioners under Section 78 of the Act (Cd. 6165) approved societies have power to repay from the funds available for administration the expenses incurred by any person in getting up or obtaining approval for the society. The Commissioners are advised that advertising expenses incurred in getting up a society could properly be repaid by the society under this Order, but it would of course require the authority of the society under its rules.

Is there no duty thrown upon the Commissioners?

The Commissioners have no mandate to settle any question of administrative expenses except the amount which can be paid out of the Insurance Fund or the portion of the Insurance Fund that belongs to the approved society. Any money paid outside by philanthropists or others is outside the scope.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one day last week there was a whole-page advertisement in the "Daily News"?

I have no power under the Act or under Regulations made under the Act to inquire where the money comes from.

Is there any guarantee required as to the bona fides of any particular society?

Not a farthing of the money spent by any approved society or by any section of a society that is approved can go to any other purpose except those laid down under the National Insurance Act.

asked whether the Insurance Commissioners received from the Knutsford District of Foresters early in May last an application, accompanied by a set of rules, to become an approved society; and, if so, whether such approval has been given; and, if not, what are the reasons for withholding such approval?

I understand that no formal application for approval has been received from this society, and that mo reply has been received by the Commissioners to suggestions made by them to the society for the amendment of their proposed rules in a letter of the 25th June. There will be no avoidable delay in dealing with the case immediately the reply of the society to this letter is received.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that farm workmen in Scotland are threatening to leave work and break their term of service if their employers make any deduction from their wages in consideration of contributions to the National Insurance Act, will he take steps to allow the Commissioners to approve of procedure by which the workmen shall put their own stamp on their cards before handing them to their employers, thereby preventing friction and ill-feeling arising?

No system under which a workman would himself be responsible for affixing a stamp representing his own share of the contribution is possible under the Act. Section 4 (2) explicitly provides that "the employer shall, in the first instance, pay both the contributions payable by himself (in this Act referred to as the employer's contributions) and also on behalf of the employed contributor the contributions payable by such contributor." Under this Section and the Third Schedule he is entitled to recover the workman's share of the contributions by deduction from wages (if wages are paid), but not otherwise. The Commissioners have no power to require or allow the employé to pay his contribution during employment in any other way.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that on the local health insurance committee for Burnley there are seven representatives of life assurance companies appointed, while there are only five representatives of trade unions; if he will state on what basis this proportion of representation was decided; and whether the number of trade union representatives will be increased?

My hon. Friend has been misinformed. There are as many trade union representatives on the committee as there are members selected by the industrial assurance offices. The method of obtaining the representatives of various classes of insured persons in these committees is explained in the memorandum of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend, and there is no present intention of increasing the representation of any section.

asked what classes have applied for exemption under the National Insurance Act; and whether such classes as are able to obtain exemption have largely applied to be exempted from the benefits of the Act?

As I explained in answer to the hon. Member on Monday applications for exemptions are being received by Customs and Excise officers in different parts of the country on behalf of the Insurance Commissioners. No exact figures are at present available. No classes have largely applied to be exempted from the benefits of the Act.

Cannot the police in burghs claim exemption?

No; municipal and Government employés come under totally different sections, and there has to be a certificate given by the Insurance Commissioners that the advantages given by the municipality are as advantageous as those under the Act.

asked if the same sum for administration expenses will be allowed in the case of domestic servant societies under the National Insurance Act as will be allowed for other societies, and if the expenses of the servant societies could be reduced to a much lower figure?

There is no necessity for the regulations to differentiate between societies. The amount prescribed by regulation for administration expenses is a maximum limit, and no society is required to spend up to that maximum. If a society can be managed for less the amount saved will be available for benefits.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make special inquiry and see whether these should not be much cheaper than men's societies?

I am always willing to listen to anything the hon. Member has to say. We have simply laid down a maximum as to the amount which may be spent on administration. Every farthing saved from that maximum will be to the advantage of the society.

asked what steps domestic servants who have already been induced by canvassers to join certain approved societies can take to join other societies which may offer more benefits; and if their position can be explained in the next leaflet published by the Commissioners?

In all cases where application for membership of a society has not been duly accepted by the society the applicant is at liberty to withdraw his application. Where an application has been accepted the person concerned should take the necessary steps to terminate his membership of the society. After the commencement of the National Insurance Act transfers from one approved society to another will be regulated by Section 31 of the Act under which consent to withdrawal cannot be unreasonably withheld by a society, and the Commissioners would be disposed to consider that a society would be acting unreasonably in refusing consent to withdraw in the case of persons who had joined a society hurriedly without much consideration and who desired to withdraw for the purpose of joining a society appearing to them to be better suited to their requirements.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Insurance Commissioners arranged a meeting with the United Order of Catholic Brethren, Blackburn, at which a lecturer was to explain the National Insurance Act, and that, owing to the admitted mistake of the Commissioners, no lecturer turned up at the appointed time; and will the Commissioners reimburse the society the sum of £3 2s. expenses incurred in arranging the meeting?

The Commission were approached by the society and undertook that they would endeavour to arrange that an official lecturer should be present at a meeting organised by the society referred to, but owing to an unfortunate clerical error, they failed to arrange for a lecturer to attend. Several other lectures have been delivered in Blackburn, but in view of the disappointment caused to the members of the society, the Commission will be glad to arrange for an official lecturer to attend another meeting in the town if the society desires it and to pay the expenses of such a meeting.

Can another meeting be arranged without further expense to the United Order of Catholic Brethren?

I have stated that the Commissioners will pay the expenses of such a meeting.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the proceedings at the first meeting of the provisional insurance committee for the Isle of Wight, held on the 29th June, when the committee decided to adjourn as a protest against the composition of the committee; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails in the Isle of Wight at the appointments made to the committee by the Insurance Commissioners; and if he can say what action the Commissioners propose to take in the matter?

I understand that there is some dissatisfaction with regard to the composition of the committee. The committee is, however, not yet complete. Representations are being made to the Commissioners, and I believe that the matter will be satisfactorily settled.

Is it not a fact that of the thirty or more members of this provisional insurance committee, only three are Conservatives, and would it not be better to instruct Insurance Commissioners to be a little fairer to both political parties in making their appointments? Is it not also a fact that the whole North-Eastern district of the island, including Hyde, its largest town, has only one representative appointed by the Commissioners for insured persons, and that he himself is an insurance agent, and that there is not a single representative of friendly societies for the whole North-Eastern district?

The right hon. Gentleman cannot be expected to reply to these questions without notice.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will say how many of the new class of assistant clerks are employed in the offices of the Board of Education, in the Savings Bank Department, and in the Customs and Excise Statistical Office, respectively; how many are now eligible by service for promotion; and how many have been promoted to the second division or analogous grade since the institution of the class?

The answer to this question will be circulated with the Votes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange for the answer being published?

It is rather an important answer, and I will give every publicity I can to it.

asked if it is intended to utilise the service of the present accredited auditors of friendly societies to audit the Government insurance funds of such society, or will this work be exclusively done by men especially appointed by the Commissioners for the purpose?

The audit of the accounts of approved societies to be carried out under Section 35 of the Act will, at least as regards the bulk of the work, be carried out by the staff of whole-time auditors now being appointed by the Treasury for the purpose. They will be paid for out of moneys provided by Parliament, and not out of the National Insurance Fund.