asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when Mr. H. S. Hughes will be placed on his trial by the Columbian Government; and whether the British Consul has been instructed to report immediately any development of this case?

I have no information as to the date of the trial. His Majesty's Minister at Bogota has full instructions, and will telegraph any further development of the case. I shall then be prepared to make a further statement on the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how long ago it is since the offence arose with which Mr. Hughes was charged?

I cannot say that without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information suggesting that abuses have arisen out of the employment of aborigines under the control of British companies in other districts than those under the management of the Peruvian Amazon Company; and, if so, what steps are being taken?

I have not before me at the present time charges against British companies other than the Peruvian Amazon Company that have not been satisfactorily disposed of, but if the hon. Member would inform me what particular districts and companies he has in his mind, I will endeavour to give a more precise answer. It is a somewhat arduous undertaking to search all the correspondence relating to British companies in all parts of the world for the last seven years.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any information suggesting that abuses have arisen out of the employment of aborigines under the control of British companies in other districts than those under the management of the Peruvian Amazon Company; and, if so, what steps are being taken?

Occasional complaints are received from coloured and other persons employed in foreign territory, but I have no reason whatever to suppose that any state of affairs corresponding to that revealed by Sir Roger Casement's report exists in the case of any British company employing labour from British Colonies and Protectorates in foreign territory.

asked whether the Prime Minister of Persia has recently invited back to that country Saad-ed-Dowleh; and whether, in doing so, he acted on the advice of the British Minister at Teheran?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative, and the step was taken with the encouragement of the British Minister. I had reason to believe that Saad-ed-Dowleh's return might be of use in the present crisis and had instructed the British Minister accordingly. I gather that there is a tendency on the part of some people—I do not mean on the part of my hon. Friend—to confuse Saad-ed-Dowleh with Salar-ed-Dowleh or even with Shuja-ed-Dowleh. He is not the same person as either of these two nor, so far as I am aware, has he any connection with them, and I hope some attempt will be made to keep the names distinct.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the number of Indian rupees that have been coined during the last five years; the amount of profit accruing to the Indian Government ox the Imperial Government by such coinage; and the use to which the profit is put?

In the five years ending 31st October, 1912, about 668 lakhs of rupees were coined. The profits were about 201 lakhs, which were added to the Gold Standard Reserve, except that about 35 lakhs were used for capital expenditure on railways, in accordance with a recommendation of the Railway Finance Committee of 1907–8.

asked whether officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Royal Engineers serving with Indian units in India are debarred from getting any rewards for passing the lower standard and higher standard examinations in Persian, and that officers of British regiments serving in India are eligible for these rewards; and, if so, what is the reason for this distinction having been made between the Indian Service and the British Service in India?

The effect of certain recent Amendments to India Army Regulations would appear to be as stated in the question. The reason for this differentiation between the two Services is not known to the Secretary of State. An inquiry has been addressed to the Government of India on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a money claim made by M. Vencata Row, as sole executor of one Subadra Boyi, against the Government of Mysore; whether a tribunal in Mysore rejected the claim solely on the ground that the will under which Subadra Boyi derived title was not proved because probate had been granted, not on the will itself, but on a copy of it; whether M. Vencata Row, while maintaining that the tribunal exceeded its jurisdiction in decideing that matter, searched for and obtained the original will referred to, and begged leave to produce it before the tribunal, but that this request was refused; and whether, as the only ground on which an adverse decision was based has now been displaced, he will take steps to reopen the case and secure that a claim which is admittedly well-founded in fact and law shall be admitted?

A Regulation of the Mysore Legislature constituted a Special Court in 1896 to try and determine and pass final judgment as to the person or persons, if any, entitled to the moneys in question, and directed the Government of Mysore to carry out the final judgment of the Court. The Court was not satisfied that such a will had ever been executed, or that if executed it had been lost and could not be found, or that a copy of the will produced was a correct copy of the original will. When the document which was alleged to be the original will, but which has never been proved to be such, was found, the Court had already been dissolved, and no power remained to reconstitute it. Such being the case, successive Secretaries of State, after repeated examination of all the circumstances, have considered it impossible to press the Mysore Government to reopen the case, and my Noble Friend regrets that he must adhere to this decision.

Is the Indian Government of opinion that this man has a really substantial grievance?

It may be so, but it is not certain, and unfortunately the case cannot be reopened.

asked if the suggestion of Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company, contained in their letter to the India Office of 16th April, that their first purchases of silver for the Government should be postponed for two months at the market rates, estimated at ⅛d., equal to a shade under 3 per cent., entailed a further brokerage to them on this transaction; and, if so, how much?

As shown in the correspondence circulated on 19th November, a brokerage of ⅛ per cent, was paid on the amount postponed.

Are we to understand that the transaction entailed double brokerage fees to Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company in addition to the 3 per cent that had to be paid by the Government for postponing delivery for two months?

Yes, Sir, two brokerages.

Had not that transaction the effect of making the Government pay 4½ per cent, per annum on the money?

I gave reasons for postponing in response to an earlier question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India, if his attention has been called to the fact that £600,000 worth of silver was purchased by Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company on behalf of the Government of India on 11th September at 29⅛d., whereas the market price of the day was 28 13–16d.; and what is the amount of the difference in cost and commission between the two amounts?

The market price of 28 13–16d. was the price for silver bought for cash in London, in respect of which the cost of freight and insurance to India would have been paid by the purchaser. The purchase actually made was of silver to be sent from China, freight and insurance being paid by the seller, and the purchase price being paid partly on arrival in Bombay and partly some days after arrival. The extra gross purchase price was £6,438, and the extra commission was £8. Against this there was a saving of about £6,400 on freight, insurance, and interest. The Secretary of State is satisfied that so large a purchase could not have been made for immediate delivery in London at the date mentioned without raising the London price, which, a week later, had risen to 29 3–16d., and continued to rise for several weeks afterwards.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my question whether this £600,000 worth of silver was bought above the market price?

I have answered the question. The market price in London is not the price of silver delivered in India, and this silver was bought in China, freight and insurance being paid by the seller.

asked how the India Office satisfied themselves that Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company acted as brokers and not as dealers in purchasing silver, seeing that he is unaware of the names of the sellers from whom the silver was purchased?

Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company were instructed to purchase silver on behalf of the Secretary of State, i.e., to act as brokers; the contract notes furnished by them indicated that they acted in that capacity; they have assured the Secretary of State in writing that they did so; and have offered to submit their books for inspection by his representatives.

Do the India Office still dispute that Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company carry on business as dealers as well as brokers?

I can only say in answer to the hon. Member's suggestion that the Secretary of State has satisfied himself on this point, and if at any future date he wishes to examine the books he can do so.

Has he examined the books?

He has not done so, but he is perfectly satisfied.

How can he be satisfied?

The hon. Member had better put the question down.

It is done.

asked whether the Secretary of State for India is able to submit any estimate of the additional cost of the recent silver purchases on behalf of the Government of India, owing to the accumulation of large balances at home having encouraged native speculators to form a ring to force up the price of silver against the Government, as compared with the probable cost if, during the last three years, moderate amounts of silver had been purchased to be minted when required; and can he give any assurance that the accumulation of unnecessarily large balances in London will be avoided in future?

The Secretary of State is unable to estimate what would have been the effect on the price of silver if he had made purchases in 1909, 1910, and 1911, when they were not required. In abstaining from such premature purchases he acted in consultation with the Government of India and in accordance with their views. He has no desire to accumulate unnecessarily large balances in London, and their large amount in the last three years was mainly due to the net receipts in India from revenue and other sources being largely in excess of the estimates and to a very heavy demand for remittance.

If these balances are not required in India, does it not indicate that the people of India are unduly taxed for the benefit of the London Money Market?

asked if the India Office approached the Bank of England this year on the subject of purchasing silver before the order was placed with Messrs. Samuel Montagu and Company; and, if so, did the Bank of England decline to purchase because they were asked to do so through any specified firm?

The Bank of England were not approached on the subject this year.

asked whether there is, or has been within the last ten years, a contract or agreement between the India Office and the Bank of England relating to the purchase of silver; and, if so, the terms and state when it was entered into and when it expired?

Before 1906 the Bank of England charged ⅛ per cent, on all silver purchased through them. This was separate from the commission paid to brokers. In March, 1906, an agreement was made by which the Secretary of State was to pay ¼ per cent, for brokerage, commission, etc., on the first two millions purchased in any financial year through the Bank, and ⅛ per cent, on any further amount, the payment to be divided between the Bank and the brokers, as might be arranged by them, without the intervention of the India Office. The agreement was for the period from 1st April, 1906, to 31st March, 1913.

Is this a compulsory arrangement?

It is to last until 1913, but it is not compulsory.

Is it not binding?

It is not compulsory.

Will the hon. Gentleman give the House the terms of the agreement?

Yes, if the hon. Member asks for it.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether, having regard to the fact that of the total number of factory managers in India, namely, about 2,430, some 2,000, or 78 per cent., are Indians, and all the ordinary factory operatives are Indians, he will take steps to secure the appointment of an adequate number of Indian factory inspectors who are acquainted with the conditions prevailing in Indian factories, and who, speaking the same language as the operatives, will be better able to obtain correct information, and may therefore be expected to perform their duties more efficiently than inspectors sent from the United Kingdom?

I am unable to verify the hon. Member's figures, but it is a fact that European managers and assistant-managers are employed in the larger factories. First-hand knowledge of the working of the Factory Acts in this country is also an important qualification for inspectors in India. There is no bar to the employment of Indians in such offices, but the responsibility for enforcing the Indian factory law rests with the local Governments, and the Secretary of State is not prepared to interfere with them in their selection of agents.

asked whether the Committee presided over by Lord Nicholson has yet completed its labours; and when the Report will be presented?

The Committee has not yet completed its labours. It is not known when its Report will be presented.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it is the desire of hon. Members to discuss any changes that may be contemplated?

I will convey that view to the Secretary of State.

asked whether, as the Secretary of State for India does not intend to restrict his drawings by weekly sales of Council Bills to the amount of home payments on account of the Government of India, but proposes to sell additional bills, so far as the resources permit, provided there is a sufficient demand for them, it is to be understood that he is not prepared to place a limit on the accumulation of balances in London?

The accumulation of balances in London is limited in three ways: First, by the capacity of the Government of India to meet Council Bills from their balances; secondly, by the practice of regulating the sales so as not to interfere with the flow of gold to India except to prevent the necessity of its being subsequently re-exported by the Government; thirdly, by the practice of using part of the balances for the discharge of floating debt and for capital outlay.

asked why trade requirements, for which the Secretary of State for India has sold Council Bills and telegraphic transfers in excess of payments which he has to make on account of the Indian Government, have not been met under the operation of the Gold Note Act, which was intended to provide for the free and automatic flow of funds to India and for the maintenance of exchange should the flow turn in an opposite direction, thus safeguarding India's financial position; is the proper course to buy silver in London against the sales at 13.4 5–32d., shipping it to India and minting it into rupees, the profit going to build up the gold standard reserve; and why has this practice been neglected at the risk of getting the financial position into a tangle?

The Gold Note Act (i.e., Act II. of 1898, as amended by Act VIII. of 1898) expired on 21st July, 1900. Silver has been bought and coined as required and the profit has been added to the gold standard reserve, with the exception of about £1,100,000 used for capital expenditure on railways in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee of 1907–8 on railway administration and finance.

asked the lowest figure to which the sterling portion of the gold standard reserve sunk when a moderate strain was placed on it during the adverse trade conditions of 1908, and the amount before the transfer of a chance balance of £8,090,000 from India's surplus funds held by approved borrowers or on deposit in London?

The lowest figure was £5,966,724 (securities being valued at market price). The Secretary of State does not understand the last part of the question.

asked what became of the exchange profit on the transactions of bringing home balances at about 1s. 4 5–32d. (the bullion point) used to restore the gold standard reserve in 1908–9, and the £8,090,000 sold in India or London against them at or about 1s. 3⅞d.?

The profit on bills sold by the Secretary of State in India above 1s. 4d. per rupee, or by the Government of India in London below that rate, is added to the general balances of the Government of India; and the usual practice was followed in the cases mentioned. But the Secretary of State did not sell at 1s. 4 5–32d. per rupee in 1908–9, nor did the Government of India sell at 1s. 37/2d.

Why has not the profit been added to the gold standard reserve, to which it properly belongs?

I have told the hon. Member that the usual practice was followed.

asked whether it is in accordance with the recommendations of the Fowler Committee that a large portion of the gold standard reserve should be held in silver as at present, while a large portion of the paper currency reserve is held in gold to meet obligations which can only be demanded in silver?

The silver branch of the Gold Standard Reserve was established on the recommendation of the Government of India in 1906. The holding of gold in the Paper Currency Reserve originated with the Gold Note Act of 1898, which was passed before the Fowler Committee was appointed, and is mentioned in paragraph 15 of its Report. It now continues under the Indian Paper Currency Act of 1910. It is not the case that the obligations against which the Paper Currency Reserve is held can only be demanded or met in silver. Notes are encashable in legal tender money, which includes sovereigns and half-sovereigns as well as rupees and subsidiary coins.

asked whether the Under-Secretary for India has considered the risks involved in the present financial methods of the India Office if within the next few months, in addition to the monetary demands in India to move its crops, there should arise troubles requiring the bulk of the large balances at present lent to banks and approved borrowers in London and the Paper Currency Reserves, to be available for use in India; is he aware that it would necessitate the sudden withdrawal of many millions from the London market and the purchase of enormous sums of silver, which would force up the rate and upset markets; and will he consider a change of policy in future to avoid this risk?

One of the advantages of the present method of holding the India Office balances (which has been in force since 1838) is that the loans and deposits can be called in, if required, at short notice and without difficulty, as is illustrated by the fact that, since 31st March last, they have been reduced by £8,915,000, and the money, if required for the purchase of silver, becomes available at the most convenient place. If the hon. Member wishes to submit proposals for a change of policy, the Secretary of State will be glad to consider them.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider the effect on the Money Market if the banks and approved borrowers are suddenly called upon to pay out many millions of money, as they are under a technical obligation to do?

That is a very speculative question. I have answered the point already as far as it can be answered.

asked what margin^* is required by the India Office over and above the current market value of the securities deposited by the approved borrowers of the cash balances of the Government of India?

India Sterling Bills, India Bonds and Guaranteed Debentures of the several Indian Railway companies are taken at par. British Treasury Bills, Exchequer Bonds, Metropolitan Water Board Bills and London County Bills are accepted at their market value except when the unexpired period is very short, in which case they are taken at par. The other securities that are accepted are taken at their minimum market value on the day of the loan with a five per cent, cover, which is at once added to if the value of the security falls during the currency of the loan.

asked the maximum sum for which there is statutory authority for investing the Paper Currency Reserve in British Government securities?

The maximum sum is 40,000,000 of rupees.

asked whether the Governor-General has received from Mr. Arnold, now in prison for libelling a magistate at Rangoon, an appeal for a re-trial; and, if so, whether the Governor-General will use his powers to have such appeal transferred to Calcutta?

The Secretary of State is not aware that an appeal for a retrial has been made by Mr. Arnold to the Governor-General. The Governor-General has no power to order a retrial, nor would the Calcutta High Court have jurisdiction to deal with an appeal of the kind.

I shall call attention to the whole of the circumstances of this case on the Motion for Adjournment.

asked the Secretary for War if he will give particulars of land purchased in England or Scotland during the last two years for the establishment of Artillery ranges?

Nearly 19,000 acres have been purchased at Ad Fines and nearly 5,000 acres at Salisbury Plain for Artillery ranges.

asked the Secretary for War whether, in view of the fact that the local audit staff on the established list attached to the Southern Command, who are paid from Civil Service Votes, are receiving a substantial addition to their remuneration owing to the present high cost of living prevailing there, he will, in revising the ration allowance of the soldiers on the same administrative staff, consider their claim to additional remuneration on the same grounds?

I regret that I still cannot follow the hon. Member's reference to this staff; but if they are paid from Civil Service Votes they would not be administered by the War Office.

asked the Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Francis Entwistle, who joined the Scots Guards in 1891, and served with the colours until 1898, rejoined from the Reserve on mobilisation in 1899, and served in the South African War, earning the Queen's South Africa medal and clasp for Belmont, Modder River, Paardeberg, Diefontein, Johannesberg, Diamond Hill, and Belfast, and also the King's South Africa medal and clasp 1901–2, and was then transferred to the Reserve, joined Section D, 1st Class Army Reserve in 1901, completing sixteen years' service in all; and whether he will reconsider the refusal to allow Entwistle to serve a second term in the same Reserve because he was following the occupation of cotton weaver, but at the same time being well used to horses; and, if not, whether he will recommend the Regulations being so altered as to admit of men of this stamp entering the class of Reserves referred to or let it be known to men joining the Army from the textile trades that it will be impossible for them to take full advantage of the Regulations unless they learn another trade?

My attention has been drawn to this case. Re-engagements for a second term of service in Section D are regulated by paragraph 18 (a) of the Army Reserve Regulations, and are confined to those men who can be employed on their trades on mobilisation, e.g., bakers, butchers, carriage smiths, wheelers, saddlers, etc. A weaver could not be employed on his trade while serving with the troops on mobilisation. It is not considered to be in the interests of the Service to make the suggested extension of the Regulations, and I regret therefore that I am unable to take the action suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he is now in a position to state his intentions as to giving any assistance to the National Reserve?

I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make a statement?

I certainly will make a statement, but I would not like to pledge myself as to the precise date. It will be before long. The matter is being considered.

In the meantime the National Reserve gets one penny a month. Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether one penny a month is sufficient encouragement for the National Reserve?

I do not think that arises out of this question, but, in any case, the matter is being considered as to the best form in which further developments of the National Reserve can take place. I am not aware that there is any such discontent as the hon. Member suggests.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to make an announcement on this subject?

No, Sir; I cannot definitely say when I will make an announcement. I shall certainly make it before next year's Estimates, and in the meantime the National Reserve continues to grow satisfactorily.

asked what is the average length of training necessary to make a horse efficient in Cavalry, Horse Artillery, Field Artillery, Howitzer and heavy batteries, Mounted Infantry, and other mounted units respectively?

It is impracticable to lay down any definite period for such training, as the time necessary depends upon the horse's age, condition, and temperament, and the facilities for training. In the Artillery, I am advised, that a seasoned horse can take its place in the team practically at once.

Does that apply to Horse and Field Artillery?

That is the advice I am given, that a seasoned horse can be put in almost at once.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether any officer of the Volunteer Force or the Territorial Force has been appointed to the Territorial Force Reserve who has exceeded the limit of age laid down by regulations; and, if so, whether he will give favourable consideration to officers who, though they have exceeded the age of forty-five years, are under the age at which officers are compulsorily retired from the active list of the Territorial Force, provided they are specially recommended by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief on account of their physical fitness and general military qualifications?

A few officers have been so appointed under exceptional circumstances. It is not considered that any useful purpose would be served by a general relaxation of the regulations, but the Army Council are prepared to consider as special cases applications for the appointment of officers whose age exceeds the limits laid down.

asked the right hon. Gentleman what is the number of Territorial Infantry that his military advisers consider to be necessary for the defence of these shores; what was the number actually in the ranks as per last state; what number does the establishment provide for; what is the object of wishing to maintain so many troops above the number required; and whether, if the establishment is the correct number required, the number of men serving in the ranks is dangerously below the number required?

The establishments and strength of the Territorial Infantry on the 1st November were as follows:—

Does not the right hon. Gentleman understand that half the attacks against the Territorial Force are made through evasive answers on this point; can he not tell us the number of men he requires, and then we will do our best to try to get them?

That is an argumentative question.

asked how many of the Territorial Infantry have not been to camp this year; how many have done eight days' training and under; how many have done over eight days' training; how many have done the full musketry course; and how many have failed to reach the full standard of efficiency in musketry?

The figures for camp are as follows:—

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether a separate Licensing Appeal Court will be set up for Grangemouth and Kilsyth, since the increase in population has entitled Stirling to a separate Court; and, if not, can he account for the delay?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. An Order dealing with the matter will be issued in due course. I understand there is no urgency as there is no business for the Appeal Court arising out of the recent Licensing Courts.

asked whether the directors of the Carnegie Trust consulted the Scottish Education Department on the question of making the leaving certificate examination of the Department a condition of the payment of university fees; whether there have been any communications of any kind between these two bodies on this subject; and whether any attempt was made to elicit the opinion of the Scottish universities upon it?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative, as is also the answer to the third part, so far as the Scottish Education Department are concerned.

Is it not a fact that no communication whatever passed between, these two bodies?

That was my answer.

asked the Secretary for Scotland (1) whether, in view of the fact that the original constitution of the Carnegie Trust declares that no capable students shall be debarred from university education, he is prepared in the interests of Scottish education to make representations to the trust that their policy of insising on the leaving certificate of the Scottish Education Department as the necessary preliminary to obtaining a Grant in aid of fees is likely to debar a type of student who previously has been one of the most valuable assets of the Scottish universities; and (2) whether the Scottish Education Department has considered the special case of medical students who now take a preliminary examination in subjects which cease to be subjects of instruction for their degrees, inasmuch as the new regulations of the Carnegie Trust, by forcing them to take the leaving certificate of the Scottish Education Department before they can receive Grants in aid of fees, may delay their entrance to a university for eighteen months in case of failure in only one subject; and whether he proposes to take any steps to prevent this policy militating against the reputation of the Scottish medical schools?

The Regulation referred to is not as stated in the questions, nor do I think its effect is correctly stated. It does not apply to all students as appears to be suggested. It does apply to students entering the universities from the secondary schools, as a general rule and with certain qualifications, and as applied to such students I regard it as salutary in its effect and calculated to advance the interests of sound education. Otherwise, as I have already stated recently, neither as Secretary for Scotland nor as the Minister responsible for the administration of the Scotch Education Department have I any jurisdiction over the Carnegie Trust or the Scottish universities.

Am I to understand that the Carnegie Trust grant will not apply to students who have not gone through secondary schools and are entering a university?

No, I said nothing of the kind.

What did you say?

asked whether, in leaving certificate examination of the Scottish Education Department, the principle of compensatory marking exists; whether this is so in the preliminary examination of the joint board of preliminary examiners at the universities; and whether, therefore, in the view of the Scottish Education Department, the university preliminary examination is a more satisfactory test of the capability of a student to enter on a university career than the leaving certificate of the Department?

My hon. Friend appears to have in view the fact that, in determining the award of the leaving certificate, excellence in one subject of a candidate's group may be allowed to compensate, within reasonable limits, for weakness in another. This, however, has no effect on the marking in individual subjects, passes in which alone can confer exemption either in whole or in part from the university preliminary examination. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Are we to understand that the Scottish Education Department are now of opinion that the preliminary examination by the Joint University Preliminary Board has a superior value to the Scottish-leaving certificate?

That is the question that is asked me?

It is a question arising out of the answer.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that the Carnegie Trust in Scotland are endeavouring to insist upon the leaving certificate of the Scottish Education Department as preliminary to a Grant in aid of fees to students entering the universities, he can see his way to arrange for a spring and autumn examination for the leaving certificate, so as to avoid the present loss of time to a student who may fail in one or two subjects?

It is not accurate to suggest that the leaving certificate is required in all cases, nor do I think that under the present system difficulties arise which would justify the proposal of my hon. Friend, even if it were practicable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a student failing in one subject in the leaving certificate examination is not able now to advance to a university for a period of eighteen months?

No, I am not aware of that.

asked why the Customs Import Duty on imported foreign-cut tobacco is 4s. 8d., while the drawback of duty on British-cut tobacco exported is only 4s. 1d.?

The differences between the Import Duties and the drawbacks allowed on similar articles manufactured in the United Kingdom have existed since the revision of the Tobacco Duties by the Manufactured Tobacco Act of 1863. The subject is a technical one, and the reasons for these differences cannot be stated within the limits of an answer to a question, but they were explained by Mr. Gladstone in this House on 23rd and 27th February and 2nd, 5th, and 19th March, 1863.

Is it not a fact that British-cut tobacco at present is really protected against foreign-cut tobacco?

I remember that being the subject of controversy in this House, and it took about three weeks to settle it.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the grand total produced by the Increment Value Duty, the Reversion Duty, and the Undeveloped Land Duty together in Ireland during the last financial year was £157; and whether he can state or give any estimate of the cost of collecting this sum?

The total amount of Increment Value Duty, Reversion Duty, and Undeveloped Land Duty paid in Ireland during the year to 31st March, 1912, is as stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I would refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. Member for Oswestry on 22nd February last.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it satisfactory that in the third year of the existence of these taxes the proceeds of the three taxes together should amount to a sum which is nothing like the amount allowed to two Members of Parliament for their travelling expenses?

I never stated that I expected much Land Value Duty from Ireland. On the contrary, I remember that during the discussion, when it was staled there would be a heavy burden on Irish land, I said quite the reverse.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that the smallness of the produce may, perhaps, account—

That is in the nature of an argumentative question.

asked whether there is any vacancy at present in the office of the Register for Sasines caused by the removal of an official in that office in the beginning of October; and, if so, when is it intended to fill it up, and have the Civil Service Commissioners no qualified person whom they can recommend to fill up the vacancy?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is proposed to defer filling the vacancy pending the holding of another competitive examination, which will be held in due course. Three appointments have already been made upon the basis of the last examination held, when there were eleven competitors, and the keeper of the Register of Sasines prefers to await the results of another examination before making other appointments.

Will the right hon. Gentleman read certain correspondence I have on the subject?

Certainly, with pleasure.

asked whether the provisions of the Prisons (Scotland) Act, 1909, regarding the appointment of women members to the visiting committees for Scottish prisons, have been generally adopted; and, if so, how many women are now members of such committees?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. At present there are forty-two women members of visiting committees distributed over the nine prisons in Scotland where women are ordinraily imprisoned.

Are there not two lady visitors at Perth?

Yes, I believe so.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is any precedent for His Majesty's Government making investigations, upon the results of which legislation is to be based, by any other means than an open, impartial, public, and fair inquiry?

If, as I presume, the Noble Lord refers to the unofficial body as to which he has made previous inquiries, the answers which I have already given show that in our view the suggestions made in the question do not accurately represent the relation of the Government to the Committee and its findings.

Why are the Government afraid of having an open, impartial inquiry into the land system?

The Government are not afraid.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that in the eyes of the Government the findings of this inquiry will have no value?

No, certainly not. The Government leave themselves free to adopt or modify them as they like.

Who bears the cost?

Not one penny comes out of public funds.

asked whether it is intended to introduce the Home Rule Bill for Scotland during the lifetime of the present Parliament?

I can at present make no statement as to the business of Parliament in future Sessions.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mind me drawing my own conclusions from that answer?

Not in the least.

asked in what way the financial details of Irish Home Rule were considered in relation to the financial details of Scottish Home Rule, and upon what basis was the result of these considerations arrived at; whether any moneys expended for Irish internal or Imperial purposes will fall to be paid out of the Imperial Exchequer; and, if so, whether Scotland will have to pay a share of such?

The consideration of the financial details of a Scottish Home Rule Bill would be premature at the present time. Moneys expended by the Irish Government will be provided mainly from the Transferred Sum which will be issued out of the Imperial Exchequer, but which will be far more than covered by the revenue derived from taxation in Ireland. With respect to the deficit in the cost of the Reserved Services I would refer the Noble Lord to my answer to his question on Thursday last.

Am I to understand from all that that Scotland will not have to pay any share of what I may call Trish expenditure?

In so far as there is a deficit resting upon the Imperial Exchequer, Scotland will contribute her proportion.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the statements made to him recently by a deputation of Scotch importers of Irish cattle and to repeated statements made by Irish stock-raisers as to dependence of the one upon the other for the successful prosecution of their respective shares in presenting finished fat cattle to the British consumer, and to the general views expressed by the spokesmen of the deputation that the rules applicable to England should not be denied to Ireland, he will now consider the advisability of appointing a Select Committee of this House to take evidence from experienced agriculturists, and report as to what permanent regulations should exist governing the transit of cattle from one country to the other in the event of an outbreak of disease in either?

The responsibility of regulating the transit of cattle between Ireland and Great Britain when disease exists in either country ought, in my opinion, to be left to the Departments concerned. I do not think that any advantage would be gained by the appointment of a Select Committee.

What will happen if (he Departments concerned fail to agree between themselves as to what is the proper course to adopt?

It will then be decided by the Cabinet.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling amongst British agriculturists that there should be some Committee in order to facilitate co-operation between the two Departments?

Does the hon. Member mean a Committee of this House?

A Select Committee, not necessarily of this House, but preferably.

Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question independently.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of future appointments to the inspectorate of schools in Scotland, he proposes to issue a Memorandum to the profession indicating the positions for which teachers will be eligible; and whether he can state how far actual teaching experience will weigh with the Scottish Education Department, in addition to other academic qualifications, in making such future appointments?

Actual teaching experience is at present a consideration of great weight in making appointments to the inspectorate, and it is probable that even greater weight will be given to it in future, but I see no need to issue a Memorandum on this point.

asked to what class of inspectorship Mr. Angus Macdonald has recently been appointed; whether Mr. Macdonald is a trained teacher; how many years he has taught; whether there are among the ranks of His Majesty's inspectors any cases of teachers, either in elementary or secondary schools, who have risen to the grade of junior inspector; and, if so, after how many years' service?

Mr. Angus Macdonald has been appointed a sub-inspector of the second class. He is a trained teacher who has taught for nine years. Among the ranks of the inspectorate other than sub-inspectors, all but six were previously teachers in elementary or secondary schools. The periods of service of these men range from about one year to twenty-three years, exclusive of service as pupil teachers and attendance at training college. Of the six already mentioned, one had experience in teaching as a lecturer at a training college, two at technical colleges and in continuation classes, and the other three had experience of teaching at a university.

How many sub-inspectors have risen to the grade of junior inspectors?

The hon. Member must give me notice of a question like that.

It is in the question now.

asked whether during the last ten years junior inspectors have been appointed to the inspectorate over the head of sub-inspectors who have had practical training in teaching; and, if so, how many?

Seventeen junior inspectors have been appointed in the last ten years, but it is not correct to say that they have been appointed over the heads of sub-inspectors. Nor is the implication of the question that practical training in teaching is confined to the grade of sub-inspector in any way correct.

If these men have not been appointed over the head of the sub-inspectors and the sub-inspectors remain where they are, are they not under these men?

They are two distinct classes of officials.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has made any estimate of the cost of providing the additional school accommodation which will be necessary if the Scotch Education Department Minute of 27th March, 1911, reducing the size of classes from sixty to fifty is enforced; and what will be the probable amount of the rise in the education rate in poor and populous areas where the classes are now all up to the present maximum of sixty?

I am sending the lion, and gallant Member a copy of the Minute to which he refers, so that he may see what its precise effect would be. He will see that it would not be possible to make the estimate he desires. I am not aware of any districts where all the classes are now up to the maximum of sixty.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will accept my statement, that according to a calculation which has been made the rise in the education rate in some of those areas may be 5d. in the £?

I could not accept that figure without examination.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has received notice from the Greenock Corporation regarding early closing by-laws, under the Burgh Police Amendment Act; and can he say whether these recommendations will be sanctioned or otherwise?

I have received these by-laws, and I have also received several petitions against them, which I have referred to the town council for their observations. I am not yet in a position to answer the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the conviction, in the Glasgow Criminal Court, of a boy of 17 of stealing, and his sentence to two months' imprisonment; whether, in view of the youth of the prisoner, he will consider the advisability of altering the sentence; and whether the Borstal system is intended to provide an alternative and reformatory method of punishment in cases such as this?

If my hon. Friend intends to suggest that the boy to whom he refers should be transferred to the Scottish Borstal Institution, this is not in my opinion a case for the exercise of the power of transfer. The minimum Borstal sentence is one year, and the treatment is not intended for short sentence prisoners.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that applications from Cunningsburgh, Shetland, have been sent in by a number of crofters for extension of Scot-held rights; and when it is likely that the said application will be considered?