asked whether the employés of the Commissioners of the Crinan Canal, in Argyllshire, which is a Government-owned canal, will under the National Insurance Act be limited to an incapacitated allowance of 5s. per week on their retiral on account of old age, in view of the fact that they have been working on the understanding that half-wage would be paid them in such circumstances?

The workmen referred to will be entitled to 5s. a week disablement benefit if they are incapable of work under the ordinary conditions of the Act. This provision does not supersede an existing right to a pension of half-wages. I am informed that the workmen have hitherto been given half-wages during temporary illnesses, not as permanent allowances. Pensions for long service have been, and will be, considered on the individual merits of each case; and will not be discontinued in consequence of the Insurance Act.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if the vacancy recently caused in the position of controller of typists and shorthand writers at the War Office by the transfer of Miss M. B. Murby to another department has been filled by the appointment of Miss Roads, who was personal shorthand writer to the Secretary of State for War; if such appointment was made with the approval of the Treasury; and if there was no one among the staff of fifty women already employed at the War Office, and who entered the service by open competition, who was fit for the position of controller?

Miss Roads was considered the best of the candidates for the post, and was accordingly selected to fill it on probation, to which the approval of the Treasury is not required. The post has been previously filled from outside those serving on the War Office establishment of typists. The capabilities of those so serving were very carefully considered on this occasion, but it was not found possible, with due regard to the public service, to depart from precedent in this respect. The typists have not entered the service by open competition.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that no consideration has been accorded those first-class examining officers of Customs who were, prior to the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise services, acting for considerable periods as surveyors of Customs, and which position was, at the time of their so acting, far superior to the present grade of surveyor; and whether these men, many of whom now occupy important positions which involve supervision, are to be offered the opportunity of becoming surveyors of Customs and Excise under the new conditions?

I am informed that it is not the case that no consideration has been given to these officers. Promotions are being made to the new surveyor grade, subject to efficiency, in accordance with the announcement of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in May last, and each first-class examining officer is considered in his turn under usual rules.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what was the amount left by the late Mr. Reid, of Bombay, for the advancement of education in Kerry and what is the annual income from this amount; how has this income been spent during the past twenty-six years; what was the number and value of prizes and the number of competitors for them during the last ten years respectively; and how many Kerry students trained in Marlborough Street Training College have availed themselves of this fund to graduate in Trinity College, Dublin, during the past twenty-six years; and whether, seeing that, owing to altered conditions, the objects of the donor cannot now be carried out, he will appoint a small committee to consider and report how best the fund may be distributed?

The amount was £9,435, and the income from this bequest is about £222. The income has been spent during the last twenty-six years in accordance with the following schemes as authorised by the trustees of the late Dr. Reid's will: —(1) In the maintenance of two Reid Exhibitions in Trinity College, Dublin, of the value of £40 each, to enable students of the county Kerry, who have successfully passed the final examination in the Marlborough Street Training College to obtain the Degree of Arts in Trinity College; (2) in awarding prizes to the best competitors amongst the male monitors of the national schools of the county Kerry. The following Table shows the number and value of the prizes and the number of competitors for them during each of the last ten years:—

Monitors examined at end of fifth year (or at end of third year in case of those appointed for three years).				Monitors examined at end of third year (or at end of first year in case of those appointed for three years).
Year.	No. of Competitors.	No. of Prizes awarded.	Value of Prizes.	No. of Competitors	No. of prizes awarded.	Value of Prizes.
1903	7	6	£25, £22, £20, £18, £16, £14	7	6	£20, £18, £16, £14, £12, £10
1904	14	6	£25, £22, £20, £17, £17, £14	7	6	As in 1903
1905	4	4	£25, £22, £20, £18	16	6	do.
1906	7	6	£25, £22, £20, £18, £16, £14	11	6	do.
1907	16	6	As in 1906	16	6	do.
1908	8	6	do.	10	6	do.
1909	15	6	do.	12	6	do.
1910	9	6	do.	9	6	do.
1911	12	6	do.	6	6	do.
1912	10	6	do.	5	4	£20, £18, £16, £14

The number of Kerry students trained in the Marlborough Street Training College who have availed themselves of this fund to graduate in Trinity College, Dublin, during the past twenty-six years, was four. It is open to the Commissioners of National Education, if they think fit, to apply, as they have done before, to the Court of Chancery for an amendment of the scheme under which the fund is distributed. There does not appear to be any necessity for the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry as suggested in the question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of elementary evening schools which were in operation in District 5, Section B, during Session 1910–11; the number of such schools which received, respectively, a capitation fee of 17s. 6d., 15s., or 12s. 6d. per unit of average attendance; the number of evening schools which were in operation during Session 1911–12; and the number of these which received, respectively, a capitation fee of 17s. 6d., 15s., or 12s. 6d. per unit of average attendance?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that there were sixteen elementary evening schools in operation in the district referred to during the Session 1910–11, and nineteen during the Session 1911–12. The Commissioners consider that no useful public purpose would be served by publishing the further particulars asked for in the question, as any comparison made between the figures or conclusions drawn from them would be misleading.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state whether it is in accordance with the Commissioner's Rules for Mr. Cole, the inspector of District 5, Section B, for the past year, to hold examinations of many of the evening schools for Session 1911–12 at dates of from four to five weeks after the termination of the Session; and, under these circumstances, was he justified in reducing from 17s. 6d. to 12s. 6d., or even to 15s., the capitation fees of teachers who received the highest grant for many years previously?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that it is desirable that the final inspections of evening schools should be held before the end of the Session, and this is generally done, but it is not always possible. The rate of capitation payment, however, is determined not merely by the final inspection, but also by what is observed at earlier visits.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, seeing that Irish farmers suffer loss by the exportation of store cattle, he will consider the possibility of encouraging the Irish dead-meat trade on a large scale and establishing it on a firm basis?

The Department have for a considerable time given attention to the question of the possibility of extending the Irish dead-meat trade with Great Britain, and are at present in communication with various centres in Ireland which have expressed a desire to establish such an industry.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received any complaints that in certain urban councils the provisions of the Shops Act have not yet been enforced; and whether he can state what steps are being taken to have it put into operation wherever in Ireland the mandatory Clause has been disregarded?

The answer to the first paragraph of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second paragraph of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question asked on this subject by the hon. Member for Norwich on the 15th inst.

asked what progress has been made by the Estates Commissioners or the Congested Districts Board in acquiring the estate, situated near Ballisodare, county Sligo, belonging to Edward Lloyd Clark, of Brooklands, Cuddington, Cheshire?

The Congested Districts Board have communicated with the agent for this property, but the maps and documents necessary for a preliminary inspection, with a view to a sale, have not, so far, been lodged with them.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have yet acquired the Popham estate, in the townland of Bunnafeda, county Sligo; and, if not, will he state when the estate is likely to be acquired and the untenanted land distributed for the improvement of uneconomic holdings?

The Congested Districts Board have not yet purchased this property. The maps and documents necessary for a preliminary inspection to enable the Board to consider the question of making an offer have been lodged and a decision will be arrived at regarding purchase as soon as practicable, having regard to the present engagements of the Board's staff, and to the priority of the cases. The Board are not at present in a position to make any statement as to when the estate is likely to be acquired, and the untenanted land distributed.

asked whether Mr. Charles Boyd, of Castletown, Castle Connor, county Sligo, has refused to sell to the Board his property known as Knockroe, in the parish of Castle Connor; and, if so, whether the Board will put into operation the compulsory powers of the Act of 1909?

Mr. Boyd is willing to negotiate for the sale of the lands of Knockroe through the Congested Districts Board. The maps and documents necessary to enable the Board to have a preliminary inspection of the property made have, however, not yet been lodged.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have been approached by the tenants in the district of Castle Connor, county Sligo, and requested to purchase a number of estates and grazing farms in that district for the relief of the holders of uneconomic farms; and if he will state what the Board have done to meet this demand?

The Congested Districts Board are unable to identify the lands referred to unless the names of the estate3 and grazing farms are furnished to them.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet acquired the Parkes estate, Dunally, county Sligo; and, if not, what progress has been made in acquiring the same?

The Congested Districts Board have not yet acquired this property, but they are at present in correspondence with the agent regarding a sale.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will enumerate the instances in which the Estates Commissioners have sanctioned the sale, under the Land Purchase Acts, of towns or portions of towns to the occupiers of town holdings; have they, when so selling to town tenants, advanced the entire of the purchase money in every instance; if not, what other method has been followed; have they in these cases distributed untenanted lands in the neighbourhood of the towns amongst the landless householders in the towns; and what is the usual amount of land allotted with each dwelling?

The records of the Estates Commissioners do not distinguish separately advances made in respect of village and town holdings. The regulations of the 13th February, 1906, prescribe the circumstances under which advances may be made in respect of these holdings. As a rule they are, for the purposes of security, consolidated with other lands held by the same tenants on the estate. In the allotment of untenanted land acquired by the Commissioners for distribution the circumstances of all tenants on the property are considered.

asked how many householders in the town of Macroom are included in the Massey estate, which has been offered by the Land Judge to the Estates Commissioners for sale; have these householders any allotments of land going with their residences; and, if not, will the Estates Commissioners consider the advisability, in due course, of granting parcels of the untenanted land near the town to them and including them in the general scheme of sale to the tenants?

No holdings in Macroom appear to be included in the property which is the subject of proceedings for sale before the Estates Commissioners, and they are not in a position to state what other lands are held by the town tenants. The circumstances of all tenants will be considered in the allotment of such untenanted land as the Commissioners may acquire.

asked whether the negotiations for the sale of the Cootehall estate, near Boyle, county Roscommon, the property of the Dowager Countess of Kingston, were concluded in the year 1906; will he say whether the property has yet been vested in the tenants; if not, what reason there is why this estate has not been taken in its due rotation; and when there is any probability that the estate will be vested in the tenants?

The purchase agreements in respect of this estate, which is the subject of direct sale proceedings under the Irish Land Act, 1903, before the Estates Commissioners, were lodged with the Commissioners in February, 1907, and the estate will be dealt with in order of priority on the principal register of direct sales (all cash), but the Commissioners are not at present in a position to say when it will be reached.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Inspector-General, Royal Irish Constabulary, acting on the recommendation of the local police officer, has instructed the police in Mary-borough, Queen's County, to bring all persons non-resident in the town, who are charged with offences within the township, before the Petty Sessions District Court instead of the Town Court; whether this arrangement causes a loss to the finances of the town, as fines imposed on persons found guilty of offences would go to the benefit of the town if the cases were brought as heretofore before the Town Court; and whether he will have this arrangement altered?

There has been no change in the practice on the part of the constabulary in dealing with persons charged with offences in the town of Mary-borough. In the case of fines imposed at Petty Sessions for drunkenness committed within the town one-half of the penalty goes to the Town Commissioners and the other half to the police. The police, however, prosecute at the Town Court in all cases of acts of drunkenness committed by residents of the town, in which case the entire penalty goes to the Commissioners, and they prosecute at Petty Sessions in those cases only in which the offender resides outside the town or his residence is not known. This arrangement which has been in operation for a considerable number of years is regarded as an equitable compromise having regard to the respective interests of the Town Commissioners and the constabulary in the application and apportionment of the penalties imposed in such prosecutions.

asked when the Order was made directing the prison authorities in Ireland to treat two or more warrants for different offences by the same person issued by Irish town Courts, in pursuance of the Towns Improvement Act, 1854, as one offence, and directing the term of imprisonment to be that named in the longest warrant only; whether under this Order it is possible for a person to commit numerous offences against the Act in one week, but only to be punished for one in the end; and, if this be so, whether the Government will consider the propriety of paying the cost of transit of these prisoners themselves in future, seeing that at present the towns have to bear this cost?

I am informed that no such Order as that referred to has been made to the prison authorities in Ireland. When a number of warrants are lodged with a prisoner, the Governor has only power to detain the prisoner for the period named in the longest warrant, unless the sentences in the warrants are marked to follow by the committing Court. In regard to these latter cases the Irish Government were advised that in cases of offences under the Towns Improvement Act where fines are imposed with imprisonment in default of payment, there is no power to inflict consecutive sentences. The expenses of conveying to prison all prisoners from the time when the committal order is made are defrayed from funds provided by Parliament and not from local funds.

asked the Secretary of State for War in what way the petition sent by registered post from the fifty-three non-commissioned officers and men of the Sandgate section 2nd Kent Battery, 3rd Home Counties, Royal Field Artillery, to their commanding officer, with their written request that it might be duly forwarded through the correct channel to the higher authorities, was irregular; if he is aware that a majority of the section joined the Sandgate section on the understanding at the time that the drill station and local headquarters were actually in Sandgate and near their own homes; if he will explain why an official reprimand was passed upon a body of men suddenly finding themselves expected to travel backwards and forwards to a distant hall in another town for drill purposes or cleaning of equipment for asking to be permitted to continue to be trained in their own locality; and if he will give the number of non-commissioned officers and men who have found themselves unable to remain members of the section since they found that their petition was ignored?

A collective complaint is regarded as irregular. I am informed that there is no foundation for the suggestion that the majority of the men enlisted on the understanding that they would drill at Sandgate. Nineteen men appear to have left on account of the move, of whom a few have since transferred to the Kent Garrison Artillery with headquarters at Dover.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the losses which Irish farmers are sustaining in consequence of the restrictions upon the export of cattle, he would consider the necessity of alleviating the situation to some extent by withdrawing the Regulations regarding the supply of meat to the troops stationed in Ireland, under which it is made compulsory to issue frozen meat on three days of the week?

The hon. Gentleman's proposal would involve considerable extra cost, and I cannot, therefore, undertake to sanction this additional charge upon Army funds.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the establishment and strength, by arms, of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Territorial Force on 1st October, 1912, permanent staff excluded; the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men in the Territorial Force who are non-combatants; the number of non-commissioned officers and men under twenty years of age on 1st October, 1912; the number of non-commissioned officers and men whose period of engagement expires before 1st October, 1913; and the number of non-commissioned officers and men now serving on a one-year's engagement?

The figures available are as follow:—

—	Establishment.		Strength.
	Officers.	N.C.O.s and Men.	Officers.	N.C.O.s and Men.
Yeomanry	1,345	24,766	1,181	23,424
Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery	1,211	32,907	957	28,253
Royal Garrison Artillery	446	11,453	380	8,927
Royal Engineers	547	14,036	506	12,288
Infantry	5,742	196,510	4,730	160,897
Army Service Corps	322	8,610	282	7,087
Royal Army Medical Corps	1,442	13,643	1,116	11,623
Army Veterinary Corps	184	14	91	—
Total	11,239	301,939	9,243	252,499

Particulars as to ages and termination of engagement are not yet available, but will be published in due course in the Territorial Force Annual Return.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the establishment and the strength, by arms, of the London Territorial Force; the number who volunteered to attend the special camp held at a period later than the August camp; whether this special camp was held, and, if not, for what reason; and if he will also give the number of Territorial Royal Horse and Field Artillery batteries who trained this year, with the number of such batteries which trained with horses previously used this year by other Territorial Artillery batteries?

The figures for the London district are as follows:—

—	Establishment.		Strength.
	Officers.	N.C.O.s and Men.	Officers.	N.C.O.s and Men.
Yeomanry	120	2,211	113	2,020
Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery	176	4,780	137	4,083
Royal Garrison Artillery	13	417	12	333
Royal Engineers	67	1,881	67	1,704
Infantry	768	26,004	636	20,074
Army Service Corps	42	1,092	34	646
Royal Army Medical Corps	194	2,020	159	1,511
Army Veterinary Corps	23	2	8	—
Total	1,403	38,407	1,166	30,371

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the only allowance made by the Government to members of the National Reserve is 1s. per head, of which 6d. is spent in providing a badge; whether members of the Reserve are expected to provide practice ammunition out of that sum; if so, how many rounds it will provide; whether he is aware that in some districts recourse has had to be made to whist drives and other forms of entertainment to raise funds for

One shilling a head is paid to county associations for the National Reserve, to be expended in any way considered desirable by the association. The question of the future organisation of the Reserve is now receiving careful consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the stagnation in promotion amongst the lieutenants of the Royal Garrison Artillery; and whether he can take any steps to remedy the same?

A scheme has been approved by which, until normal conditions of promotion in the Royal Garrison Artillery are re-established, all lieutenants of that branch may be promoted, if otherwise qualified, on attaining thirteen years' service on the understanding that, while supernumerary to the regulated establishment of captains, they fill the place and perform the duties of subaltern officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War who is responsible for the Order closing the upper and lower military barracks of Longford and removing the troops hitherto stationed there for many years; what the War Office propose to do with the barracks thus left derelict; and whether the fact that the urban council at a cost of £3,000 has made a new filtered reservoir to supply pure water to the barracks was taken into consideration before making this Order?

The Army Council is responsible for the removal of the troops. The barracks are available for occupation should they be required, but at present they are not so required. The new urban district water supply has not been taken to the barracks.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were killed in London in 1911 by horse-drawn vehicles and other than motor bicycles?

During the year 1911, 115 persons were killed by horse-drawn vehicles in the Metropolitan Police district, and 16 persons were killed by bicycles other than motor bicycles.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were killed in London during the year 1911 by taxi-cabs, private motor cars, and commercial motor vehicles, respectively?

The number of persons killed in the Metropolitan Police district during 1911 was:—

By taxi-cabs	…	…	31
By light motor cars	…	…	86
By heavy motor cars	…	…	30
By motor cycles	…	…	7

Without a separate investigation of the facts of each case, it cannot be stated which of these vehicles were used for private and which for commercial purposes.

asked the Home Secretary if he can direct an inquiry to be held into the mental condition of George Rose, a native of Blandford, who has been confined at Broadmoor since June, 1907, and whose relatives assert has recovered, with a view to his release?

This man, like all the other inmates of Broadmoor, is under careful and expert medical supervision, and I regret that, having regard both to his mental condition and to the other circumstances of the case to which consideration must be given, I am unable to authorise his discharge from the asylum.

asked the Home Secretary how many horse inspectors under the Mines Act are being appointed in South Wales; whether these appointments have yet been made; and, if so, what are the names of the persons appointed, and how many, and which of them can speak Welsh?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave in the House on this subject on the 6th August last. No appointments have yet been made, as the Board for Mining Examinations have not yet completed the consideration of the numerous applications sent in. I expect to receive their recommendations shortly. One of the six inspectors to be appointed will be allotted to South Wales.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the question of establishing an adequate superannuation scheme for teachers in secondary schools has been included in the Reference to the Departmental Committee which he has appointed?

circulated the following Second Reference to the Departmental Committee:—The President of the Board of Education has requested the Departmental Committee which he recently appointed to inquire into certain questions connected with the proposed Amendment of the Elementary School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1898, to undertake a further inquiry relating to the establishment of a system of superannuation for teachers in schools and institutions (not being elementary schools or universities or university colleges) which are aided by Giants from the Board of Education.The following are the terms of reference:—

asked the President of the Board of Education how many separate education authorities there are in England and Wales; how many of these have adopted the provisions of the Elementary Education (Defective and Epileptic Children) Act, 1899, and have established schools or special classes; whether the Board of Education have formed any estimate as to the number of defective and epileptic children requiring accommodation; if so, what that number is; and how many children are now in attendance at schools established under the above Act within the area of the London Education Authority and outside that area, respectively?

There are 318 separate Education Authorities in England and Wales; 147 have taken some action under the Act referred to. In fifty-one areas schools or classes have been established by the local authorities, and in addition schools or classes have been provided from other sources in eleven areas. With reference to the fourth part of the question, perhaps I may be allowed to refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Chief Medical Officer of the Board of Education for 1910. The matter he refers to is dealt with on page 208. The latest available figures showing the number of children in schools established under the Act are for the year 1910–11, and are as follows:—

	Number of Scholars on the Register.
	London.	Rest of England and Wales.
In Schools for Physically Defective	3,036	1,677
In Schools for Mentally Defectives	6,925	5,328
In Schools for Epileptics	—	377
Total	9,961	7,382

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that during the debate in the Legislative Council of Trinidad regarding Canadian reciprocity, the Governor made a statement influencing members to vote in favour; whether the Colonial Office made any representations on the subject to the Governor; and, if so, what was the nature of those representations?

I have read the report of the debate in question. While the Governor expressed his personal view in favour of the proposed reciprocity agreement, he stated at the outset of the debate that the official members were left entirely free to express any view that they might hold and to vote as they thought fit. One of the official members voted against the agreement. Throughout the correspondence which has taken place on this subject I have refrained from any attempt to influence public opinion in the West Indian Colonies in regard to this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state the names of the various financial houses or individuals composing the six-Power group in the recent loan negotiations with the Government of the Republic of China, dividing them into groups according to the countries which they respectively represented; and whether the group are at present in negotiation with the Government of the Republic of China for the conclusion of a loan, and, if so, for what amount?

A detailed list of the parties on whose behalf the above-named German, French, Russian, and American houses are acting is as follows:—German Group.Direction der Disconto-Gesellschaft, Berlin.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the overcharge made by the Great Western Railway on a light crate containing the body and chassis only of a coach-built motor side-car, consigned to the owner at Kenmare, from Birmingham; whether he is aware that a charge of 12s. 6d. was made for the carriage of the same article to Westport; and whether, in view of the fact that Kenmare is only about thirty miles further by rail, steps will be taken to secure that the charge of 31s. 3d. is reduced?

Inquiries are being made into this matter, and I will inform my hon. Friend of their result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the Australian production of dairy produce and wheat, respectively, in hundredweights, in the years 1900, 1907, and 1911, respectively, and what was the value of Australian exports of dairy produce and wheat, respectively; what countries purchased these exports, and what was the value of the exports to each country?

The following statement (1) shows the quantity of butter, cheese, and wheat produced in the Commonwealth of Australia in the years specified:—

Years.						Production of Dairy Produce.		Production of Wheat.†
						Butter.	Cheese.
						Cwts.	Cwts.	Cwts.
1900	…	…	…	…	…	908,000*	103,000*	25,904,000
1907	…	…	…	…	…	1,396,000	119,000	23,923,000
1911	…	…	…	…	…	1,901,000	143,000	38,392,000
* For 1901—the first year for which Returns of the Production of Dairy Produce were compiled by the Commonwealth Government.
‡ For the twelve months ended 31st March of the years following those stated.

II.—The following statement shows the value of butter, cheese, and wheat exported from the Commonwealth of Australia and the principal countries of destination in 1900, 1907, and 1911:—

BUTTER.
Countries to which Exported.				1900.	1907.	1911.*
				£	£	£
United Kingdom	…	…	…	1,423,600	2,538,656	4.251,363
South Africa	…	…	…	253,933	181,043	119,642
Straits Settlements	…	…	…	6,900	25,648	28,990
Ceylon	…	…	…	4,900	5,402	8,118
Hong Kong	…	…	…	8,529	15,443	21,178
Territory of Papua	…	…	…	782	1,061	2,429
Fiji	…	…	…	1,202	1,697	6,044
Dominion of Canada	…	…	…	3,118	13,377	9,806
Mauritius	…	…	…	337	113	†
British India	…	…	…	4,327	1,364
Other British Possessions	…	…	…	132	279
Java	…	…	…	8,841	45,600	76,618
New Caledonia	…	…	…	3,205	3,355	3,660
China	…	…	…	2,795	13,338	19,957
Japan	…	…	…	1,319	6,464	8,059
Hawaiean Islands	…	…	…	2,500	1,840	2,290
Philippine Islands	…	…	…	21,633	23,040	25,252
Guam	…	…	…	1,167	—	—
Egypt	…	…	…	4,533	6,906	11,227
Other Foreign Countries	…	…	…		5,635	42,839
Total Butter	…	…	…	1,753,753‡	2,890,261	4,637,472

CHEESE.
United Kingdom	…	…	…	3,070	7,978	Details not yet available.
British India	…	…	…	677	182
Ceylon	…	…	…	984	714
South Africa	…	…	…	3,723	476
Straits Settlements	…	…	…	212	100
Other British Possessions	…	…	…	†	438
New Caledonia	…	…	…	2,148	1,625
Philippine Islands	…	…	…	2,979	656
China	…	…	…	716	238
Other Foreign Countries	…	…	…		326
Total Cheese	…	…	…	l4,509§	12,733	26,862
* Provisional figures. † Included with "Other Foreign Countries" (if any). ‡Including re-exports.
(£572), countries not stated. § Including re-exports (£961), countries not stated.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much sugar was exported from the West Indies and British Guiana, respectively, to Canada in 1902–3, in 1003–4, and in 1910–11?

Countries whence Imported.						Imports into Canada.
						Year ended 30th June, 1902–3.	Year ended 30th June, 1903–4.	Year ended 31st March, 1910–11.
						Cwts.	Cwts.	Cwts.
British West Indies	…	…	…	…	…	616,607	1,794,974	1,586,760
British Guiana	…	…	…	…	…	229,527	978,174	1,360,092

NOTE.—The end of the fiscal year was changed from June to March in 1907.

asked the Postmaster-General, whether the charge of 25s. per annum made to subscribers on the National Telephone service in Glasgow for inter-communication with the Post Office service prior to the transfer of the service to the State is being continued?

A charge of 5s. per line for inter-communication was

The quantity of sugar imported into Canada from the British West Indies and British Guiana in each of the under-mentioned years (extracted from the Canadian Trade Returns) was as follows:—made where lines rented from the Post Office and the National Telephone Company were terminated on the same switchboard at a subscriber's premises, and this charge is being maintained where any of the lines so connected are rented at obsolete rates which did not cover inter-communication. In such cases the renter benefits considerably from the fact that his payments are below the current tariff, and I propose to defer any change until the general revision of rates which has been promised. Old subscribers at the current rates, like new subscribers, are entitled to general inter-communication facilities without extra charge.

asked the number of occasions during the months of August and September last on which the mails arrived late at Wick and Thurso, and the approximate period of lateness in each case?

During the period indicated by the hon. Member the mail trains due at Wick at 12.40 and 4 p.m. arrived late on forty and forty-two occasions respectively, the average lateness in each case being twenty-four minutes. The mail trains due at Thurso at 12.33 p.m. and 3.45 p.m. were late on forty-eight and fifty-two occasions respectively; the average lateness being twenty-eight and thirty-eight minutes respectively.

asked what further progress has been made towards installing the trunk telephone system at Longford, for which the required guarantee has been signed by a number of people?

The provision of a telephone service at Longford is dependent upon the erection of new trunk lines between Dublin and Mullingar; and I do not anticipate that the further extension from Mullingar to Longford can be completed before March next.

asked the Postmaster-General, with reference to the use of motor vans for the Manchester and district post offices, whether the present horse drivers will have any facilities to learn motor driving or be given a preference if fitted for motor work?

I will consider whether anything can be done in the direction indicated by the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the assistant clerks (new class) serving in the engineering department of the General Post Office have petitioned for a transfer en bloc to Government Departments outside the Post Office; if so, will he state the circumstances prevailing in that Department which actuates this request; and what steps he is taking with a view to granting their application?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The circumstances which actuate the request of the assistant clerks are that in the normal course the promotion of assistant clerks in the engineering department is not to the class of second division, but to the third class of engineering clerks, and that their prospects are likely to be prejudicially affected by the assignment to their class of officers transferred from the National Telephone Company. The request for transfer must come from the other Department concerned, but if in the case of assistant clerks the transfer of any is applied for I will raise no objection.

asked whether those officers employed in the engineering department of the General Post Office who were taken over from the National Telephone Company as assistant clerks will be eligible, with others of the class, for transfer from that Department to similar situations in Government Departments outside the General Post Office without further certificate of qualification?

This point is receiving the consideration of the Civil Service Commissioners, although no such transfer has yet been asked for.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) whether the principles to be applied in determining the seniority of those officers taken over from the National Telephone Company have yet been settled; and, if so, will he state whether any extensive alteration in the existing seniority list of the assistant clerks serving in the engineering department of the General Post Office will be necessary; (2) whether, in view of the fact that it is not possible for an assistant clerk to obtain his position as such at the actual age of seventeen, he will consider the advisability of dating the seniority of the eleven officers of the late National Telephone Company employed in the engineering department of the General Post Office, who were on the 1st January, 1912, under the age of seventeen, and who will be appointed to the assistant clerks' class on attaining that age, from the time they reach the average age of appointment to the class, namely, eighteen, since otherwise the seniority of those assistant clerks coining in immediately afterwards as the result of an open competitive examination will be adversely affected?

The seniority of these officers has not yet been determined, and before a decision is arrived at the suggestion contained in the hon. Member's last question shall be duly considered.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the reason of his decision to withhold further prospect of advancement from the two assistant clerks serving in the engineering department of the General Post Office, who were offered, but were unable to accept, appointments to the grade of third-class clerks, superintending engineers' offices, on the ground that such appointments could not be considered by them as constituting a sufficient recompense for meritorious service and ability?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar question put by the junior Member for Newcastle-on-Tyne on the 16th July last.

asked the Postmaster-General whether a number of assistant clerks serving in departments of the General Post Office have recently been promoted to the class of supervisory assistant clerk in the offices of the National Health Insurance Commissioners; and, if so, will he state how many appointments were made and name the departments of the General Post Office from which the promoted officers were drawn?

Two assistant clerks from the Savings Bank Department of the Post Office have received these appointments.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has received complaints respecting the undue delay of inspection of pigs landed at Liverpool from Ireland; and whether he will make inquiry and have humane regulations put into force to enable feeding and movement of pigs within a reasonable time?

I have received one complaint on this subject. Careful inquiry has been made respecting it, and I am satisfied that there has been no delay in the inspection of pigs landed at Liverpool from Ireland, or any inhumanity on the part of the officers concerned. It rests with the owners of the animals to provide that the animals landed shall be properly fed.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what, according to the Census of 1911, is the present population of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, respectively?

The populations, according to the Census of 1911, are as follows:

England (excluding Monmouthshire	33,649,571
Wales (including Monmouthshire)	2,420,921
Scotland	4,759,445*
Ireland	4,390,219
*Subject to revision.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whether his attention has been called to the shortage of magistrates at the Warrington Petty Sessions; and whether it is intended to appoint any more justices of the peace for that bench?

There are at present thirty-five magistrates upon the rota for Warrington, and there does not seem to be any need, therefore, of appointing new justices. Communications have reached me since the Noble Lord put down his question to the intent that new magistrates are in no way required. I may add that Petty Sessions are held daily, and an average of eleven magistrates are summoned daily.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps have been taken by the Agricultural Commissioners to enlist the interest of the small landholders of Scotland in the benefits of co-operation?

The subject is one of those occupying the attention of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland in connection with the other pressing work which they have in hand. Work of the kind referred to for the purpose of enlisting the interest of small landholders in Scotland in the benefits of co-operation is regularly undertaken by the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society — which exists mainly for the object of promoting co-operation among the agricultural community. This society is officially recognised and is assisted by Grants, made upon the recommendation of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, by the Development Commission.

asked the Secretary for Scotland, whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the low scale of pay received by farm servants in parts of Scotland prevents them, owing to their inability to provide the cost of the stocking, etc., of a holding, from taking advantage of the facilities for securing new holdings provided by the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act; and, if so, whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view of arriving at some method by which farm servants can be assisted in this respect?

I will look into the matter raised by my hon. Friend, but I may say that we have a number of applications from farm servants who have saved enough for the purpose of stocking, small holdings.