asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what steps, if any, have been taken to occupy the now neutral zone north of the Persian Gulf with concessions, so as to ensure to British commerce that which is actually within its sphere?

His Majesty's Government are not themselves seeking to obtain any concessions in Persia, but they will of course support, where feasible and desirable, applications made by British subjects for concessions outside the Russian sphere in Persia. The only new concession at present being applied for is that for a railway from Mohammerah to Khoremmabad.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the Foreign Office have taken any steps in the matter, as we are very likely to find the ground occupied when British concessionaires come forward?

That is rather a matter of argument, and I should be glad if the hon. Gentleman would put a question on the Paper.

asked whether it continues to be the policy of His Majesty's Government to assure their exclusive support to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in loan negotiations with the Government of the Republic of China, and whether this policy is due to a definite agreement with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation; and, if so, what was the date of this agreement and on what date does it expire?

The text of the assurance of support given to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation will be included in the Papers which it is hoped to lay before the House to-morrow.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what guarantees are, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government considered adequate for the proper and useful expenditure of the proceeds of loans to the Government of the Republic of China and satisfactory security for the repayment of principal and interest; and whether he is prepared to communicate confidentially to British financial houses of repute, if they so desire, the conditions on which the support of His Majesty's Government in loan negotiations with the Government of the Republic of China may be obtained?

I must refer the Noble Lord to the answer returned to the hon. Member for the College Division of Glasgow on the 14th instant. The negotiations between the Chinese Government and the six-Power group being regarded by His Majesty's Government as merely in abeyance, they are not prepared to give support to any other parties desiring to lend money to the Chinese Government.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

That is covered by the answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that by an agreement under seal, dated the 9th March, 1912, and made between the President of the Chinese Republic and the group of international bankers supported by His Majesty's Government, a firm option was conferred upon the bankers to provide the monthly requirements of the Chinese Government for the months of March, April, May, June, and possibly July and August, 1912, and the assurance by the Chinese Government to the bankers, provided their terms were equally advantageous with those otherwise obtainable, of a firm option of undertaking the comprehensive loan for general reorganisation purposes then already proposed; whether he is aware that the note to the Chinese President was signed only by His Majesty's Government and the Governments of France, the United States of America, and Germany, or the financial groups representing them, respectively, and not by the Governments of Russia, or Japan, or their financial representatives; will he say whether the conversion of the four-Power group into the six-Power group was before or after the 9th March, 1912; and, if before, what was the date of the admission of Russia and Japan?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The Russian and Japanese groups entered the international consortium under an agreement signed on 18th June last. This agreement had retrospective effect so far as concerned participation in the advances already made to the Chinese Government.

Will that further agreement form part of the Papers which the hon. Gentleman has promised to lay on the Table?

I am not quite sure. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question it there is anything not included in the Papers which he would like to have.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the Papers are likely to be laid on the Table?

I have already said that Ave hope they will be in the hands of Members to-morrow.

asked whether any agreement was ever made after the 9th March, 1912, between the Chinese Government and the six-Power group, or their financial representatives, in regard to any loan to be made to the Chinese Government; and, if so, at what date?

A subsequent agreement was made on May 17th by which the Chinese Government formally accepted the terms prescribed by the group—at that time a four-Power group—for the supervision of the expenditure of provisional advances. In accordance with the stipulations of this agreement an advance of 3,000,000 taels was made on May 22nd.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any agreement has come into existence by which the six-Power group take the place of the four-Power group so as to make that binding on the Chinese?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to give notice of that question.

May I ask whether Russia or Japan has any interest whatever in the six-Power group?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the four-Power group or the six-Power group supplied the monetary requirements of the Chinese Government for the month of June, 1912; and, if not, whether His Majesty's Government contend that the agreement dated the 9th March, 1912, remained in force as against the Chinese Government, although not complied with by the other parties thereto?

Advances were made to the Chinese Government up to the third week in June under an agreement entered into on 9th March, and reaffirmed on 17th May, when regulations governing the supervision of the expenditure were added. Advances were suspended after it was officially reported to the groups by their auditor, appointed under the agreement of 17th May, that it was impossible properly to carry out his duties under the said regulations owing to want of co-operation on the part of the Chinese authorities. Inasmuch as a party to an agreement cannot free himself from it by a failure to observe it, the groups hold that the Chinese are still bound by the terms, of the agreement referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the agreement dated 9th March, 1912, and made between the Chinese Government and the group of international bankers supported by His Majesty's Government, contained any reservation to the effect that the Governments concerned would not support, and that the group of bankers would not undertake, the provision of moneys to the Chinese Government unless assured that the proceeds of the loan would be effectively spent?

The agreement of 9th March was confirmed and supplemented by that of 17th May. The latter agreement stipulated conditions for the supervision of the expenditure of advances.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state what is the cost per head of keeping store cattle for fourteen days' quarantine at the port of landing; and whether the whole of such cost is defrayed by the owner of the cattle?

The cost to some extent depends upon the circumstances of each particular case, the size, age, and condition of the animal, and so forth. But, except where artificial feeding stuffs are required, the total expense for wharf and lairage dues, bedding, and feeding, varies from 22s. 3d. to 2Rs. 6d. per head. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he could not see his way to permit quarantine to take, place in Ireland instead of after landing in England?

That does not arise out of the answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say on whom the cost of this falls?

In answering the second part of the question on the Paper I said the answer was in the affirmative.

The right hon. Gentleman does not say anything as to the loss during quarantine, or whether coupled with the unsaleability of the animals, it does not practically mean the total destruction of the Irish store cattle trade.

I cannot admit there is loss during quarantine, for the information I have received is that, so far from there being deterioration in quarantine, many of the animals are better after they come out than when they go in.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that it is impossible at present for any Irish farmer to sell his cattle?

You should vote against the Government.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the compensation paid to farmers for the enforced slaughter of cattle through foot-and-mouth disease does not meet the loss through depletion of stock; and whether he will consider the question of granting loans on easy terms to such farmers, and also to those whose crops are destroyed by floods or continuous heavy rains?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I regret that I can add nothing to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for the Southport Division on Monday last.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his inspectors at the English ports where stock is imported from Ireland have found any diseases in the stock which are in the schedule of notifiable diseases; and, if so, what they are?

Thirty-four sheep have been found to be affected with sheep-scab. No other cases of notifiable disease have been discovered.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether ha is in a position to make any statement regarding the importation of Irish store cattle into the port of Glasgow?

The demands for accommodation for Irish fat stock at the Glasgow Wharf have been so considerable during the last few days as to render it-impracticable for any space there to be devoted to the reception of store cattle without detriment to the fat-stock trade, and up to the present no offer of accommodation elsewhere has been made by any or the authorities or railway or shipping companies concerned. Inquiries are, however, being made with a view to find suitable premises at which store stock could be landed for detention for the prescribed period. If the fat-stock trade falls off it may be possible to set aside a portion of the Glasgow Wharf for the reception of stores.

May we take it if this accommodation were available, the right hon. Gentleman would allow Irish stores to be imported at Glasgow for distribution throughout Scotland?

Yes, certainly, but I cannot at the present moment override the orders which have been issued by the local authority, and which, of course, affect the case.

asked whether there is any information at the Board of Agriculture about a cure for foot-and-mouth disease used in Argentina which is also efficacious as a preventative of the disease; and whether, although curative treatment of diseased animals as an alternative to slaughter is undesirable in this country, the Board is prepared to consider and advocate the use of preventative medicinal treatment as well as preventative inoculation in the case of animals likely to be exposed to the risk of infection?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The answer to the second part depends upon whether any method of preventative medicinal treatment or of preventative inoculation is available which would not be attended with the risk of the spread of infection. At present I am not aware that any such method is available.

asked if the Prime Minister will have favourable consideration given to the claim of Edward Sheridan and others for compensation for loss consequent on an Order of the Board of Agriculture under which 111.cows shipped from Dublin to Heysham before the Order was issued were kept some time at Heysham, and then returned to Dublin and detained there until unsaleable, seeing that that first Order was more drastic than was subsequently found to be necessary and that the disease apprehended never appeared among the cows in question?

I can add nothing to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Agriculture to the hon. Member's question on this subject on 7th August last, who explained that there is no power to make compensation in cases of this kind out of public funds.

Is that the practice in this country, when a department inflicts loss on an individual as in this case?

No, Sir. I do not profess to be familiar with the circumstances, but I am told that is the present state of the law.

May I ask the Vice-President of the Irish Board of Agriculture, in view of the large money interests involved, what is the present position of foot-and-mouth disease in Ireland?

had a question on the Paper: What is the present position of Ireland as regards foot-and-mouth disease?

The hon. Member for the Wilton Division of Wiltshire (Mr. C. Bathurst) has a question on the same subject. I do not know whether I may be allowed to answer it now?

Yes, with the permission of Mr. Speaker.

In connection with the disease three separate districts in Ireland are scheduled, comprising:—(1) The county of Kildare and part of counties Wick-low and Carlow. Five outbreaks occurred in this district a few miles apart, three in county Kildare and two in county Wick-low. There has been no disease in county Carlow. The last case in Kildare occurred on 16th September; the last in county Wicklow on? st October. But for its proximity to Wicklow, Kildare would now be free, the last case in that county being on 16th September. I may add that I have to-day arranged with my right hon. Friend that the restrictions in county Kildare shall be materially relaxed. (2) Portions of counties Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim. Five outbreaks occurred in this district all near each other, the latest on 5th October. There has been no disease in Cavan or Leitrim. (3) The greater part of county Westmeath and small adjoining portions of Longford, King's County and Meath, with a radius, roughly speaking, of fifteen miles from Mullingar, in or about which town the disease has appeared on thirty-three different premises since 18th October. In connection with these Mullingar outbreaks 503 animals, namely, 279 cattle, 205 sheep, twelve swine, and seven goats, have been slaughtered; number yet to be slaughtered, 129. There has been no disease in Long ford or King's County. A portion of Meath is scheduled owing to its proximity to Mullingar. Seven counties have in all been infected. Four of these are now actually freed from restrictions. In three the disease has been mature for forty-two, twenty-eight, and twenty-three days. At Mullingar, county Westmeath, the disease is confined to the town and immediate neighbourhood.

Is it the case that tip to the present moment not a single case of disease has been reported from the entire province of Munster, nor in the case of any one of the cattle exported from Munster?

Not a single case of disease has1 appeared in the province of Munster, nor in the case of Connaught. In the 400,000 cases where fat cattle have been exported, and have been slaughtered on arrival, a post mortem examination has been held, and there has not been a single trace of disease found.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman the President of the English Board of Agriculture, in view of the terrible losses that Cork traders are suffering by reason of the recent Order at Cardiff, whether he can see any way whatever to save these men the hundreds of pounds loss they will be at if this quarantine Order is maintained?

I am afraid I cannot yet modify the period of quarantine which I announced last week. But it may be for the convenience of some of the Cork traders if I point out that although two counties adjoining Cardiff have, I believe, issued an Order prohibiting importation into their areas, they have no power to prevent through railway traffic from Cardiff to the counties which will receive these animals.

Would the right hon. Gentleman allow thirty-two milch cows, worth each about £22, belonging to one man, to go through, and thus save that man 600 sovereigns?

Oh, yes, certainly; at the end of the period of quarantine the Board will certainly see that through traffic is not interrupted by the county authority. I have announced that already.

May I ask the Vice-President, arising out of his answer, whether the people in South Kildare may take it that the fair of Athy, due in the early part of next month, will be held in the usual course for the sale of cattle, sheep, and pigs?

I would rather not give an undertaking at the present, but Kildare area will be materially restricted tonight.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether all the animals in the enclosed town park at Mullingar have been slaughtered since the outbreak took place?

My impression is that the number left cannot be very large. Over 500 have been slaughtered and 179 are to be slaughtered to-day or tomorrow. I do not think there can be many left. The important thing to be remembered with regard to Mullingar is that the disease has not got outside and is entirely confined to the town area.

May I ask the Vice-President whether, in view of the fact that Connaught is free from cattle disease, he can see his way to declaring the Port of Sligo open for the exportation of store cattle to such ports in England and to Scotland as will receive them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make any announcement as to the opening of Holyhead for the shipment of cattle from Greenore?

Both these questions were on the Paper to-day and as the hon. Members did not put them, I handed them in for circulation with the Votes. The arrangements at Holyhead are under the control of the London and North-Western Railway Company, and we hope for accommodation there very shortly. Sligo is one of the ports from which cattle can go at the present time. I have made arrangements to-day and the hon. Gentleman will receive full particulars.

May I ask the Vice-President now as there has been no case of disease since early in October, whether he will revise the areas so that Ennis-killen and Lisnaskea will be open?

I will consider how far it is possible to change the area, but I cannot take away the restrictions altogether.

asked the President of the Board of Agriclture if he will consider whether there is any practical increase of efficiency by England and Scotland being separately represented on the Council for the Scientific Investigation of the North Sea; and if any other country represented on the council incurs the expense of duplication?

Each of the Governments which contributes to the expenses of the International Council is entitled to appoint two delegates. The only Government which does not in practice send two delegates is that of Norway. The English and Scottish delegates jointly represent the British Government, and, so long as the present constitution of the Council is maintained, it appears to me to be both convenient and desirable that Scotland should be represented on it.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he has been successful in persuading the representative of the United Kingdom on the International Council for the Investigation of the North Sea to inquire into the destruction of immature fish by the increasing practice of trawling for herrings; and, if he has any doubt about the destruction of immature fish by trawlers, whether some of the money now spent on so-called scientific investigation will be devoted to practical investigation on board a trawler which could be hired for the purpose?

The International Council for the Investigation of the North Sea resolved in April last to investigate the influence upon the fisheries of herring trawling with fine-meshed nets. At the meeting of the Council last month it was reported that the investigation was in progress, and the subject was further discussed with a view to secure co-ordinated study of the problem by all the countries concerned. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth on the 16th inst.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether Mr. Peter Shakeshaft, of Cold Hatton, near Wellington, Salop, has yet had his farm declared free from swine fever; and will he explain why there has been such a long period of time between the last case of examination of the pigs and the farm being declared free of the disease?

The farm to which the hon. Member refers cannot be declared free from swine fever until all the pigs have been disposed of and the premises disinfected. Pigs still remaining will be slaughtered to-day and to-morrow, and the premises will then be disinfected. There has been no delay whatever on the part of the Board.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he doss not consider seven months rather a long period between the last slaughter and this present one?

I have gone into the details of this, and there has certainly been no delay on the part of the Board. The utmost expedition has been shown.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Cardiganshire County Council bought some land and let it out in small holdings for a rent of £102 10s., and afterwards the rent was reduced to £85 5s.; and, if so, are the county rates chargeable with the difference between these sums?

The Board have been informed by the county council that the tenants of two small holdings, the combined rent of which is £102 10s., have applied for a reduction of their rents. The application is under the consideration of the county council.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether it is intended, in connection with the Estimates for the next financial year, to undertake any alterations or improvements to the buildings of this House; if so, whether he can indicate the nature, extent, and cost of any works proposed; and if he is prepared to accept suggestions from or consult the wishes of hon. Members as to expenditure destined to make more or less comfortable the place in which so many of their days and nights are passed?

Various proposals are under consideration, but the opinion of hon. Members would be sought before any considerable change were decided on. The First Commissioner is grateful to my hon. Friend for giving me the opportunity of saying that he will welcome suggestions from hon. Members at this time, while the Estimates are in preparation.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us an idea of the amount that is to be spent, as otherwise our suggestions might not be very practicable?

Perhaps the hon. Member would put forward any suggestions that he wishes to make and let us see the cost.

Can the hon. Gentleman give us some idea of the changes that are contemplated by the Department?

I do not know what changes the Noble Lord refers to.

Is there any intention of increasing the size of the Chamber so as to admit Members who are often excluded?

I never heard any such suggestion.

Is it intended to reduce the size of the Chamber in view of the passing of Home Rule?

I do not think that suggestions should be made now by the hon. Member. They should be made in writing.

asked the Member for St. George's-in-the-East whether, in view of the contrast between medieval and modern art presented by the latest statue which has been erected in Westminster Hall, he will take steps to have the modern statues removed to some more appropriate place?

The modern statues are certainly not in keeping with the Hall, and the First Commissioner would be glad to remove them if he could find a suitable place for them.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any complaint from the Walmer Urban District Council, or from residents in Marine Road, Walmer, regarding a new building in course of erection by the Admiralty at the corner of Marine Road, Walmer; whether the building in question is in front of the Marine Swimming Bath and at a considerably higher level, and does not conform with the building line of the road in which it is Situate, thereby obstructing the view towards the sea from other houses in the neighbourhood; whether the urban district council has represented that the building will be detrimental to the adjoining properties and to the district as a residential neighbourhood; whether, in the erection of the building on the site selected, regard was had to the Statute 51 and 52 Vic, c. 52, s. 3; and by what authority the Admiralty refuses to observe the law by which private individuals would be bound in such a case?

Complaints have been received from the urban district council and from certain residents in regard to the erection of this small building, the size of which is 12 feet by 10 feet. Its height above the ground level is 11 feet 6 inches, and the building is lower than the adjacent swimming bath. The Admiralty consider that there is little or no justification for these complaints. They have always endeavoured to meet local wishes as far as is compatible with what is necessary for the efficiency of the Service.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question—as to the authority by which the law is overridden by the Admiralty?

I have made careful inquiry. We have not broken the law at all.

Has the right hon. Gentleman referred to the Statute mentioned in the question?

I am advised by the legal adviser to the Admiralty that we are perfectly in order in what we have done.

asked if the appointment of assistant secretary (naval) to the Committee of Imperial Defence is now, and will in the future be, held by an officer belonging to the naval war staff?

The appointment is made by the Prime Minister on the nomination of the First Lord of the Admiralty. The present holder is a member of the naval war staff.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a Report has been received by the Board of Works from the local committees for the development of fisheries on the condition of the royal harbour of Ardglass, county Down; and, if so, will the matter of improving the bed and berthing accommodation receive sympathetic consideration at an early date, in order that proper facilities may be provided in good time for the next fishing season?

A memorial has been received from a local committee, and is now being inquired into.

If I put down a question about a week hence, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give me an answer then?

I will try to give an answer then.

How much money have the Development Commissioners recommended for harbours in county Down?

I can answer that—none at all.

I cannot answer the question without notice.

asked whether the recommendation of the Development Commissioners to the Treasury to place, under certain conditions, a grant of £2,000 at the disposal of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society was opposed by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction in Ireland, by the Agricultural Board, by the Council of Agriculture, by the county committees so far as they had spoken, and by the trades of the country; whether the Commissioners, in the teeth of this opposition, themselves tried to set up a committee to act with the society and administer the grant; whether this effort failed by the refusal of every person, save one, who was asked to act upon such committee; and whether the Development Commissioners intend to take any steps, and, if so, what steps in reference to this matter?

I can add nothing to the answer which I gave the hon. Member on Monday last on this subject. The whole matter is receiving consideration.

asked if deduction in respect to trade union subscriptions, when assessing for Income Tax, can be made in the same way as deduction is made in respect to premiums paid lo insurance companies, seeing that the trade union subscription is in respect to death claim as well as other matters, and in many cases is in respect to death claim only?

The Income Tax Acts only authorise an allowance for premiums for life insurance and deferred annuities paid to life insurance companies and registered friendly societies. No allowance can be made under the existing law for any portion of the subscription paid to a trade union.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not allowed in respect of either friendly societies or trade unions?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give notice of his question.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill in the present Session to expedite the completion of land purchase?

The matter is, as I have said, receiving consideration. I cannot, however, say when it will be possible to introduce a Bill.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the completion for land purchase is of far greater importance to the majority of the Irish people than Home Rule?

asked whether the Prime Minister's attention has been called to a speech delivered on the 22nd inst., at Goodmayes, by the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, who is reported to have stated that the present limitation of the powers of the House of Lords would remain as it is, even if it did not get made a little narrower; and whether this statement accurately expresses the present policy and intentions of His Majesty's Government?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to a speech delivered by the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, in which he stated that, whatever might be done with regard to the composition of the House of Lords, the present limitation of its powers would remain as it was, even if it was not made a little narrower; whether this announcement of the policy of the Government was made with his sanction?

My hon. Friend was expressing his personal opinions, which, as I explained last week, he has a right to do.

Is the statement a correct representation of the views of the Government with regard to the House of Lords?

I said my hon. Friend was only expressing his personal opinion. I shall make a statement of the views of the Government when the proper times comes.

Was it a proper thing for the Under-Secretary to do?

May I ask whether there is any limitation to the expression of the personal opinions of subordinate Members of the Government?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave last Thursday.

Are we to understand that speeches by subordinate Members of the Government are only expressions of their personal opinions?

My hon. Friend said he was expressing his personal opinion.

asked whether the Government propose taking any and, if so, what steps to raise a permanent memorial to the memory of the distinguished services and inspiring example of the late Field Marshal Sir George White?

The Government fully recognise the great services rendered to the State by the late Field Marshal, and will be ready to consider what facilities can be given for the erection of a permanent memorial if funds for that purpose are raised by public subscription.

asked whether the Prime Minister intends to introduce legislation to render minority representation in this House impossible; and, if not, will he explain why it has been decided not to do so?

The Government are fully aware of the importance of this matter, and it is receiving careful consideration, but I cannot say any more at present.

asked if the Prime Minister is aware that during the present year a specific record of emigration and immigration has been for the first time compiled by the Board of Trade from statements made by inward and outward passengers; that statistics thus compiled for the six months April to September, inclusive, show a net loss by emigration in six months of 209,331 persons; and that this number is probably greater than the natural increase of the population in the same period; whether the Government have given consideration to the fact that this unprecedented emigration is occurring in spite of good trade and employment because of the organised emigration of British citizens by British Colonial Governments, and that it may therefore possibly increase during periods of trade depression, and whether, in view of the adverse economic effect of this stimulated emigration upon British economy and the increase in the already large majority of females in the United Kingdom which it is producing, the subject is engaging the serious attention of His Majesty's Government?

The facts appear to be as stated in the first two paragraphs, but during the past twelve months the total net emigration is estimated not to exceed 270,000, while the excess of births over deaths for the same period was over 462,000. A study of the recent records shows that emigration falls off, as a rule, during periods of trade depression, and increases in years of prosperity of trade, such as the world generally is now experiencing. So far as the efforts of the Governments of the British Dominion Overseas have had the result of directing a larger proportion of the emigration from this country to countries under the British flag, I do not think that the effect can be said to be unsatisfactory. The whole subject deserves, and is, receiving consideration.

Are not these people being driven out by Free Trade?

asked (56) what was the quantity of tea imported for the year ended 31st December, 1876; and whether an allowance of £30 per annum was granted to eight surveyors of Customs in London on appointment as tea inspectors under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875; and (57) what was the quantity of tea imported for the year ended 31st December, 1911; whether any relaxations have been made in the inspection of tea under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act; and, if not, upon what grounds the allowances to the eight surveyors have been withdrawn?

In 1876 the amount of tea imported was 185,536,371 pounds, and in 1911, 346,146,414 pounds. There has been no relaxation, so far as I am aware, in the inspection of tea. In 1876 three allowances of £50 and three of £30 were granted to Customs surveyors in London for what was then the novel and special duty of tea inspection under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, and in 1891 these allowances were converted into eight of £30 each. The work having become an ordinary part of the duties of the Department, the allowances were discontinued on the recent reorganisation of the staff.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the Post Office authorities undertook early this year to establish a telegraph and telephone office at Meriane Bridge Post Office, county Cork; whether the required guarantee was forthcoming; and, seeing that the survey and other preliminaries were completed several months ago, will he say how long it will be before this service is established?

The guarantee deed for the extension of the telegraph system to Meraine Bridge w7as signed in May last, but before the wires could be erected it was necessary to obtain way-leaves and to give notice to the public, as required by law. A wayleave consent from the Cork County Council is at present awaited. When that is received I hope that the line will be completed in about a month's time.

asked the average number of lines each telephone girl has to manage in each of the exchanges in London, dealing with each exchange separately; whether this number is in excess, or is less, than the number each girl had to deal with before the telephone transfer took place, and by how many; and the average number of calls dealt with by each girl each day?

It would not be possible to give the information in the form asked for by the Noble Lord. Statistics are, however, available for the twenty-six largest exchanges in London during April and May last, which show that while the average number of lines to each operator was on the whole slightly larger than twelve months previously (before the telephone transfer), the number of calls per operator had substantially decreased, with the exception of two exchanges where the increase was I per cent. only.

asked the Postmaster-General, in view of the inefficiency of the present telephonic connection between Dublin and Mullingar, involving a waste of two hours for a single call, if he will say who is carrying out the provision of the trunk lines authorised; whether he will accelerate the work; and by what time he expects it to be completed?

The construction of the new Dublin-Mullingar trunk wires is being undertaken by the Post Office Engineering Staff in Ireland. The work will be accelerated as much as possible; and I hope that it will be completed by the end of the present financial year at the latest.

asked the Postmaster-General (63) whether he is aware that at Belfast certain post office officials who are not being recommended for promotion are being frequently employed on substitution duties in the higher ranks contrary to the regulations; that one officer, who has a clean record and who is recognised as one of the best supervising officers at Belfast, has been so engaged for the past fifteen years, and that he has been passed over on two occasions; and will he say if it is intended to make any and, if so, what recompense to this officer for the increased responsibilities he has been compelled to undertake; and (64) if he is aware that, in connection with the recent promotion of an officer at Belfast to the position of assistant-superintendent (postal), two of the officers who have been passed over are fully qualified for the position; that they have been employed on travelling and surveying duties, and have satisfactorily performed, not only the duties of their present class, but also the duties of the class of assistant-superintendent; is he aware that the senior of these two officers has been employed as acting assistant-superintendent for an average of five months per year during the past fifteen years without complaint from his superiors; and will he take steps to secure that this officer's qualifications shall receive proper consideration when the next vacancy occurs?

I am not aware that any officer is being employed at Belfast as substitute on higher duties contrary to the regulations, but I am aware that two overseers at Belfast, who have from time to time acted as substitutes on higher duties, have recently been passed over for promotion. They had not performed satisfactorily either the travelling and surveying duties or all the duties proper to the overseers' class, and neither could be regarded as so well qualified for advancement as the officer who was selected. The usual payment for the increased responsibilities has been made, when warranted, under the ordinary rules. The claims and qualifications of these officers will continue to receive full consideration when further vacancies arise.