asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information concerning the murder of the Colombians Serrano and Gonzolas, the violation and enslavement of their wives, and the massacre of their employés, which took place on the Putumayo about the end of the year 1908; and whether any persons were brought to justice for these crimes?

Owing to the lapse of time and the lack of reliable ocular evidence it has not been possible to determine the exact circumstances in which these crimes were committed. Such employés of the company as may have taken part in them and have been in the company's service at the time of Sir R. Casement's first visit to the Putumayo are likely to be among those against whom warrants are out.

asked whether His Majesty's Government has any Reports upon the existence of an active slave trade in boys and girls at the Peruvian city of Iquitos; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government will call the attention of the Peruvian Government to this violation of the Anglo-Peruvian Treaty of 1852?

We have no evidence to show that such a trade is being carried on at Iquitos.

asked whether the Peruvian Amazon Company's steamers frequently carried slaves to the city of Iquitos; and whether His Majesty's Government has any reason to believe that this practice has been discontinued?

I have no information to show the prevalence of such a practice either now or in the past.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has received any applications for information and advice from any financiers concerning making advances to any of the combatant parties in the Balkan war; and whether he is prepared to give to such financiers the information and counsel, but not the support, of the Foreign Office.

The attitude of His Majesty's Government towards all loans to any belligerent is that financiers must decide in such matters for themselves and that, whatever decision is reached by such financiers, is taken at their own risk. My reply to any inquiries of this nature has been limited to this statement and I have no knowledge of whether loans have been made to any combatants since the war broke out. During the Russo-Japanese war loans to one or both combatants were brought out at London, Paris and Berlin.

asked if it is proposed to send any men-of-war to Salonika or to Beyrout for the protection of the lives and property of British or other subjects which may be endangered by the course of events?

One of His Majesty's vessels arrived at Salonika on 1st November, where the situation was, in the opinion of His Majesty's Consul-General, such as to render its presence desirable. No such report has been received from His Majesty's Consul-General at Beyrout, and, consequently, no war vessel has been sent by His Majesty's Government to that port.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received intimation that the allied Balkan States are ready to negotiate terms of peace with Turkey, but are not prepared to accept negotiations for peace through the great Powers; and whether, in view of the victories of the allies, Their right to make terms with Turkey will be fully recognised?

I have not received such an intimation from the Balkan States as the hon. Member describes; but, so far as I am aware, no one, in view of the results of the war up to date, will be disposed to dispute the right of the Balkan States to formulate when they please the terms on which they would be prepared to conclude peace; and I do not think that the great Powers have been, or will be, more slow than other people to adjust their own views to the inarch of events.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any prospect of any of the great Powers being in a position to offer mediation in order to bring the parties together, following the precedent set by the United States of America at the close of the war between Russia and Japan?

I have private notice of a question on that point, and I will answer this question with it later.

May I ask the right lion. Gentleman now whether it is true, as stated in the "Times" newspaper yesterday, that the Porte has telegraphed to its Ambassadors to inform the Governments of the great Powers that it would welcome assistance in bringing about a suspension of hostilites, and whether the right hon. Gentleman can now make a statement with regard to the position in the Near East?

I only got the notice of the hon. Member's question as I entered the House. In answer to it, and to the supplementary question put by the hon. Member (Mr. Morrell), I must point out it is the case that the Porte has made an appeal to the Powers, but though views are being exchanged between the Powers on the subject, it is, and must be, a very delicate matter for the Powers to interfere between two belligerents unless they do so at the request of both.

asked whether any scheme is in contemplation for the establishment in Egypt of a chamber of deputies; and, if so, whether he can say what will be the method of election and composition of such a body.

Reforms have always been in contemplation, but no scheme is before me at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the agreement recently made between France and Spain with regard to Morocco; whether it has yet been approved by His Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether they have received assurances that the new Customs tariff in the Spanish zone will not be less favourable to British trade than that hitherto existing?

I understand that the agreement, though its terms have been settled, has not yet been signed, and it has not been communicated to His Majesty's Government. In any case, the Customs tariff for British trade in Morocco is regulated by treaty, and cannot be altered without the consent of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of Stale for Foreign Affairs if he can yet give any further information as to the financial situation in Persia and the raising of a loan by the Persian Government; and if he can state whether any steps are being taken to summon a new Mejliss in accordance with the Constitution of the country?

I am not in a position to add to the information given in answer to a question asked by the hon. Member on October 22nd regarding the financial situation; the answer to the second question is in the negative, though I understand that there is some prospect of the matter receiving early consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the parties would lie more inclined to lend to Persia if constitutional Government were restored?

That must be a very hypothetical question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, whether the appellate bench in the Midnapur ease found the Advocate General's objection that there was no cause of action was good, and that the suit, which cost the taxpayers upwards of £10,000 and occupied the Calcutta High Court, owing, as the appellate bench found, to the admission by Mr. Justice Fletcher of irrelevant matter, 192 working days, should have been dismissed in limine; and, if so, what steps the Secretary of State proposes to take to prevent a recurrence of such an incident?

The Advocate General did not contend, nor did the Appellate Court hold, that there was no cause of action; nor did the Appellate Court find that the suit should have been dismissed in limine on the ground that there was no cause of action.

Has the hon. Gentleman read the judgment?

Yes, Sir, I have. In the Court of Appeal two judges held that there were causes of action, but that they were barred by the Statute of Limitations.

Does the Secretary of State propose to take any action in view of the very serious incidents which have resulted?

I have answered that question already.

Is it not the case this suit was decided on a mere question of procedure not touching the merits at all?

It is a fact that the two actions were barred by the Statute of Limitations.

Docs the hon. Gentleman know that it cost upwards of £10,000 for 102 working days?

I think that, figure is correct. I answered that question on a previous day.

asked whether the Secretary of State has decided not to compensate Messrs. Clarke and Weston for the sufferings they have undergone in consequence of judgments given by Mr. Justice Fletcher, of the Calcutta High Court, which have subsequently and after long intervals been reversed on appeal?

As regards Mr. Clarke. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 22nd October. The case of Mr. Weston has not yet come before the Secretary of State in Council, as was explained in answer to the hon. Member's question on 21st October.

Has it been finally decided not to compensate either of these gentlemen for the undeserved sufferings they have undergone?

I have explained that Mr. Clarke was allowed to go on deputation instead of on furlough, and I have just explained that with regard to Mr. Weston his case has not yet come before the Secretary of State.

asked whether Mr. William Channing Arnold, B.A., Oxon, the editor of the "Burma Critic," has been sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment for criticising in his newspaper the action of a local magistrate in acquit ting an officer charged with indecently assaulting a young woman; and, if so, whether the Government will take steps to secure his release or the imposition of some other penalty more proportionate to the alleged offence?

I have already stated that a full report of all the circumstances connected with this case has been called for by the Secretary of State. Pending its receipt the Secretary of State can express no opinion on the merits of the case.

May I ask the hon. Member whether, when the report is received it will have the personal attention of the Secretary of State and his full consideration?

Undoubtedly it will, but we had better wait until then.

Will the Secretary of State bear in mind the fact that this gentleman is lingering in prison? How long will it be before this report is received?

I have no doubt that the Secretary of State is aware of that fact, and he will get the report at the earliest possible moment.

Is it not possible to release this man pending the action which the mother of this girl is bringing?

I cannot answer that question without, notice. There are legal proceedings in the way.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, as representing the Secretary of State for India, if he will state how many firms are on the approved list of borrowers to whom loans are granted on security from the India Office balances; whether Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company are in- cluded; and when they and the other firms were placed on the list?

The list contains the names of sixty-one firms, of whom twenty-eight were on the list in 1895, sixteen were added between 1895 and 1905, and seventeen between 1905 and 1912. Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company have been on the list since 1887.

asked whether there is any reason of public policy which prevents the publication of the names of the approved borrowers to whom loans are granted on security from the India Office balances?

The relation of the Secretary of State to the firms included in the list is similar to that between a bank and the customers to whom it lends on security, and is therefore regarded as confidential. It has always been so regarded by the India Office and the Secretary of State is of opinion that this is in the public interest. I am, however, able to say that in the present instance if it is desired the information shall be given to the House.

asked what were the. Secretary of State's reasons for employing Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company to purchase silver during the present year?

As I recently explained to the House, the Secretary of State had reason to believe that some speculation for a rise in silver was in progress when the purchases were about to be begun, and he therefore thought it essential that the purchases should be made as secretly as possible. For this reason it was considered desirable to employ a firm known not to have acted before in this connection for the India Office rather than one whose operations would probably have been suspected by the market to be on behalf of the India Office. There are only four firms who act as silver brokers on a large scale; two had previously been employed by the Bank of England acting on behalf of the India Office; and the Secretary of State was fully satisfied that, of the two remaining ones, Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company were the more suitable to be employed for purchases of the magnitude required.

Is the hon. Member aware that the head of the firm of Samuel Montagu and Company is the brother of the Under-Secretary of State for India? Is he aware of that?

Are we to take it that the Secretary of State is satisfied that he has got silver cheaper through Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company than he could have done through any other firm?

The Secretary of State is certainly satisfied that the action he took resulted in a public advantage financially.

asked whether the hon. Gentleman will say what part, if any, was taken by the Under-Secretary of State for India in the arrangements for the purchase of silver in the present year and in the management of the temporary loans granted to approved borrowers from the cash balances at the India Office?

The first purchase of silver in the present year was made on a recommendation of the Finance Committee of the Council of India, dated 27th February, 1912, in the following terms: "The Finance Committee recommend that their Chairman, or, in his absence, Mr. Currie, be authorised to arrange for the purchase of not more than £1,000,000 of silver, if he thinks fit, through such agency and in such manner as he thinks advisable. The Committee would draw attention to the importance of secrecy." This recommendation was approved by the Secretary of State and the Council of India; and the purchase was accordingly made under the instructions of Sir Felix Schuster, the Chairman of the Finance Committee. Subsequent purchases were decided on in the same manner. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is not a Member of the Finance Committee or of the Council of India, and I am assured that the papers show, and it is also within the distinct recollection of the members of the India Office concerned, that he took no part in the matter and was not consulted at any stage. With regard to the loans referred to in the latter part of the question, they are arranged by the Secretary of State's broker under the daily supervision of the Accountant-General of the India Office and the more general supervision of the Finance Committee, to whom all transactions are submitted at their weekly meeting and whose Chairman is consulted on any point outside the ordinary routine. It has never been the practice of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to take part in these transactions, and the present Under-Secretary has never done so on any occasion.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the Secretary of State does not think, however correct the attitude of the Under-Secretary may be, it is better that he should be in his place when Parliament is sitting to answer questions?

That does not arise out of this question.

asked whether the hon. Gentleman will say to how many firms on the approved list of borrowers loans have been made on security from the India Office balances in the present year?

During the year 1912 loans have been made on security to forty-three firms on the approved list of borrowers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the new pattern of rifle for the Army has now been approved; and, if so, whether a specimen rifle can be placed in the Tea Room for the inspection of hon. Members?

The new pattern rifle has not yet been finally approved, but a number of rifles are being made for issue to the troops for trial. It is regretted that a specimen cannot at present be spared to be placed in the Tea Room.

Could the right hon. Gentleman arrange to have a specimen rifle to be sent at the same time to the headquarters of the various Territorial units?

I do not think that would be worth while, and it must be some little time before the rifle can be issued. It will be exhibited in the Tea Room of the House of Commons, and hon. Members will see the type of rifle the Army are going to have.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that on 16th May, 1889, attention was directed by means of questions in the House of Commons to remarks of a political character made by Viscount Wolseley I in a speech at Oxford, delivered by him in a private and not in an official capacity, and that Mr. Edward Stanhope, who was then Secretary of State for War in a Unionist Administration, stated that he was unable to defend Lord Wolseley's language and had so informed him; and on what grounds has a similar course not been pursued in reference to the recent speech of Lord Roberts respecting the German Empire, which is on terms of amity with this country, having regard to Lord Roberts's official position as a salaried field marshal, the salaried colonel of the Irish Guards, and the salaried colonel commandant of the Royal Artillery, and to the effect liable to be produced by the condonation of a breach of military regulations in the case of a highly-placed offender and the severity of the punishment in similar cases of less distinguished persons?

On a point of Order. Before this question is answered may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether the words "highly-placed offender" is a fit and proper expression to put on our Notice Paper in regard to Lord Roberts?

Perhaps I may be allowed to explain. I am sure that the word "offender" must have been put in owing, unfortunately, to my indistinct writing. It should have been "highly-placed officer," and I did not use the word "offender," If I had seen the question on the Paper I would have called attention to this point.

I would like to know, Mr. Speaker, whether that expression should have been allowed to appear on our Notice Paper?

I am afraid my attention was not specially directed to it, otherwise I should not have allowed it. I think the explanation given by the hon. Member is obviously the right one.

I assumed that the word was meant for "officer," and I had not noticed the word "offender" at all, and I think it did so appear when the question was first put. In regard to the first part of the question, the facts are as stated. As regards the second part of the question, the present case is dissimilar. The questions arising out of Lord Roberts's speech are diplomatic in character and were dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on Tuesday last, the 29th ultimo.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that the effect of a speech of this kind by a gentleman of Lord Roberts's position is to vilify a foreign Power?

Arising out of the answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he or the Members on the Front Government Bench have ever read a book by General Von Bernhardi, entitled "Germany and the Next War?"

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, if this speech had been made by an officer of lower rank or by a non-commissioned officer instead of by a general officer, it would have been dealt with by him as Secretary of State?

That is a hypothetical question.

asked the Secretary of State for War how the number of 2,549 men, who were enlisted in Ireland during the past year, compares with the figures of the previous ten years; whether he can give the figures for the years 1871–81 and 1881–91; and, if there has been a decrease in the number of men enlisting annually in Ireland during these years, to what cause that decrease is attributed?

The yearly averages for the periods required are as follows:—

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his scheme of classification of horses for Army purposes is being carried out throughout Ireland; and, if so, whether owners of horses in Ireland will also be compelled to part with their horses on mobilisation?

The reply to both questions is in the affirmative.

May I ask whether that condition will hold good in the event of the Home Rule Bill being granted for Ireland?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the war between Turkey and the Balkan States has been practically decided within one month from the declaration of hostilities, he proposes to review the whole basis of the system on which the Territorial Force is constructed, in order to secure that the force, after mobilisation, should have six months' training before it takes the field?

As naval considerations appear necessarily to be largely excluded from any conclusions to be drawn from recent events in Eastern Europe, the fact alleged in the question could hardly have any bearing on our military system.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is still of the same opinion as his predecessor that six months would be allowed the Territorial Force for training subsequent to the declaration of war?

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

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the reasons for granting a special ration allowance, in the absence of barrack accommodation, of 1s. per day to soldiers on the administrative staff at Salisbury in 1901, and continuing it for eleven years until October, 1912, and then reducing it by 50 per cent., although in the interval the cost of living has risen, and the purchasing power of money decreased, by over 10 per cent.; and whether it is the opinion of the general officer commanding the district that the recent deduction of 3s. 6d. per week in such allowance in an expensive town such as Salisbury, and in the absence of the proficiency pay enjoyed by other arms of the Service, is calculated to affect injuriously the efficiency of this branch of the Service?

The record of the reasons for granting the allowance has been destroyed, as I have already stated; and I am consequently unable to say what the reasons were. The reason for withdrawing the allowance is that, as matters stand to-day, there is no sufficient ground for treating those concerned at Salisbury differently from those similarly situated elsewhere.

Does the hon. Member suggest that because the records have been destroyed these men are to be deprived of this allowance of 3s. 6d. for a week which they have received for eleven years?

No, Sir, nothing of the kind. The records were destroyed in the ordinary course; and, so far as the allowance is concerned, I think these men have been very fortunate in retaining it so long.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he considers that to treat soldiers in this way is likely to be good for recruiting?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked if, in filling the position of typist-controller at the War Office, the permanent staff of the Department has on two occasions been passed over in favour of persons from outside; whether the claims and qualifications of the present superintendents were fully considered before Miss Roads was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Miss Murby's transfer; what are the respective duties of typist-controller and typist superintendents; and what duties, apart from the routine work of taking down letters from dictation and typing, were performed by Miss Roads in her previous position of private shorthand writer to the Secretary of State?

When the War Office staff was transferred to the new building and the various sections of the typists were amalgamated in one branch, it was considered expedient to create a new appointment of controller for regulating the distribution of the work amongst so large a staff and for disciplinary purposes. The capabilities of the superintendents then serving in the branch were fully considered, but it was held to be necessary in the best interests of the service to select a candidate from outside. On the occurrence of the recent vacancy the capabilities of the staff were again considered, but it was again found impracticable to select a member of that staff. The superintendents take a share of the work of typing and control the work of the various sub-sections, and the controller exercises general supervision. She is not required to do typing work herself. Miss Roads held the position of confidential clerk to the Secretary of State.

Is the House to understand that out of fifty-one typists there was nobody capable of taking this position, and will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what were the duties of Miss Roads as his private secretary?

With regard to the first part of the question, I have answered it already. I am informed there was nobody on this occasion, as on the previous occasion, who was considered capable of fulfilling these particular duties. With regard to the second part of the question, the lady was my confidential typist, as she had acted to other Members of the House, including the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. Of course, it was the greatest possible inconvenience to me she was given this appointment.

Are we to understand the appointment, was made subsequent to the discussion in this House with regard to patronage and appointments and the appointment of the Committee of Inquiry?

As far as I am aware, it has nothing to do with any Committee appointed by this House.

Are we to understand Miss Roads had had no experience whatever of supervision before she was appointed?

I do not know exactly what experience she had had. I know she had had a great deal of valuable experience of all kinds, at least, so I have been informed; but, as I say, I have, nothing to do with it. It is a great inconvenience to me. She is undoubtedly a most competent young lady and was so considered by those who appointed her.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the appointment was made subsequent to the discussion which took place in the House with regard to patronage and appointments?

I do not know to what the hon. Member refers. The appointment was made six weeks ago or something of that kind.

I am referring to the discussion which took place—

The hon. Member had better put his question down.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give figures to show the amount of saving in the local rates which has been effected by the Road Improvement Fund and the Old Age Pensions Act; and how much in the pound that saving represents for the agricultural ratepayer annually?

The total Grants in England and Wales towards works within Administrative Counties actually made by the Road Board or awaiting further details for completion amount to £852,000, which may be taken to represent the saving to local rates effected by the Road Improvement Fund during the last two years. With regard to the effect of the Old Age Pensions Acts I understand that the annual saving to the poor rate in England and Wales amounts to something over £1,000,000. Taking the country as a whole the saving to local rates effected by the Road Improvement Fund and the Old Age Pensions Acts amounts to about 2½d. in the £. I would however, remind the hon. Member that the great bulk of the moneys granted by the Road Board has been given towards road improvements in rural areas, and that the saving to the poor rate by the removal of the pauper disqualification has been much larger in rural unions than in urban areas. The amount actually saved to the agricultural ratepayer varies, of course from district to district, but the saving to this class of ratepayer through the Old Age Pensions Acts alone has been found to amount to as much as 6d. in the £.

asked what progress has been made by the Development Commissioners in considering the applications for harbour Grants received from the various fishing centres in the East of Fife; whether the Commissioners have obtained a Report on the subject of these applications from their expert engineer; and whether they now propose to take action upon his Report?

I understand that the Development Commissioners have been furnished with a Report by an expert engineer on certain fishing harbours on the east coast of Fife. From this Report it appears that the cost of making one harbour able to meet the requirements of all the fishing ports interested would be so great that the Commissioners are compelled to regard it as prohibitive. They are consequently considering the alternative of assistance for minor improvements at the several harbours; and for that purpose are causing inquiry to be made as to the local resources available in each case.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many chief constables in the counties of Scotland were over seventy years of age at the date of the coming into operation of the Police Amendment Act on 1st January, 1911; and how many of these have since retired?

I am informed that on the 1st January, 1911, there were three chief constables of counties in Scotland who were over seventy years of age. One of these officers has since retired and one has died.

asked whether His Majesty's Inspector of Forces for Scotland has in any of his Annual Reports regarding the efficiency of the various forces issued since 1st January, 1911, recommended that chief constables over seventy years of age should not be eligible for further service?

Two Annual Reports have been issued since the date mentioned by my hon. Friend—namely, the Reports for 1910 and 1911 (Command Papers 5600 of 1911 and 6131 of 1912). As my hon. Friend will see, they do not contain any such recommendation.

asked whether, in connection with any proposed legislation following upon the Report of the Departmental Committee on Bankruptcy Law of Scotland Amendment, he has considered the question of terminating the exemption of Civil servants' salaries from diligence for civil debt; and, if so, whether it is proposed to take any steps in the matter?

The question of the exemption from diligence of Civil servants' salaries was not within the scope of the remit to the Departmental Committee, and was not considered by them. The Committee recommend, however, the extension of section 149 of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act, 1856, to all salaries payable by the Treasury, whereby the salary of a Civil servant would, in the event of his being sequestrated, be available in such, part as the Treasury sanctioned for the benefit of his creditors.

asked what policy the Board of Agriculture for Scotland intend to adopt with regard to the administration of the Grant for the improvement of light horse breeding in Scotland recently transferred to their jurisdiction; and if they intend to create an advisory council, similar to that which exists in England, for this purpose?

The administration of the Grant referred to was only transferred to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland on 1st November, 1912, and the Board have not yet decided the question raised in the last part of the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what form the Grant will take?

I must ask for notice of that question It cannot be answered in a Word.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if the Scottish Fishery Board have made inquiry into the suitability of certain areas in Shetland for the cultivation of oysters, mussels, and other shell fish; and, if so, if he will provide the Zetland County Council with any Report thereon furnished by the Scottish Fishery Board?

The Fishery Board for Scotland have been making inquiries into the matters referred to, and are considering what has been reported, but I regret I am unable to communicate any of the Reports as suggested in the question until they have received full consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) whether the Advisory Committee on Education was consulted about the policy of inclusive fees; and what decision they came to; (2) if My Lords claim to have any power in the internal management of the Scottish universities, and, if so, what jurisdiction do they claim, or whether he can state if their power is merely concerned with the constitution of the universities and their governing bodies; (3) the date of the meeting of My Lords where it was agreed not to increase the additional Giants to Edinburgh University unless the university adopted an inclusive fee in medicine and applied science; and (4) whether he is aware of the existence of an extra-mural I school in medicine in Edinburgh, the use fullness of which might be seriously crippled by the adoption of an inclusive fee in medicine at Edinburgh University; and whether he can say what the attitude of my Lords is towards the extra-mural schools?

These questions of my hon. Friend all appear to be founded upon misapprehensions. I do not know what my hon. Friend means by the phrase "Advisory Committee on Education." If by the term "My Lords" my hon. Friend means the Scotch Education Department, he is mistaken in supposing that it has anything to do with the question of inclusive fees at, or with the internal management or constitution of, the Scottish universities. The other questions raised by my hon. Friend do not, therefore, arise.

Is it the case that "My Lords" have refused a Grant to Scottish universities unless they will adopt an inclusive fee for medicine and applied sciences?

Will my hon. Friend tell me whom he means by "My Lords"?

Presumably the Secretary for Scotland ought to know who "My Lords" are.

He does not know anything.

I would point out to my hon. Friend there are "My Lords" of the Scottish Education Committee of the Privy Council, there are "My Lords" of the Treasury, and there are other "My Lords."

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, before making the requisition on the Scottish universities, the Treasury consulted the Scottish Education Department?

I cannot answer a general question like that. It is a very wide question, and I would ask the hon. Member to look up the Universities (Scotland) Act, 1889, where he will learn something about the arrangement.

Is it not perfectly evident, from the nature of my hon. Friend's question, that he is referring to that nebulous body, the Scottish Education Board?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received communications from various societies of law agents in Scotland suggesting, as an alternative to the institution of a public trustee for Scotland, a compulsory audit of all trust accounts; whether his Department is prepared to accept this method of dealing with trust accounts; and whether, if adopted, it can be brought about by an administrative order or does it require legislation?

I have received representations of the character referred to by my hon. Friend, but I do not know why the compulsory audit of trust accounts should be put forward as an alternative to the institution of a public trustee in Scotland, as the two proposals have different objects and each is compatible with the other. I am not yet prepared to make any statement with regard to the second part of the question. In answer to the last part of the question, I may say that, the compulsory audit of trust accounts would require legislation.

asked whether any estimate by engineers has been made for the repair of the Crinan Canal, in Argyllshire; if so, will he say what amount will be required to put it in thorough working condition; and how that compares with the expense of a new Crinan Canal in the present locus?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the evidence given before the Royal Commission on Canals and Waterways, particularly that of Mr. Groves, the Resident Engineer of the Canal.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) if his attention has been called to the increasing scarcity of pearls obtained from the rivers of Scotland during recent years; and, in view of the fact that the river pearl fishing industry in other countries, more especially in Germany, is in a flourishing condition; whether he? will take steps to resuscitate what is at present practically a dying industry in Scotland by instituting a close time for pearl fishing, and prohibiting the indiscriminate destruction of immature mussels; and (2) whether pearl fishing in any of the principal pearl-yielding rivers, the Spey, Tay, Esk, Dee, and Don has ever been prohibited for any length of time, so as to give the rivers a rest; and if he is aware that stretches in the important pearl-yielding rivers in Bavaria and Saxony are allowed to rest for periods of about ten years when such stretches have been completely fished over?

My attention had not been specially directed to the matter referred to by my lion. Friend, and I should be glad to receive particulars of the evidence on which his statement is based, and also any information as to the regulations of pearl fishing in the rivers of Bavaria and Saxony to which he refers. I am not aware that pearl fishing in any if the Scottish rivers has ever been regulated by the Legislature, and new legislation would be necessary for such regulation.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, among his other multifarious duties, if he will take the trouble to refer to the "Encyclopædia Britannica." Vol. XVIII., page 448, which will give him all the information asked for? Further, may I ask if this question of pearl fishing comes under the Fishery Board for Scotland or the Board of Agriculture? or has it to be dealt with by "My Lords"?

I have said there is no legislation on the subject, and that is an answer to the question.

Under which Board does it come?

There is no legislation to place it under any Department.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of arranging that the India Office shall have some separate representation during the remainder of this Session in the House, seeing that no means exist except by questions of bringing any matter connected with Indian administration before Parliament?

In the absence of the Under-Secretary of State, questions on matters of Indian administration have been answered by my Friend the Financial Secretary to the War Office from information furnished by, and with the full authority of, the Secretary of State for India.

Does not the Order Paper to-day illustrate the inconvenience of the absence of the Secretary of State in another place and of the Under-Secretary in another country?

No, because the answers are given with the full authority of the Secretary of State.

In the case of voluntary and foreseen absence has it not been usual to appoint some one directly concerned with the administration on behalf of which the answers are given, and has it not been only in cases of illness and other unforeseen absence that a substitute from another Department has acted in the place of the absent Minister?

I do not think so. When my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster went to India exactly the same course was pursued.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider there are certain Members of the Opposition who know everything about India?

asked why the Government adopted the means of a secret inquiry to obtain information in reference to questions affecting the landed interests instead of the appointment of a Royal Commission or a Departmental Committee?

It was considered that information with regard to certain points could most usefully and expeditiously be collected by the unofficial body, to which I presume the hon. Member refers.

Are we to assume that the Government do not desire unpartisan information but only fraudulent information for electioneering purposes?

The hon. Member must not understand anything of the kind.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the land inquiry which is being conducted with his sanction by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, he will take steps to prevent any use being made for political purposes of the evidence, or parts thereof, which is being collected until the whole of the evidence has been published, as promised recently by the Chancellor, and until official steps have been taken to test its accuracy and impartiality?

I am not aware that my right lion. Friend has promised to publish the whole of the evidence, nor do I know to what particular circumstance the hon. Member refers. The Committee are an unofficial body and arrange their own procedure, but I cannot doubt that they will discourage any premature use being made of the evidence which is being collected.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the particulars recently furnished by him of cases in which the private secretaries of Members of the Government had been given permanent positions in the Civil Service, he included the appointment of such persons as Commissioners under the National Insurance Act in either England, Scotland, Ireland, or Wales?

Commissionerships under the National Insurance Act are not, except in the case of the chairmen of the Commissions, permanent appointments in the Civil Service, and therefore were not included in the particulars which I recently gave the hon. Member in reply to his question, but I understand that the only private secretary appointed to a commissionership was Mr. J. Rowland, who became a Welsh Insurance Commissioner, and this appointment is not permanent.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture the area of land acquired under the Small Holdings Act of 1892?

Eight hundred and eighty-one acres.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury when and by whom orders have been given to the pension officers of county Longford to object to persons in receipt of pensions for three years in that county; whether this is being done by order of the Treasury or in pursuance of any directions issued specially to Irish officers; and will he direct that the cases objected to be examined into by a special Local Government Board official?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I will refer the hon. Member to my answer to his previous question of the 22nd October. As regards the third part, I have no authority to give directions to the Local Government Board as to the steps to be taken in reference to cases brought before them on appeal.

Am I to understand from that reply that the right, hon. Gentleman's Department does not interfere with this matter at all?

No. I am informed that no special order has been given.

Speaking generally, does the Department interfere with decisions, or correct decisions of the Local Government Board for Ireland?

I do not think we have anything to do with the Local Government Board in Ireland. It is the pension officers we have to deal with.

asked what is the total number of unattached officers at present serving in the Customs branch of the Customs and Excise service; what is their rate of overtime remuneration; and when will the Departmental Committee's Report on the subject of hours and allowances be issued?

There are some 340 unattached officers now serving on the Customs side. No overtime, is being paid to them at present. It is hoped that the Regulations giving effect to the Amalgamation Committee's recommendations as to hours and overtime pay will be issued very shortly.

asked what is the value placed upon the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Downing Street for the purposes of assessing Income Tax?

The official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer has been treated as exempt from Income Tax since the year 1858.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the value of the lace imported into this country in the years 1910 and 1911; whether the Government of Hungary is giving cash Grants, free land, and exemption for ten years from local and Imperial taxation to lace makers from England who, unable to face free foreign competition, are transferring their factories thither; and whether he will obtain official confirmation of these facts and communicate the result to this House?

The value of the imports of "cotton lace and articles thereof" into the United Kingdom in 1910 was £2,542,000 and in 19tl £2,539,000. A large proportion of this lace is, however, re-exported, and the net imports on balance only amounted to £1,189,000 in 1910 and £1,343,000 in 1911. During the same periods the value of "cotton lace and patent net and articles thereof" of British manufacture exported from this country was £4,244,000 and £3,936,000, respectively. I am aware that the Hungarian Ministry have power to accord various encouragements to new factories in the form of monetary subventions, exemption from taxation, and otherwise, under the law of 1899 concerning the development of national industry, particulars of which were published in July, 1907, in No. 663 of the Miscellaneous Series of Consular Reports. I have no official information as to any recent accord of such State assistance to factories in British hands, but I will endeavour to obtain it.

asked whether the London Traffic Branch has had under review the facts relating to the dangers of the streets and the fatalities due to motor vehicles; and whether any recommendations have been, or will be, made with a view to improving the existing conditions?

The study of the problem of traffic in Greater London generally is amongst the duties of the London Traffic Branch, and is dealt with in the annual Reports issued by the branch. Their suggestions do not, however, deal specially with the prevention of accidents to persons using the streets, except in so far as road improvements, affording better facilities for traffic, may tend to diminish accidents.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that under the circumstances the time has arrived when a Traffic Board should be formed, as recommended by the Select. Committee in 1905?

The suggestion will be considered.

Has the Board of Trade any statutory authority for spending money in connection with this Traffic Department, or alleged Traffic Department?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked whether it was with the advice of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, or any body of shipowners, that the Board of Trade in 1906 decided to raise the load line of British ships?

The Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee did not exist before 1907. My right hon. Friend stated on Thursday last the statutory action taken by the Board of Trade in connection with the matter, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain rating authorities in Scotland have been advised that Section 9 of the House Letting Act is incapable of effective application, and that they have no longer power to grant, as formerly, exemptions from rates to the very poorest class of the community; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

I am aware that certain rating authorities have been advised as stated by the hon. Baronet, but I am informed that other rating authorities are devising methods for continuing to grant exemptions from rates to poor occupiers of small dwelling houses. I am watching the matter carefully.

asked the Lord Advocate whether, with regard to the drowning of a fisherman, William MacAngus, at the Helmsdale Harbour, Sutherland, on 13th August, 1012, he is aware that five weeks elapsed after the accident before the Procurator Fiscal made personal investigation in the case; whether the master and crew of the steamer, two coopers who were passengers, and the pilot, whom William Mac-Angus was assisting, should have been seen as possible witnesses; whether the Procurator Fiscal has seen or communicated directly with any possible witness other than the pilot; whether the Procurator Fiscal has reported that William MacAngus's cries were heard astern of the steamer, that no effort was made to save him, that no lifebuoys or lights were available, and that no alarm was raised; and whether, as this man was killed in the course of his industrial employment, it was not incumbent on the sheriff, in terms of the Fatal Accidents Inquiry (Scotland) Act, 1895, to hold an inquiry into the matter?

The Inquiry by the Procurator Fiscal was delayed in the hope that the body might be recovered and in order that conclusive evidence as to the cause of death might thus be obtained. The Procurator Fiscal examined five other witnesses in addition to the pilot. He did not report on the points mentioned in my hon. Friend's question. In my opinion the Fatal Accidents Inquiry (Scotland) Act, 1895, does not apply in the particular circumstances of this case.

Is this not an industrial case that comes expressly under the Act of 1895?

No, Sir, according to my information it is not so.

Does not the Act of 1895 state distinctly that the sheriff must hold an Inquiry?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Lord Advocate whether a new sheriff-substitute has been appointed by him to Portree, Isle of Skye; and, if so, will he say whom he has appointed and to what branch of the legal profession he belonged; what is his standing in that profession; and whether he has any knowledge of the Gaelic language, which is the only language spoken by the majority of the people, in his jurisdiction?

Mr. C. P. Boswell has been appointed as sheriff-substitute at Portree. He is a member of the Scottish Bar of upwards of twenty-two years' standing. He does not know Gaelic. A knowledge of that language is not required for the efficient performance of the duties of the office.

Is it not a fact that the inhabitants under this jurisdiction can speak no other language than Gaelic?

No, Sir. There are five to one of the number who can speak English. The exact figures, according to the last Census, are 1,959 who speak Gaelic alone, and 10,007 who speak English as well.

asked how many solicitors there are in Scotland, and how many sheriff-substituteships these hold among them; how many practising advocates there are, and how many sheriff-substituteships they hold among them; and why so few of the former have been appointed, especially in the last three years?

The number of solicitors is approximately 3,397, of practising advocates approximately 198. Four sheriffs substitute are solicitors, forty-five are advocates. There is no reason for the fact to which my hon. Friend calls attention in the last part of the question except a desire to secure the services of the best men for the office.

Is the only stronghold of privilege which the right hon. Gentleman is not going to attack the Bar in Scotland?

Is it not a fact that a solicitor in large practice would never look at a sheriff-substituteship?

Yes, that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the remaining additional sub-inspectors of mines, to be provided under the scheme recently sanctioned by the Treasury, will be appointed; and how many of these additional appointments will be allocated to Scotland?

I understand that the Board for Mining Examinations hope to complete their consideration of the applications for appointment which have been sent in by the end of this month. If so, the examination of the candidates who receive a nomination will take place early in the New Year. Two of the remaining appointments will be allocated to Scotland.

asked what was the aggregate amount of debt owed by the 16,030 debtors and civil process prisoners committed to prison last year; and what was the approximate cost to the State of their maintenance during imprisonment?

It would not be possible to give the information which my hon. Friend asks for. The amount of debt for which a prisoner is actually committed is often only a very small proportion of the debt owed by him. Nor could the cost of maintenance of debtor prisoners be calculated without minute and prolonged research. I have considered whether future Returns could be extended so as to give any part of the information which my hon. Friend desires; but the preparation of the prison Returns already involves a great deal of labour to the prison staff, and I cannot add to it without the strongest reasons. In this case I do not think any further information is required to show the need for amending the law as to imprisonment for debt at the earliest opportunity.

Is it a fact that of the total number of prisoners in English prisons one half are there for debt?

Oh, no.

Did not your predecessors tell us—

The hon. Gentleman really must give notice.

asked in view of the statement in the Report of the Prison Commissioners that, of the total number of persons committed to prison in one year, over 50 per cent, were committed in default of paying a fine on the one hand, what was the aggregate amount of these fines; and, on the other hand, what was the approximate cost to the State of maintaining these persons during imprisonment?

The Prison Commissioners have not these figures, and it would be impossible to obtain them without an increase of the clerical staff of the prisons. I would add that rather less than 20 per cent, of the persons fined are sent to prison in default of payment. The imprisonment the latter undergo must be regarded not only as actual punishment for the offences they have committed, but also as the influence which enforces the penalties paid by the remaining 80 per cent.

asked the Home Secretary if he has any jurisdiction over the constabulary of the Isle of Man; and, if so, will he state what former appointments have been held by Colonel Madoc, now chief constable of the island, and for what reasons he left them?

The Isle of Man Constabulary is not under my jurisdiction, and the chief constable is appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor under the terms of an insular Act. Lord Raglan informs me that Colonel Madoc served with the Cape Mounted Rifles from 1890 till the war in South Africa. In November, 1900, he was appointed Major in the South African Constabulary, and rose to be Acting Inspector-General of that corps in 1908. On the amalgamation of the South African Constabulary and the Johannesburg Police he was appointed Deputy-Commissioner and Second in Command of the Transvaal Police. He was retired in 1910 on the amalgamation of the Police of the four Colonies.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the arrest of a taxi-cab driver on a charge of being drunk while in charge of a cab at Charing Cross on 24th October, and that, although he was taken to Cannon Row Police Station, no charge was made against him, and he was allowed to go free; and whether, seeing that the man was a life abstainer, the Chief Commissioner will compensate the man for loss of time caused by his arrest on a false charge?

I have inquired into this case, and am informed that this taxi-cab driver at three o'clock in the after noon in Cockspur Street drove into a street refuge, and his condition was such that a constable on duty there concluded that he was under the influence of drink and took him to the police station. There the divisional surgeon examined him, and certified that, though he was in a shaky condition and unfit to be in charge of a motor, he was not drunk. In the circumstances I think the constable's action was justified, and it is not proposed to give compensation.

asked whether it is the practice of the Chief Commissioner of Police, when licensing men for service as London County Council tram-drivers and conductors, to inquire as to rates of pay and hours of labour and conditions of employment under the London County Council; and, if this is so, will the Chief Commissioner take the necessary steps to ensure that men who are licensed for service under the motor trust controlling the motor omnibuses shall receive as good conditions as to rates of pay and hours of labour as under the London County Council?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and consequently the second part does not arise.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that in almost all the Government Departments an eight-hour working day is recognised; and if he can see his way clear to extend the eight-hour principle to all the officers and prison warders in the various prisons?

The conditions of employment in the prison service are necessarily very different from those of most Government Departments. The hours of prison warders were reduced from ten hours to nine hours a day last April, and the hours cannot be further reduced without a dislocation of the service. The normal working day of most of the staff ends at 4.30 p.m.

Could not the hours be reduced by one per day to bring them to eight?

I should not like to commit myself to any definite statement.