asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what steps the Government has taken to countervail the privilege of allowing conversion of merchantmen into battleships conferred on Germany by the ratification in 1909 of The Hague Conference of 1907, whereby 128 warships, forty-five of which are over 10,000 tons, and all of which are specially adapted to conversion, will be added to the German fleet when the Empire is at war?

I cannot accept the hon. Member's statement of the effect of ratifying the Convention in question, nor must I be taken as assenting to his figures as regards German merchant ships, or to his inferences as to their use in war. The question of the best means of dealing with the attempts which might be made on our sea-borne trade in time of war is one which constantly engages the attention of the Admiralty, but I am not prepared at the present time to make any statement as to the steps which have been, or will be, taken in the matter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, owing to recent legislation, naval pensioners entitled to an ordinary pension; and a pension for injuries are required to take their instalments in separate sums, a procedure which necessitates paying a 1d. stamp for each amount, whereas under the old regime they only paid 1d. for the one amount; and whether he can see his way so to arrange matters that the naval pensioner is not compelled to contribute out of his pension an additional sum of 1s. a year to the Exchequer?

Receipts given by naval pensioners are exempt from Stamp Duty under the provisions of the First Schedule of the Stamp Act, 1891. The hon. Member probably has in mind certain civilian pensioners who are in receipt both of pensions for service and allowances for injury, payable at the dockyards, and who, owing to a recent rearrangement of the Votes of the Public Service for Civil pensions, have in certain cases been required to give two receipts. Steps are being taken to ensure that in future only one stamp will be required to be affixed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the extra pay for shipwrights only amounts to two-thirds of a penny per day and that for this addition they are asked to give up the privilege of returning to the dockyards, which is equivalent to a sum of £31 4s. down and 4s. 6d. per week pension; and will he explain why the shipwrights are asked to give up a considerable emolument in return for what is in point of fact a much smaller amount?

The extra pay to naval shipwrights amounts, on the average, to £12.7 per man per year, or 8.35 pence per day, and the grant of the petty officer rating will result eventually in an average extra cost for pensions of £13 7s. per man per year, or 9d. per day. By remaining in the Navy they will receive, on the average, increased pay amounting to 4s. 10d. a week for the remainder of their naval service, with a prospect of a naval pension at the age of forty of approximately £52 to £55 a year. For this they give up the prospect of a Civil pension at the age of sixty of approximately £45 a year and an additional allowance of £126. It will be seen that there is no sacrifice of emoluments.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he is aware that the naval shipwrights are opposed to the suggestion made that men who were trained as boy shipwrights should relinquish their claims to dockyard employment at the expiration of their first engagement as a condition of accepting the new rates of pay; what steps he proposes to take should these men come back to the yard after twelve years' service and take up their right of establishment; whether he is aware that the first return is due next October, and that in a comparatively short space of time a considerable number of shipwrights will be coming back to the yard, while in all some 700 or 800 are eligible to return; whether the return of these men will interfere with the establishment of dockyard shipwrights who have served their apprenticeship in the yard; and whether he can see his way to meet the objection raised by the naval shipwrights by granting to them the rating of chief petty officer?

In view of the advantage obtained by naval shipwrights who accept the new rates of pay, as explained in the reply to the hon. Gentleman's previous question, it is not considered that any ground exists for objection to the conditions attached to the acceptance of the new scheme. Any men, however, who do not accept the new rates of pay and prefer to return to dockyard employment on the expiration of their naval service, will be placed on the established list additional to the present establishment, and their return will thus not interfere with the existing prospects of establishment of dockyard shipwrights on the hired list.

Is the House to understand that the establishment list is to be enlarged?

Yes. If the men do not accept the new rating and go back to the dockyard, they are going on the establishment additional to the present numbers which have been agreed to by us, and therefore they will not prejudice the chances of the dockyard hands.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask the First Lord to make that clear on the naval estimates?

I have made it sufficiently clear this afternoon.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that misunderstanding prevails among the naval shipwrights as to the meaning of the second principle set out on page 6 of the statement showing the present and new rates of pay to the Royal Navy; will he explain what is meant by the statement that shipwright third class will be a leading rate, and at the expiration of one year, if satisfactory, men will be advanced to the petty officer grade of shipwright second class; and does this mean that the naval shipwrights, who are at present merely leading seamen, will be given the rating of chief petty officer?

The leading rate of shipwright third class will be confined to men who have been trained as boy shipwrights and are undergoing their first year of service in the Fleet. At the expiration of that period, if satisfactory, they will be advanced automatically to the petty officer rating of shipwright second class. The rating of chief petty officer is restricted to chief shipwrights.

Is the House to understand that shipwrights are not to be allowed to rank as chief potty officers?

No. The rating of chief petty officers is restricted to chief shipwrights.

asked whether any change is contemplated in the number of skilled labourers to be attached to each gang of shipwrights in the Royal dockyards?

No change in existing arrangements is at present contemplated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can see his way to grant naval shipwrights the rating of chief petty officer, especially in view of the fact that such a concession would provide an additional inducement for lads of a superior class to enter the Navy?

Under the new scheme for naval shipwrights, all skilled shipwrights (including men who have been trained as boy shipwrights in the dockyards, and have completed one year's approved service in the Fleet) will hold the rating of petty officer, and all chief shipwrights the rating of chief petty officer. It is considered that the inducements provided by this scheme for lads of the right class to enter the Navy in this rating are sufficient.

asked when the reply to the petition of the naval shipwrights will be given?

The petition will be answered when the details of the new rates of pay and conditions of service for naval shipwrights are communicated to the Fleet in the Circular Letter which is now in course of preparation and will be issued immediately.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that from Monday last an alteration has taken place in the prices paid for piece-work by hand at Devonport Dockyard, and that, instead of paying pieceworkers 40 per cent. for all work ½-inch and under and 50 per cent. for all work above ½-inch, a uniform rate of 40 per cent, is now being paid; whether he is aware that the change is causing dissatisfaction; and can he see his way to appoint a piece-work board where men and masters can meet together and set prices, as is done in outside shipwright firms?

An alteration has recently been made in the piecework rates for drilling with pneumatic tools by which certain work which was formerly paid for at the rate of 30 per cent. of the prices in the schedule will in future be paid for at the rate of 40 per cent. of those prices. At the same time, it has been arranged that certain work which was paid for at the rate of 50 per cent. will be paid for at the rate of 40 per cent., the intention being in these cases that in future the men shall invariably be supplied with high speed drills, which will enable them, generally speaking, to earn at the 40 per cent. rate as much as they have been able to earn at the 50 per cent. rate. From certain reports which have come in, this appears to be borne out in actual experience under the new arrangement. My information, however, is not fully complete. When it is, I will go into the matter and take care that any ground for legitimate grievance, if such exist, shall be removed. With regard to the question of appointing a piecework board, the suggestion has been put to me at the annual hearing of petitions, and will receive the consideration of the Board; but I am afraid I can hold out no prospect that it will be found possible under our organisation to follow the practice which the hon. Gentleman refers to as adopted by outside firms.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the Official Receiver will be in a position enabling him to make a further distribution of assets to depositors in the Birkbeck Bank?

A further distribution of 2s. 8d. in the £, making with previous distributions a total of 16s. in the £, will be made by the Official Receiver to depositors in the Birkbeck Bank on 2nd April next.

asked whether the President of the Board of Trade intends to continue, as part of the Census of Production, the triennial enumeration, for each county area separately, of persons employed in factories and workshops in the county, seeing that the local figures are of great importance for the local public health service?

By arrangement between the Home Office and the Board of Trade the Returns of the numbers of persons employed, which will be required in connection with the second Census of Production, will be made to serve the purposes of the separate Returns of persons employed hitherto collected by the Home Office. It is not proposed to publish figures for separate counties in the Reports on the Census of Production.

asked what are now the six largest industries in the country in the order of their magnitude gauged by the number of hands employed therein respectively?

According to the Census of 1901 the groups of occupations in which the largest number of persons were engaged in the United Kingdom were (in order)—agriculture, domestic service, conveyance of men, goods and messages, metal, engineering and shipbuilding, clothing, textiles, and building.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when we will get the more recent figures in the last Census?

I cannot say, but as soon as possible.

asked, in respect of the moneys paid by the Board of Trade for appearances at the recent "Titanic" Inquiry, whether the sum of £750 was paid to Messrs. Helder, Roberts, and Company; and how much of this represented counsel's fees to the hon. and learned Member for East Glamorganshire, and how much for the solicitor's other outlay?

The sum of £750 was paid to Messrs. Helder, Roberts, and Company in connection with the "Titanic" Inquiry. Two-thirds of this amount represented counsel's fees, and one-third solicitor's costs.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will state, in respect of the moneys paid by the Board of Trade for appearances at the recent "Titanic" Inquiry, whether the sum of £750 was paid to Mr. Alexander Smith; and how much of this represented counsel's fees to the hon. and learned Member for North Sligo and how much for the solicitors' other outlay?

The sum of £750 was paid to Mr. Alexander Smith in connection with the "Titanic" Inquiry. Two-thirds of this sum represented counsel's fees and one-third solicitor's costs.

May I ask whether calamities of this nature should be used as an opportunity to distribute largesse to the supporters of the Government?

Arising out of the supplementary question, is it not the case that the fees in the "Titanic" Inquiry were fixed not by the Board of Trade, but by Lord Mersey acting under statutory powers in the ordinary course?

Is it not the case that the fees were fixed by agreement with the Attorney-General on behalf of the Crown; and is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Nationalist party passed a resolution that no Member of that party shall accept any money from the Government in any shape or form, and yet there is a sum of £500 for the hon. Member for North Sligo (Mr. Scanlan)?

I understand that was in his professional capacity, and had nothing to do with his political opinions. In regard to the question of the hon. Member for North-West Lanarkshire (Mr. Pringle) I cannot answer offhand whether Lord Mersey did make some regulations actually fixing the fees.

Is it not rather strange that Members of the Nationalist party and a Member of the Welsh party—

Order, order. Those are questions which the hon. Member can answer for himself.

Is it not the fact that the two hon. Members above the Gangway have neither the capacity nor the ability to earn the money?

We were not ejected by the police, at any rate.

asked the Attorney-General who was responsible for fixing the fees payable to the Law Officers of the Crown, and the other counsel employed in the "Titanic" Inquiry?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The responsibility for fixing the fees paid to counsel representing the public in connection with the "Titanic" Inquiry rests with the Board of Trade. The necessary Treasury sanction was, of course, duly obtained.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of his Amendment to the Franchise Bill under which the occupation of premises is not to be a qualification for the Parliamentary Franchise, sleeping in quarters in barracks will constitute residence within the meaning of the Bill?

There would seem to be no doubt that sleeping-in quarters in barracks would constitute residence within the meaning of the Franchise Bill. The Amendment dealing with occupation makes no difference in this respect.

asked whether, if it is the intention of the Government to confer the franchise upon soldiers quartered in the United Kingdom, he intends to define residence in order to give effect to their intention?

It is not necessary to define residence for the special purpose of the soldiers' franchise, as the ordinary dwelling of a soldier in barracks will no doubt constitute residence.

asked what provision the Government intend to make in the Franchise and Registration Bill to enable soldiers to register their votes in cases where they have been moved from one constituency to another within six months of a general or by-election?

Soldiers moved from one constituency to another will be able, just as any other voters under the Bill, to vote in the constituency from which they are moved during the period in which they are qualifying to vote in the constituency to which they are moved.

Is it not obvious that, in the case of a whole regiment being moved from one constituency to another, they are not in the same position as any other voters moving; is it not the case that soldiers are moved for the purposes of the nation, and, therefore, are not in the same position as civilians; and is it not obvious that in the exercise of the franchise there ought to be special provision to enable soldiers to vote?

I do not think that any preferential position can be given to any one class of subjects over another. Civil servants, as well as others who perform official duties, have to be moved from one constituency to another, and they are put to exactly the same inconvenience as soldiers.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether it is the intention of the Government, under the Amendments he has put down to Clause 1 of the Franchise Bill, that absence abroad from a residence owned or occupied by a duly qualified voter will disqualify him from exercising the franchise on his return; and, if so, whether the effect of this will be to disqualify many of the few sailors who now have occasionally the opportunity of voting at Parliamentary elections, and also all persons whose business necessitates absence abroad for complete periods of six months, even though they continuously pay rates and taxes on a residence in this country?

Temporary residence abroad will not disqualify a voter. It is possible that the Amendments dealing with occupation may in some cases have the effect pointed out in the question, though it is very doubtful whether there will be many such cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether he can put some provision in the Bill which will show, now occupation is to be no longer the qualification, what a residence of six months really means—whether it means residence every night or one or two nights during a period of six months?

I think that is a matter for discussion on the stages of the Bill. There is a good deal to be said why residence should not be defined, but I prefer to postpone any observations I have to make on that matter.

Will we be allowed to discuss anything?

May I say that the Prime Minister gave me a pledge, when this Bill was introduced, that we should consider the whole question of the franchise for sailors?

I have no doubt that will be so.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can give a list of telegraph offices in the Highlands and Islands that are supported by local guarantees, and showing to what extent the local guarantees are supplemented by the Scottish Board of Agriculture?

I am sending the hon. Member a list of the guaranteed telegraph offices in Scotland. None of these offices is directly guaranteed by the Scottish Board of Agriculture, but I am informed that the Board pays to the guarantors a portion of the deficit claimed by the Post Office in regard to the fifteen offices whose names are marked on the list.

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate the list with the voles?

I will consult my right hon. Friend on the matter.

asked whether the Postmaster-General has been officially informed that the membership of the refreshment club in the Exeter post office is likely to be greatly reduced by reason of the proposed changes in the arrangements there, and that, on account of the smallness of the number of whole meals taken, the subsidy promised to the club will be of merely nominal amount; and whether he will take steps to ascertain whether the case is similar to those of the branch post offices and telephone exchanges in London, where an allowance for service is made, and suitable to be dealt with by that means?

Refreshment clubs are carried on successfully on the lines proposed for Exeter at offices where the staff is about the same in numbers, and even where it is much smaller, but the reason able support of the staff is, of course, an essential condition of success. The case is not parallel to those of the branch post offices and smaller telephone exchanges in London, where exceptional arrangements are made for small staffs because of their difficulty in getting home for meals. No such arrangements are made now in the provinces, and the system at Exeter is a relic of old arrangements which have been abolished practically all over the Kingdom.

May I ask whether, as the local difficulties at Exeter have produced these results which have destroyed this provision, the hon. Gentleman will reconsider the position, and ascertain whether there are special local circumstances which make more applicable exceptional treatment of these men in Exeter?

Certainly, I will do that. I believe it is likely that there will be some changes later on, owing to the probable establishment of a sorting office at the station.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether any provision is to be made in the Established Church (Wales) Bill for the maintenance of the ancient churchyards in the Principality; and (2) whether, in the Established Church (Wales) Bill, any provision is to be made and who will be responsible for the maintenance of the ancient churchyards in the Principality.

Burial grounds of ecclesiastical parishes other than those which are the proceeds of private benefactions will, after the determination of the existing incumbencies, be transferred. Firstly, in cases where the burial grounds are situated in areas in which the Burial Acts are in force, or in which burial grounds have been provided tinder the Public Health (Interments) Act, 1879, or a local Act, to the burial authorities; or, if the Welsh Commissioners think fit, to trustees on behalf of the burial authorities. Secondly, in cases where the burial grounds are situated in rural parishes in which the Burial Acts are not in force, to the parish councils, or, if no such council exist, they will be vested in the chairman of the parish meeting and the overseers of the parish; and, thirdly, in any other cases, to the council of the borough or urban district in which the burial ground is situated. These respective bodies will, of course, be liable for the maintenance of the burial grounds transferred to them, as if they were burial grounds provided under the Burial Acts. All burial grounds closed before the date of Disestablishment will be transferred to the representative body of the Church if they so request.

asked the Home Secretary why no criminal proceedings have been instituted against any of the persons implicated in the Report of Detective Inspector Kane on his special business in Ireland in 1907?

This question should have been addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland. I have no evidence whatever that any offence in connection with the Crown Jewels was committed in England.

May I ask, does not the act of pawning the jewels here in London bring the thieves within the jurisdiction of the Home Office?

I am not aware of any such act.

Do I understand Inspector Kane is not under the authority of the right hon. Gentleman?

That is not the point. The point whether I have any jurisdiction or not would depend whether any offence has been committed in this country, and I have no evidence that any offence has been committed.

Did the right hon. Gentleman personally or did his Department agree that Inspector Kane should be employed in investigating this case?

I cannot say I personally agreed; but Inspector Kane was lent for the purpose, but that would not bring the matter within my jurisdiction.

Has the right hon. Gentleman Inspector Kane's report on the case?

Oh, yes. That question was answered last week.

Can we see it?

No.

May I ask if the four persons publicly accused of this crime failed to bring an action against the accuser, thus acknowledging their guilt, and will the ordinary law be put in operation against them?

I am not aware that any persons have been publicly accused of this crime.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that four persons have been accused in this House, and that the accuser is under pledge not to avail of privilege if they bring an action?

I do not know whether the claim of privilege depends on the accuser or not. I always understood it depends on this House.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent statement of the Chief Commissioner of Police that a Government Bill was, after the Sidney-Street affair, drafted to deal with the possession of and traffic in pistols, and that the restrictions contained in such Bill are necessary for the protection of the public; and, if so, when he proposes to introduce such measure?

The Government hope to be able to introduce a measure, which I trust will be treated as uncontroversial, next Session.

If there should be controversy, will the right hon. Gentleman introduce the Bill?

Yes, I will introduce the measure, but I hope it will be taken as non-controversial.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ascertained that it can be brought forward as a non-contentious measure?

I have not, but from the nature of the Bill I hope it will be treated as non-controversial.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a representation from the Mahomedans of Ran-goon asking protection for Mussulman refugees in Macedonia; and, if so, what action has been taken on such representation?

A representation has been received from the President of the Moslem Association of Rangoon, asking for protection of Mussulman refugees in Macedonia from the alleged outrages to which they were subjected. In regard to the second part of this question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 9th January by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. Member for Central Hull.

asked what steps are to be taken to reconstitute the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and to provide salaries for members thereof, in view of the additional duties to be cast on that body under the Government of Ireland and Established Church (Wales) Bills, should these measures become law?

The Government are considering the matter raised by the hon. Member's question. I may remind him that by the Appellate Jurisdiction Bill now before this House it is proposed to appoint two addtional Lords of Appeal in Ordinary. If appointed they would add to the number of judges available for sittings in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the salaries paid amount to something like £76,000, and does he not think that is sufficient for the work or oven the new work?

I cannot answer that without notice.

Are there any paid members of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council at all as Privy Councillors?

Lords of Appeal are.

Not as Privy Councillors.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been given to the General Report of the Public Trustee, in which certain amendments of the law are declared to be desirable; and whether, with the probability of legislation on these matters proving non-contentious, he can promise the introduction of a Government measure on this subject in the course of next Session?

The matter is receiving careful consideration, but my right hon. Friend can give no pledge with regard to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the raising of the status generally of those who are employed in the Public Trustee's office, especially in the matter of salary?

I cannot give an answer without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the detrimental effect upon market gardeners of the recent decision of the Court of Appeal in Kedwell v. Flint, depriving them of the benefits intended to be conferred by the Market Gardeners' Compensation Act, 1895, and of the fact that decisions founded thereon continue to be given by other Courts to the loss and embarrassment of this class of agricultural producer, he can see his way to take the remaining stages of the Market Gardeners' Compensation (No. 3) Bill, being a wholly non-contentious measure, without delay?

My right hon. Friend is fully aware of the importance of the matter, but he can make no statement at present.

asked the Prime Minister why the term of office of the Lord Lieutenant is restricted to six years under the Government of Ireland Bill?

The term of six years was chosen because it follows the precedent of 1893 and is longer than the normal duration of Parliament.

Is there any particular reason why this office should be expressly restricted in its duration, whereas no such restriction is imposed in the case of other Viceroys and Governors?

The hon. Member had better give notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government intend to take the Railways (No. 2) Bill?

It is not yet possible to fix a date, but, as recently stated, it is not likely to be before next month.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is really alive to the fact that the definite pledge given by him on behalf of the Government in regard to this matter is now sixteen months overdue, whilst the railway companies have incurred very heavy expenses in carrying out their part of the bargain?

I am certainly alive to the fact that I gave a very definite pledge on behalf of the Government when settling the railway dispute, but nobody knows better than the Noble Lord the difficulties which have occurred in carrying out that pledge. The objections have by no means been confined to one side of the House. We have experienced very great difficulties, but the Noble. Lord knows perfectly well that the Board of Trade have been doing their very best to redeem the pledge which the Government gave.

I know the Board of Trade have done their best, but it is the measures of the right hon. Gentleman which have interfered with the Board of Trade in bringing forward the Bill.

I really do not know what the Noble Lord means by my having interfered with the Board of Trade. He has no right to say that, and, on the contrary, I have done my very best to assist the Board of Trade, and the Board of Trade will confirm what I say, in carrying out the pledge. I consider it not merely a pledge of the Government, but a personal pledge of mine; and I shall stand by it whatever happens.

When the railway companies agreed to settle the strike by concessions, were they told they were to be put off for a year and a half?

asked when the Government will carry out their expressed intentions with regard to Blocking Motions?

The matter has not been lost sight of, and my right hon. Friend hopes shortly to be able to give a date.

Do I understand that a day will be given for an actual discussion on the Motion for altering the Standing Orders?

I really do not like to say, but my recollection is that it was suggested that if there was general agreement as to the character of the Motion to meet the wishes of hon. Members there would be a discussion late one evening.

Has a sufficient measure of general agreement yet been arrived at?

I think my hon. Friend had better put that question to the Prime Minister.

asked the Home Secretary whether the habitual criminals detained in Camp Hill Prison receive more privileges and comforts than are allowed to poor debtors committed to prison for non-compliance with judgment summonses; and, if so, whether he can see his way to place debtors who have committed no criminal offence in a position of at least equality with these habitual criminals?

The two cases do not admit of comparison. The principles affecting the treatment of prisoners committed for a period of days or weeks for the purpose of enforceing the payment of debts have no bearing upon those which should regulate the treatment of convicts confined for a period of years for preventive purposes after they have served a term of penal servitude. If the two classes of prisoners were treated alike, debtors would have to begin serving their sentences under the conditions imposed by penal servitude.

Is it not the fact that the one is a notorious criminal and the other has committed no criminal offence at all?

Yes; but the notorious criminals have already been punished by a period of penal servitude, and it was only after they have served that punishment that they come under the provisions applicable to preventive detention.

Why cannot a debtor have such things as shaving-water?

If a debtor goes through a period of penal servitude, he will subsequently have all the amenities which the hon. Gentleman thinks attach to preventive detention; but it would be unfair to put a debtor in the first instance under the conditions of penal servitude.

asked the Home Secretary whether the convict, John Williams, who was sentenced to death at Lewes Assizes on the 17th December, applied in writing to the Home Office for permission to marry Florence Seymour in order that the child whose birth she was expecting should be born legitimately; whether his application was refused without any reason being given; whether Florence Seymour gave birth to a child, of which the prisoner acknowledged himself the father, on the 29th December; and, if so, whether he will state the grounds for his decision in this case?

The application of the prisoner was made verbally through the Governor, not in writing. Applications by prisoners to marry while in prison have not infrequently been made and on grounds similar to those advanced by Williams, but they appear from the records of the Home Office to have been invariably refused. There were special circumstances in this case against my setting aside this unbroken rule. An appeal was then pending and marriage would probably have had the legal effect of preventing the woman, who was a principal witness for the prosecution, from being called to give evidence if so required by the Court of Appeal. Moreover, it must be remembered that in all capital cases after conviction and before execution the question of the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy has to be considered. It is impossible for me to know, and I cannot discuss, the motives which prompted the request for leave to marry, but the effect of such a marriage would have been to introduce into the case an element which was likely to excite strong expressions of sentiment, but which had no true bearing on the prisoner's guilt and culpability. In these circumstances, I was satisfied that it would not be in the public interest that the marriage should be allowed to take place.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether John Williams is an Englishman or a domiciled Scotchman?

I believe that Williams is of Scotch parentage, but whether he is domiciled in England I cannot say.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a doctor who joins a panel under the National Insurance Act after the official list of the panel has been published can begin to undertake work immediately he joins, or whether he will have to wait till the next publication of the names on the panel; and whether a county insurance committee can refuse to pay him for services rendered under such circumstances?

In any district where the normal panel system is in force a doctor can join the panel at any time. His name would not be included in the published list until such time as the insurance committee issued a revised list of practitioners on the panel. He would be entitled to receive payment in respect of insured persons who elect to be treated by him, and whose treatment he undertakes as from the date on which he joins the panel. Those insured persons who do not express a wish to be attended by any particular doctor will be assigned by the insurance committee to doctors on the panel, and as far as possible under arrangements made by the practitioners on the panel at that time.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman correctly, that the doctors who join the panels late will also get their share of the insured persons who do not choose their own doctors?

Not necessarily for the first three months.

Under the Regulations they will receive payment for any services they undertook immediately after joining the panel?

Yes. They will receive payment in respect of insured persons whose treatment they undertook as from the date of joining the panel.

Does not the Act provide that every doctor shall have the right to join the panel at any time?

Certainly. My first statement was that in any district where the normal panel system is in force a doctor can join the panel at any time.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman state that for the first three months he would not have the full opportunity?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will refer to my answer.

asked whether approved societies or the insurance committees will be allowed to provide medical benefit for insured persons over sixty-five at the commencement of the Act; and, if so, whether the extra grant of 2s. 6d. will be payable in respect of them?

By Section 49 (3), persons over sixty-five at the commencement of the Act who come under the special provisions of that Section and are members of approved societies are entitled to such benefits as the society determines, and can provide out of their employers' and their own contributions, and the State 2d. As far as I am aware, however, all the approved societies have chosen that this money should be devoted to the provision of sick pay rather than of medical treatment. Insurance committees have the same powers and duties in the case of persons of this class who are deposit contributors as the societies have in the case of members of approved societies.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman issue to societies two forms of alternative benefits, neither of which included medical benefits, directing the societies to choose one or the other?

No. They were purely optional for the guidance of societies giving actuarial figures of what could be provided if they chose either of them.

asked whether the proposed extra grant of 2s. 6d. will be allowed to provide medical benefit for existing members of friendly societies who do not become insured persons because they were over sixty-five at the commencement of the Act?

The answer is in the negative. Societies which have decided to devote the 9d. a week (or 8d. in the case of women), under Section 49 of the Act, to sick pay rather than to medical benefit will make their own arrangements for medical treatment of their members outside the Act.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the 2s. 6d.—the £1,6.50,000—will also be available for such benefits?

Not outside the Act.

asked why the Statutory Rules, No. 17 and 19, relating to the administration of medical benefit, dated 5th December, 1912, and the Forms 21 and 22, relating to persons desiring to make their own arrangements for medical treatment, were not sent to Members of Parliament until the 8th January, 1913?

The Medical Regulations (S.R.O. 1719) were laid on 5th December as H.C. 386, and were available to all Members through the Vote Office on 7th December. The stock of forms Medical 21 and 22 (apart from some advanced copies) was only received from the printers on 6th and 7th January, and copies were immediately sent to Members.

asked whether insured workers under the National Insurance Act must expect that records of their ailments, even of a delicate nature, will pass into the hands of local and State officials, as stated widely in certain quarters; and whether the Insurance Commissioners will take measures to prevent any infringements of the reticence and secrecy which the medical profession are supposed to observe concerning their patients' cases?

The statements to which I am very glad that my hon. Friend has called attention are absolutely incorrect. The only records which are to be kept are those which will be entered in the prescribed form of day-book. This daybook will be in the sole custody of the doctor. Nobody except the doctor can have access to it. Those leaves of the daybook which pass out of the doctor's hands are perforated, so that while the part containing the name and address of the patient and the attendances (but not the nature of the illness) is sent to the insurance committee, the other part, containing the nature of the illness and certain other particulars (but not anything by which the patient can be identified), will not go to the committee, but will be used for statistical purposes only. In this way absolute secrecy will be secured, and any danger of breach of professional confidence entirely avoided.

In view of the publicity given to these statements, will the right hon. Gentleman circulate these facts to the approved societies or take other steps to make them widely known?

I think the approved societies know these facts, but I have seen statements in the newspapers which seem to show that the newspapers, or some of them, do not. I will take such steps as I can to see that they shall know them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate this information to the newspapers?

Yes.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, on behalf of the Insurance Commissioners, he is now in a position to state that, except under certain defined and special circumstances, insured persons are not entitled, under the terms of the National Insurance Act, to make arrangements with any medical practitioners not serving on the panel in the district in which they reside?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to an answer I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for St. Pancras West, on the 6th January.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the number of persons who have availed themselves of Section 1, Sub-section (3), of the National Insurance Act and become voluntary contributors?

The total number of insured persons who are voluntary contributors is not available until all the cards have been received from the societies and have better scheduled classification by the Commission.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give some approximate idea as to how many out of the 12,000,000 are voluntary contributors'? Can he say whether the number is large or small?

I am afraid I have no information. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question asking for an approximate answer, I will try to find out.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury when the Index to the National Insurance Act, the publication of which was promised by him many weeks ago, will be circulated to Members of Parliament?

The Index has been presented as promised and was made available to all Members through the Vote Office on the 2nd November last.

asked when the Paper dealing with the cost and scope of medical benefit in Germany and giving collections of agreements entered into by the German doctors and the association under the German insurance scheme, publication of which was promised by him in July last, will be issued; and what is the reason for the delay?

An officer was sent to Germany to conduct during the autumn a detailed investigation with a view to the preparation of a report on medical benefit under the German State Insurance legislation in accordance with my promise of 24th July last. The publication of the report has been postponed in consequence of the protracted illness of the officer in question. It will, however, be laid on the Table of the House to-day.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that girl clerks employed by the National Insurance Commissioners at the Central Office, Maida Vale, are kept at work on Saturday afternoons until four and five o'clock without any extra pay; whether he will state what are the actual hours these girls of sixteen years of age and upwards are supposed to work on Saturdays; and if he will arrange that any time worked above the regular hours shall be paid for at overtime rates and that overtime already worked shall at once be paid for?

Established Civil servants are allowed a half-holiday on alternate Saturdays provided that the interests of public business do not suffer. The hours of the officers referred to in the question are eight on an ordinary day and four on days allowed as half-holidays. In fact, a half-holiday has been granted to the girl clerks referred to in the hon. Member's question on four out of the last eleven Saturdays, and it is intended to grant extra half-holidays later in the year in compensation for any half-holidays lost. All the overtime of these girls has been paid for at ordinary overtime rates, but work on a Saturday before, five o'clock, when the interests of the public service do not permit of a half-holiday, cannot be paid for as overtime. The question of substituting a weekly half-holiday for a fortnightly one in the Civil Service is now under consideration.

It it is proved that the interests of the State do not permit of these girls having a half-holiday every week, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of employing additional hands?

I think they will all get a half-holiday in alternate weeks, or a half-holiday to make up for any lost, unless the whole Civil Service receive a weekly half-holiday.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of employing additional hands?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, inview of the medical and nursing necessi- ties of the Highlands and Islands, disclosed in the Report of the Committee presided over by the hon. Member for Inverness, he can make some temporary arrangement by which doctors will receive adequate remuneration for their attendance on insured persons?

The extra Grant for mileage in the case of sparsely-populated districts is now receiving the attention of ray right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and an announcement as to the conditions of the Grant will be made in due course.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the doctors in certain parts of the North would only come into the insurance scheme on the understanding that a fair mileage fee would be paid, and that it is impossible to carry out the provisions of the Act unless it is paid; and will the right hon. Gentleman give the matter attention?

It is to meet these cases that this Grant has been promised. We are now receiving reports from these districts as to the particular steps to be taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when this Report will be made available to Members of the House?

I do not know that it ever will be made available. The reference is to reports from the insurance committees in these districts, saying what they think will be a fair amount to allow in these cases.

I meant the Report of the Committee presided over by the hon. Member for Inverness?

That Report, I understand, has been presented to the House, and can be obtained in the Vote Office.

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to act upon the recommendations of that Report?

I am afraid I cannot make any statement as to that; they are far-reaching in their effect.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what provision can be made for payment of expenses of members of insurance committees in cases where the levy from insured persons is inadequate to meet such expenses?

The amount available for the travelling expenses of members of insurance committees under the present provisions of the Act depends upon the number of insured persons in the areas of the different committees. The exact numbers of these persons will not be available for a few weeks. In the meantime, the Commissioners are making special inquiries to ascertain the exact position in such districts as the Orkneys and Shetland, and until this information is obtained I am unable to make any statement as to the necessity of any special provision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some of the North counties it takes two days for some of the members of the insurance committees to get to a central part for the discussion of insurance matters?

It is just because of such facts as those that we are making special investigations.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what provision has been made for the supply of beds for cases of tuberculosis in the event of the beds in isolation hospitals approved by the Local Government Board under the National Insurance Act being required in an outbreak of infectious disease?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The arrangements vary in different cases, but they have generally been made with a view to diminishing the likelihood of its being necessary to vacate the beds on an outbreak of disease. A large proportion of cases of tuberculosis which are receiving residential treatment could, however, be given other treatment should it be necessary at any time to remove them.

asked whether any motor cars have been purchased for the use of inspectors under the National Insurance Act; and, if so, how many cars have been bought, and what is the total cost?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether regulations have been made under which inspectors under the National Insurance Act are to work; whether there is any provision or recommendation that two and sometimes three inspectors travel round a district together in a motor car; and, if not, will he take steps to see that public money is not spent in this way?

Instructions as to travelling have been issued to inspectors under the Act similar in character to those issued by other Government Departments having an outdoor staff. These instructions provide that the most economical method of locomotion shall be adopted consistent with due provision for the duties to be performed. If the hon. Gentleman has any instance in which he has evidence that public money has been unnecessarily expended, I shall be glad if he will communicate with me.

Is not two or three inspectors going round together an unnecessary expense?

I should think that two or three inspectors going round together would save money that would otherwise be spent.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the time of these inspectors, who get £700 a year, is worth so little that they use the motor cars in the way I have suggested?

I should have thought motor cars would be adopted to save that valuable time.

asked what rate of remuneration has been fixed for village postmasters and postmistresses for the extra work and responsibility entailed by the National Insurance Act; whether, in many instances, the remuneration for the first Quarter reached the sum of 1s., and in others, when this reward was considered by the recipient to be inadequate, the sum has been raised to 1s. 8d.?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question, and I beg to refer the hon. Member to replies given to similar questions on the 25th of November and 6th instant. In no case has payment been increased on the ground that the rate has been recognised to be inadequate.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the additional shilling was not the sole remuneration that many postmasters and postmistresses did receive in many country districts for administering the Act; will the right hon. Gentleman answer that?

Yes, if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.

That is just what I have put down.