asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the number of officers and men who lost their lives in the sinking of the Submarine B 2; what pensions have been awarded by the Admiralty to the widows and dependants of those men; from what date did these pensions start; and whether any claim made to the Admiralty has been rejected; and, if so, for what reason?

asked what are the pensions allowed to the widows and children of the officers and men who lost their lives in the Submarine B 2 off Dover?

The widow of the late Lieutenant Percy B. O'Brien has been awarded a pension of £65. As far as the widows and children of the petty officers and men are concerned, pensions (at rates varying from 9s. to 5s. per week, according to the husband's ratings), have been granted to seven widows of petty officers and men, and allowances (at rates of 2s. or 1s. 6d. a week) have been granted in respect of fourteen children. The pensions and allowances are dated from 5th October, the day after the sinking of the submarine. Further, gratuities of £54 15s. and £30 8s. 4d. have been granted to the father of a stoker petty officer and to the mother of an able seaman respectively. There is one claim still outstanding, the validity of which it has not yet been found possible to determine. But the matter will be settled immediately, and I do not think I shall be raising hopes which may not be realised when I say that I think we shall be able in this case to grant a gratuity.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far the negotiations have proceeded with the Treasury in regard to increasing the pensions and allowances to widows and the dependants of the men who have lost their lives in the service of their country in submarines?

No, I think not. I am not going to raise hopes.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to withdraw what he said the other day when he stated that he was in communication with the Treasury?

I certainly do not withdraw anything I said at any time.

asked whether H.M.S. "Prometheus" was detached to China six months after His Majesty's Ship "Torch" was recommissioned?

The "Torch" commissioned on the 3rd May, 1911, in place of the "Pegasus." The "Prometheus" was ordered to China on the 7th November, 1911. The facts are therefore as stated.

asked whether His Majesty's Ship "Torch" was sent to sea in an unseaworthy condition in 1911; whether, before the ship proceeded to sea, she had been in dockyard hands at Sydney making good defects and the captain had protested against the inadequacy of the repairs; whether, under pressure from the captain, the dockyard increased her estimate from £300 to £1,500; whether the dockyard made an ineffective attempt to repair the upper deck; whether the King's Regulations and the Admiralty instructions enact that before a ship proceeds to sea a certificate is necessary stating that the ship is in all respects complete, efficient, and fit to proceed to sea; whether, in the case of His Majesty's Ship "Torch," this certificate was not given; whether the whole steel bottom of the ship was corroded and that she was really floating on her wooden sheathing; whether His Majesty's Ship "Torch" would have been in a very serious position if she had met with heavy weather; and whether, with regard to the facts of this case, which have now been made public, he will order a full and public inquiry on the same lines as that instituted in the case of the "Megæra" in 1871?

On the 18th June Captain Carver made a series of statements to the Admiralty about the condition of the "Torch" which corresponds almost exactly with those contained in the Noble Lord's question; and he submitted at the same time certain photographs of the vessels which have also, I understand, been circulated among the Members of the House. Thereupon without delay the whole matter was referred to the Commander-in-Chief in Australia, who was directed to inquire most searchingly into the allegations, and to report fully. The Commander-in-Chief has now telegraphed that his report is on the way home, and it is expected to arrive in England by the end of the month. In these circumstances it is necessary, and only fair to those concerned, to wait the receipt of the report before forming any decided opinion upon the facts. I will not fail to inform the, House at the proper time of whatever decision we may think it proper to take.

asked what is the number of German battleships now in full commission, and how many British ships of the same class, and in a similar state of readiness for war, will remain in Home waters after the dispatch of the Third Battle Squadron to the Mediterranean?

The reply is:—

• 18 German battleships,
• 19 British battleships,

asked how many battleships in full commission and in reserve, respectively, are required to complete the new scheme of Fleet organization outlined last March; and how many are now in full commission and in reserve?

The number of battleships required to complete scheme is:—

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when his scheme will be completed? Does he anticipate that it will be completed before 1915?

The progress of the scheme will be more rapid than I anticipated when I addressed the House a year ago, but I do not forecast any exact date for the completion of the scheme, which depends, among other things, upon the degree of progress made in the development of the sea-going fleets of other countries.

asked how many ships of the "Dreadnought" type have been commissioned for service in the British and German Fleets, respectively, since the beginning of 1910?

The figures for Germany are:—

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that in 1906 the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty adopted a tool for cleaning the ends of water-tube boilers invented by a hired skilled labourer at Devonport Dockyard, which was found to be a labour-saving device, and, in view of the number of water-tube boilers used in the Navy, of use to the Service; and whether, seeing that the man in question has now reached the age of sixty, after serving thirty-seven years as a hired skilled labourer without once losing time, and has an invalid daughter dependent on him, the Lords Commissioners can see their way to award him a sum of money bearing some proportion to the utility of the man's invention?

I understand that the man referred to by the hon. Member did not invent the tool in question, but merely suggested an improvement in an existing tool. The estimated saving to the Crown appears to have been very small. The man's claims shall be investigated, but I can give no undertaking on the subject of an award.

Are we to understand from the statement made by the Awards Committee that that is true?

I do not quite understand what statement the hon. Gentleman refers to.

Is he aware of the statement made by the Awards Committee as paraphrased by myself in the question I have put to-day, and will he tell me whether that is true or untrue?

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman may safely leave this matter in my hands.

asked whether part of the reason for contract-built ships being late is due to neglect on the part of Admiralty overseers at steel works to push forward with material for the Navy?

The reply is in the negative. I am quite satisfied that the Admiralty officers fully discharge their duties in this respect.

asked whether various tests are insisted upon in the case of contract-built ships which are unknown in Royal dockyards; and whether he is aware that these tests prolong unnecessarily the time given for building such ships?

The specifications and building drawings for vessels built by contract and in His Majesty's dockyards are identical. Only necessary tests are insisted on in contract-built ships, and I am not aware of any important difference in this respect between contract-built and dockyard-built ships which affects the time for building such ships.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman received claims from British fishermen for damage done to their herring nets during the manœuvres of the Red and Blue Fleets between the Forth and the Humber last summer; will these claims be paid and, if so, when; were similar claims made on behalf of Dutch fishermen; and have these already been paid by the Admiralty?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, reasonable compensation will be paid in all cases in which it is established that the damage was caused by His Majesty's ships, and was not the result of any neglect on the part of the fishermen. Reports on the claims have been called for and will be carefully considered. Similar claims have been received from Dutch fishermen and are also under consideration.

Has compensation never been paid by the right hon. Gentleman's Department to these fishermen who have sustained losses as the result of naval manœuvres?

Yes, in a very considerable number of cases all along the coast.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when he proposes to bring forward definite proposals and to submit any necessary Supplemental Estimates to provide for the improvement of the conditions of service of seamen in the Royal Navy which has been promised; and whether, in the event of the suggested increases of pay being postponed to a date shortly before the next General Election, provision will be made for any increases granted to date back to the time when they were originally promised?

Sir, this is not a joking matter. I have at present nothing to add to the answers I gave on the 9th and 10th October to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth and the hon. Member for the Fareham Division respectively.

May I ask whether the House is to understand the right hon. Gentleman was only joking when in consequence of representations brought from this side of the House he was asked to consider an increase in the wages of the seamen; and further, may I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the answer?

The hon. Member is only entitled to ask questions.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware the Government rejected a Motion from this side of the House for a Royal Commission to inquire into this question on the ground that it would take too much time, and that in his statement in March last he stated all the facts were before the Admiralty, and there was, therefore, no need for a Royal Commission, and will he state what is the reason of the delay in granting the increase?

The question was fully answered in the replies I gave. I have nothing to add.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the reply he made to my Noble Friend the Member for Portsmouth (Lord C. Beresford) was to the effect that he was unable to make any statement at the present time, and that he referred the hon. Member for Fareham (Mr. Lee) to the reply he had given to my Noble Friend the Member for Horsham (Earl Winterton)?

That is not at all a correct version of what I said. I said I hoped to make a statement on this subject shortly.

Arising out of that answer, may I draw the right hon. Gentleman's attention—

The hon. Member must put his question down.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House information with respect to the condition of the British correspondents with the Turkish Army; whether they are now in danger of arrest or molestation; and, if so, whether he will take prompt steps to have that state of affairs remedied?

On Friday a telegram was received by the Secretary of State from the editor of a London newspaper, to the effect that the special correspondent of his paper was being detained with the Turkish Army, and had complained of the treatment with which he there met. Telegraphic instructions were sent on the same day to His Majesty's Ambassador in Constantinople to take such action as was possible on the correspondent's behalf. A telegram has now been received from Sir Gerard Lowther, stating that the correspondent appeared to have left the correspondent's camp with the Turkish Army, and was on his way to Roumania. No other complaints of the treatment of British war correspondents with the Turkish Army have been received, nor am I aware that any of them are in danger of arrest or molestation.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if any news has been heard of any other war correspondents except Mr. Donohoe?

I think we did hear another correspondent had gone away from the Turkish camp with Mr. Donohoe. No other complaint was received.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he will ask the consent of the other members of the four-Power group and of the Chinese Government to the publication of the text of the agreements of the 9th March and the 17th May, 1912, between the Government of the Republic of China and the four-Power group?

As I informed the hon. Member for Plymouth on the 14th ultimo, I consider that it would be unfair to disclose details of the negotiations between the Chinese Government and the groups until a settlement has been arrived at, but when that has been done, I will ask the consent of the groups to their publication.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, by an agreement in 1895 between the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank, all Chinese Government business obtained by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation had to be shared equally with the Deutsche-Asiatische Bank, and vice versa; whether such agreement was by its terms terminable by one year's notice from the last day of any current year; and whether His Majesty's Government, before giving exclusive support to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, were aware that by the agreement above-named, if still in force, one-half of its Chinese business was diverted to a German house?

The agreement referred to was superseded by later agreements admitting French and American groups to partnership with the British and German (1909 and 1910). The last of these agreements is still in force, and is terminable by six months' notice from the last day of the current year. I have repeatedly stated that the exclusive support given by His Majesty's Government to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank is for the Reorganisation Loan and no other, and that the business in connection with this loan will be equally divided between the six groups who compose the six-Power consortium.

Would the hon. Gentleman explain how the Foreign Office are able to give answers as to the relations between these different banks when it suits their book, and they find public policy does not permit them to answer when it does not suit their book?

We must give answers to such questions as are asked in the House, but we do not think it right to publish confidential agreements and negotiations between the group and the Chinese Government while negotiations are still going on.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether negotiations are continuing between the six-Power group and the Government of China in regard to a reorganisation loan, and what is the present position of such negotiations; and whether, having regard to the fact that the exclusive support of the Government to the international group of bankers is limited to the period of such negotiations, he will say how long a period will be allowed to pass for the ascertainment of the success or failure of such negotiations?

A telegram has just been received from His Majesty's Minister at Peking, reporting that negotiations between the Chinese Government and the six-Power group were officially resumed yesterday. I am unable to answer the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the circumstances connected with the outbreak of small-pox at Mombasa, in East Africa, and the official health measures which entailed a serious agitation among the native population?

I am not aware that there has been an outbreak of small-pox at Mombasa. An outbreak of plague was reported on the 10th of October. I am assured that all precautions are being taken, but I have heard nothing of the agitation to which the hon. Member refers. The disease is stated to be pneumonic or septicaemic in character, and according to the latest report there have been sixteen cases and fifteen deaths.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to the outbreak of small-pox?

If the hon. Gentleman thinks it is desirable I will make the inquiry, but I feel sure, if there had been an outbreak, I should have heard of it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the housing conditions of the natives with a view to seeing if any steps can be taken to prevent any such outbreak in future?

Yes, Sir.

asked why no systematic mode of recognising public-spirited benefactors, such as is to be found in Burma, exists in the Straits Settlements; and whether it is possible in some way practically to honour native co-operation in matters of public policy?

There are no Malay or Chinese honorific titles in the Straits Settlements which could appropriately be bestowed by the Government. As in almost all other Colonies, the only way in which special public services can be recognised is by inclusion in the list of honours bestowed by the King and this course has been pursued in the past and will I hope be followed in the future.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the trial of Mr. R. E. Brassington, manager of the Lusignan estate, Demerara, on the charge of having killed Nankoo, an immigrant on the estate, on 18th September last, and to the prosecution of twenty-four indentured East Indian labourers for rioting on the same date; whether the trial is yet concluded, and, if so, what is the result; and whether, seeing that the accused labourers state that there was no rioting, but merely a demand for higher wages consequent upon a higher cost of living, he will cause inquiry to be made?

I have already called for a report on this matter, but sufficient time has not elapsed for a reply to reach me. I understand that the riot case resulted in the disagreement of the jury and was to be retried, and also that the trial of Mr. Brassington was proceeding when the last mail left.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office is contemplating the despatch of a British regiment to Ceylon, where at present there are only native Indian regiments?

The reply is in the negative.

asked when it is proposed to proceed with the erection at Harnham, near Salisbury, of the new offices of the Southern Command; and what is the number of persons for whom accommodation will be provided in the new buildings?

It is proposed to proceed with the building when designs and particulars for contract have been completed. Accommodation will be provided for about 150 persons.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the period during which the purchases were made of silver from which 31,400,000 rupees were coined; and what was the average price given and the difference in cost compared with prices ruling during the same period in 1911?

The purchases were made between the 5th March and the 15th August; the average price paid was approximately 27 11–16d. per ounce. The average price for cash during the corresponding period of 1911 was approximately 24⅜d. per ounce. The difference in cost, on this basis, was about £164,554.

Are we to understand the purchases have now ceased?

That is a question I could not possibly answer.

Could the hon. Gentleman give the average price compared with the average for the whole year and also for previous years?

I have given the comparison for 1911, and in answer to questions I can no doubt give comparisons for previous years.

asked the names of the banks and approved borrowers to whom the sum of £8,950,000 of the cash balances of India is now on deposit or loan in England, with the maximum sums on deposit with or lent to them, respectively, during the past year?

I propose to circulate the answer to this question.—[See Written Answers this date.]

May I ask whether there is any truth in the statement to the effect that the India Office are in the habit of lending money at 27½ per cent, and borrowing it back at 3½ per cent.

That is a very rough statement. I could not possibly go into an explanation in answer to a supplementary question.

Will the hon. Gentleman also circulate the amount of interest paid for the various loans?

I will circulate all the information asked for in the question.

asked the total amount of brokerage, commission, or other remuneration paid or owing to Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company in respect of their purchases of silver or other transactions on behalf of the Government of India?

The commission paid or due to be paid to Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company in respect of the purchases of silver during the present year is at one-eighth per cent., and amounts to £7,513. No payment has been made or is to be made to them in respect of other transactions.

asked what amount of securities, if any, held in the Gold Standard Reserve were realized during the years of financial pressure, 1907 and 1908; and how much they realised as compared with their original cost?

Securities were sold which had cost £8,668,900. They realised £8,522,051.

asked the amount of the purchases of silver in each month of the present year, and the prices paid month by month?

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to circulate the answer with the Votes. [See Written Answers this Date.]

Will the hon. Gentleman give a full statement of the purchases made this year and the dates and prices?

A complete answer will be given to the question.

The dates and the prices?

If the hon. Member will put down a question I will give the answer.

asked the basis on which the selling prices of the securities held in the Gold Standard Reserve are calculated in arriving at the depreciation on 16th October, 1912, of £1,064,824?

The selling prices used in the calculation are the minimum prices given in the Official Stock Exchange closing quotations (3.30 p.m.) of the 14th October. The depreciation shown represents the difference between the value of the securities on the above basis and their actual purchase cost. The balance of profit, slightly exceeding £2,000,000, to which I referred in answer to a previous question by the hon. Member, was arrived at after taking account of loss on realisation of securities as well as depreciation of those now held.

asked upon what date did the Indian Government issue their last loan in London; the amount of the loan, the rate of interest offered, and the amount which the public applied for; and the interest the Indian Government were obtaining for the loans they were making in London out of their cash balances on that date?

The last issue was made on 23rd April, 1912; the amount was £3,000,000, and the rate of interest 3½ per cent.; the amount applied for by the public was about £387,000, the remainder being taken by the underwriters. The rate of interest at which short loans were then being granted from the Secretary of State's Balances was 3 per cent.

asked what is the present cash price of silver; what was the average price at which purchases were made by the India Office through Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Co.; and what would have been the additional cost if those purchases had been made at the present cash price?

The present cash price of silver is 28 and 13–16d. per ounce; the average price at which purchases were made through Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company was 28¼d.; the additional cost, if those purchases had been made at the present cash price, would have been about £99,130.

Will the hon. Gentleman circulate with his answer to these questions the names and addresses of the persons partners in this firm?

And will he give the amount of saving which would have been effected had the silver been purchased at the lower price. Some was purchased at 27d.

Can we have the names of the partners of the firm?

If the hon. Member gives notice I can easily get the names.

Is it necessary?

asked whether cases of suttee are on the increase; and, in that case, what action the Government proposes to take in the matter?

The Secretary of State has no reason to think that this is the case, but, if the hon. Member can give me the evidence on which his question is based, inquiry will be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he is aware that, in the opinion of those able to judge, there is no reason why India should not enlarge her output of cotton without adding to the acreage now under cotton; and as this result could be obtained without alienating a single acre which now produces corn or other food by better methods of cultivation, and more careful selection of seed, etc., will he inform the House what is being done in these directions?

In the several provinces seed farms and seed depots have been established by the Agricultural Department for the supply of pure seed to the cultivators and for exhibiting better methods of cultivation. Efforts are also made to introduce exotic varieties suitable for India and to improve the indigenous strains. Arrangements have been made for the cultivation of American cotton on a considerable scale in Sind and for marketing the produce. The Government of India have under consideration proposals for extending the work of the Agricultural Department.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any grant of money is given for the improvement of the output of cotton in India?

I cannot answer that without notice.

asked whether the visit of the Under-Secretary of State to India is purely a private visit or whether he has been deputed to visit India on duty; and, if the latter, what deputation and travelling allowances is he to be paid from Indian revenues while he is in India, and what is the nature of the duty?

Last summer the Under-Secretary of State for India was permitted by His Majesty's Government to accept an invitation from the Viceroy to attend the first meeting of the Legislative Council at Delhi, and was authorised to take the opportunity of being in India to inform himself on various pending questions of administration. The Secretary of State and the Council of India were of opinion that the visit could hardly be regarded as an ordinary private tour, but had a certain official character, and that, in view of various precedents, a contribution should be made towards its cost. A Grant was, therefore, sanctioned for the Under-Secretary of State; but before leaving for India he expressed to the Secretary of State a preference for making the tour at his own expense, and the Accountant-General was accordingly instructed to make no payment on account of the Grant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the Special Report from the Select Committee on Local Legislation, ordered to be printed on 23rd October, 1912, by which they report, in paragraph (c), that in their opinion the cost of the maintenance of main roads should be taken off the rates and put upon the taxes; and whether he is prepared to give effect to this recommendation?

My attention has been drawn to the Report. The matter is one affecting the relations between local and Imperial taxation and must await the Report of the Committee appointed to consider that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the evidence given before the Departmental Committee on Local Taxation was completed in May of this year and has been published; will he say what is the reason for the delay of a Report of the Committee which was appointed with a view to its reporting speedily; and whether the Report may be expected before the end of the year?

I am informed that the evidence was not completed in May, the Committee having taken further oral evidence since the publication of the instalment of evidence taken up to that date. I am unable to make any announcement as to the date when the Committee's Report may be expected.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, in reference to this question, he has always said we must await the Report of the Committee specially appointed to deal with this. What is the reason for delay?

I think it important that the Committee should deal thoroughly with the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to a recent decision of the High Court of Justice that the deduction of Income Tax without the sanction of an Act of Parliament is illegal and a contravention of the Bill of Rights; whether it is proposed to reimburse to the persons who have made such illegal deduction any sums they may be called upon to pay in respect of loss of interest consequent upon such deductions; and what course it is intended to take in the matter.

also asked whether, in view of the decision in Bowles v. Bank of England, he proposes to take any steps to reimburse those taxpayers from whom Income Tax was illegally levied between the 5th of April and the 7th of August of this year?

The answer to the first part of the hon. and learned Member's question is in the affirmative, and the answer to the second part and to the question standing in the name of the Noble Lord the Member for Hitchin is in the negative. With regard to the third part of the hon. Member's question, I propose to introduce legislation dealing with the matter.

If the right hon. Gentleman proposes to introduce legislation repealing the Bill of Rights will he undertake that it shall not be carried under the gag?

Has the right hon. Gentleman arrived at a decision not to reimburse the losses it illegally inflicted?

I explained when I suggested that a Clause should be introduced into the Budget that we were simply following a practice carried on for a number of years and which had been accepted by every Chancellor of the Exchequer, and by every Government, and had never before been challenged. We were prepared to introduce the Clause into the Bill and I did not think under these conditions, seeing that we were following a practice which had been followed so long with quite useful results it would be wise for me to reimburse.

Was not that practice followed by Lord St. Aldwyn when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Not merely by Lord St. Aldwyn but by other Chancellors of the Exchequer.

If the right hon. Gentleman knew that the practice was illegal why did he pursue it?

I did not say it was illegal. I said it had been followed for a long time and I thought it was right to have a case presented for a legal decision. It had been assumed not only by this Government but by other Governments for at least fifteen years that it was a perfectly legal position, and it would have been a very serious thing for us to have altered it without first obtaining a legal decision on the subject.

But if you knew it was illegal why continue it?

I have said we are not surprised at the decision, but I still think that having regard to the number of years the practice had been followed it would have been a serious thing to alter it without first obtaining a legal decision on it.

But does the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that an illegal practice has been followed for a long time is a reason for depriving a subject of his rights?

Was not this illegal practice first, adopted by a Conservative Government?

I think that is so.

By whom?

By Sir Robert Peel.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that an illegal practice has been followed for a number of years is a reason for refusing a subject his rights when the practice is declared by the Courts to be illegal?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that his refusal to introduce legislation enabling Government valuers, in arriving at site value of agricultural land, to make allowance for improvements which only enhance the value of the land for agricultural purposes is based on the fact that the effect of such allowance would be prejudicially to affect the taxpayer in the matter of Increment Value Duty, he will give an undertaking that site values of agricultural land arrived at under the present method shall be used for no purposes other than the assessment of Increment Value Duty?

I have no power to utilise these or any other valuations for any fiscal purpose otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of statutes to which this House has given its consent; consequently an undertaking on my part is quite superfluous.

asked why the Paper promised on 16th May to the right hon. Member for West Islington relating to the figures in the White Paper which was circulated with the Government of Ireland Bill has not yet been published, seeing that the Debate on the finance of that Bill will be commenced on Thursday?

The two Returns mentioned by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16th May last have already been published. As regards the further Paper, publication has been delayed in order that it might be ascertained whether any change in the estimates of Irish Revenue for 1912–13, given in Command Paper 6154, should be made in view of the actual receipts up to 30th September. I hope to circulate the Paper this week.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the statement made at a public meeting recently by the Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household to the effect that if the Ulster Protestants carried out their covenant, troops would be called upon to shoot them down; and if this represents the settled policy of the Government for the solution of the Ulster difficulty?

I am informed by my hon. Friend that he did not make any such statement.

If I supply the right hon. Gentleman with a reference, will he give the matter his further attention?

No, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a similar statement was made by the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, in Devon, in December, 1910, at the election?

I should like the materials with regard to that point. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me the reference.

I shall be glad to give the right hon. Gentleman the necessary material, if he will allow me to do so.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he has received a statement of the views of Scottish local authorities on the question of importation of Irish store cattle; and if, as so many authorities, including those of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the three Lothians, have expressed themselves in favour, he will expedite the arrangements for permitting importation at Glasgow under quarantine restrictions, and so save counties which wish to import Irish cattle the cost of rail transit from Liverpool and Birkenhead?

I have received a report of the proceedings at the conference of Scottish local authorities which was held on the 1st instant together with a statement of the views expressed by those authorities on the subject. As regards the reception of store stock for detention at Glasgow, the difficulty is that at the moment the whole of the available accommodation at the wharf is required for the fat stock which is coming forward for slaughter, but I hope that before long the pressure will diminsh and that space can then be found for the inspection and detention of stores.

Would it not be possible to allow the fat stock which arrive at the places referred to, to be sent quickly on to the slaughterhouses where it is intended they shall be slaughtered, as it would save a terrible congestion of fat stock?

Under the Order by which these fat cattle are imported into Glasgow, they must be slaughtered at the landing place, and I cannot see my way, under the present circumstances, to alter that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of allowing Irish cattle to be landed at Dundee and Ayr, as well as Glasgow?

I am in communication with the port authorities at both those places, and I hope to have these arrangements completed before long.

What objection has the right hon. Gentleman now to cattle shipped from Dublin to Holyhead being brought by rail swiftly to Deptford for slaughter?

The objection I have is that the position is not yet clear in Ireland. I regret to say that I must remind the hon. and learned Gentleman that only yesterday there was a further outbreak somewhere near Mullingar.

Is there any danger in bringing cattle by rail from Holyhead to Deptford to be slaughtered, and can the right hon. Gentleman give me a little information on the point why the "Carrick Fergus," with 150 head of cattle, was allowed to sail for Manchester last Thursday, and the steamer "Kerry," with 450 head of cattle was not allowed to leave on that day?

The hon. Member must give notice of details of that kind.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman has made any representations to the Midland Railway Company as to the suggested accommodation at Heysham for cattle shipped from Ireland; and, if so, with what result?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The matter is now under the consideration of the company.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is yet in a position to state whether accommodation has been provided at Holyhead for Irish cattle shipped at Greenore; and, if so, whether both fat cattle and store cattle will be admitted; whether the accommodation has been inspected by the Board; and on what day cattle may be shipped in Ireland?

Accommodation for about 400 cattle and 500 pigs has been provided by the London and Northwestern Railway at Holyhead. It has been inspected on behalf of the Board, and an Order will be issued to-day adding that port to the list of those at which both fat stock for slaughter and store stock for detention can be received. Shipment from Greenore will be allowed of the Irish Department can make the necessary arrangements on their side. The Order will take effect forthwith.

Will there be room for only 400 cattle in fourteen days' time at Holyhead?

Under the accommodation which has been provided up to the present by the railway company not more than 400 head of cattle can be provided for.

Does not that point to the necessity for reducing the period of quarantine at Holyhead?

No, the period of quarantine is controlled, not by the accommodation at Holyhead, but by the risk of infection coming in.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), who is responsible for the delay to the shipment of fat cattle consigned to Manchester for immediate slaughter on last Thursday; whether he is aware that arrangements had previously been made, with his concurrence and that of the President of the Board of Agriculture, which allowed the shipment, for immediate slaughter, of cattle consigned to Manchester; and whether he can explain what occurred to prevent this arrangement being carried into effect at once?

The Order of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries authorising the landing of Irish animals for slaughter in the Manchester foreign animals wharf was not made until Friday, 1st November, and did not come into operation until 2nd November.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) why his Department has imposed restrictions upon the King's County, in which foot-and-mouth disease has not been known for thirty years, in respect of an outbreak of this disease in the Mullingar district in Westmeath; and, seeing that these restrictions involve loss upon farmers and make it difficult or quite impossible for them to sell their cattle, sheep, or pigs at such prices as to enable them to meet their current rents and land annuities, will he consider the advisability of their immediate removal?

It is the usual practice both of this Department and of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in England to impose restrictions in the first instance on a district having a radius of, roughly speaking, fifteen miles from a centre at which an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred. Portion of King's County is only about ten miles from Mullingar, and the scheduled district therefore comprises part of that county. The Department are not prepared at present to consider the modification of the restrictions, seeing that thirty-five outbreaks of the disease occurred since the 18th ultimo at or near Mullingar, the latest outbreak so recently as the 28th ultimo. The question of reducing the area under restriction will, however, be taken into consideration as soon as the circumstances permit.

asked whether the Board will consider the advisability of making the formation by every county council of an agricultural committee, reporting direct to the council, as distinct from an education sub-committee, a condition precedent to its receipt of Grants from the Development Fund for the various purposes of agricultural development?

I do not think it would be desirable, at any rate for the present, to make the payment of Grants subject to the condition suggested.

asked what are the main respects in which the proposals of the Board for the co-ordination of agricultural education differ from those contained in the Sixth Report of the Rural Education Conference?

The Board's proposals do not differ in essential particulars from the recommendations made in the Report to which the hon. Member refers.

asked what proportion of the aggregate sum allocated out of the Development Fund for the various purposes of the Development and Road Improvements Fund Act, 1909, has been appropriated to purposes of agricultural research; and whether, in the opinion of the Board, such proportion is adequate?

The first part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury. With regard to the second part, I have no complaint to make as to the amount allocated to scientific research up to the present, but I have no doubt that we shall find it necessary to ask for more as time goes on.

Is not the Department of the right hon. Gentleman aware what proportion of the aggregate sum is allocated to the different services?

Of course I am aware of the amount which has been allotted to England and Wales, but I am not responsible for the amounts allotted to Scotland and Ireland. For a full statement application should be made to the Secretary to the Treasury.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is proposed to reduce the male supervising staff in the telegraph branch of the Hull post office; and whether the stagnation of promotion amongst male clerks in that branch has been taken into account in coming to such a decision?

In consequence of the introduction of pneumatic tube working between the Queen Street branch office and the head office at Hull, only one sorting clerk and telegraphist is now employed at the former office, and the employment of an overseer there is thus no longer warranted. It will therefore probably be necessary to abolish an overseership on the telegraph side when a vacancy occurs. I should not be justified in continuing any post merely to stimulate promotion.

asked if arrangements can be made for subscribers to the telephone in the London district to receive an account each week, or at some other stated times, showing the number of calls and how the amount is made up, instead of the present most unsatisfactory system under which claims are made upon the subscribers which it is not possible to check, and which in many cases are believed to be incorrect?

To render detailed accounts at frequent intervals for local calls would considerably increase the cost of the service, without any corresponding advantage to subscribers. Such a practice would probably indeed be widely resented. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on 5th August to a similar question asked by the Noble Lord the Member for the Newton Division of Lancaster, in which I explained the steps taken to secure accuracy in the charges and to investigate complaints.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he gave a written undertaking only a few days ago that any subscriber would be furnished with details of his account at any time on application, and does he now proposed to withdraw that application?

No, Sir, not at all. If any subscriber chooses to apply the account will be furnished to him in as full a condition as possible.

Will the number of calls be stated, and not merely the amount?

Yes, Sir, the number of calls will be stated as read from the automatic meters which record them.

Has the right hon. Gentleman personally seen the forms sent to subscribers?

Yes, I have seen them myself frequently.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability in future of having the dates put on the receipts for payments made, as the present system of omitting dates leads to confusion?

Yes, I will consider that.

Will the improvement of showing the number of calls in the account be extended to the large cities throughout the Kingdom, or will it be confined to London only?

There is no intention of limiting any alteration to London.

asked the right hon. Member for the Epping Division, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether a Special Sub-Committee of the Kitchen Committee has been set up to make an inquiry into the catering arrangements of the House, with power to call in an outside expert; whether he can state whom the Committee intend to consult; and whether any opportunity will be afforded Members of the House to suggest improvements?

It is true that a Sub-Committee of the Kitchen Committee has been appointed, with power to call in an outside expert. I shall be pleased to give careful consideration to any improvements hon. Members may suggest.

What means may Members take to suggest these improvements?

I would suggest to the hon. Member that there is an ample supply of stationery and pens in the Lobby. If any suggestions are made, I will take immediate notice of them.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the appointment to be a member of the Consultative Committee carries with it any salary or emoluments; and, in that case, will he give the names of the persons so appointed and the salary or emoluments receivable by each?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am sending the hon. Member the names of the Committee.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the change of colour in some of the new stamps is done in accordance with any definite scheme, or whether in selecting the colour he is influenced by merely artistic considerations?

The colours of the ½d., 1d., and 2½d. stamps are prescribed by the International Postal Union—namely, green, red, and blue, respectively. For other denominations my endeavour has been to obtain colours which will be both distinctive and pleasing.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, seeing that the design of the new 1d. and 2½d. stamps is identical save for the difference in colour and amounts printed thereon, he will consider the possibility of having a uniform design for the whole range of stamps, the distinctions being made by the differences in colour and the amounts printed thereon?

The new issue of adhesive postage stamps will comprise eighteen denominations, and six different designs will be used for them. It it desirable for administrative reasons that the stamps of different values should be as distinctive from one another as possible, and this would not be sufficiently secured if the same design were used for all denominations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of altering the size and shape of various stamps, as is done abroad in certain countries?

We are considering having the highest denominations, i.e., 2s. 6d. and upwards, a larger size than the others, but it would cause inconvenience in the handling of the stamps in the Post Office and also by the public to have a number of varieties of the smaller denominations.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the motor omnibuses at present licensed in London are owned by the London General Omnibus Company, by companies having a working alliance with that company, and by independent companies, respectively?

Between the 1st November, 1911, and the 31st October, 1912, 2,598 licences were issued for motor omnibuses. Of this number 2,240 were issued to the London General Omnibus Company. I have no knowledge of the alliances, if any, which may have been entered into by the various companies. Although these figures represent the number of licences issued it does not necessarily follow that all the omnibuses are at work.

Has the right hon. Gentleman decided to appoint a Select Committee to inquire into the whole question?

Yes.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will, in appointing a Commission to inquire into the speed of motor omnibuses, also deal with the question of the number of deaths and accidents in large cities from the speed of tramcars and motor ears?