asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information concerning a large quantity of opium accumulated at Shanghai contrary to the Anglo-Chinese Agreement of 1911; and whether China has been warned by the British Minister that the terms of the agreement must be observed?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has asked me to say that he hopes the House will excuse his absence to-day, as he usually is present on Thursday, but he is engaged on special business. The answer to both questions is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the reply of the Chinese Government to the warning of Sir John Jordan that, unless unequivocal assurances are immediately forthcoming that it is the intention of China to observe the Anglo-Chinese Agreement of 1911 regarding the importation of opium from India, he will be compelled to advise his Government that remonstrances are ineffective; and whether the Foreign Office has received any representations from India as to the damage done to legitimate trade?

The reply to the last representations of Sir John Jordan is still being awaited from the Chinese Government. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and the whole matter is receiving the careful attention of His Majesty's Government.

Is it a fact that there was much less planting this autumn than there was last year?

It is still rather early to be certain as to the amount of planting that has taken place this autumn, but that is the very question on which careful inquiry is now being made, and it is upon the results of that inquiry as to what steps are being taken to suppress the growth and sale of native opium that the policy of the Government must largely depend.

Does not the evidence so far received tell the other way?

No, that is not so. Such evidence as we have—we have not yet received that of our own Consuls or Ambassador—is to the effect that there has been a very considerable diminution of planting this autumn as compared with last year.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he proposes to make a statement regarding British policy in Southern Persia as modified by the events which entailed the shooting of Captain Eckford?

I cannot make a statement till there has been full time to consider what the Persian Government can do themselves to secure reparation and what the situation requires. The force itself is not in any danger, and this is not the season of the year when extensive operations could under any circumstances be taken.

asked whether, in any loan negotiations between the six-Power group and China, future participation will be limited on the British side to the five banks now associated; whether the Foreign Office will let it be understood that participation of other reputable banking houses who may wish at future dates to be associated with these five will be regarded as a condition of official support by the British Government; whether the British Government is satisfied with the terms now arranged between the six-Power group and the Chinese Government for the proposed loan of 25,000,000 sterling, and in what respect do they differ from those previously put forward to which China objected; whether a sixth British bank, in addition to the four now associated with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, was also asked to participate but refused; and the reason for this decision?

The further expansion of the British group is a matter that concerns the group itself, and I cannot say what its intentions may be in this respect. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The terms of the forthcoming loan are still under discussion and I am not at liberty to disclose details at this point of the negotiations. It is for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank to say what action, if any, it has taken with regard to the participation of other banks.

asked why the old age pension has been taken from Edward Prunty, Aghaward, Ballinalle, county Longford, No. 156 in pension officer's register; whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that this man's entire holding is only about five Irish acres of heavily rented land; that his whole possessions number a cow, a calf, and a donkey; and why is there no special action taken by the Local Government Board to verify the accuracy of the pension officer's valuation, seeing that it is wholly at variance with the man's position in life?

Edward Prunty's pension was discontinued as the result of a question raised by the pension officer that his means exceeded £31 10s. a year. His farm contains fourteen statute acres and he had three head of cattle in addition to a pig and fowl. Part of the farm was tilled and part of it was sub-let for grazing for £6 a year. The Local Government Board did not accept the pension officer's valuation, but formed their own estimate that Prunty's means were in excess of the statutory limit.

In forming their estimate, did the Local Government Board previously send an inspector to this man's place?

I do not know whether that is so or not.

How can they form an estimate without ascertaining the facts?

I do not know that they did not.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire, and I will put down a question?

I will.

asked whether the Local Government Board received from John Donohoe, of Dernagore (Ballyconnell post office, county Cavan), a deed of assignment as evidence in support of his claim to an old age pension; is the Chief Secretary aware that, in reply to an application for the return of the deed, the Local Government Board wrote to the secretary of the Cavan pension sub-committee; that it was returned to claimant on the 15th February, 1912; in reply to a further letter to the Local Government Board, Mr. O'Reilly was referred to the General Post Office for information on the subject; that the General Post Office, on being applied to, wrote that it was the Local Government Board, as senders of the deed, should make application respecting it; that the Local Government Board, on being informed, accordingly wrote that they could not deal further with the matter; and will he take steps to have searches made by both Departments so that the deed may be returned to this man?

The facts are as stated. The document referred to was returned by post to the claimant by the Local Government Board on 15th February last. The Post Office will now have further inquiry made as to the missing deed.

asked whether in or about December, 1911, John Donohoe, of Dernagore, county Fermanagh, was granted an old age pension of 5s. per week by the Cavan Pension Sub-Committee; that the pension officer subsequently objected to this pension, which was reduced by the Local Government Board to 1s. per week, although the claimant placed before the Board a deed of assignment to his son of a small holding of land subject to an annuity of £3 18s. payable to the Land Commission, and reserving only the grazing of one cow, which was claimant's only means of support when the pension was granted; and can the right hon. Gentleman state why the Local Government Board reduced the pension in such circumstances?

The Local Government Board considered that the claimant's means calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, did not entitle him to a pension at a higher rate than one shilling a week. A similar decision was given in the case of a further application made in October last. Before coming to this decision the Board had before them for consideration the deed executed by claimant assigning his farm to his son.

asked whether the sub-pension committee D. D. of Aclare, county Sligo, recently raised the pension of Bridget Marren, of Montena (No. 1,224) from 4s. to 5s. per week, which sum has since been reduced to the original figure by the Local Government Board; and, if so, whether he will state the grounds on which the Board acted, seeing this woman: has no means of support, she having given over her house and land to her son over three years ago?

The Local Government Board refused Bridget Marron's application for an increased rate of pension on the ground that her means were such that she was not entitled to any increase of pension. She lives and is supported on a fairly good farm, and, although she assigned the farm with its stock to her son in 1910, the value of her maintenance and privileges were, in the Board's opinion, more than would justify them in allowing her the higher rate of pension.

asked if the Chief Secretary will explain the principle on which two untenanted farms on the estate of Colonel Gregg at Newtowncashel, county Longford, one farm at Loughfarm and the other at Culnagore, have been given by the Estate Commissioners, one to a bailiff who already holds a farm of thirty-five acres and the other to the landlord's brother, whilst small farmers in the vicinity and on the same property have only one and two acres of arable land to live on; what report the Commissioner's inspector, Mr. Blackhall, made in the case; and will another inspection be held before the transaction is closed?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the estate of Mrs. E. B. Roberts, county Longford, which is the subject of proceedings for sale to them under Section 6 of the Irish Land Act. 1903, and which includes some thirty acres of untenanted land on the townlands referred to. No arrangements have been made for the disposal of any land on this estate, which has not yet been acquired by the Estates Commissioners. The inspector's reports are confidential documents.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet taken over the Coonela estate, situate in the division of Ballinakill, union of Sligo, trustee A. Gilmor, J. P., Ballymote, county Sligo, which estate was inspected in June last, and is wanted for the relief of congestion in the district?

The Congested Districts Board hope to make an offer for purchase of this estate very shortly.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board are prepared to take over the grass farm of Lurgan, Ballinakill division, Sligo union, at present in the occupation of the landlord, A. Sim, Esq., J.P., Collooney, who lives five miles away?

The lands referred to have not been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board.

asked what is the present position as regards the negotiations for the purchase of the Trinity College estates in Iveragh?

The Congested Districts Board have decided to make an offer for the purchase of the estate referred to, and it will be issued as soon as practicable.

asked whether it is possible to facilitate land purchase by giving tenants who have a right to get fair rents fixed the power of serving an originating notice to redeem the rent at a fair price which might be fixed by the Land Commission in case landlord and tenant cannot agree, or by payment to the landlord, if not in cash, in three per cent, stock at its market value of the day; and, if so, will the suggestion contained in the question receive consideration in any scheme to expedite land purchase that may be introduced in the near future?

I see great difficulty in carrying out the suggestion contained in the question, but it will not be lost sight of.

asked whether Mr. Mark Foy has informed the Congested Districts Board that he is willing to sell through the Board his estate situated at Cloon-tubrid, Turlough, county Mayo; has he lodged maps of the estate with the Board; and has the Board intimated that they will not purchase the estate if there are arrears of rent due by the tenants?

The maps and documents necessary for a preliminary inspection to be made of this estate with a view to a sale through the Congested Districts Board have just been lodged. The Board have made no such communication as that indicated in reference to the arrears of rent.

asked (1) whether the Chief Secretary is aware that the tenants'' holdings on the Mahony estate at Mount Collins, in the county of Limerick, are intermixed, and that before the sale of the estate under the Land Act, 1903, is completed the Estates Commissioners consider it necessary to have a rearrangement of the holdings so that each tenant may have his portion in one lot; whether, owing to the uncertainty of their present tenure the tenants are at a disadvantage as they do not know their future holdings; and whether, having regard to the fact that it is a considerable number of years since the Estates Commissioners acquired this estate, he will take steps to see that they carry out whatever improvements they consider necessary to make the holdings economic, so that they may acquire possession of them without further delay; and (2) if the right hon. Gentleman can say when the Estates Commissioners agreed with the landlord of the Mahony estate at Mount Collins, county Limerick, for its purchase by them; what was the date when they sent their inspector to report on the condition of the estate as to whether or no it was congested within the meaning of the Irish Land Act and what improvements were necessary before the completion of the sale of the estate; what was the date of the inspector's report; whether the Estates Commissioners intend to take steps to put it into operation wholly or partly; and, if so, when will they begin?

The Estates Commissioners offer to purchase this estate, which was the subject of proceedings in the Land Judge's Court, was accepted by the Land Judge in October, 1908. The lands have been visited on a number of occasions by their inspector, as considerable difficulty was experienced in getting the tenants to consent to a scheme of rearrangement. The Commissioners were also desirous to acquire some additional land to facilitate rearrangement, but they have been unable to do so, and the question of vesting the lands already acquired will be considered by the Commissioners at an early date.

Is it not the fact that the vendor of the land has agreed with the Commissioners to sell a portion of this untenanted land in the neighbourhood for the purpose of enlarging these uneconomic holdings, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the landlord of this untenanted land says the Estates Commissioners are to blame for not completing the purchase? May I ask whether it is fair that these, poor tenants of these small uneconomic holdings should be kept much longer in this uncertain condition?

No; I am most anxious that this matter should be dealt with at the earliest possible date, and I will communicate with the Estates Commissioners.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to satisfy these tenants, who are writing to me every day about the matter, by sending an inspector before Christmas to sooth them, and to say that the sale will be completed without much further delay.

I will do what I can in that direction.

asked the names of the Committee appointed to investigate the system of inspection of national schools in Ireland; and whether the Chief Secretary is able to extend the scope of the inquiry to cover the grievances of teachers known as paper promotion?

I have already communicated to the hon. Member the names of four persons who have consented to act on the Committee. Paper promotion, save in so far as it arises from the Commissioners' practice of making promotions before there are vacancies, is altogether a Treasury matter, depending on the number fixed for the several grades of teachers. I cannot, therefore, include it in the terms of reference to the Committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider, in view of the enormous number of representations that have been made to Members of Parliament in regard to this grievance by national school teachers, whether it would not be desirable to settle this matter one way or the other by including it in the scope of the inquiry?

I am afraid I could not settle it one way or the other unless there were a Treasury representative on the Committee, and I do not think that is desirable, because there are so many questions which want to be got out of the way, and I determined to keep the Treasury out of this business.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the advisability of nominating a representative of the teachers to this Committee?

No, Sir, that is the very thing I want to avoid. If I nominated some one to represent the teachers I should have to nominate somebody to represent the Board. I would sooner not do that, and I prefer an Educational Committee of experts well acquainted with the operation of inspection, both in England and in Ireland. I cannot go further than that.

asked who was responsible for the issue of instructions by telegram from Dublin Castle that fresh summonses should be issued against the persons accused of rioting at Carrickfergus on 6th July, after the magistrate had decided to adjourn the cases for six weeks?

No telegram of the nature indicated was sent from Dublin Castle.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the jury only arrived at a verdict owing to the unsatisfactory evidence brought by the Crown, after the judge had decided—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order."]

That does not arise out of the question.

asked whether the Chief Secretary has received a largely signed memorial requesting that the Royal Irish Constabulary Force Fund should be wound up; and, if so, can he state what action, if any, he proposes to take?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the question addressed to me on this subject by the hon. Member for North Westmeath, when I clearly pointed out that if the Fund is not wound up before the date of the transfer of the Royal Irish Constabulary to the Irish Government it will remain under the control of the National Debt Commissioners, subject to the trusts for which it was created. It is, therefore, perfectly safe, and no one need be anxious about it.

I am quite satisfied about it.

asked whether it has been reported to the Chief Secretary that, on the night of Saturday, the 7th instant, twenty head of cattle were driven off the lands of Gurrane, near Borrisokane, county Tipperary; whether he is aware that several of the cattle had the hair and some of the skin and flesh cut off then-tails; and whether any arrests were made or any persons made amenable for this outrage?

On the night of the 7th December nineteen head of cattle were driven off the lands of Garrane, near Ballinderry. Seventeen of these had the hair cut off their tails, and in five cases a small portion of the stump of the tail was also cut off. So far no person has been made amenable.

asked whether the vacancy for a resident magistrate in Ireland, which has just been filled by the appointment of a civilian, was, under the existing rules, due to an officer of the Royal Irish Constabulary; and, if so, what were the circumstances which justify this deprivation of a constabulary officer of the promotion which successive Governments in Ireland have invariably conceded?

I have already answered this question, but for the information of the hon. and gallant Member I will repeat it. It has been the practice of successive Governments, and my practice also, to assign one in every three vacancies among the resident magistrates to the Royal Irish Constabulary. The vacancy referred to in the question does not go to the police.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether representations have been made to the Congested Districts Board, or whether any other steps have been taken, to secure the replanting of the wood at Glenbeigh, which has been sold by the landlord to a firm of timber merchants?

The Department have been in communication with the Congested Districts Board on the subject. As the wood was reserved from the sale by the landlord, neither the Board nor the Department have any power in the matter.

asked the hon. Member for St. George s-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is a position to make any statement in regard to the site selected for the King Edward Memorial?

The First Commissioner is happy to be able to inform my hon. Friend that the Advisory Committee has received a letter from Lord Stamfordham conveying His Majesty's approval to a proposal that the statue of his late Majesty King Edward VII. should be erected between the Duke of York's column and Waterloo Place. At a meeting of the General Committee, held this morning at the Mansion House, it was agreed to adopt a scheme based upon this suggestion, and the First Commissioner is sure that this change will meet with general approval.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that announcement will cause gratification amongst a large number of people, and may I ask whether in connection with the site he will bear in mind no good reason has over been discovered why the Duke of York column was erected?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that, under Section 633 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, an owner of a ship is not liable for any loss or damage due to the fault or incapacity of a qualified pilot in any district where pilotage is compulsory; that by Section 620 of the same Act a pilot is not liable for neglect or want of skill beyond the pilotage fee and the penalty of the bond for £100 given by him to Trinity House; that the effect of the existing law is that, in case of collision between a ship under compulsory pilotage and a barge, the owner of the ship is free from liability to the owner of the barge, even if the ship was to blame, and that the owner of the barge is under liability to the owner of the ship if the barge was to blame; and will he take steps to introduce Amendments to the Pilotage Bill now in Committee to remove this inequality; (2) whether the Select Committee on the Pilotage Bill, 1870, and the Thames Traffic Committee, 1878–79, proposed to remove the inequality in regard to liability for loss or damage between ships under compulsory pilotage and vessels not subject to compulsory pilotage by the abolition of the system of compulsory pilotage; that the Select Committee on Pilotage, 1888, and the Departmental Committee on Pilotage which reported in March, 1911, proposed to remove the same inequality by abolishing the immunity of the shipowner, whilst maintaining compulsory pilotage; that by Clause 45 of the Pilotage Bill, introduced by the Government on 15th August, 1911, the immunity of a ship carrying a compulsory pilot was proposed to be abolished; and will he say why the recommendations above referred to have not been followed, and why the proposal contained in Clause 45 of the Pilotage Bill, 1911, finds no place in the Pilotage Bill now in Committee; (2) whether, by letter dated the 14th March, 1912, by the Board of Trade (Harbour Department) and addressed to the secretary of the Association of Master Lightermen and Barge Owners, the Board of Trade assured that association that the Pilotage Bill, 1912, would contain a provision similar to that in Clause 45 of the Pilotage Bill, 1911, to the effect that the owner or master of a vessel navigating under circumstances in which pilotage is compulsory shall be answerable for any loss or damage caused by the vessel, or by any fault in the navigation of the vessel, in the same manner as he would if pilotage were not compulsory; and will he say why the Board of Trade have not given effect to this assurance; and (4) whether, in order to obtain the immunity from liability attaching to compulsory pilotage, ships actually belonging to London owners and trading to the port of London, and which if registered in the port of London would not be subject to compulsory pilotage, are actually registered at some other port and so become subject to compulsory pilotage; that in order to obtain the like immunity masters of ships engaged in the roasting trade deliberately abstain from obtaining pilotage certificates for the River Thames; that the present state of the law occasions hardship and injury to many innocent persons; and will he take steps to amend it?

I am aware of the effect of Sections 620 and 633 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, and of the recommendations made by the Committees mentioned in the question. As the hon. Member is aware, the Pilotage Bill of last year contained a Clause giving effect to these recommendations, and it was proposed to insert a similar Clause in the Bill of the present Session, and the Association of Master Lightermen and Barge Owners were so informed in a letter dated 14th March last. The reason why this course has not been adopted was explained to the Association in a letter, dated 3rd July last, to the effect that this question, with others connected with the liability of shipowners, is the subject of international negotiations, which are still incomplete, and that as a further international conference will take place shortly, it has been thought advisable to postpone dealing with it by legislation in this country until the result of that conference is known. I am aware that the Pilotage Committee reported that some of the effects of the existing law were as stated by the hon. Member, and I hope it may be practicable to deal with the subject in the near future, although, as I have stated, there are reasons for not doing so by the Pilotage Bill now before the House.

May I ask whether, if international agreement is sought to be arrived at on this question, would it not be better to postpone this Bill until some basis of international agreement is arrived at?

The Bill deals with a large number of questions. It is a consolidating Bill as regards the whole pilotage system, and it has an International Clause with regard to our relations with France. I see no reason why it should be postponed.

asked the Prime Minister what are the intentions of His Majesty's Government with reference to improving or modernising the Diplomatic and Consular Service so as to further the interests of the trade and commerce of this country?

I prefer to await the recommendations of the Royal Commission which is now sitting before considering whether any changes are necessary in the Diplomatic Service, or any in the Consular Service beyond those recommended in the proposals to which I referred in my reply to the Member for Central Finsbury on the 13th instant. Those proposals, if carried into effect, should be of considerable assistance in securing the object which the hon. Member has in view, though, in my opinion, the services at present rendered to commercial interests by the Consular Service are often unreasonably depreciated. I will, however, gladly consider any specific complaints which the hon. Member has to bring forward.

Can the hon. Gentleman state when the result of the Commission will be available?

We have approached the Treasury, with a view to considerable improvements in the Consular Service, and we hope to hear from them shortly.

Will he lay the correspondence on the Table?

There are communications between the Foreign Office and the Treasury asking for increases of salary, and although I should be glad to give any answer with regard to it, it is not correspondence which one would naturally lay.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a Minister of Trade and Commerce, with a view to furthering the interests of the trade and commerce of this country?

This is a matter which has been often considered, but I see no reason to depart from the conclusion that has been arrived at that the functions of such a Minister are adequately discharged by the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Prime Minister if the private land inquiry is now completed; if the Reports have been laid before the Government; and if such Reports can now be laid before the House for consideration and possible refutation?

I have no information with regard to the first branch of the Question. The answer to the second branch is in the negative; the third branch does not therefore arise.

As we are separating tomorrow, will the Prime Minister give us an assurance that the Report of these land inquiries will not be used by Members of the Government without being verified previously?

Can the right hon. Gentleman state who presides over these ferrets?

May I ask whether the proceedings of this Committee of Inquiry still have his approval?

I do not know what their proceedings are at all.

asked the Prime Minister when he intends to introduce a Bill dealing with the reform of the House of Lords; and whether he will at the same time introduce a measure for the creation of a House of an Imperial character, the members of which shall be selected from among those in the British Isles and the Dominions overseas who have had practical opportunities of studying Imperial needs, such House to deliberate upon matters of Imperial concern with a view to legislation in the British Isles and the Dominions overseas?

It is premature as yet to make any statement on this subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea as to when he is prepared to make a statement?

Perhaps the hon. Member would put that question next Session.

asked the Prime Minister if, for the purpose of accurate reference, he will consider the advisability of an official verbatim note being taken of proceedings in Standing Committee, as is done in the case of Select Committees and Committees on Private Bills?

I think the balance of argument and convenience is against such a change, unless in very exceptional cases.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that statements have been made with regard to the Committee on the Trade Union Bill, for political purposes, of a thoroughly inaccurate character?

I understand that the Press is represented at the meetings and report them, as far as they think it desirable and of interest to their readers to do so.

Are there official reports of Rosenbaum?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Liberal and Labour Members of that Committee would equally welcome an official report?

Will the sight hon. Gentleman not reconsider his decision in view of the fact that frequently undertakings are given by Ministers at those Committees, and that it is well to have an authoritative report of the proceedings?

That is the very thing they want to avoid.

On the whole I think the House has come to the conclusion that the advantages of making the proceedings of these Committees informal outweigh the disadvantages of having an official report, but I am quite open to argument on the subject.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not think that an official report would be more accurate than a newspaper report?

I should like notice of that question.

Is there anything to prevent an hon. Member desiring his speech to be fully reported and printed doing so at his own expense?

We have already had a number of supplementary questions, and we have over one hundred questions on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government has considered the Reports of the Royal Commission on Divorce; and is it intended to introduce legislation at an early date to give effect to the recommendations of the Majority Report?

The Reports of the Commission are still under the consideration of the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the Annual Report for 1911 of Sir George Newman, the chief medical officer of the Board of Education, indicating that more than half the children in the public elementary schools are suffering from malnutrition or its many morbid effects; and whether, in view of the ultimate effects upon the nation of the continuance of such conditions, he will appoint a Special Committee to inquire whether and to what exent such malnutrition is traceable to poverty or ignorance as to the relative nutritive value of foods, and to suggest a remedy or remedies?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. Sir George Newman's report does not indicate that more than half the children in public elementary schools are suffering from malnutrition or its morbid effects, nor must it be assumed that the interpretation suggested by the hon. Member can be placed on the report without qualification. I may remind the hon. Member that some progress has already been made as the results of the action of local authorities under the Provision of Meals Act, of medical inspection, and the establishment of Care Committees, and I have reason to hope that much good may result from the increased provision of instruction in hygiene and cookery throughout the country, and by the public attention which is being drawn to the subject. The Board intend to give careful and continuous attention to this question, and the Government do not see any necessity at present for the appointment of a Special Committee.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that the Special Commissioners of Income Tax were established in order that they might occupy a judicial position and constitute an independent tribunal, free from influence of inspectors and surveyors of taxes in appeals against Income Tax assessment, will he explain why it is that the presiding Special Commissioner is now an ex-inspector, another Commissioner an ex-inspector, another an indoor Income Tax official, while the clerk to the Commissioners is an ex-surveyor of taxes, and the two senior committee clerks also ex-surveyors of taxes; and will he undertake that the Special Commissioner to be appointed in the place of Mr. J. B. Atlay, recently deceased, shall not be a tax official, but an independent gentleman of a position in keeping with the objects for which the Special Commissioners were instituted?

With reference to the first part of the question (which is not quite accurate as to facts), it is necessary that a proportion of the Special Commissioners of Income Tax should have technical qualifications for dealing with the numerous questions of Income Tax Law which it is the duty of the Commissioners to decide. The gentleman appointed in place of the late Mr. J. B. Atlay is a barrister and is admirably fitted for the position to which he has been appointed, and I am satisfied that his previous connection with the Inland Revenue (as Assistant Secretary) will in no way affect his independence in his new office.

The new Commissioner is an official, not an independent gentleman.

I do not see that the two descriptions are mutually antagonistic. This gentleman was at one time in the Inland Revenue; he has since been in another Department, and on the whole I thought he was the best qualified to fill the office.

asked the Prime Minister if the vacancy in the position of Deputy-Master of the Mint has been filled, and, if so, by whom; if not, will he say whether it is intended to fill the post from among the staff already serving in the Royal Mint; and, if not, on what grounds it is intended to pass over all the staff in favour of an outsider?

The vacancy in the office of Deputy-Master of the Mint has been filled by the appointment of Sir Thomas Elliott, K.C.B., whose distinguished record as a Civil servant speaks for itself.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question—on what grounds it is intended to pass over all the staff and take in an outsider?

On the whole, I thought that Sir Thomas Elliott was the best qualified for the post.

Is it not the fact that for twenty years Sir Thomas Elliott has been at the Board of Agriculture? Does the Prime Minister think that a gentleman who for twenty years has been considering such questions as swine fever and gooseberry mildew is better qualified for a highly technical post of this description than the officials in the Department?

This post has frequently been filled by the appointment of a politician, and I thought it a very good opportunity to appoint a distinguished Civil servant.

With regard to the post which Sir Thomas Elliott has vacated, will the right hon. Gentleman, in nominating his successor, see that some one with experience of the office is appointed?

Sir Thomas Elliott is a distinguished Civil servant. Was not the predecessor of Sir Thomas Elliott appointed straight from the House of Commons after he had been dismissed from the Secretaryship of the Admiralty?

Is not transfer within the ranks of the Civil Service a very usual practice?

Yes. This is the first time for a great many years that a Civil servant has been appointed to this post. As the hon. Baronet opposite rather complains of my appointing a Civil servant, I may point out how very difficult it is for a Minister to keep the balance between inside and outside appointments.

Am right——

I must remind hon. Members that there are 146 questions on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that under the existing law there is no provision against a bankrupt holding a pilotage certificate, and that in some cases bankrupts do in fact hold such certificates; and will he, having regard to the fact that third parties suffering loss or damage in collision with a ship under compulsory pilotage have no recourse against the shipowner, but only a limited remedy against the pilot, take steps to ensure that this limited remedy may be real?

I understand that the law is as stated in the question, but I have no information as to whether there are bankrupt pilots actually pursuing their calling. If any amendments are proposed to meet any hardship under the existing law pending the alteration of the law as to the compulsory pilotage defence, I am, of course, prepared to consider them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that British vessels under compulsory pilotage in foreign -waters are, if held to blame for loss or damage to another vessel, detained until payment is made for such loss or damage; and that foreign vessels under compulsory pilotage in British waters escape liability for loss or damage in similar circumstances; and will he take steps to place British and foreign shipowners and masters on an equal footing?

British and foreign shipowners and masters are subject to the same treatment in British ports. I hope that an international agreement may shortly be arrived at under which all ships, whether in British or foreign ports, will be subject to the same liability for loss or damage. I have already explained to the hon. Member the reason why the anomaly of the existing law is not dealt with by the present Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the railway corporations in the United States insist upon total abstinence in those of their employés who, being in charge of trains as engine drivers or guards, have in their keeping the lives and limbs of the travelling public; and whether he will take any steps that would ensure to the train travellers in Britain a like protection?

I am not aware whether total abstinence on the part of enginemen and guards is a requirement on the railways of the United States. As my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade informed my hon. Friend in reply to a question yesterday, the matter is primarily one of discipline, and I think the railway companies are fully aware of their responsibilities for the safety of the travelling public.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of railway accidents in this country in proportion to the number of passengers carried is less than on any railway system——

The hon. Member must give notice of that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that recently a man was fined for being drunk while in charge of a signal-box? Does he not think that inquiry along these lines might lead to greater safety for the public?

I must ask for notice of that.

asked if the qualifying period for pensions of the managers and staffs of the Labour Exchanges will count from their appointments or only from the time of their being put on the establishment?

All questions affecting the dates from which the superannuation of Civil servants accrues are dealt with by the Treasury, and any arrangements for counting services prior to establishment for purposes of pension would be subject to Treasury sanction and the issue of certificates by the Civil Service Commissioners. As was stated, in answer to a question asked by my hon. Friend on 12th December, the establishment of forty-one managers of Labour Exchanges has been sanctioned by the Treasury, and in the case of these officers previous service as managers will be allowed to count. The question of establishing clerks in the Labour Exchange service who have completed two years' service is under consideration.

asked (1) when the Annual Report of the London Traffic Branch of that Department will be published; whether Mr. Fishbourne, now assistant manager of the London General Omnibus Company, has had any part in the compilation of the Report; if it was known whilst he was engaged upon this work that he had accepted an appointment under the motor omnibus trust; and whether he is in receipt of a pension from public funds; and (2) at what date Sir Herbert Jekyll severed his connection with the Traffic Branch of the Board of Trade to become a director of the London General Omnibus Company; if he was responsible for the last Annual Report of the Board of Trade on London traffic and signed the same on 30th November, 1911; if it was known, whilst he was engaged on this work, that he had accepted a position as a director of this motor omnibus trust; and whether he is now in receipt of a pension from public funds?

Sir Herbert Jekyll retired from the London Traffic Branch on the 31st December, 1911, having reached the age at which Civil servants are required to retire from the service. I understand that some months afterwards he joined the board of the London General Omnibus Company. He was, of course, responsible for the Reports issued by the branch of which he was chief, the last of which is dated 31st October, 1911. He is in receipt of a pension from public funds. The latest Annual Report of the London Traffic Branch is now in the hands of the printers, and should shortly be issued. While Mr. Fishbourne was in the service of the traffic branch, he was, of course, employed in the ordinary work of the branch, including the preparation of the Annual Reports. He informed the Department of his intention on retirement to accept a post in the London General Omnibus Company. Mr. Fishbourne has no pension in respect of his service in the London Traffic Branch, but it is understood that he will receive temporary retired pay whilst serving as an officer of the Royal Engineers' Special Reserve. I think that, if my hon. Friend wishes to make any charge against the Board of Trade or against either of the gentlemen he has named, he ought to state it directly, and not insinuate it through questions.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest, that any of the statements in these two questions are incorrect? If they are not incorrect in what way can they be said to be insinuations against either Sir Herbert Jekyll or the Board of Trade?

I have shown that some are incorrect. Any hon. Member reading the question would say that they are based on an insinuation.

Are there any other servants of the Board of Trade engaged on similar work who are likely to be transferred to the London General Omnibus Trust?

I consider that that is an insinuation.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of the second question.

I said that he is in receipt off a pension from public funds.

The question on the Paper is whether at the time he was engaged on this work he had accepted a responsible position with the London General Omnibus Company. That has not been answered.

I said that Sir Herbert Jekyll retired on 31st December, 1911, when he reached the age at which Civil servants are required to retire from the Service, and I understand that some months afterwards he joined the Board of the London General Omnibus Company.

Is this the Trust that kills a man every day?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the average price of wheat in France in the year 1908, as compared with the average imported price in England; and what was the duty in force in France in the same year?

I will circulate with the Votes the figures asked for, together with similar figures for a series of years. Nineteen hundred and eight was an abnormal year, inasmuch as the French harvest of the previous year was the largest and the imports in 1908 the smallest in the last thirty years. The imports in 1908 were, in fact, less than 1 per cent, of the ordinary consumption. [See Written Answers this date.]

Does not the fact that the price per quarter of wheat in France was only 12s. 5d., whereas the duty was 12s. 2d. more than this country, show that the theory that the duty is always added to the price is not quite the fact?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the Bill which has been introduced into the Reichstag dealing with the supply of petroleum; and whether he can inform the House as to what steps he proposes to take to safeguard the interests of the Navy?

The Bill referred to has been described in the Press, and appears to have reference to the regulation of competition and prices of petroleum oils, principally for lighting purposes, in the general interests of German consumers. The second part of the hon. Member's question relates to an independent matter, namely, the supply of fuel oil for the British Navy, and I can only repeat what I have already stated in reply to the hon. Member for Yarmouth on the 11th instant, that all possible steps are being and will be taken to obtain supplies for His Majesty's Navy on the best terms.

With reference to the answer to the first part of the question, does not the right hon. Gentleman think a Bill of the kind would safeguard the interests of the consumers?

I am afraid I cannot go into that.

asked the Secertary of State for the Home Department whether the right of re-trial in cases of persons found guilty by the magistrates having jurisdiction will be made of general application?

The right to a fresh hearing of a case dealt with summarily depends on Statute. Section 19 of the Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1879, gives an appeal in all cases under any past or future Act where imprisonment is imposed without option of a fine; and for many offences punishable only by fine (for example, being drunk and disorderly) an appeal is given by the Act. I do not at present contemplate any Amendment of the Statutes on the subject.

The right hon. Gentleman speaks of an appeal: this was not an appeal to him, was it? No appeal was made to him?