asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any alleviation of the anarchy existing in Southern Persia under Parliamentary Government?

The condition of Southern Persia leaves much to be desired and is due to the absence of effective Government.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the contrast between the order in Northern Persia and the condition of Southern Persia does not reflect very much upon the respective influences of Great Britain and Russia?

Upon that the hon. Member must form his own opinion.

May I ask whether there is any ground for the statement that Parliamentary government now exists in Persia, and whether Parliamentary government is in any way responsible for the present anarchical condition of Southern Persia?

I used the words "due to the absence of effective government," and as to the cause of that hon. Members must form their own opinions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, since Russia and Japan have no money to lend to China, in respect of what interests they were admitted to the financial group for providing China with money, now called the six-Power group; and, if the interests in question comprise designs upon Chinese territory or restriction upon China in any part of her territory will he state the extent of the design or restriction, whether Great Britain concurs in enforcing it, and how it is reconcilable with the integrity and independence of China?

It was clearly desirable that all the Powers interested in the stability of China should be in agreement in the matter of a loan, so as to avoid, as far as possible, individual lending in return for special concessions which might have been of a political or territorial nature; and Russia and Japan, who are close neighbours of China, could not possibly be excluded from considerations of this kind. There has been no question in any of the conditions proposed to China of any designs on Chinese territory or independence.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether, now that there is no longer war between Italy and Turkey and the lights in the Red Sea are again being re-lit, he will endeavour to make arrangements with the Governments of the countries concerned to see that in any future trouble such important lights may not again be extinguished?

It would be a very difficult matter to ensure that no lights should ever be extinguished in time of war, but we shall in the interests of commerce do what can be done to ensure that there is as little interference as possible.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, having regard to the inconvenience caused commercially during the Turco-Italian war, consider whether there is any possibility of making representations before a war begins—or of calling a conference?

It is always possible to make representations, but the question is whether a request to belligerents to restrict their operations in case of war would have any effect. I doubt whether any conference could draw up binding resolutions which would prevent belligerents taking action they thought to be necessary in their own interests when war broke out.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has completed his representations to the Government of Italy in regard to the tariffs to be imposed upon Manchester cottons and Yorkshire woollens sent from this country to Tripoli, in lieu of the practically Free Trade conditions which had effect in that country when under Turkish rule?

The matter was considered at the close of the Italian-Turkish war, but as no country made any special stipulations with regard to commerce, it would not have been desirable or practicable for us to do so; nor would it have been in accord with precedent.

Can we not take the initiative in a matter of such great importance to our own commerce?

It is not possible to secure better terms in a case of this kind than any other country secures. If the hon. Member will refer to precedents— they are rare—he will find there is no precedent for making a special stipulation.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether, in the event of the cession of any portion of Turkish territory to any of the Balkan States as the result of the present war, there will be a change detrimental to English interests in the fiscal duties imposed upon Manchester and Yorkshire goods; and whether he will bear in mind the importance of Turkey as an outlet for such goods in any negotiations which might involve a change of territory in those regions?

The hon. Member will doubtless realise that I am, at this stage, unable to reply to the first portion of his question. His Majesty's Government are, of course, fully alive to the importance of British commercial interests in these regions.

May we take it that every effort will be made in this case —it was too late in the case of Tripoli— to preserve such rights as we now have with Turkey in regard to free admission of our goods?

It was not a question of being too late in Tripoli. When countries go to war, and as a result one country annexes by conquest the territory of the other, that territory passes absolutely to the other country and neutral countries cannot make stipulations unless they are prepared to dispute the terms of peace and to assert their rights by force of arms.

Might I suggest—[HON. MEMBEBS: "NO, no."] Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be possible to give some quid pro quo if we were not a Free Trade country?

I have been pointing out that in the case of Italian-Tripoli, which may also apply to this country—I am not speaking in advance—Tariff Reform countries are those which have made these special stipulations and have got no special advantage.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been called to resolutions passed by national school teachers' associations at Belmullet, Mallow, and other places, protesting against the action of the Gaelic League and its interference with teachers of schools who do not submit to its dictation; and whether the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland are aware of these resolutions and are taking any steps to protect teachers who are attacked by the Gaelic League?

My attention has been called to a newspaper report of a meeting of the Tip-perary National Teachers' Association at which a resolution of the nature indicated in the question was adopted. The Commissioners of National Education are aware that similar resolutions have appeared in the Press, but they do not consider that any action on their part is necessary.

asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been directed to a report, dated 2lst October, presented by the Standing Committee on Legislation to the Executive Committee of the Irish General Council of County Councils, from which it would appear that twenty-four of the Irish county councils have pledged themselves to expend the ratepayers' money in providing scholarships in the National University alone, to the entire exclusion of Trinity College; whether an offer made by the Chief Secretary to provide a Grant of £10,000 per annum towards the cost of founding scholarships from primary to intermediate schools in Ireland has been rejected by this committee because it could not be similarly appropriated altogether to the National University or institutions in sympathy with its Irish policy, to the exclusion of Trinity College; and whether, under these circumstances, any steps will be taken to protect ratepayers in Ireland who may desire to send their sons to Trinity College, but are compelled to pay towards scholarships in which they have no interest?

My attention has been directed to the report referred to. I should be sorry if the twenty-four county councils referred to were to forfeit the Grant which I have conditionally obtained by refusing to agree to the conditions on which it has been offered, and I hope that wiser counsels may prevail; but I have no power under the Irish Universities Act of 1908 to prevent the county councils restricting their scholarships to the National University.

If the right hon. Gentleman has not the power to prevent cannot he warn people?

Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to withhold the Grant unless the conditions are complied with?

The conditions of the Grant have been laid down and I certainly have no intention of withdrawing from them.

How many county councils in the North of Ireland, where There is a considerable minority of Nationalists, have been given an opportunity of going to a National University if they so desire?

I cannot say.

They go to Belfast.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Provost of Trinity College is a signatory of the Solemn League Covenant? It is very interesting.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a Report in respect of an attack on the night of Tuesday, 21st October, on a house of a man named Cassidy, near Mullingar; whether a number of revolver shots were fired into the house, in which two people were sleeping at the time; whether he is aware that the motive for this outrage is that Cassidy holds a farm claimed by another person; and whether he will state what steps are being taken to prevent a repetition of attacks of this character on Cassidy and his property?

It was reported to the police that on the night of 22nd October three revolver shots were fired into the house of William Cassidy, near Mullingar, in which two people were sleeping at the time, but that neither were injured. The motive of the outrage is a matter of opinion. All necessary protection is being given to Cassidy, and his house is closely watched at night by the police.

Have any arrests been made in this case.

That is not in the question.

I did not think it worth while to ask it.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the boycotting of the male national school at Aughamore, county Leitrim; whether he is aware that no pupils are now attending this school as the result of the action of the local division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, who have boycotted the school and its manager, the Rev. Father Geraghty, P.P., because he refused to appoint a teacher who was the nominee of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in the locality; whether he has been informed that the teacher appointed to this school by Father Geraghty has been intimidated by band-playing and hostile demonstrations made by drumming parties and bands of the Ancient Order of Hibernians; whether he is aware that under the influence of the Ancient Order of Hibernians dues have been refused to Father Geraghty, and at a funeral lately the people refused to pay the usual dues and the burial service was not read by the priest; and whether he will state what steps have been taken to protect the person referred to from further intimidation?

I am informed that no pupils are now attending this school owing to the manager having refused to accede to the request of a number of parishioners to appoint their nominee as teacher. The father, brother, and other friends of the unsuccessful candidate are understood to be Hibernians, and at their instigation the local band of the order has made hostile demonstrations outside the school, and the pupils have consequently kept away. The police inform me that Father Geraghty is not boycotted, but they have reason to believe that some of the parishioners have refused to pay him their dues, and that at a funeral recently none of those present paid the usual offerings. The police were present at every demonstration made against the teacher, but on no occasion were any threats made, and although he has been annoyed he cannot be said to have been intimidated. The matter, however, is being carefully watched.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he had received a report in respect of an attempt made on 25th October to blow up the house of Mrs. Norah O'Shaughnessy, of Newcastle, County Limerick; whether a bomb was placed at the front door of Mrs. O'Shaugh-nessy's house and exploded, causing much alarm and some damage; whether he has been informed that, in the month of July, Mrs. O'Shaughnessy was summoned to attend a meeting of the United Irish League to answer a charge of having purchased this house; whether the outrage was the result of Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's refusal to attend the meeting of the United Irish League and submit to its dictation; and whether any arrests have been made or any person been made amenable for the offence?

The police inform me that the axle-box of a cart-wheel charged with blasting powder was exploded against the door of the house of Mrs. O'Shaughnessy on 25th October, slightly-damaging the woodwork. Mrs. O'Shaughnessy received a letter of the nature referred to, which she did not answer, but it is not possible to say whether this occurrence is connected with that letter. The police are pursuing their inquiries, but the information they have obtained would not, as yet, justify the institution of criminal proceedings against any person.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that at the last Monaghan Quarter Sessions, Mary Owens, of Cloughfin, was awarded compensation for malicious damage to a quantity of hay; that threatening notices signed by moonlighters had been posted in the district; and if any proceedings have been taken against the persons who committed the damage?

Mary Owens was awarded £3 compensation for malicious damage to a quantity of hay. Mrs. Owens stated that she found a threatening notice posted near her house which she took down herself, but she did not at the time report the matter to the police. The police have been unable to obtain any evidence to connect any person with the injury to the hay.

asked if, at the Swinford Quarter Sessions, on 22nd October, Mrs. Margaret Brady, of Clonbeg, county Sligo, was awarded £14 as compensation for the malicious destruction of hay; that Michael Brady stated on oath that his mother was a feeble woman and had received trouble and annoyance from people who wanted to take the farm for division amongst the tenants; that fences had been knocked down and a friendly neighbour had his turf thrown into a bog hole; and if any proceedings have been instituted by the police against the persons responsible for this damage and annoyance?

I am aware that Mrs. Brady was awarded £14 compensation for malicious injury to her hay. and that her family and some neighbours who have been friendly to her have been subject to petty annoyances. Mrs. Brady's son has taken proceedings against a number of neighbours for trespass and obtained damages against them. The police have not been able to obtain sufficient evidence to justify proceedings against anyone for the malicious injury to the hay.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been directed to the claims for compensation, recently lodged in respect to alleged malicious fires at Bolabeg, Templeshando, Gurteen Upper, near Coolgreany, county Wexford, Woodstock, county Wexford, Ballinglanna, county Cork, Loughrea and Dungary, county Galway, and Newton-cashel, Lanesboro', and Fermoyle, county Longford; and whether in any of these cases proceedings have been taken by the police against the persons implicated?

I have seen police reports in connection with the cases referred to, in which claims for compensation have been lodged. No proceedings have been taken in any of these cases. Offences of this kind are usually committed by stealth, under cover of night, and it is very difficult for the police to get sufficient evidence against the guilty parties.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been called to incendiary fires in Westmeath; if he is aware that at the meeting of the Ballymore (county Westmeath) District Council on 17th October one of the members stated that there is never a criminal prosecution in these cases; and if he will explain why no action is taken by the police against the persons who commit this damage?

The police inform me that two cases of malicious injury to hay by fire have occurred recently in Westmeath, and that claims for compensation have been lodged in both cases. I am not aware that the statement referred to was made. I have already, in answer to a previous question, explained the difficulty of obtaining evidence with a view to a prosecution in these cases.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the cause of the delay in making a grant to Mrs. Coffey, -evicted tenant on the Kenmare estate; and whether, seeing that she has been reinstated and, while responsible for the annuity, has neither house nor stock, immediate steps will be taken to give her a Grant?

The Estates Commissioners cannot from the particulars given trace the receipt of any application from Mrs. Coffey as an evicted tenant.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the reason why the Mitchell estate, near Moylough, county Galway, is not dealt with by the Congested Districts Board in the same way as the Digby, Trench, and other estates which surround it?

The Congested Districts Board have issued an offer for the purchase of this property, and negotiations are still pending with regard to it.

How many farms have the Congested Districts Board handed over to one of its own members?

I do not know. I should like to have notice of the question.

The Nationalists know it.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware^* that the Vesey-Fitzgerald estate, situate at Men-lough, county Galway, was taken over by the Estates Commissioners four years ago, who afterwards transferred it to the Congested Districts Board; and whether, in view of the fact that the tenants are charged a high rent for the grass lands pending the completion of the sale, he will see that either the rents be reduced or the sale completed without further delay?

The negotiations for the purchase of the estate of M. G. Vesey-Fitzgerald and others were transferred to the Congested Districts Board by the Estates Commissioners. The Board have had the property inspected and valued, and an offer for its purchase is about to be issued.

asked why the injunction proceeding initiated by Lord Clanricarde on March last has not yet come to trial; and whether the Congested Districts Board is in any way responsible for the delay?

I understand that in the usual course of proceedings in Chancery the case could hardly yet have come to a hearing. The Congested Districts Board are in no way responsible for the delay, but they have had Lord Clanricarde put under terms to expedite the hearing of the case.

Did not Lord Clanricarde, some time ago, ask the Congested Districts Board or the Estates Commissioners for three months' delay, and did not the Estates Commissioners or the Congested Districts Board comply with that request, and are they not so far responsible for the delay?

The delay may have been necessary in order to enable Lord Clanricarde to prepare his case.

asked whether, after the question of the hon. Member for Mid-Cork in reference to the position of Mrs. Mary Richardson, a tenant on the J. S. Hunt estate, county Cork, appeared on the Order Paper, the Estates Commissioners wrote to this woman peremptorily informing her that they intended vesting her holding in her without further delay; is it the usual practice for administrative departments to anticipate the issues raised in a Parliamentary question; is he aware that some time ago the Estates Commissioners wrote to the hon. Member for Mid-Cork, in reference to this case, that they would not vest the holding in the tenant for two months to enable her to take action; has the two months so specified expired; and is it usual for the Commissioners to vest a holding in a tenant whilst a decree for interest on the purchase money has actually issued and upon which the sheriff has made no return?

On the 30th August last the Estates Commissioners in reply to a communication from the hon. Member, informed him that to enable Mrs. Richardson to take such legal proceedings as she might be advised, to have her purchase agreement set aside, they had directed that no steps should be taken for two months to vest the holding in her. No such proceedings were instituted by her, and on the 31st ultimo, on the expiration of this period of two months, in the usual course and without any reference whatsoever to the horn Member's question, they wrote to Mrs. Richardson, informing her that the holding would be vested without further delay. The Land Commission have the same remedies for the recovery of interest in lieu of rent as they have for the recovery of unpaid instalments of a purchase annuity, and the Commissioners do not see that anything would be gained by delaying the vesting in this case.

Did not the Commissioners write to Mrs. Richardson the day after my question appeared on the Order Paper of the House?

I do not know. It does not follow that it was necessarily written in consequence of the question.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether Mrs. Mary Richardson, Gortdonaghmore, St. Ann's Hill, a tenant on the estate of J. S. Hunt, county Cork, was processed recently before the Recorder at Cork. Sessions for interest due on foot of a purchase agreement; that Mrs. Richardson alleges that she was forced to sign this purchase agreement by threats of legal proceedings for arrears of rent and other duress; that she made representations to this effect some years ago to the Estates Commissioners and was then definitely promised by them a special inspection of her holding and an inquiry into all the facts of her case; that the Commissioner now refuse this inspection and inquiry; and that Mrs. Richardson has asked that her purchase agreement be dismissed; will he say that the solicitor for the vendor first agreed to the dismissal of the purchase agreement and afterwards insisted on going on with the matter; and is it the intention of the Estates Commissioners to throw the burden of the future annuities in this case as a charge upon the rates of county Cork when Mrs. Richardson is unable to pay them?

This estate is the subject of direct sale proceedings under the Irish Land Act, 1903. Mrs. Richardson agreed to purchase her holding, which is subject to a judicial rent, at a price which comes within the zone limits prescribed by that Act, and the Estates Commis- sioners have, therefore, no power to fix the price. Mrs. Richardson made default in payment of the interest which she had contracted to pay in lieu of rent pending the advance of the purchase money, and the Land Commission had no option but to institute legal proceedings in the County Court for its collection. No special inspection was promised as alleged, but before she signed her agreement Mrs. Richardson was informed that her case would be inquired into when the estate was being dealt with. It is open to her. if so advised, to take legal proceedings to have her agreement set aside on the ground of alleged duress. Unless the agreement is so set aside the Commissioners are bound to sanction the sale.

As this is a case affecting thousands of tenants in the country, have the Estates Commissioners no power, where it is alleged that an agreement was obtained by fraud, to inquire into the facts?

No, Sir. In this case the lady was given considerable time in which to take proceedings. She still can take proceedings, and unless she does so and gets the agreement set aside, the Estates Commissioners are bound to treat it as effective.

If this lady is not able to pay her instalment of interest, am I to understand that the Estates Commissioners will insist on vesting the holding in her?

Yes, unless she takes proceedings to have the agreement set aside.

If she is unable at the present moment to pay interest, what prospect is there that, she will be able to pay the annuity if the holding is vested in her?

I cannot help it.

In that event, will not the ratepayers, through the county council, be obliged to meet the liability in this case?

The lady must make up her mind one way or the other. If she wants to set aside the agreement, she must ask for it to be done. So long as the agreement is in force the Commissioners are bound by it.

asked the Chief Secretary whether it has been the rule in successive Governments in Ireland for a considerable number of years that one third of the vacancies to the post of resident magistrates should be allocated to the officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary; whether a vacancy now exists for a resident magistrate; whether, according to precedent, an officer of the Royal Irish Constabulary should be appointed; and whether it is intended to allocate this vacancy in accordance with practice?

It has been the practice of successive Governments, and my practice also, to assign one in every three vacancies among the resident magistrates to the Royal Irish Constabulary. The vacancy referred to in the question does not go to the police.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the province of Connaught has been free from foot-and-mouth disease for thirty years, he will allow store cattle and sheep from the whole province to be admitted into England and Scotland without further delay?

This is a matter for the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. Under the Regulations of that Board store cattle can at present be shipped from the ports of Sligo and West-port, in the province of Connaught.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, in consequence of the embargo on the Irish cattle trade, farmers in county Longford have been wholly unable to realise the value of their cattle at the recent fairs; whether at the recent Sessions held in that county numerous decrees were taken out for annuity instalments and interest in lieu of rent unpaid because of the situation created by this cattle embargo; and whether he will request the Land Commission to suspend the execution of these decrees pending the reopening of English markets to Irish store stock, which is the principal source of revenue for these poor men?

At the recent Quarter Sessions in county Longford decrees were obtained for land purchase instalments and interest in lieu of rent which accrued due in the months of May and June last. The number of cases in which it was necessary to take proceedings was not appreciably greater than the number usual at this period in normal years. The Land Commission have no power to suspend the execution of the decrees.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any power to request the Land Commission to suspend the execution of decrees?

No.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that in July last a consignment of cattle sent by Mr. MacDermott, of Ballybofey, from Londonderry to Glasgow, and returned thence to Derry, were at Derry put in the same yard as cattle which had been returned from Heysham; that at the time no infected cattle had been landed in Glasgow, where as Heysham was within an infected area: that Mr. MacDermott's cattle were put with the cattle from the infected area by order of his officials, with the result that the quarantine period for these cattle was much longer than it should have been; and that Mr. MacDermott was obliged to pay for the keep of the cattle while they were so detained and incur the loss from their deterioration; and, seeing that this loss was avoidable and due to the action of his officials, will he compensate Mr. Mac Dermott for it?

The Department are not in a position to entertain a claim for compensation in the case referred to. The hon. Member was informed to this effect in July last.

Why, if the Department admit liability, do they not compensate Mr. MacDermott?

We have no legal power to make compensation in such a case.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether the cordon drawn round Mullingar includes Crossakiel, in the Oldcastle Rural District; whether he is aware that he is aware that it is twenty miles from the centre of infection; and will he release it by limiting the cordon to a fifteen-mile radius?

Crossakiel is within the district scheduled by the Westmeath and District (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) Order of 1912. It is about seventeen and a half miles from an infected place. It is the practice of the Department on the occurrence of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease to schedule, in the first instance, an area having a radius of not less than fifteen miles from the centre of infection. This distance is not necessarily a maximum. It is not practicable to follow the fifteen-mile limit with mathematical accuracy, as natural boundaries, such as main roads or the boundaries of electoral Divisions, must be taken, and these necessarily vary somewhat in distance from the infected place. In view of the fact that a further outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed near Mullingar on the 5th instant, and that only a short time has elapsed since previous outbreaks, the Department are not prepared to contract at present the limits of the scheduled district.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will state how many veterinary surgeons have been employed by his Department in Ireland in connection with the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, distinguishing between members of the veterinary staff of the Department and private practitioners; will he give the names of all veterinary surgeons so employed and state the amounts paid or due. to these gentlemen whether in respect of fees or expenses; will he state by what official of the Department local veterinary inspectors were selected; and in how many cases the local veterinary officer, under the Diseases of Animals Acts, was called in?

In addition to their regular veterinary staff, the Department have at present twenty-four temporary veterinary inspectors employed in connection with the foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. They have also engaged from time to time, as circumstances require, forty-two local veterinary surgeons, thirty of whom hold appointments as inspectors for the local authorities under the Diseases of Animals Acts. The rate of remuneration allowed in such cases is a guinea a day and travelling expenses. These gentlemen are employed on the recommendation to the Secretary of the Department of the chief veterinary officer or, in his absence, the superintending veterinary inspector, and the final decision rests with the Vice-President or Secretary of the Department. The remainder of the information asked for cannot be given within the limits of a reply to a question, and would serve no useful public purpose.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware of the fact that the greatest dissatisfaction is felt in the veterinary profession in Ireland owing to the fact that local veterinary surgeons have been taken out of their own districts and sent into other districts to the detriment of their own practice?

I am afraid there is a very great deal of dissatisfaction among those who have not received appointments.

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to say that all these forty-two private practitioners have experience and knowledge of the symptoms of this disease?

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will feel that these forty-two men are not employed diagnosing the disease. They are employed giving licences to enable cattle to be moved.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will give a return showing the number of cases given to these inspectors.

If it will serve any useful purpose, I will be very glad to give a return.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether he is now in a position to say what caused the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease at Mullingar; whether he has any official information showing that the disease was planted for the purpose of continuing the embargo on Irish cattle, and thus helping foreign meat rings to operate more freely in English markets; and whether any vigilance is being exercised by the Department to prevent persons who may be in contact with this disease carrying the infection outside affected areas?

The origin of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease at Mullingar has not yet been ascertained. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The most rigid measures are adopted by the Department for preventing the spread of disease from infected places.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the opinion stated in the first part of the question is held not only by the people in the district, but by the district inspectors?

So far as the evidence is concerned it is wholly unfounded.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), if he will state when he proposes to relax the standstill Order on cattle in county Longford imposed in respect of the Mullingar outbreak; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the restrictions imposed at Edgeworthstown, which is one mile outside the radius, the people who had cattle housed when the Order came into force have had to keep them housed ever since, at loss to themselves and to the cattle, whilst those who had cattle in the fields have been compelled to keep them there in the inclement weather, giving trouble to keepers of milch cows and injuring these animals; and will he, in view of the fact that there has been no further outbreak at Mullingar, now restrict the area to say a ten mile radius, thus freeing county Longford, in which there is no disease, from the disabilities imposed by this Order?

The Westmeath and District (Foot-and-Mouth Disease) Order imposes restrictions upon the movement of stock in the scheduled district, which includes Edgeworthstown. In view of the fact that a further outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease occurred at Mullingar on the 5th instant, and that only a short time has elapsed since the previous outbreaks, the Department are not prepared at present to consider the question of reducing the area of the scheduled district. Licences for necessary movements of animals within the district are granted by the Department's inspectors in those cases in which it is considered that movement can be safely allowed.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether these licences must be granted to persons who desire to move their cattle in any case where the inclemency of the weather requires that that should be done?

Every case must be treated according to the circumstances.

If this outbreak is confined to Mullingar, is it necessary to maintain the restriction one mile outside the district?

I am not prepared to say whether it is merely local or not. It would be very foolish indeed to say whether the disease is confined to Mullingar or not.

In view of the statement in the question that there has been no further outbreak in Mullingar, can the right hon. Gentleman give any further particulars of the outbreak which appears to have occurred yesterday?

The hon. Gentleman should give notice of the question.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether Mr. James Wood, of Belfast, was recently appointed to hold an inquiry relating to foot-and-mouth disease; if so, who appointed Mr. Wood; what remuneration has Mr. Wood received; whether Mr. Wood was appointed as an agriculturist; and, if so, what are his qualifications?

In July last it was considered desirable that inquiry should be made on behalf of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction into the circumstances connected with the discovery at Liverpool of a bullock's head said to be affected with foot-and-mouth disease, and to have been shipped from Waterford. Mr. James Wood, solicitor, Belfast, was nominated by the Department to conduct this inquiry on their behalf in conjunction with another solicitor nominated by the British Board. Mr. Wood was not appointed as an agriculturist, but, like the representative of the British Board, as a lawyer trained in the testing of evidence.

What is the amount of remuneration which Mr. Wood received for this particular office, and is this the Mr. Wood who formerly represented North Down in this House as the Russellite candidate?

Nothing has yet been settled as to remuneration, but Mr. Wood did sit in this House for East Down, and not for North Down.

Has he since twice contested East Down as a Russellite candidate?

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of recent out breaks in Ireland, his Department have taken any steps to enable the members of the veterinary staff to study the disease under the most favourable conditions; and, if so, will he now state what members of the veterinary staff it is proposed should make these inquiries, and where such inquiries and study will be made?

The Departmental Veterinary Inspectors to whom the duty of corroborating the existence of foot-and-mouth disease in each reported case is entrusted are well acquainted -with the diagnostic of the disease, and there is therefore no necessity for such action as is suggested.

Is there no foundation for the rumour that the right hon. Gentleman proposes to send three members of his veterinary staff to study this question?

There is not.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he will consider the advisability of instituting a belt of buffer counties round the infected areas in Ireland, and of suggesting to the President of the Board of Agriculture that in the case of store cattle imported into Scotland from areas outside the belt the fourteen days' quarantine at the port of debarkation should be dispensed with?

This question ought to be addressed to the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, who alone has the responsibility of deciding the terms upon which cattle can be allowed into British ports. The Irish Department will be very willing to co-operate for the purpose in the way suggested by my hon. Friend. It is of importance, however, to bear in mind that the disease is now confined to one district—Mullingar, in Westmeath.

I wish to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture for Ireland a question which he has intimated to me he is quite willing to answer: Has he any further information or any details to give with regard to the further outbreak at Mullingar to which he referred this afternoon?

On the 5th, the day before yesterday, after a nine days' interval, there was one case, two miles from Mullingar. To-day I received the following telegram:—

"Further outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease confirmed to-day, at Lynn, Mullingar, adjoining the place already declared infected. Two cattle affected by-disease. Thirteen in contact. All have been slaughtered."

asked the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been called to a memorial from the residents of the districts of Clondalkin, Lucan, Hazel-hatch, and Celbridge Rathcoole, Newcastle, Laggard, and Brittas, in the county of Dublin, protesting against the establishment of a hospital for consumptives at Peamount; and, seeing that the memorialists represent that the hospital will be a source of danger to the lives and certain immediate injury to the property of the residents in the neighbourhood, and in view of the difficulty which has arisen in reference to the water supply, whether he will recommend that the Grant to the Women's National Health Association should be withdrawn?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether it is not the fact that the Grant which it is now suggested should be withdrawn, was arranged and settled at a conference of representatives of the Treasury, the Irish Local Government Board, and the Insurance Commission, and has it not given satisfaction?

The Grant was arranged in those circumstances, and has been mostly spent. I have received the memorial referred to. As I have already informed the hon. Member, Peamount has been certified by several experts as entirely suitable for a sanatorium, and the fears that it will be a source of danger to the residents in the neighbourhood are entirely at variance with the best medical opinion. I am happy to say that the difficulty about the water supply has been overcome, as water was struck this morning. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ascertain whether the water discovered this morning is wholesome?

I will, most certainly.

Have you ascertained it?

I only heard this morning that it had been discovered.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman himself personally visit Peamount and consider it an extremely good and healthy establishment?

I am not an expert in these matters.

Is not this matter sub judice; is there not an injunction pending in the Chancery Division; and why should the right hon. Gentleman make statements when the matter is sub judice while he always gives us that answer when we ask questions?

I was asked a question and I answered it.

asked if the "Kilkenny People" newspaper, in its issue of 26th October, published a boycotting resolution passed by the Castlecomer branch of the United Irish League, in which a certain individual was mentioned by name, and the merchants and traders of Castlecomer were urged to have nothing to do with him until he gives up land in his possession; and whether he has taken or intends to take any action against the proprietors of the newspaper in question?

I am aware that the resolution referred to was published in the "Kilkenny People" newspaper, and the police inform me that so far it has practically had no effect. The Government are advised that in the circumstances no action appears to be necessary.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman inform me across the floor of the House during the course of last Session that he would take some action in regard to suppressing these boycotting notices and intimidatory notices which appear in the local Press?

Well, Sir, it depends. If I am assured they are treated with the contempt they deserve, I do not think it is necessary in all cases to take action.

asked if the "Anglo-Celt" newspaper, in its issue of 19th October, published the report of a meeting of the Killcshandra branch of the United Irish League, in which it was stated that a certain individual who was named therein would be notified to give up possession of his land and house in a fortnight, and in the event of this not being complied with a public meeting would be held; and whether he has taken or intends to take any action to prevent the publication of notices of this kind?

I understand that arrangements had been made long before the publication of the resolution for the reinstatement of the evicted tenant in this-holding which had been purchased by the Estates Commissioners for the purpose. This reinstatement was carried out by the Estates Commissioners on the 28th of October. In the circumstances the Attorney-General did not think it necessary to take any action with regard to the publication of the resolution.

asked what steps the right hon. Gentleman took to ascertain whether the representation of Daniel Cooney for a cottage near Coachford in the last improvement scheme of the Mac-room Rural District Council was rejected by this council; is he aware that Cooney, and not Murray, had his representation considered at the local inquiry and passed by the Local Government Board inspector; can he explain the circumstances under which the statement was made that the cottage in question was included in the scheme on the representation of Daniel Murray, when this man never appeared at the inquiry in support of it; is he now aware that the cottage in question was passed on the evidence given in support of Daniel Cooney's claim; and will the Local Government Board accordingly represent to the district council that Cooney is the original applicant within the meaning of the Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1906, and therefore entitled to the tenancy of the cottage?

The Local Government Board inform me that the clerk of the council and Mr. Hogan, a member of the council, both stated at the inquiry that the representation made on behalf of Cooney was rejected by the council. The statement that the cottage in question was included in the scheme by the council in pursuance of the representation lodged on behalf of Murray is quite correct. A scheme has always to be made, and advertisements and notices issued, before an inquiry can be ordered, and in this instance the scheme was made by the council in August, 1907, while the inspector's inquiry did not take place until February, 1908. There is no reason why the Local Government Board should intervene, as suggested, as the matter is one entirely for the district council.

asked whether a labourer who applied for a cottage a few years ago and had his application granted, the cottage being since built, is now entitled to it, although in the meantime he was compelled to leave the district to get employment elsewhere?

The selection of tenants for labourers' cottages is vested in each case in the rural district council, subject to the provisions of the Labourers Acts, one of which requires that on the first letting of any cottages proposed in a scheme preference shall be given to the agricultural labourers on whose behalf the representations were made on which the scheme was founded.

asked the right hon. Gentleman how many cottages have been erected and are at the moment in the occupation of labourers on the twenty-four sites acquired by the Cootehill (No. 2) Rural District Council between December, 2909, and August, 1910, and on the two sites acquired in January and July, 1911, respectively; how many cottages are in course of erection on any of these sites; whether contracts have been entered into for the remainder or arrangements made for erection by direct labour; and whether he will give directions to the Local Government Board to take such steps forth with as may be deemed advisable to have the remaining cottages provided in a district where agricultural labourers are most miserably housed, and where the need for proper housing is most acutely felt?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to his question on this subject on the 16th July last, to which I have nothing at present to add. The Local Government Board will again communicate with the District Council on the subject.

How long do the Local Government Board intend to give this rural district council an opportunity of depriving people of the cottages?

I think it must not be given much longer time.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the difficulty experienced in proceeding with the Railways Bill in its present form, he will consider the propriety of introducing a short Bill in order to redeem the pledge given in August, 1911, without the addition of other and not necessarily connected subjects?

In view of (he pressure on the time of the House, it seems clear that adequate time could not be found for the passing of the Railways Bill this Session. We should hope to reintroduce the Bill next Session in an amended form. In order, therefore, to carry out the undertaking given to the railway companies by the Government at the time of the railway strike and the appointment of the Royal Commission, we hope to introduce and pass this Session a one-Clause Bill. For this purpose Clause 2 of the present Bill has been redrafted in such a way as to meet criticisms which have been directed against it from various quarters while still giving full effect to the Government's undertaking.

Is the man yet born who could draft a Bill to redeem the broken promises of this discredited Government?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that railway stock has increased in value since the labour dispute, and that, therefore, the necessity for the Bill no longer exists?

I think the undertaking of the Government remains.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is a desire among landowners and agriculturists of all shades of political opinion that there shall be a public investigation of the most searching character by a competent and non-partisan tribunal into the present position of those engaged in the agricultural industry in Great Britain, the resources and activities of agricultural landowners, and the wages, housing, and conditions of labour of agricultural workers; and whether he will satisfy that desire by forthwith setting up such a tribunal?

I do not think after full consideration there is any necessity at present for the appointment of such a Commission or Committee as that suggested by the hon. Member.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that agricultural landowners only desire the same public trial as he would himself concede to the most contemptible criminal in the land?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a great many cases in this country men who have applied for small holdings have been victimised, and if such a tribunal is ultimately set up, will he take steps to protect witnesses?

The hon. Member should put the question on the Paper.

asked whether there is an advisory committee to assist the Lord Lieutenant of Perthshire in recommending gentlemen as justices of the peace for the county of Perth; if so, what are the names; whether the advisory committee, if such there be, approved the names of the twenty-five gentlemen recently added to the roll of justices; and whether the predominance of one party on the county bench, which has been further aggravated by the recent appointments, was considered by the advisory committee or by the Lord Chancellor?

The answer to the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The appointments in question were made on the recommendation of an advisory committee, on which Liberals and Conservatives are evenly balanced. I am further informed that the twenty-five gentlemen appointed are as evenly divided as possible with regard to politics. It must not be assumed that any preponderance of one party, which may exist on any bench at the present time, is necessarily permanent.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the advisory committee to which he refers is a satisfactory and impartial Committee, and will he see that an impartial advisory committee is appointed at once so as to avoid scandals of the kind which have taken place and so as to remedy the glaringly partisan character of the bench throughout the county of Perth, more especially the Eastern part of the county?

I have no personal knowledge of the matter, but my information is that the advisory committee is one on which the two parties are equally balanced.

That is not the case.

Is it the case that no discussion is permitted; that the Lords Lieutenant bring in the list of their prospective Justices of the Peace and allow no discussion as to the merits or demerits?

I should be surprised if that is so.

Is any account taken of the nature of the bench before the new appointments are made?

I presume so.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the hon. Baronet the Member for the Tower Hamlets is a partner in the firm of Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company; whether he is aware that His Majesty's Government have been purchasing large amounts of silver through, or of, that firm; whether he is aware that, when the Government purchased two ships through Messrs. Antony Gibbs and Sons in 1904, Lord Aldenham and Mr. Vicary Gibbs, then Members of this House and partners in the firm, resigned their seats under the Statute 22 George III., c. 45; and when it is proposed to move the writ for the Tower Hamlets Division?

I have referred this question to the Law Officers of the Crown, who are inquiring into the matter.

I will repeat the question next Monday.

Is it a fact that the first time this commission was enjoyed by the hon. Baronet was in March last, and if that be so why was not the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown taken then?

It is not a matter for the Government at all. It has nothing whatever to do with them. An hon. Member who sits here after being disqualified incurs very serious penalties.

Is it not a fact that an hon. Member incurs a fine of £500 every time he votes?

The Noble Lord can read the Statute.

Is not the purity of the position of Members in this House in charge of the right hon. Gentleman as Leader of the House?

The Government obviously cannot tell what contracts particular Members may have, if they have. any, with various Government Departments. A Member who sits here who has entered into such a contract subjects himself to very serious statutory liability.

Was not the right hon. Gentleman informed at the time by the Secretary of State?

No, certainly not.

asked whether a public meeting announced to be held at Spandaw, near Kells, county Meath, on Sunday last, was proclaimed; if so, at whose request; and for what reasons?

A public meeting was announced to be held on 3rd November at McConnell's Cross to protest against the taking of Spandaw Farm. As the meeting was obviously for the purpose of intimidation, it was prohibited by order of the Government, and a force of police was present to carry out the order.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the parish priest of Kilbeg, Kells, county Meath, was refused the right of free speech on Sunday last, by District Inspector King, who, when asked to produce his authority, stated his uniform was sufficient; whether such conduct on the part of a police officer towards a respected clergyman, advocating the just claims of his own parishioners in their own district, is in accordance with the regulations of the service or the policy of His Majesty's Government; whether he gave instructions to the police officer to so act, and for what reason; and, if the wearing of uniform is a sufficient and necessary insignia of authority, what evidence of authority should be produced by ah officer not in uniform?

The meeting referred to was prohibited by order of Government, and the district inspector who was present in uniform was only doing his duty in preventing any person from addressing the meeting.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter portion of the question? What evidence of authority should be produced by an officer not in uniform?

It was common knowledge that the meeting had been proclaimed. The police were there to see that it was not held. District Inspector King was there in uniform, and in the discharge of his duty he was bound to see that the meeting was not held.

If he had not been in uniform, what authority would have been necessary?

I do not know about that, but he was in uniform.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was prevented from attending a meeting last year by an officer not in uniform?

That question does not arise in this case.

asked what is the length of service in the Royal Irish Constabulary of District Inspector King, who was in command of the forces at Spandaw, near Kells, on Sunday last; what counties he served in; how long he was stationed in county Meath; and whether he ever before acted in chief command on the occasion of a proclaimed meeting?

District Inspector King has five and a half years' service in the Royal Irish Constabulary. He has served in the counties of Cork. East Riding. Kerry, Galway, East Riding, and Meath. He has been stationed at Kells for the past three years. The answer to the last paragraph is in the negative.

Having regard to the terms of this question, what safeguard will there be for this man if he is handed over to a Nationalist majority in the Dublin Parliament for having done his duty?

The hon. and learned Gentleman need be under no apprehension.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now give the terms of the reference to the Royal Commission on the question of the sittings, etc., of the Royal Courts of Justice?

The terms of reference are: "To inquire into the complaints of delay in the hearing of actions and appeals and Crown cases in the King's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, and whether any reforms should be adopted, and to report thereupon."

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the terms of reference cover the question of the age for the retiral of the judges?

That is clearly covered.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received the further memorial asking him to publish the evidence given before the Committee on Irish Finance, as a majority of Members of this House have signed the memorials; and, if so, will he, therefore, act on their request?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The evidence seems to me to fall short of indicating a general desire.

May I ask whether it is not the case that in dealing with the important question of Irish Finance the Prime Minister condemns this House to discuss it, not only gagged, but blindfold? May I further ask if he considers such a procedure either fair or treating the House of Commons with due respect?

The hon. Member uses some very strong phrases. This was evidence given confidentially, which the Government are not in the least degree obliged to publish, and which they could not publish without the consent of the witnesses. I said that if a general desire on the part of the House was expressed I would see whether that seal could not be removed. Such a general desire has not been expressed.

Are we to understand that a majority of the Members of this House have not signed the memorial?

I am told that 344 out of 670 signed the memorial. That does not indicate to me a general desire on the part of the House.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of what he has said, whether he considers that when the Government was saved by a majority of only four, there was any general opinion in this House in favour of the Government?

That does not arise out of the answer. When I say that I want an indication of a general desire, I do not mean the desire of a bare majority.

Could not the Government publish the evidence in cases where no pledge of secrecy was asked for?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement lately made to his constituents by the Secretary of State for the Colonies that, under existing circumstances of territory and responsibility, our position in the Mediterranean must remain one of national and international importance, we shall maintain it there, both on land and sea, to as full an extent as we have ever done in the past, and in doing so we depend on no alliance or understanding, actual or implied, but upon our own forces; and whether such statement is to be taken as expressing the settled policy of the Government?

The hon. Member has omitted from his quotation my right hon. Friend's concluding words, "Subject to our own—and only our own— needs and to the tactical exigencies of our own unfettered policy and discretion." With this addition, the definition given by my right hon. Friend appears to me to represent accurately the policy of the Government.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that upwards of twelve months ago he stated that the Board of Trade were then considering and hoped to be able to introduce before long a Bill to carry out the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Coast Erosion; that in June last the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade stated that a Bill dealing with this subject was then being prepared, and further that schemes of sea defence works involving the expenditure of many thousands of pounds in wages to labour are being held up pending the introduction of this Bill, and in addition that the inroads of the sea are still continuing; whether, under these circumstances, he will now state when the Bill in question will be introduced; and, as a guide to the local authorities affected, whether the Bill will be such as to assist local authorities to carry out schemes of sea defence?