asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, having regard to the delay in payments to pension clerks, to the nature of the work performed by them, and to their alleged inadequate remuneration under the existing system, the Treasury will take into consideration the advisability of paying fixed salaries in addition to the fees at present allowed, so as to put all clerks on an equal and secure footing?

I am assured that there is no unnecessary delay on the part of the Boards of Customs and Excise in paying the fees of clerks to local pension committees who render their account promptly and accurately. Nor am I aware of any general allegation that the scale of fees is inadequate. I am not, in the circumstances, prepared to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, if he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst the clerks of pension sub-committees in the county of Cork owing to their not having received any pension fees for nearly fifteen months; whether he is aware that the same clerks have threatened not to summon any more meetings of their committees in consequence of this continued non-payment of their claims, a course which might result in losses to claimants; and, seeing that the statement was made on the 12th October last that the clerks would be paid without delay, can he explain why the Treasury paying orders have not yet been received by the clerks of the sub-committees?

The statement I made on the 12th October last was that payment of the fees for the nine months ended in June, 1912, would be made as soon as certain necessary inquiries had been completed. I find that the completion of these inquiries is still awaiting the receipt of certain information from the clerk to the County Cork local pension committee. Arrangements have been made for payment of so much of the fees as is not dependent on this information. The claim for fees in respect of the quarter ended September, 1912, was only received this month; and the clerk to the committee has been asked to reply to certain queries arising out of its preliminary examination. As I stated on the 12th October, the punctual payment of these fees depends on the promptness and accuracy with which the accounts are rendered to the Board of Customs and Excise by the clerk to the county pension committee I can accept no responsibility for any delay in payment which arises out of the clerk's delay in rendering the accounts or in answering inquiries connected therewith.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a resolution has been received from the Clare County Council urging an increased Grant for roads in Clare; and if the matter will receive early attention?

A resolution was received by the Road Board, on the 12th instant, from the Clare County Council urging an increased Grant for road improvements in County Clare. The matter is receiving the attention of the Board.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the post of Deputy Master of the Mint is now open; and what qualifications are sought in choosing a person for this office?

The answer to the first part is in the negative; the answer to the second is ability.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that General Order No. 54, 1912, issued recently by the Board of Customs and Excise, reduces the rate of overtime payment from 2s. to 1s. 6d. per hour in the case of officers, recently examining officers, who were prior to the enforcing of the above order in receipt for several years of 2s. per hour for all extra attendance; and whether, in view of the intentions of the Hobhouse Commission that, so far as it is possible, no officer is to suffer monetary loss as the result of the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments, he will give instructions to the Board of Customs and Excise to annul this order by exempting all examining officers from the new rate of 1s. 6d. and allowing them the 2s. per hour to which they feel they are entitled?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury in answer to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Islington.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners received an application from Margaret Boylan and Michael McDermott, evicted tenants on the Clements estate at Kilroosk, for a grant to enable them to rebuild their houses and stock their farms; and whether, having regard to the poor circumstances of these tenants, they would be allowed a grant?

This estate is the subject of proceedings for sale direct by the owner to the tenants, and an agreement signed by Michael McDermott and Margaret Boylan for the purchase of their holding on the estate has been lodged with the Estates Commissioners. They have applied for assistance in working their holding stating that they were evicted therefrom, and their application will be inquired into when the Commissioners are dealing with the estate.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have agreed to purchase the untenanted lands on the Sandes estate, known as the Deer Park, at Morgan's, Borrigone, county Limerick; and, if so, can he state how soon those lands will be apportioned among deserving applicants in the locality?

The Estates Commissioners have acquired some 170 acres of untenanted land situate on the townland of Morgan's North, on the Sandes estate, county Limerick, and have allotted same. The lands of Morgan's South, on the same estate, have been repurchased by the owner under Section 3 of the Irish Land Act, 1903.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have yet made an offer to Mr. Richard Gibbons, J.P., for the purchase of his estate near Westport, county Mayo; and, if not, when they will be able to do so?

The Congested Districts Board have not yet made an offer to Mr. Gibbons for the purchase of any of his lands near Westport, and they cannot at present say when they will be able to do so.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have yet issued an offer for the estate of the Marquess of Sligo, county Mayo, or when they expect to be able to do so?

The Congested Districts Board have not yet issued an offer for the purchase of this estate, but they hope to do so at an early date.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any cases have been brought to his notice where joint stock banks or their agents in Ireland, acting as treasurers to public bodies, have canvassed for insurance business from boards of guardians and district councils; whether it is usual for such agents to be paid commission for obtaining such business; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to put an end to it?

A case has been brought to my notice in which the local manager of a bank, which is the treasurer of the board of guardians, acts as agent for the insurance company with which the insurance business of the guardians has been placed for the last thirty years. Agents for insurance companies generally receive commission, but there is no evidence in connection with the circumstances of this case pointing to any illegality.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Thurles Rural District Council have applied to the Local Government Board to appoint an inspector and to fix the date for the local inquiry under the Labourers Act; whether the Local Government Board have received a resolution from the Thurles district committee of the I.L. and L.A. requesting the Board to fix an immediate date upon which to hold the inquiry in order to enable the houses to be built during the summer so that they may be available before the winter; and whether he will take steps to have the inquiry held immediately?

The facts are as stated in the question. The inquiry will be held as soon as practicable, having regard to the claims of the several rural districts from which improvement schemes under the Labourers Acts have been submitted for approval. I would remind the hon. Member that 316 cottages have already been provided in this particular rural district.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Louisburgh, county Mayo, sub-pension committee have repeatedly granted an old age pension to Patrick Kerrigan, Fallduff, which has been disallowed on appeal by the Local Government Board on the grounds that there was no evidence that he had attained the statutory age; whether he is aware that, failing to obtain any record of the family in the Census Return claimant produced statutory declarations from three respectable neighbours, aged eighty-three, eighty, and seventy-seven years, respectively, that they knew him since his boyhood and that he is at least seventy-two years old; and whether the Local Government Board, before deciding a new claim by Kerrigan, will direct an inspector to interview him and his witnesses and report upon their evidence as to claimant's age?

The facts generally are as stated in the question, but the declarations referred to could not be considered sufficiently conclusive to warrant the Local Government Board in deciding that claimant had reached the statutory age. As the claim has been decided, the Board have no power to reopen consideration of the case, but in the event of a new claim being made they would be in a position to consider whether it would be of any benefit to have a local investigation made by one of their inspectors.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the claim of Denis Leahy, of Galbally, county Limerick, to a pension was disallowed by the Local Government Board solely on the recommendation of the pension officer, who is a complete stranger in the district; and on what particular grounds does ho state that Leahy is not seventy years, in view of the opinion of the local clergy of both denominations as well as the medical officer and several old persons in the locality that applicant is beyond seventy, and of the fact that they are the best judges owing to the length of time they have known Leahy?

The claim in question was not disallowed solely on the recommendation of the pension officer, but because the claimant was unable to furnish to the Local Government Board sufficient evidence to warrant them in concluding that he had reached the statutory age. As I have frequently pointed out, the onus lies on the claimant to prove that he is seventy years of age and not upon the pension authorities to disprove it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will state the number of old age pensioners in the City of Edinburgh and the yearly cost of the pensions paid to them during the last administrative year; whether he will state the decrease in the number of persons over 70 years of age receiving indoor and outdoor relief in the city since the Old Age Pensions Act came into operation; and what has been the consequent saving in expenditure to the city?

The number of pensioners in the Burgh of Edinburgh on the last Friday in March, 1912, was 4,838, and the cost for 1911–12 is estimated at approximately £60,900. The decrease in the number of persons over seventy in the receipt of indoor and outdoor relief since 1909 is 121 and 475, as at 15th January, and 67 and 393 as at 15th September, respectively. It is not possible for me to state precisely the saving in expenditure to the city through old age pensions, as other causes must also be taken into account, but I will make further inquiry to ascertain whether the parish council have formed any estimate or can give me further figures.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, in view of the expense incurred by the people of Ireland in their efforts to prevent the spread of consumption, he will take the necessary steps to ensure that the legislative provisions now introduced for payment for slaughter of tubercular cattle in Great Britain will be extended to Ireland?

The Department understand that as a measure complementary to the Milk and Dairies Bill for England recently introduced in Parliament, the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries propose to issue an Order under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, dealing with tuberculous cows and providing for the payment of compensation in cases of slaughter by the local authority; and that the Treasury are prepared, subject to the assent of Parliament, to sanction the payment from the Exchequer of one-half of the net amount paid by way of compensation for a period of five years. If the local authorities under the Diseases of Animals Acts in Ireland, i.e., the county and county borough councils, are willing to slaughter tuberculous cows in their respective districts, and to pay compensation to the owners thereof out of the local rates, and if Parliament will agree to recoup one-half the amount so paid, as is the intention in the case of Great Britain, the Department would be ready to make an Order for Ireland under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1891, similar to that proposed to be made by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries?

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have considered the claim of John Cunningham, evicted tenant, Bruce Nason estate, Youghal Union, county Cork, for reinstatement; and what is the present position in reference to the question?

The Estates Commissioners cannot find that they have received any application from John Cunningham, but the hon. Member may refer to the case of Hugh Cunningham, who applied for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by his mother on the Bruce Nason estate, county Cork. The Commissioners, after inquiry and consideration, decided to take no action in the matter of Cunningham's application.

asked the Chief Secretary whether junior assistant mistresses who pass the King's scholarship examination successfully will get the same opportunities of being called to training as ordinary assistant teachers?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the Regulation whereby assistant teachers, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, are entitled to admission to reserved places in training colleges does not apply to junior assistant mistresses.

asked whether the Army Act of the United Kingdom is incorporated in the Defence Acts of Australia and New Zealand?

The Army Act is not incorporated in the New Zealand Defence Act. Under the Defence Act of the Commonwealth the military forces while on active service are subject to the Army Act save in so far as it is inconsistent with the Commonwealth Act, and subject to the condition that regulations may prescribe that any provisions of the Army Act shall not apply to the military forces.

asked whether, under the military regulations of the Defence Acts of Australia and New Zealand, every conscript has to obtain a military passport before he can remove from one district to another?

The matter referred to by the hon. Member is one affecting the practical working of the Acts, and I am not in a position to state what is the practice in this regard either in the Commonwealth or New Zealand.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, as representing the Secretary of State for India, whether any percentage commission has been paid to Mr. Horace H. Scott, of the firm of Messrs. R. Nivison and Company, for placing loans to banks and firms from the balances in the hands of the Secretary of State; if so, what was the percentage and what is the total aggregate amount of such commission that has been paid for each year since 1908 up to date; whether the firm of Messrs. R. Nivison and Company either promote companies or underwrite; and whether Mr. Scott was formerly a partner of Messrs. Sheppards and Company, a firm on the list of approved borrowers?

supplied the following figures:—

asked the President of the Board of Education the average rate raised for education in public elementary schools under county councils (excluding London) in England and Wales?

The amounts expended (out of rates) by county councils (excluding London) in England and Wales in the financial year 1910–11 upon elementary education were equivalent to rates ranging from 4.7d. to 21.1d. in the £. The total assessable value rateable for the purposes of elementary education in these county councils was £75,330,085; their total expenditure (out of rates) on elementary education was £3,626,827; and this is equivalent, if taken over all the area, to a rate of 12.2d. in the £.

asked the President of the Board of Education if his attention has been called to the fact that under the 1902 Act, Section 10, the Government Grant to rural elementary schools is 4s. per child in average attendance; whether this Grant is uniform to all schools; and whether he can state approximately what Grants are made in addition to the 4s., so as to show the total Grant per child in the schools referred to?

Section 10 of the Education Act, 1902, provides for the payment to local education authorities of a fixed Grant of 4s. for every scholar in average attendance in public elementary schools, and also for a variable Grant which ranges from 9d. to 6s. 9d. per head. The Grants paid under this Section are called Aid Grant. In addition to Aid Grant there are the Grants payable under the Regulations for public elementary schools, of which the chief is Annual Grant, at the rate of 13s. 4d. for children under five years of age and 21s. 4d. for children over five; and, in addition to these, there are other Grants for special instruction in cookery, handicraft, etc.; Grants paid for areas having exceptionally small populations; Grants paid for certain exceptionally small infants' schools; and Grants for higher elementary schools. In addition to the Annual Grants, there is the Fee Grant, which is paid approximately at the rate of 10s. per head for all scholars in public elementary schools complying with the conditions of the Elementary Education Act of 1891. The total amount of Grant paid in the last financial year under all these headings amounted to £11,047,712. The average attendance in public elementary schools in that period was 5,375,374; and thus the total Grants paid by the Board averaged £2 1s. 1d. per head of average attendance.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of children on the registers of rural elementary schools in England and Wales, excluding urban areas, and the average attendance at such schools?

I must refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him yesterday with reference to the number of public elementary schools in rural districts.

asked the. President of the Board of Education if, in view of the doubt existing in the minds of many elementary school teachers, he will state whether, unless they continue to teach up to the age of sixty-five, they will forfeit the whole of the superannuation allowance provided by the Government and will only be entitled to the annuity portion of it, towards which they have themselves contributed, or what will be their exact position?

Teachers otherwise qualified do not forfeit the superannuation allowances payable under the Elementary School Teachers (Superannuation) Act, 1898, by giving up teaching before they reach the age of sixty-five, but neither the allowance for each year of recorded service nor the annuity, to which the hon. Member refers is payable until the age of sixty-five years has been attained.

asked the Home Secretary how many licences have been extinguished under the provisions of the Licensing Act, 1904, in England and Wales, respectively, since its coming into operation on 1st January, 1905?

It is shown on page C of the Volume for 1911 of the Annual Licensing Statistics [Cd. 6337] that in the seven years from 1905 to 1911,7,318 licensed premises were closed with compensation. Of these, 6,880 were in England and 438 in Wales. The figures for 1912 are not yet available.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he proposes to take any steps for carrying out the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry into the condition of the home workers in connection with the linen and cognate trades in Belfast and district in so far as the recommendations fall within the province of the Home Office; and if he has any statement to make in regard to this matter?

I have had the recommendations of the Committee under consideration in so far as they relate to matters within the province of the Home Office. The extension of the Truck Act to outworkers was recommended also by the Truck Committee, and provision will be made for this when legislation on the subject of Truck is undertaken. The Committee's proposals in paragraphs 2 and 3 of their summary of recommendations (page 21 of the report) could not be made compulsory under present powers, and I do not understand the Committee to suggest this, but I propose addressing a circular to the manufacturers calling their attention to the proposals, and impressing on them also the necessity of strict compliance with the law in regard to the points mentioned in paragraphs 5 and 6. I will call the attention of the Irish Government, who are the central authority under the Employment of Children Act for Ireland, to the recommendation in paragraph 7, and will consult with them as to the best means of securing a more effective enforcement by the local authorities of the provisions of the Factory Act as to outworkers' lists.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether the newly appointed Governor of Tasmania has been appointed to his post in consideration of services connected with the Colonies or for political services rendered?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave yesterday on this subject.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether the health of Mr. Channing Arnold is suffering from his imprisonment; and whether the Government of India will do anything to mitigate his punishment or suspend his sentence pending appeal?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the answer I have given to-day to my hon. Friends the Members for Bedford and Burnley.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any further information regarding the circumstances under which Captain Eckford met his death in the neighbourhood of Shiraz?

A code telegram has been received from His Majesty's Consul at Shiraz, giving the following account of the incident, drawn up by Major Kettlewell:—"Party consisted of Kettlewell, Eckford, one native officer, twenty-six sowars, seventeen followers, and seventeen baggage mules. They started from Khanehzinian at 7 a.m., 11th December, half an hour after a party of about 150 Persian soldiers, who were marching down road independently. Twelve men were told off as baggage guards, remainder with officers as advance guard. At the bridge over Kazaagach River, Persian officer of the gendarmerie with two mounted gendarmes who had accompanied Kettlewell to the river, galloped on ahead to inspect gendarmerie post at Burjitinuri, on the top of the Sinihsafid Pass. Kettlewell also sent on ahead native officer and two sowars to prepare quarters at Dastarjin. Scouts were also posted on wooded hills on the left flank. After short halt, party proceeded. Road here runs through jungle for about 1¼ miles. Two officers, accompanied by six or seven sowars, had passed beyond jungle, and, just as leading mules were appearing from jungle, hot fire was opened by a party from hills on left. Advance galloped ahead, got under cover, dismounted, and started to climb hill. It was difficult to discover enemy through thick jungle, but shots were exchanged, and it is now that Eckford was shot through heart. A few minutes after, Kettlewell saw from crest of ridge 150 to 200 men rush out from bottom of ravine below, towards river-bank. His men fired on them, but they quickly disappeared into jungle. Meanwhile sowars of baggage guard had crossed to north bank of river and taken up position in low hills. They report that smaller body of robbers joined attack, also from the north. Kettlewell now collected men with him, descended hills and crossed river-bed, taking Eckford's body with him. They joined other party, and native officer and two sowars who had gone ahead also rejoined party here. Meanwhile robbers appear to have made off over hills northwards with the booty. Whole party then returned to Khanehzinian, moving by north bank of river. During this movement some fifteen to twenty horsemen were seen on hills to north, and shots exchanged. Kettlewell states he saw no caravan litter at caravanseri at Khanehzinian or on road. Small party of Persians with three or four mules, who left Serai after sowars had started, were robbed and their mules taken. They returned to Serai on foot, where Kettle- well saw them, but he had not seen them on road."Kettlewell also states that, beyond the firing, no attempt was made to attack his small party. Robbers were apparently only out for plunder, and cleared off at once when they had seized mules. As to the gendarmerie, it would appear that Persian officer when he reached Burjitinuri brought his men back along crest of hills, and it was there that they were wounded. Kettlewell only saw them in the distance moving along hills to south when he was returning towards Khanehzinian."

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the question of giving permission to the Government of India to arm the vessels of the Royal Indian Marine, so as to enable the Royal Indian Marine to take their share in the police and patrol work of the Persian Gulf and Indian Seas, and to afford the people of India an opportunity of helping to strengthen the Imperial naval forces in Eastern waters?

Until the recommendations of Admiral Slade's Committee have been fully considered, it would be premature to discuss this question of armaments.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state when the House may expect the presentation of the Return as to the amount of land assessed to rates as agricultural within the boundaries of the different great towns, as asked for by the hon. Member for Hanley?

Considerable progress has been made with the preparation of the Return, but I cannot at present name a date for its presentation. The scope of the Return is much more extensive than the terms of the question would suggest.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state the reasons why, as successor to Miss Todd, the last lady inspector of boarded-out children in the Midland district, a lady was chosen who was unable to take up her duties for several months after her appointment; who has been doing her work in the meantime; in how many unions the boarded-out children have been inspected since Miss Todd's retirement; and whether, in view of the circumstances, he has caused any special report to be made to him as to the adequacy of the temporary arrangements which have been made in the interval?

The lady inspector chosen to succeed Miss Todd was selected by me as being the most suitable candidate for the post. I am hoping she will be in a position to take up her appointment at an early date. As stated in my reply to the hon. Member on the 21st ultimo, alterations are being made in the inspectors' districts, but I find that a large number of institutions which would have been visited by Miss Todd have been visited by other inspectors, and I may say as regards this work that I am satisfied as to the adequacy of the temporary arrangements which have been made.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the proposed payment by the Treasury of compensation to owners of tuberculous stock slaughtered in the interest of the country will also apply to wholesale and retail meat traders who, buying animals in good faith, subsequently discover after slaughter that they are diseased and voluntariiy surrender same?

The proposed payment will be made only in respect of compensation payable by a local authority in cases in which animals are compulsorily slaughtered in pursuance of an Order to be made by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries under the Diseases of Animals Acts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, since the increase of 2s. per ton in the price of house coal in South Wales, the Stock Exchange value of the shares of fourteen of the principal collieries in South Wales has increased on the Cardiff Stock Exchange by £988,200; whether, in the event of the mines being nationalised, this sum would require to be added to the purchase price; and whether, in view of such a contingency, he will cause an inquiry to be held through his Department into the causes which led to the increase in the selling price of coal, and how far such increase was justified?

I am not aware how far the statement in the question as to a recent advance in value of shares in South Wales collieries is accurate, nor can I say how far any such advance would or would not enter into calculations of the purchase price of the collieries in the event of their nationalisation. In a time of good trade values tend to increase all round, and it does not seem necessary to hold an Inquiry to find causes which, generally speaking, are already well known.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received the Report of the engineer of the Taff Vale Railway Company on the condition of the Mountain Ash station; and what the company proposes doing towards its improvement?

As I informed my hon. Friend a few days ago, the railway company state that they have instructed their engineer to inspect this station, and if any repairs are needed, to have them put in hand. I have no further information on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a reply from the Midland Railway Company to the charges of alleged want of consideration for certain of their employés; and when, in view of the public issues involved, he will be able to publish the correspondence?

Allegations have been made to the Board of Trade that in a number of cases employés of the Midland Railway Company have been penalised for having left their work in August, 1911, and that the company have thereby committed a breach of the agreement under which the strike on the railways was then settled. The company deny the allegations, and both parties have asked my right hon. Friend for a formal expression of opinion as to whether there has or has not been a breach of the agreement. This expression of opinion my right hon. Friend is willing to give under the agreement, but there is a conflict of statements as to matters of fact which it is necessary to clear up by further inquiry, and he has therefore appointed Mr. J. R. Atkin, K.C., to make such inquiry on his behalf, and to report the result to him. When he has received that Report he will consider the question of publication.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now give the total cost of the Wreck Com-

presented the following statement of expenses incurred in connection with the Inquiry into the loss of of the ss. "Titanic":—

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all the figures given in the Consular Reports to his Department dealing with the trade between this country and foreign countries are published; and, if not, what is the deciding factor in arriving at the figures to be omitted?

The Annual Consular Reports are revised by the Foreign Office and the Beard of Trade, and the general principle adopted is that only those trade statistics are omitted which are obviously redundant or are of practically no significance to British traders.

asked the Postmaster-General whether compensation has been paid under the Workmen's Compensation Act to the dependants of the late J. R. J. Smith, postal official, who was lost in the "Titanic" whilst travelling on duty; and, if not, when the compensation due to the dependants will be paid by the Post Office?

I am advised that the case of Mr. Smith does not come within the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act, and I am therefore precluded from making any compensation payment to the dependents of the deceased officer out of public funds beyond the amount of £190 already paid under the Superannuation Acts. I understand, however, that the case will be considered by the Committee which is administering the Mansion House "Titanic" Relief Fund.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has any information concerning the seizure and condemnation of four pigs, and the partial condemnation of four others, entered for the carcase competition at the Smithfield Club show; and whether all animals entered for this competition are closely examined by a duly qualified veterinary inspector before admission to the Agricultural Hall?

I am informed that four of the pigs entered for the carcase competition at the recent Smithfield Club Show were condemned when slaughtered at the Metropolitan Cattle Market, and four others partially so. The animals entered for the competition are quite distinct from those entered in the show proper, and are exhibited in a separate building alive up to 5 p.m. on the opening day of the show, when they are removed to the Metropolitan Cattle Market for slaughter, the carcases being returned to the hall on the Wednesday morning for judging and exhibition. The carcases of the eight animals mentioned above were, of course, not returned. All the animals entered for the show are carefully examined on arrival by the veterinary staff of the club before admission into the hall, but, as the hon. Member is aware, an animal affected with tuberculosis does not necessarily show clinical symptoms of the disease.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can furnish any information with regard to the Departmental Commission to investigate the trawling for herrings and other fishery questions; and whether he can state on how many days the Commission has sat, and when the Report is expected to be issued?

The members of the Interdepartmental Committee on Fisheries have since its appointment been continuously engaged in considering memoranda sent in from associations, firms and individual fishermen. The Committee has in addition met formally five times, and is engaged in hearing evidence on the question of "trawling for herring" before dealing with the question of "Territorial Limits." I cannot at present say when a Report will be issued.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that a recent issue of the "Post Office Circular" announced a vacancy in the sub-postmastership of Swanley Junction, Bromley, and indicated that applicants for the position should not be married; whether this prohibition of marriage by a State Department is due to the limitations of the official premises; and whether he will consider the possibility of providing premises that will admit of the removal of this restriction?

The statements contained in the question are correct. Up till now the Post Office premises have been provided, not by the Crown, but by the sub-postmaster, and I was unable to obtain any other suitable premises when I took over the responsibility of providing them. But I only hold them on a short (three years') tenancy, and propose to consider the question of providing others.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what was the number of bankruptcies of builders during the three years preceding 1906, and during the three years following that date; and, if further statistics are available, will he give the numbers for the years 1909, 1910, and 1911?

The number of bankruptcies of builders in Scotland during the years mentioned was:—

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the amalgamation of the Banff Landward and Ord and the burgh school boards has been in operation for six months and that none of the Landward board members have yet attended a meeting of the new board; that their abstention is approved by the whole of the Landward community, who opposed the amalgamation as being against the educational interests of the parish; that the children from the Landward parts are unable to attend the burgh school on account of the distance and the impassable condition of the roads; and that the school rate has been raised by 4d. per £, for which they receive no educational or other advantage; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the facts stated and order a reversal to the status quo ante?

I have been informed within the last few days that no Landward members of the Banff School Board have yet attended a meeting of the Board, but it is in their option to do so or to resign their positions. I may refer my hon. Friend to Section 16 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1878. There are schools in the Landward portion of the parish as heretofore, and there is no obligation on the children in these parts to attend the burgh school unless they find it to their advantage to do so, as a considerable number have always done. The amalgamation of the two previous school board districts was effected under Section 22 of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, after full inquiry at which the views of both boards and their constituents were fully considered, and I am not prepared to hold a further inquiry or to reverse the decision arrived at.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when he is going to publish the Return asked for by the hon. Member for Glasgow (Tradeston) in respect of area exclusively devoted to sport in Scotland?

I am informed that this Return will probably be completed and ready for the printers next month. I may say that it is of a more detailed character than recent Returns on the same subject, and there has been difficulty in some cases in obtaining information.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a report of a meeting of the district committee with reference to the delay in introducing the new water supply for the village of Whitehills, Banffshire; and whether he will take steps to secure the testing of the Dallachy springs?

I have received the report of a meeting of the Banff District Committee in regard to the delay in introducing a new water supply to Whitehills. The Local Government Board for Scotland have the whole question at present under consideration, and are obtaining a report from their engineer on the subject.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that there is no sewerage system in the village of Portgordon, Banffshire, and of the agitation for the introduction of a system; and whether, in view of the fact that an epidemic of scarlet fever and diphtheria has broken out in the village, he will take steps to secure that a sewerage system will be speedily introduced?

I am aware; that a sewerage system has long been desired for Portgordon, and I am glad to be able to inform the hon. Member that the Banff District Committee have resolved on a scheme, and have applied to the Local Government Board for their; recommendation to a loan from the Public Works Loan Board to defray its cost. I am causing inquiry to be made into the outbreak of scarlet fever and diphtheria.