asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the Anglo-Peruvian Slavery Treaty is still in force; whether he is aware that charges have been made by the Società, Pro-Indigena in Peru concerning the existence of the slave trade in the vicinity of Casco; whether he is further aware that Senor Francesco Mostajo, agent of the above-named society at Arequipa, has recently informed the Peruvian Government that in another distinct in Peru they are confronted with an attack upon humanity as nameless as that of the Putumayo; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made to ascertain if British subjects are involved in this charge?

The instrument to which the hon. Member refers is presumably the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation of 1850, Article XV. of which deals with the slave trade, and which is still in force. Charges have been made from time to time by the Pro-Indigena Society of cruelty to Indians in the interior of Peru, but I have no information respecting their occurrence at a place of the name of Casco or of Senor Mostajo's charges. As I stated on the 14th instant, in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Sowerby, if the hon. Member will furnish me with more definite information, I will inquire whether British companies are involved. I cannot promise to do more than that.

Suppose that the charges were proved and that this clause in the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation is in effective operation would the right hon. Gentleman be able to take steps to bring the slavery to an end in these places?

made a reply which was inaudible in the reporters' gallery.

asked whether any negotiations for the advance of an adequate loan to the Persian Government so as to enable it to restore order are still proceeding; and, if so, whether any proposal has been made that concessions should be given for a Trans-Persian Railway to India as part of the terms of such a loan?

The question of how the Persian Government is to get money remains under consideration. I cannot say on what conditions it may eventually be obtained. In any case the making of a Trans-Persian Railway would be subject to the arrangement of conditions already explained, whether it were connected with a loan or not.

May we take it that there is no change of attitude on the part of the Government as regards the Trans-Persian Railway?

There is no change with regard to the making of a Trans-Persian Railway which was explained to the House earlier in the year.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he can indicate the grounds on which His Majesty's Minister at Teheran was instructed to encourage the recall to Persia of the exiled Saad-ed-Dowleh, who was formerly one of the principal Ministers of the ex-Shah and has recently declared that he is still a strong partisan of that prince; and whether the declarations of His Majesty's Government that they will not, under any circumstances, recognise the ex-Shah still hold good?

I gave the ground in reply to a previous question on which the return of Saad-ed-Dowleh to Persia was desired. I am informed that it is not true that he has recently declared himself a partisan of the ex-Shah. He has not always been on good terms with the ex-Shah. The attitude of His Majesty's Government as regards the ex-Shah has not changed.

Is there any truth in the rumour that the Regency has actually been offered to this Saad-ed-Dowleh by the British or Russian Government?

No; there is no truth in the rumour that the Regency has been offered by the British or Russian Government, because the Regency of Persia is not theirs to offer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the proposed changes in the constitution of the Egyptian Legislative Council, foreshadowed in the President's opening speech on 16th November last, have yet been communicated to His Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether he can inform the House of the nature and extent of the changes and when they are likely to be put into execution?

The answer is in the negative. I have nothing at present to add to the replies which I gave to questions on this subject on 5th, 21st, and 27th November.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a report of the speech of the President?

I have only read a short summary. I have not read a report of it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information to give the House regarding the present position at Muscat; whether the recent arms regulations are being enforced by the Sultan of Oman; and whether any modification of these regulations is contemplated?

I have no information to give beyond the fact that the new regulations are already being enforced to the extent that all arms imported since 1st September are being deposited in the bonded warehouse No modification of the regulations is contemplated.

Is the regulation passed by the Sultan of Oman with regard to bonded warehouses entirely in order and infringes no treaty rights?

Perhaps the hon. Member would give me notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any further development has occurred in respect of the provision of a High Court for Behar?

May I call attention to the fact that the hon. Member who answers questions on behalf of the Secretary of State for India is now in the House?

The Secretary of State is in another place; the Under-Secretary is in India, and the officer who answers is in his office, presumably.

The answers have not yet arrived, and therefore I cannot give them.

Shall we be ruled out of our opportunity of asking these questions?

No. The hon. Member will have an opportunity at the conclusion of the other questions.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the clerks employed at the Gloucester post office have not been paid for overtime worked on certain days in September and October in consequence of a rush in connection with the Insurance Act; and whether he will inquire into the matter with a view to the amount owing being paid?

I am having inquiry made, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked whether, in view of the fact that site value of agricultural land, as now being ascertained under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, is a false site value in that it is largely composed of value directly attributable to owners' improvements, the Chancellor of the Exchequer will consider the desirability of suspending the valuation of agricultural land until arrangements are made whereby the true unimproved site value of such land can be arrived at?

I do not consider it desirable to suspend the valuation of agricultural land on the assumption made by the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what justification there is for the expenditure of public money to ascertain site value, which is the false value, and not the true value?

That does not arise out of the question.

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the subject on the Motion for Adjournment.

asked what was the total number of provisional valuations made in Ireland and Great Britain, respectively, during the last financial year; and what is the reason why the number in Ireland was so small?

The number of provisional valuations made and served in Great Britain and Ireland from 1st April, 1911, to 31st March, 1912, inclusive was 1,501,174 and 5,740 respectively. Seeing that official valuations were already in existence in Ireland when the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, was passed, the same need does not exist for pressing forward with the valuation.

asked whether the demand made for Undeveloped Land Duty for the Church site in the Kennington Road held by the Rochester and South-wark Diocesan Church Trust has yet been withdrawn?

The answer is in the negative, for the reasons of which I have already informed the hon. Member.

asked whether any Civil servants are engaged in any capacity upon the work of the secret Land Inquiry appointed by himself; if so, what are their names; in what branches of the Civil Service are they engaged; are they doing any work for this Committee of Inquiry during the period for which they are in receipt of payment from the State; and is the chief valuer or any of the Valuation Department engaged upon the work of the secret Land Inquiry in any capacity or giving it information or assistance?

I can add nothing to my reply to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Dulwich on 23rd October last. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, in 1909, the Chancellor of Oxford University issued a memorandum urging the reform of Convocation and greater facilities for students of limited means, and that neither of these reforms have been attempted; and whether the Government is now prepared to advise that a Royal Commission be appointed to carry through these reforms?

I am well aware of the importance of these matters, and have given them much attention. I hope shortly to be able to make a definite statement on the subject.

asked the right hon. Gentleman, seeing that the increase in the Navy Vote in recent years has altered the question of the cost of the defence of the Empire and the contribution made by India towards such defence, whether he will take steps to have this matter again considered and, if necessary, reviewed?

This question is and will be considered annually in the light of such circumstances as may arise.

Does not the Prime Minister think that a case has arisen now for a fresh inquiry without waiting until the middle of next year in the circumstances that have arisen?

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Departments are constantly engaged in considering this question. There is no occasion for any special reconsideration at this moment.

May I ask if India does not contribute more than all the other Dominions and Possessions to the defence of the Empire?

answer was inaudible.

asked whether Lords of Appeal have to serve fourteen years as such before they are entitled to a pension; and whether any exceptions to this rule have arisen during the last six years?

There is no such rule. The rule is that to be entitled to a pension a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary must either have done fifteen years judicial service or be disabled by permanent infirmity from the performance of the duties of his office. There have, as far as I am aware, been no exceptions to this rule.

asked if the Prime Minister will grant the Return relating to Closure as applied to Bills in this House standing in the name of the hon. Member for North Herefordshire?

I have no objection to granting this Return.

Before the right hon. Gentleman definitely decides to grant this Return, will he go back to the time when the guillotine system was first introduced?

I understand that is covered by previous Returns.

asked whether the Prime Minister will take steps to ensure that the Memorandum prepared by the Admiralty for presentation to the Dominion Parliament of Canada shall be discussed in this House before that Assembly has an opportunity of knowing its contents?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the replies which I gave on this subject on Wednesday last he will see that I stated that the Memorandum which was prepared at the request of the Canadian Government must go before the Dominion Parliament before being presented to this House.

May I ask the Prime Minister if in this House it is possible definitely to decide how many ships are required for the Navy before we become involved by any offers from any of the Colonies?

That really does not arise. This is a Memorandum prepared by the Admiralty with the aid of the Dominion Parliament. I agree that it ought to be laid before the House, and it will be.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he can give any information of the progress of the experiment in the Borstal system at Blairlodge by the Prison Commissioners?

The Polmont Institution has now been open for a little over a year, and the first party of boys was transferred there on 18th December last. The total number of males sentenced under Part I. of the Prevention of Crime Act, 1908, has been up to date 101, all of whom are still under Borstal treatment. The next Report of the Prison Commissioners will contain information as to the progress of the experiment. I am informed that the conduct and progress of those in the institution have been good.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that on 24th August a youth named James Canning was arrested at Airdrie while leaving the football field, and was detained at the police office for over an hour and then released without any charge being made against; whether the police now completely exonerate him of having been guilty of any offence; and whether the incident is to be regarded as involving no imputation against his character?

I am aware of the circumstances referred to. The youth referred to is completely exonerated of any offence, and the incident is not to be regarded as involving any imputation against his character.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Island of St. Kilda is again shut off from the mainland for six months; whether he is aware that the wireless installation offered to the islanders has not yet been erected; and what steps he has taken to assure himself that there will be no recurrence of the events of last year, when the islanders were reduced to privation for want of food?

The question of the wireless installation is one for the Postmaster - General, whose licence is required. I understand that the issue of a licence has been conditionally approved, but that the conditions have not yet been accepted. If no wireless installation is secured, I will consider whether any other arrangements for ensuring communications can be made, though in view of the general experience of the past I have some doubt whether it is necessary to share my hon. Friend's apprehensions regarding the future welfare of the islanders.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even supposing the licence can be obtained, that this cannot be erected for six months?

I suppose that is the case.

May I ask whether the Poulsen or Marconi system will be adopted?

That is not within my jurisdiction.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has considered any scheme whereby the exemption of rates to poor people under the House-Letting and Rating (Scotland) Act, 1911, can be expedited; and whether he will consider the advisability of the local rating authorities issuing exemption cards to suitable cases for exemption, which cards could then be presented to the factors, who could then be repaid by the assessing authorities at regular intervals?

Schemes for the purpose referred to by my hon. Friend are primarily matter for consideration by the local authorities. The plan referred to by my hon. Friend has, I understand, been adopted by certain local authorities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what authorities have adopted that?

I believe Glasgow is one of them.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that failure to pass in the leaving certificate examination in the spring of any year means that the student should he be entering on a course of medical study, requires to postpone his entrance to a Scottish university for at least eighteen months if he desires to avail himself of the Carnegie Trust's fee grant; and whether, in those circumstances, he will arrange for an autumn examination for the leaving certificate in order to meet the difficulty?

My hon. Friend is mistaken in his calculation that a delay of eighteen months is caused. I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on Tuesday last dealing with the last part of the question, which was in the negative.

What delay is caused then?

If an examination is held annually it cannot cause a delay of eighteen months. If the student passes his entrance examination there need be no material delay at all.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the examination is held in March and the subsequent examination in March and the University Session begins in October, and therefore there must be eighteen months delay?

I cannot agree with the calculation. If the student passes in March he cannot enter until November, and if he does not pass until the following March the delay is only for a year.

asked (1) how many sub-inspectors of the first or second class have ever been promoted to the rank of junior inspectors in the Scottish Education Department; and (2) whether he can say if during the last ten years, during which seventeen junior inspectors have been appointed, there have been no sub-inspectors of the first or second class who have been worthy of promotion in the Scottish Education Department?

Since the grade of junior inspector was instituted in Scotland in the year 1900, three sub-inspectors have been transferred to the grade of junior inspector, of whom two have since been promoted to the rank of His Majesty's inspector. During the same period two other sub-inspectors have been promoted direct to the rank of His Majesty's inspector.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is in a position to state that arrangements can be made for a series of public lectures at the National Galleries in Edinburgh, in view of the representative nature of the resolutions in favour of such a course that have now reached him?

It is impossible for several reasons to make such arrangements for this winter, but the financial and other aspects of the question are under consideration with a view to the future.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is able to make any statement as to the progress which is being made towards the acquisition of a State demonstration area, with a school for working foresters attached, and the establishment of a school of forestry at one of the Scottish universities, as recommended by the Departmental Committee?

The answer is in the negative. The Advisory Committee has not yet reported. My hon. Friend will understand that it is a matter which requires a great deal of consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House any information as to when he expects the Report?

No, I have not got information as to the exact date of the Report, but I know they are giving the matter most serious and constant consideration.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he proposes to promote any legislation to remove the exemption of Civil servants' salaries from diligence for debt?

Apart from the merits of the question, I am not in a position to promise to introduce special legislation for Scotland in this matter; it must be dealt with as a general question.

asked whether the Elgin Commission, in their Report on the Scottish universities, definitely recommended limiting grants to these universities on condition of adopting the inclusive fee system, or whether they definitely abstained from recommending or criticising the institution of a composite fee?

I would refer the bon. Member to paragraph 11 of the Report of the Committee, in which the position of the Committee is set forth.

Is it not the case that the Commission deliberately stated that they were not prepared to give a definite deliverance on this question, and left it to the authorities of the university?

They mentioned the undoubted advantages which they thought would be secured by this system, but they said it was not part of their reference to recommend it.

asked whether the new system of inclusive fees in Scottish universities insisted on by the Treasury will have the effect, among others, of preventing students who have taken classes without having fixed the profession, if any, which they will ultimately enter, from counting these classes in the necessary curriculum when a profession has been chosen?

I have no reason to think that an inclusive fee would lead to the result suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Lord Advocate whether anything has yet been done by his Department on the Report of the Commission on Minor Legal Appointments in Scotland; and, if nothing has been done, when he expects to take action?

I refer my hon. Friend to the answers given by me to my hon. Friends the Members for Wick Burghs and Ross and Cromarty on 1st August last, and to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow (College Division) on 10th October last, to which I have nothing to add.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say whether things have not progressed since 1st October.

Yes, they have. I have given consideration to some of those recommendations.

asked how many sheriffs-principal in Scotland are, after their appointments, permitted by such to practise at the Scottish Bar; and how many are precluded from so doing?

The commissions of the sheriffs are silent on the topic refererd to in my hon. Friend's question.

asked how many sheriffs-principal have been appointed under the Act of 1907 which makes solicitors who have been sheriffs-substitute for five years eligible for such positions; and, if none have been so appointed, will he say when he proposes to try the experiment?

All the sheriffs who have been appointed since 1907 have been appointed under the Act of 1907. None have been solicitors who have been sheriffs-substitute of five years' standing. Obviously I cannot answer the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Lord Advocate whether the sixteen sheriffs-principal in Scotland are, after their appointment, permitted by their patents to practise at the Scottish Bar, at the Parliamentary Bar, at the Bar of the House of Lords, and before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council; and whether he proposes in the future to give some of these appointments to whole-time servants of the State?

The Commissions of the Sheriffs are silent on the matters referred to in my hon. Friend's question. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Do those gentlemen practice at all those Bars at all?

Yes.

May I ask in point of fact whether, if the right hon. Gentleman gave effect to this suggestion, he would have to go to the Treasury for a very large increase in the salaries?

Necessarily so.

asked whether any prosecutions of solicitors have taken place in Scotland during the last two years for nonpayment of the annual solicitors' licence; if so, how many, and has imprisonment for non-payment been insisted on by the Department of Inland Revenue?

During the two years prior to the 1st December, 1912, there have been twelve prosecutions of persons in Scotland for practising as solicitors without a certificate. In three of these cases imprisonment has followed non-payment of the fine. Two cases are still pending.

Is that really imprisonment for refusing to pay a trade union contribution?

Was the main charge against those gentlemen who were imprisoned the portion of the costs?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would put down a question.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture how many confirmed outbreaks of swine fever have occurred in Great Britain during the first ten months of the current year; and what is the total amount of compensation paid or payable in respect thereof?

2,516 outbreaks of swine fever were confirmed in Great Britain during the first ten months of this year. The total sum paid during that period by way of compensation for animals slaughtered was £63,350, but the amount paid in respect of confirmed and reported cases, respectively, cannot be separately stated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider, in view of the steady increase in the outbreak of this disease and the large amount of money expended on it, a review of the present method of seeking to stamp it out?

The hon. Member should really give notice of that.

It arises out of the reply.

The hon. Member asked two questions and got a full reply to them. If he wants to put further questions he should put them down.

With all respect Sir—

I listened attentively to the replies to the questions which were most definite questions, and they were both fully answered. If the hon. Member wishes to put further questions founded upon these replies, he should give notice of them.

asked when the scientific investigation by or on behalf of the Departmental Committee on swine fever into the latency of infection and mode of communication of this disease will be concluded, and their final report, which has been pending for over eighteen months, be issued?

I am not yet in a position to say when the Committee to-which the hon. Member refers will issue their final Report. The questions which they have to consider require prolonged investigation.

By your leave, Sir, I should like to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman can put on more investigators on this work, in view of their time being taken up by the foot-and-mouth disease?

The work of the Committee is being supplemented by the chief veterinary officer of the Board, who is carrying on investigations, and I believe that some of the information he has obtained is very valuable.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what is the present cow population of London; whether several thousands of cows, with their second calf only, after being housed in Metropolitan stables for a few months, are slaughtered annually for butcher's meat; and whether, in view of the steady decrease in the supply of homegrown beef, he is taking or proposes to take any steps to prevent the premature destruction of such animals?

The number of cows and heifers in milk or in calf in the county of London was returned as 2,743 on 4th June last. I am informed that the practice to which the hon. Member refers in the second part of the question is not uncommon, but no statistical information is available as to the extent to which it prevails. The Board have no power to the discontinuance of the practice, but I would refer him to the reply which I gave to him on 12th ultimo as to the steps taken to direct public attention to the importance of rearing sufficient heifer calves in order to meet the increasing demand for milch cows,

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that for the last three weeks Belgian dealers have been purchasing a considerable number of old and often emaciated cows in Smithfield market; if he can say for what purposes this new trade in inferior British stock has been initiated; and, if for consumption as beef, whether any restrictions are or can be imposed upon the sale of such of these animals as are visibly tuberculous?

If the hon. Member will be good enough to communicate to me the information on which the statement in the first part of the question is based, I will have inquiry made. At present the Board have no information as to the trade to which he refers.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is now in a position to say when the restrictions on the importation of livestock from Ireland to Great Britain will be wholly removed?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of there having been no further outbreaks of cattle disease in Ireland, except at Mullingar, since 7th October, he is now in a position to announce the removal of all restrictions on Irish cattle, except on those coming from the Mullingar district?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies, may I ask if he can give any information as to the present position of affairs in Dublin?

I cannot give any full information, but I hear that a suspected case in Dublin has been confirmed by at least one of the inspectors over there. I am awaiting further information on the subject. In reply to the two questions on the Paper, I had hoped to be able to-day to sanction the issue of an Order reducing the period of detention prescribed in the case both of cattle and swine intended for slaughter from ninety-six hours, as at present, to twelve hours, subject to certain conditions as regards their removal from the landing place. During the last few days, however, two animals presenting suspicious appearances have been detained and slaughtered in Dublin, which are now the subject of veterinary investigations, and until those investigations are completed it would be premature for me to modify the existing restrictions in the manner I had contemplated. In the meantime both Departments are taking special precautions against the possibility of the shipment to and subsequent movement in this country of animals which may have been exposed to infection. The investigations will be brought to a conclusion with the least possible delay.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say at what stage the discovery was made in Dublin?

The two cases to which I have referred in the answer were both caught before they left Dublin.

On the wharf?

Does the right hon. Gentleman know where they come from?

Questions on that subject will have to be addressed to the Irish Office. I believe the Irish officials are pressing back all the animals. Meanwhile the shipment of animals from Dublin has been suspended.

When does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to give further information with regard to the investigation pursued by these officials?

I hope that the investigation will be concluded to-day. I will certainly give the House the fullest information I have at question time to-morrow if a question is put to me.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether there is any objection, and, if so, what, to the removal of fat cattle from the slaughter wharf at Birkenhead for slaughter elsewhere after a detention of four days; and whether he will now consider the reasonableness of allowing fat cattle that have undergone the fullest form of veterinary examination both in Ireland and on landing to be removed for purposes of slaughter after a period of twelve hours?

Cattle sent to the Birkenhead landing place for slaughter there are not in every case subjected to so rigid an inspection prior to shipment, and are not kept under such stringent conditions there as those which are consigned for detention and subsequent removal under the conditions prescribed by the Orders of the Board. I regret therefore that I do not see my way to sanction the arrangement suggested. I regret that for the reasons explained in the reply, which I have just given to the hon. Member for North Westmeath, I cannot as yet sanction the reduction of the period of detention prescribed for fat cattle.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can state the number of store cattle that passed through English ports and ultimately reached Scottish feeders; and, if the quantity is considerable, whether he will direct the attention of the authorities of Scotch ports now closed against Irish cattle to the desirability and convenience of all concerned, without incurring any additional risk, that they should open their ports for the reception of healthy Irish cattle?

Licences have been issued for the removal of 726 store cattle from authorised landing places to farm premises in Scotland for detention there in conformity with the requirements of our Orders. I am in communication with the authorities at Scottish ports with a view to the provision of additional landing places. It is probable that the necessary arrangements will be made at an early date at Ayr, and, I hope, also at Greenock, and possibly Stranraer.

In all these places of landing in Scotland and in this country where the cattle are detained for twelve days, does the Board insist that they shall be detained upon pavement, stones, or concrete, so that consequently it is impossible to prevent their getting sore feet?

There are no animals detained for twelve days.

For four days.

The animals detained for four days are detained as far as possible in lairs that have been properly washed out. That does not necessarily mean that they have a concrete floor.

Does it not mean that they cannot be littered, so that the animals' feet must get sore?

No. If the hon. Gentleman suggests that the animals deteriorate in quality, either in the feet or elsewhere, that is not the fact.

When the right hon. Gentleman says that either store or fat cattle do not deteriorate by four days' quarantine, does he make the statement on information received from any practical man in the trade?

Yes; I have received that information from meat traders—for instance, at Manchester, as well as at other centres.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether cattle landed at the wharf for the reception of store cattle at Birkenhead can, after a detention of four days, be removed, if the owners so desire, to the wharf allotted for the landing of fat cattle and there slaughtered; and, if not, will he state for what reasons?