asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken, by the issue of further orders, to equip the Army with the 316 one-man range-finders by which it is still deficient, according to the rate laid down for each battalion?

Further orders are being and will be issued as funds are available.

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in view that the price will be very much reduced if they are ordered in large bulk rather than in small batches?

Yes, I am aware of that consideration, which the hon. Gentleman has brought to my notice several times.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to appoint a Commission or Committee to examine the question of the rates of pay to officers in the Army; how far these rates affect recruitment; and whether they are adequate to attract the most suitable candidates, having regard to the remuneration in other professions and to the change of conditions since any substantial addition has been made to the long-prevailing rates?

As I have already informed the House, the rates of pay of officers in the Army have been and are now receiving my earnest consideration, and I do not think that at present the proposed Commission or Committee would materially facilitate progress in the direction mentioned.

Would not the appointment of such a Commission or Committee bring home to the mind of this House the facts of the case, and call attention to a very great grievance?

Will the pay of the soldiers be taken into consideration at the same time whenever the pay of the officers is taken into consideration?

It has been increased over and over again.

Will the right hon. Gentleman deal with the matter in introducing the Army Estimates in the coming 'Session?

At the present time I do not think such a Commission as is referred to is opportune. With regard to my hon. Friend's question, I would say we will certainly bear in mind the desirability of making it possible for the poor man to rise from the ranks in considering this question. In reply to the last question, I do not think I shall be able to make any full statement on the Army Estimates.

asked the difference between the price in the contract for German made cable for the Army camps at Tidworth and Bulford, accepted by the War Office, and the prices quoted by the three lowest English contractors for best quality English cable?

The tenders were for the complete installation and do not indicate separately the cost of the cable. The three lowest tenders which included cable believed to be of British manufacture, were from 27 per cent, to 37 per cent, above the accepted tender.

asked whether the War Office Department have issued specifications for extra work at Tidworth and Bulford camps; were the War Office electrical staff able to prepare these without the assistance of Messrs. Kennedy and Jenkin; and do the specifications again allow for the use of German cable, or must it be of British manufacture by members of the Cable Makers' Association?

Specifications for the internal wiring of some houses at Tidworth have been issued; these were prepared by the Department of the Director of Barrack Construction and not by the electric light staff of the War Office. The conductors are to be association grade Cable Makers' Association make.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that there is a different requirement in the specification from the one in the previous specification?

I must have notice of any further question on these very technical matters.

asked at what date flogging was abolished as a method of disciplinary correction in the Army; whether any demands have since been received from officers or others asking for its reintroduction; and whether, since the abolition of flogging, there has been any deterioration or improvement in the morale and discipline of the Army?

Flogging was restricted by the Mutiny Act of 1868 to active service and to certain offences committed while under sentence in military prisons. Under the Army Discipline and Regulation Act, 1881, it was further restricted to military prisons and in 1906 corporal punishment in military prisons was abolished. No demands have been put forward by officers or others for the reintroduction of flogging. The general improvement of conduct in the Army during the last few years has been remarkable, but it is not possible to say whether that improvement is due to the abolition of flogging.

Of course it is.

asked whether the Grant which is given to county associations for the provision of clothing and equipment for Infantry Territorial battalions is calculated on the basis of packs being included in the equipment; and, if not, from what source should county associations draw the money if they decide to adopt packs?

The initial equipment Grant is calculated on the cost of the 1903 pattern bandolier equipment and not on the web pattern, which includes packs. If county associations desire to adopt packs the cost must be met out of surplus funds.

The right hon. Gentleman has given them too much, so they will have surplus funds?

I have not given too much, but they have got the surplus funds in many cases, I am glad to say.

asked whether the twenty-seven fourth battalions of the Special Reserve will be available for foreign service just as much as any others; and whether they might have to go abroad and into the fighting formation?

These battalions would be available for service abroad at the commencement of war either in relief of Regular battalions oversea who were required to proceed to the seat of war or for the lines of communication.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the ex-Secretary of State for War said that men trained for less than six months would be no use against Continental troops?

Nothing which my Noble Friend has said is at all in opposition to the statement which I have just made.

Did not the ex-Secretary of State for War say that troops trained for less than six months would be of no use against Continental troops, and is not that a direct negative of what has just been said?

Mr. Speaker has ruled that I cannot be expected to remember all Lord Haldane's speeches.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the loss inflicted upon the licensed trade in the county of London under the Finance Act, 1909, by reason of the higher assessment of licensed houses under the Metropolitan Quinquennial Valuation Act as compared with the rest of the country; and whether he is prepared to deal with this state of affairs in the Finance Bill of this year?

The principle of assessment is the same throughout the whole country, namely, the full annual value at which the licensed premises are worth to be let by the year, and on this principle no inequality, so far as is known, exists in the assessments in the Metropolis as compared with the rest of the country.

Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that assessments are screwed up much higher in the Metropolitan area than outside, and that, therefore, a real injustice is inflicted in this way?

I do not think that the assessments are screwed up much higher. The rents are much higher, and to that extent they have got to pay more in their taxes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the hours of attendance without extra re muneration of the London Customs surveyors prior to the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments were fixed by Treasury Minute not exceeding eight hours per day between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. for landing and shipping, and between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for other duties; whether under G.O. 54/1912 their hours have been extended to a normal day between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. for all duties; whether he will state if surveyors are required or expected to give a less number of hours' attendance per normal day under the present conditions than hitherto; and, if so, to what extent?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second and third parts of the question, it is not expected that, as a general rule, the attendance which surveyors will be required to give between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. in future will exceed the attendance which they have given between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in the past.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Chairman of the Board of Customs and Excise stated in his evidence before the Committee on the Amalgamation of the Customs and Excise Departments that, with regard to the second and third-class surveyors of Customs, the present prospects of the second-class men are to succeed by selection to the first-class scale of £490 to £550 and the prospects of the third-class men are to succeed to the second-class scale of £430 to £480, and that some special arrangement seems required to reserve these prospects to them, otherwise they would be prejudiced; whether an increased maximum of £50 was given to meet this loss of prospects and to compensate for loss of overtime emoluments; what were the average overtime earnings of surveyors and principal clerks, respectively, for the year ended 31st December, 1911; and if he will say upon what basis the sum of £50 compensation was arrived at and applied to both surveyors and principal clerks, having regard to the disparity in the average overtime emoluments of the two grades?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The average overtime earnings of members of the old surveyor and principal clerk classes for 1911 are estimated at about £43 and £l, respectively. The increase of £50 in the maximum of these classes was granted by reference to the effect of amalgamation looked at as a whole, the different classes being, of course, affected in different ways.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the scheme for providing an embankment on the south side of the Thames from the new County Hall to the projected St. Paul's Bridge, and to the suggestion that the London County Council and the various local authorities concerned should be asked to contribute £500,000 towards the cost of the scheme, while the balance of approximately the same amount should be provided by the Road Board; and whether the funds at the disposal of the Road Board can properly be applied to schemes of this description?

No application has been made to the Road Board in connection with the scheme referred to, and I am, therefore, unable to reply to the last part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, owing to the decision in the case of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue v. Lumsden that a vendor who sells house property for more than its valuation under the Finance Act, 1909, and as Increment Duty is payable, although the site value has not increased, he will introduce legislation to amend the Act so that a vendor can deduct from any Increment Duty arising from the sale the legal expenses he is put to in buying and selling property before any Increment Duty is assessed?

In view of the provisions of Section 3 (5) of the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910, I do not consider amending legislation of the nature indicated by the hon. Member to be necessary.

Why will not the right hon. Gentleman allow legal expenses which have been incurred in selling before the amount of Increment Duty is assessed, since he allows deductions to be made for any improvement by the landlord before Increment Duty is assessed?

It is perfectly obvious that we cannot interpret a Clause in an Act of Parliament by question and answer. It has been discussed over and over again in Committee on the Finance Bill, and I have no doubt will be discussed again.

asked when it is proposed to introduce the legislation to amend the anomalies of the National Insurance Act which was promised on behalf of the Government at the time of the Edinburgh election?

As the main benefits of the National Insurance Act have only been in operation for barely a fortnight, it would be obviously premature to make any such statement as that asked for by the hon. Member. The actual words I used were, "where experience proves that the Act needs Amendment, either to meet special cases or otherwise, it will be amended."

Has it not already been proved beyond any question of doubt that the Act requires much alteration with regard to many of those who are particularly desirous of having their own doctor, as was promised by the right hon. Gentleman in his tabernacle speech?

The hon. Member should not raise a series of contentious matters at Question Time which he cannot pursue. It is only a waste of time.

asked whether, on the basis of the right hon. Gentleman's estimate that the number of insured persons and their dependants will probably include more than four-fifths of the total number of persons suffering from tuberculosis in the country, he realises that in Gloucestershire during the first six months of sanatorium benefit 53 per cent, of such cases will be amongst insured persons, and 27 per cent, amongst dependants; whether, seeing that on the basis of the Astor Report one sanatorium bed and one hospital bed will be required for every 5,000 of the population, sixty-six sanatorium beds and sixty-six hospital beds will be required for this purpose in Gloucestershire, fifty-two of each for insured persons and their dependants, and thirty-five of each for insured persons only, and that allowing for the provision in addition of nine dispensaries only the estimated annual expenditure will be £7,366, whereas the 8d. available for institutional treatment of insured persons is estimated to produce £3,433 only, leaving £3,933 to be found from other sources for insured persons alone, or including dependants £6,679, or including the whole community £8,738; and whether, in view of the unwillingness of the already over-burdened ratepayers and their representatives to provide out of the rates the sum of £4,369, a moiety of the above amount, he will be willing, in order that the work may not be carried out piecemeal, but that this problem may be attacked as a whole, to provide a larger proportion than hitherto promised of the above deficit by way of an increased Exchequer Grant?

I hope to see a deputation of the County Councils Association at an early date with regard to schemes for the treatment of tuberculosis throughout the country. In the meantime I do not think that I can undertake, within the limits of a Parliamentary answer, an argument as to the detailed financial proposals of one county.

asked whether the insurance committee for the county of Gloucester originally decided to provide for their tuberculous population nineteen dispensaries at an average distance of ten miles, so that such institutions might be reasonably accessible to all requiring advice and simple treatment, but that, when 6d. per head was deducted from the original Is. 3d. as representing domiciliary treatment under the arrangements for medical benefit, the number of dispensaries was reduced to nine only, the average area of such dispensary district being now 137 square miles; and whether the Chancellor of the Exchequer can state what is the area which each such dispensary ought to be made to serve?

The provision of dispensaries is a matter for the county council and not for the insurance committee. I am not aware that such a scheme as that referred to has been put forward, but even the number of dispensaries stated in the question to be now contemplated would seem to bear a very high proportion to the population as compared with the recommendations of the Astor Report.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are counties where there are large rural areas, and that as consequently there are greater distances for the population to travel, dispensaries must be more numerous?

I agree. I am only pointing out that they are considerably more numerous than the recommendation in the Astor Report-would warrant us in proposing.

asked in the ease of a young man whose home is in Chatham and whose occupation is in Gravesend, where he lives in rooms for the greater part of each week, from which place would he secure his medical aid if taken ill; or would he have the right to claim medical attendance in both Chatham and Gravesend, and secure a doctor from the panel in either place?

The insured person in question could choose a doctor from the Kent panel either in the neighbourhood of Gravesend or in that of Chatham. He could not be assigned to two panel doctors at the same time. If, after choosing a doctor in one of the districts, he could no longer obtain his services, he could notify the committee, whose duty it would then be to make arrangements for his attendance by another doctor.

asked the Prime Minister whether the proposed Supplementary Estimates will contain a provision for carrying out the recommendations in the recent Report of the Highlands and Islands Committee as to medical service?

I am afriad I can add nothing to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on this subject on the 20th and 23rd instant. The various Supplementary Estimates will be published as soon as possible.

asked whether domestic servants who are employed in two separate residences by the same employer at different times of the year are entitled to free medical attendance in each area under the National Insurance Act; and whether they are entitled to select a doctor from two separate panels?

Certainly, Sir. A domestic servant who at different times of the year resides in different areas, by giving notice on changing her residence to the insurance committee of the area to which she is going, will be able to select a doctor on the panel in the second area.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can now state the number of voluntary contributors under the National Insurance Act?

No, Sir, accurate information is not yet available. I believe about 10,000 voluntary contributors' cards have already been received from societies and about 200,000 cards for the third quarter have been applied for by societies in England for distribution either to their branches or to members direct. The number will, therefore, be something between these figures.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that there are a number of bank agents in the country whose work as such does not exceed one or, in some cases, two hours a day once or twice in the week while the agencies are open; that their remuneration for such work would be at a lower rate than £160 per annum if they were employed in whole-time service, but that their income from their concurrent and regular businesses and professions is often considerable, sometimes exceeding £l,000 a year; and whether, under these circumstances, he will include such agents among those obtaining a certificate of exemption under the National Health (Subsidiary Employments) Order, 1912 (No. 1)?

No cases of the kind referred to have been brought to my notice, and no application for exception has been received.

If any such cases are brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice, will he exempt them from the operation of the Insurance Act?

I will certainly bring them before the notice of the Commissioners with a view to possible action.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the West Bromwich list of firms from whom drugs and medical appliances can be obtained by insured persons under the terms of the National Insurance Act includes the name of a woman whose sole qualification is that of being a registered (not trained) midwife; and, seeing that it is a breach of medical etiquette for a practitioner to be associated in any professional respect with any person holding the position referred to, will he state what action he proposes to take?

I presume that the person referred to is a person whose name appears on the West Bromwich list as willing to supply drugs (other than scheduled poisons and medicines which require to be dispensed) and appliances. I do not know whether this person is a registered midwife; but, if she is, this would not disqualify her under the Act, nor, so far as I am aware, under any rule of medical etiquette, from supplying such articles to insured persons.

Is the lady in question qualified to dispense drugs?

Not unless she is qualified under the Pharmacy Act?

Has she an assistant to dispense drugs for her?

I do not know anything about that. If she is not qualified under the Pharmacy Act, she is certainly not qualified to dispense drugs.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the number of relatives and connections of officials and prominent members of large friendly societies who have been appointed to positions under the National Health Insurance Commissions; and how many of them were appointed as the result of open competition?

I would refer the hon. Member to Cd. 6095, 6231, 6540 and 6582 as to the methods of selecting persons for the different posts under Part I. of the National Insurance Act, and the names of the persons actually appointed with their qualifications. I do not propose to ask the Commissioners to make individual inquiries of each member of their staffs as to whether or not any of his relatives is an official or prominent member of a large friendly society.

Were not candidates informed that a knowledge of the Insurance Act and of the rules of friendly societies and a Civil Service examination were necessary? Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the question whether any applicants have obtained positions as a result of such an examination?

That is not the question at all. The hon. Gentleman asked me if I would state the number of relatives and connections of officials and prominent members of large friendly societies who have been appointed to positions under the National Health Insurance Commissions. I do not know who their relatives are, and I do not propose to inquire.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part, as to the number appointed as the result of examination?

I have referred the hon. Gentleman to three Command Papers, where he will find lull information.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will say who were the owners of the site of the Calton Prison at the time the prison was built; whether the owners at that time were granted a charter of the land; whether a price was ever paid for the land; whether the estate vested in the Prison Commissioners by the Prisons Act of 1877 was vested subject to all liabilities affecting the land at that date; and whether the Prison Commissioners are bound to discharge those liabilities before transferring the land to any other Department?

I am not in a position to make an authoritative statement on the points raised by my hon. Friend so far as they relate to a period anterior to the date at which the site was by Act of Parliament vested in the Prison Commissioners. As regards the position under the Act of 1877, I can only refer him to the terms of that Statute.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the commissioners of small holdings in Scotland are all whole-time servants of the Crown, or whether they have other outside duties and emoluments?

There is only one commissioner for small holdings in Scotland; he is assisted by three sub-commissioners. The commissioner and the sub-commissioners are all whole-time servants of the Crown, and have no other outside duties or emoluments.

Have they got anything in the nature of a directorship of a railway company, or industrial concern outside?

No paid office, I understand, at all.

asked whether a number of applications for small holdings under the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, from Hart-hill and the surrounding district were lodged with the secretary to the Scottish Board of Agriculture about May, 1912; if the right hon. Gentleman can state what steps have been taken to consider and deal with these applications; and whether the Commissioner for Small Holdings has yet visited the Harthill district or reported upon these applications?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; one of the sub-Commissioners to the Commissioner for Small Holdings has made inquiries in the Harthill district, but it has not been possible to discover any land available for the purpose of meeting the special demand of the applicants, most of whom are miners. I am informed that several of these applications are not of the ordinary kind for the purpose of cultivating the land.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that David Meredith applied to the Radnorshire small holdings committee for a small holding in March, 1908; that his application was in due course approved; that he has since repeatedly asked the small holdings committee to satisfy his approved requirements; and will he explain why no land whatever has been offered him during the whole of this period of four years ten months?

Mr. Meredith applied to the Brecon County Council for a particular farm, but the council considered that in consequence of the heavy cost of making the necessary adaptations and repairs, the rent which they would have to charge would be too high. The owner offered another farm to the council for the purpose of satisfying Mr. Meredith's requirements, but he refused it.

asked whether James Edward Critchard applied to the Devonshire small holdings committee for a small holding in February, 1908; that his application was in due course approved; that he has since repeatedly asked the small holdings committee to satisfy his approved requirements; and will the right hon. Gentleman explain why no land what ever has been offered him during the whole of this period of four years, eleven months?

Mr. Critchard applied for a particular piece of land, which the county council were of opinion could not be taken without injustice. I am informed that he has received and refused several offers of land, and that the council have received no communication from him for over two years.

asked whether Samson C. Crocker applied to the Devon shire Small Holdings Committee for a small holding in 1909; that his application was in due course approved; that he has since repeatedly asked the Small Holdings Committee to satisfy his approved require- ments; and will the right hon. Gentleman explain why no land whatever has been offered him during the whole of this period of nearly four years?

Mr. Crocker applied for twenty acres, and, through the' intervention of the county council, he has been provided with about twelve acres. It was understood that this land satisfied his requirements, but he has recently applied for more, and I am informed that his, application is under consideration.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that Thomas Titterton applied to the Derbyshire Small Holdings Committee for a small holding in February, 1908; that his application was in due course approved; that he has since repeatedly asked the Small Holdings Committee to satisfy his approved requirements; and will he explain why no land whatever has been offered him during the whole of this period of four years and eleven months?

Mr. Titterton applied for a particular piece of land, which could not be obtained for him without hardship to the existing tenant. He has recently been offered a holding of twelve acres in another part of the county, which he has refused. I am informed that, if any suitable land in his neighbourhood becomes available, the council will endeavour to meet his requirements.

asked whether Glasgow has recently, under an Act of Parliament, extended her municipal boundaries, and has now about 1,100,000 inhabitants; and, if so, whether the right hon. Gentleman will make representations, in view of these facts, to the authorities to have a branch of the Court of Session set up in that city, from which half of the legal business of Scotland emanates?

I am, of course, aware of the recent extension, but I am not prepared to give any pledge.

As this matter has been agitated for forty years, can the right hon. Gentleman not raise to himself a monument by bringing it into operation?

I will consider the question of the monument.

asked whether the Secretary for Scotland's attention has been called to the conviction of a child of eight years in the Northern Police Court, Glasgow, for begging on Christmas Day; whether he is aware that the police gave evidence that the father was a decent hardworking man, earning 22s. a week, on which he had to support a wife and eight children, and that the school board officer gave evidence that the child had made very good attendances at school, but the master's report was that lie seemed ill-nourished and sleepy in class; whether he is aware that the magistrate sentenced the child to be sent for eight years to an industrial school; whether he has communicated with the magistrate as to his reasons for imposing such a sentence; and whether he will institute inquiries as to the conditions under which this and other families with incomes of less than 22s. a week are living in Glasgow?

Perhaps the House will allow me to answer the question rather fully, as there has been considerable misapprehension about this case, which has been represented as one of a brutal sentence passed upon a mere child for a trivial offence. This is not a case of punishment at all. The magistrate acted under Section 58 of the Children Act, an Act which was passed, not for the punishment of little children, but to save them from the consequences of neglect. As the result of his inquiry, he came to the conclusion that it would be to the interest of the child that he should be fed, clothed, educated and taught a trade in an industrial school. I understand that my hon. Friend does not dissent from the magistrate's decision. The order of the magistrate places the child, who is nine and a half years of age, in a school until he is sixteen, but under Section 67 of the Children Act there is power by licence to permit the child "to live with any trustworthy and respectable person named in the licence willing to receive and take charge of him." From the information supplied to me by the assessor and clerk of Court, on behalf of the magistrate, I am satisfied that this was a proper case for applying the benefits of this Act. It was proved that the child was neglected, poorly clad, ill fed, was allowed habitually to wander through the streets late at night begging, and was in danger of growing up a mere street arab. It appears to me that he is just the type of child for whose benefit and reclamation industrial schools are maintained. As to the concluding part of the question, I fear I cannot in my reply deal with the vast subject raised. I hope that valuable results may ensue from the inquiries of the Royal Commission on Housing now sitting, but I fear a new inquiry would not be of much assistance. The facts of the problem of low wages are only too familiar.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that my concern is with the fate of the family of nine persons who are left behind, living on an income of 22s. a week and not having the benefit of the beneficent provisions of this Statute? If I address a question to the Prime Minister, will the right hon. Gentleman submit the facts to him in order that the Prime Minister may see whether he can appoint a Commission to inquire into the conditions under which families with small incomes live?

Certainly, I will be pleased to do so, but of course under the Children Act this child was taken up not for begging, though begging was the occasion of the order of the magistrate.

Will the other children have to go on the street to get the benefit of the Act?

I hope my hon. Friend will not put it like that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police officer gave a report to the effect that this child's attendance at school had been fairly satisfactory, and that the house and family were quite respectable; and are we to understand that owing to the poverty of families in Scotland parents are liable to have their children taken away from them by process of law for a period of eight years merely because they are poor?

No, Sir, that is not the reason. It is not merely because the child is poor, but because the child is neglected and is in peril of growing up as a danger to society. With regard to the question of the child's school attendance, it was very good, but the master reported that the child was very ill-educated, was very backward, and that he came to school sleepy and tired, which was to be expected from the way in which he spent his nights in the streets. I would request my hon. Friends not to ask me to discuss the facts about the parents.

As a much more favourable colour has been put upon this case by the long answer which the right hon. Gentleman has given, may I ask whether the parents or the father were consulted and acquiesced in the course taken?

I am not able to answer that, nor is that necessary; but I would say that the essential point that I have given at greater length today was stated with perfect clearness in my answer yesterday.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether a child can be taken away from its parents without any sort of consent from them?

In certain circumstances it can.

What is the object of the party behind the right hon. Gentleman passing the Children Act and then objecting when it is put in force?

I cannot understand it.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what experience Sir Sydney Olivier has had of British and Irish Agriculture?

I have nothing to add to the answers which I have already given to many similar questions addressed to me on this subject on 9th and 14th February.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether Sir Sydney Olivier ever had any experience at all of English or Irish agriculture?

I answered that question quite fully on 9th and 14th.

asked the Prime Minister (1) who were persons constituting the Treasury when the claims of H. C. Lunn, then of 22, Cornwall Road, Gillingham, Kent; W. Scudds, then of 55, Baden Road, Gillingham; and G. Clark, of 26, Fair Row, Chatham, for compensation under the Government's scheme for com pensation (No. 116) in case of injury to workmen in Government establishments, were made; and which of those persons heard and determined their claims; (2) whether he is aware that H. C. Lunn, boilermaker in His Majesty's dockyard, Chatham, received a blow on the head, in October, 1908, causing injury to his brain; that in the month of May, 1911, the Treasury, after long dispute, admitted liability, but only awarded him eighteen-sixtieths of his wages; that Lunn then was, and has ever since been, wholly incapable of work as the result of the accident, and as the result thereof is now confined in the County Lunatic Asylum, Fareham, Hampshire; and whether, as the head of the Treasury, he will direct that the full sum to which Lunn is entitled under the scheme, namely, twenty-four-sixtieths, shall be paid to his wife and children, with arrears from the date of his discharge from the Naval Hospital, Chatham, or appoint a time and place when the Treasury will sit to hear and decide his case in accordance with the compensation scheme; (3) whether he is aware that George Clark, general labourer in His Majesty's dock-yard, Chatham, in October, 1911, lost the use of the top joint of the forefinger of his left hand as the result of an accident arising out of, and in the course of, his employment; that he has been refused compensation, though his medical man certifies that, in his opinion, the injury to a certain extent prevents the man following his usual employment, and is a disability and a cause of loss of power in the hand; and whether, as the head of the Treasury, he will direct that the man be paid compensation, or appoint a time and place when the Treasury will sit to hear and determine Clark's case in accordance with the compensation scheme; and (4) whether he is aware that W. Scudds, skilled labourer in His Majesty's dockyard, Chatham, in October, 1905, was caught in a drilling machine and had his arm broken in six places; that as the result of the accident the man, who had theretofore enjoyed good health, completely broke down, and was ultimately discharged from His Majesty's dockyard, Chatham, on the 30th May, 1912, his discharge stating that the reason was extended illness; that his doctor certified in July, 1912, that he had been treating Scudds for the last five years for neurasthenia which, in his opinion, was due to the above accident; that, notwithstanding these facts, compensation has been refused; and whether he, as head of the Treasury, will direct that compensation be paid this man or appoint a time and place when the Treasury will sit to hear and determine Scudds' case in accordance with the compensation scheme?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply. The hon. and learned Member is under a misapprehension in supposing that any hearing is permissible under the Government scheme for compensation. The claims referred to were decided by the Treasury in the ordinary course of Departmental business. In the case of H. C. Lunn, the injury in October, 1908, was a slight scalp wound only, and it was considered doubtful by the Medical Referee (then Sir Dyce Duckworth (15278/10), to whom the Treasury referred the matter, whether Lunn's breakdown from nervous debility eighteen months later could be attributed to it. The Treasury, however, gave him the benefit of the doubt, and he was treated in hospital, receiving half-pay at the same time, till May, 1911, when, as attacks of headache and occasional dizziness persisted, he was discharged with compensation at the materially impaired rate in accordance with the medical certificates under the scheme which he had accepted. I am informed that Lunn was admitted into Fareham Asylum on 24th December, from which date the allowance has been increased to the maximum rate. As regards George Clark, the injury has left nothing more than a slight limitation of the movement of the terminal joint of the left index finger, and it is not considered that his capacity as a labourer is in any way affected. He continued to serve until discharged until the age limit. In the case of Walter Scudds, the Referee (Dr. Sharkey (23830/12) advises that the attack of melancholia which occurred in September, 1911, cannot be connected with the fracture of his right arm six years previously, from which he made a good recovery, No medical certificate to the effect stated in the question has been received. Scudds has now recovered, and was offered re-employment in the dockyard, but it is understood that he has gone to Canada.

With reference to the second question, surely the Government do not propose to save money because of the accident, and prevent the man's wife and child having the benefit?

If my hon. Friend will read the particulars which I am circulating, he will then see how the situation is.

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange for all the correspondence, minutes of interview, and other papers and memoranda relating to the arrangements made with the firm of Samuel Montagu and Company to be collected in one volume and issued for the information of Members?

A Parliamentary Paper of 153 pages has already been issued on the subject, containing all the correspondence; and the recommendations of the Finance Committee and the resolutions of the Council of India have been given in reply to a question. If the bon. Member is of opinion that there are any further particular documents "which should be published, I should be glad if he would address a specific request to this effect to the representative of the India Office.

asked the number of cases in which persons were convicted and sentenced during 1912 for serious offences in connection with the Women Suffrage movement, ranging from attempted arson and murder to stone throwing; and in how many the sentence was remitted or reduced?

I cannot give the figures as to convictions, but in 1912 there were 240 cases in which persons were received into prison under sentences for offences in connection with this agitation, and in eight-four of these cases the sentences were remitted or reduced.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that at the beginning of the present year there were in the Free Church of Scotland a total of ninety-eight vacancies out of a total of 174 churches or preaching stations; and whether he will consider, in these circumstances, the desirability of the Commission under the Churches (Scotland) Act, 1905, being again empowered to make a new allocation of property between the Free and the United Free Church of Scotland?

As I recently informed my hon. Friend, the statements of fact alleged by him are disputed by the authorities of the Free Church. In these circumstances I do not at present see my way to reopen the question.

Is the Prime Minister aware that out of twelve presbyteries of this Church in no fewer than eleven there are 50 per cent, or over of vacancies according to the official figures supplied, and in view of the facts of which I have given private information, will he not appoint a Committee to investigate?

It is disputed in point of fact by the authorities of the Free Church.

If I can give the Prime Minister accurate information that at the present moment one of the halls belonging to the Free Church and taken from the United Free Church is being used by a dancing master for dancing classes, and that the key is in the hands of a man who has been both in the Ecclesiastical and Criminal Courts, will he make inquiry?

Certainly, that would be a very pertinent fact.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture the conditions, if any, subject to which copies of or tracings from Ordnance Survey maps may be made for use by surveyors, land agents, and other persons engaged in private business; whether any payment is demanded for the privilege of making such plans or tracings; and, if so, what is the reason for such payment in view of the fact that such survey is carried out at the expense of the public?

Ordnance Survey maps are copyright. They may be inspected at the Board's office at 3, St. James's Square, and I shall be pleased to send to the hon. Member a copy of the regulations for such inspection. The Board are always prepared to consider applications for permission to make tracings for some public object, or to reproduce parts of the maps for special purposes.

Has any payment to be made for such tracing?

I will send the hon. Gentleman full particulars of the regulations. Of course the copyright cannot be copied without the leave of the State.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the joint stock banks which are willing to render assistance to rural credit societies will charge the societies for such assistance; whether it is contemplated in the arrangement made that the banks will make the bank profits on the loans they make to the rural credit societies as they arrange for in their ordinary business; and whether, in the arrangements made with the said banks, any maximum rate of interest that they may charge the rural credit societies has been fixed?

The banks have agreed to make no charge for advice given to the societies. With regard to the remaining parts of the question, no maximum rate of interest has been fixed, but the banks have undertaken to make advances on favourable terms.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that butchers before slaughtering animals invariably keep them fasting for twenty-four hours and consider it necessary to do so, and that practical expert men are of opinion that cattle fed and watered in Ireland at the port of embarkation would only be in the proper condition for slaughter in this country twenty-four to thirty-six hours after being fed at the port of shipment; and whether, having regard to the fact that if lie insists on the compulsory feeding of fat animals which are landed within a moderate distance from the place of intended slaughter it will necessitate the owner postponing the killing of the animals for at least twenty hours from the time of feeding on this side, and that this might inflict under some circumstances more cruelty than feeding would obviate, he will consider the advisability of modifying the regulations in such cases?

The requirement in the new Order that the animals shall receive a proper and sufficient supply of food and water has for many years been applied to foreign animals landed for slaughter, and I am not aware that it has caused any such difficulty as is suggested in the hon. Member's question. If difficulties arise in practice I am always ready to reconsider the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why special palm oil ordinances are required in Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast Colony to enable the grant of monopolies to Messrs. Lever Brothers, Limited, while similar legislation is not necessary to the grant of similar privileges to that firm in Southern Nigeria?

The statement in the letter from the Colonial Office to Messrs. Lever Brothers of 10th December, 1912, printed in the published correspondence, is that it is not proposed to introduce legislation in Southern Nigeria unless it is shown to be absolutely necessary, which is not at present the case. I may explain that the late Governor was of opinion that any necessary arrangements could be made by means of local agreements with the native chiefs of the districts concerned; and, if this should prove to be the case, it will obviate the necessity for legislative action.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is a great difference in the laws relating to the granting of monopolies in different Crown Colonies, and will he try to get a common policy for each Crown Colony?

I think it is very desirable to attain gradual uniformity in the regulations.

Does the right hon. Gentleman afford any protection to the native chiefs in connection with the agreements they enter into?

The agreements made with the chiefs have to be validated by the Courts of the Colonies.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he complied with the request of Mr. James Jamieson Thorburn, Governor of the Gold Coast Colony, for copies of laws of a similar nature to the proposed Palm Oil Ordinance for the Gold Coast to enable preferential treatment to be granted to Messrs. Lever Brothers, Limited, described by the Governor as, in effect, enabling the Government to grant a monopoly; or if no similar ordinance existed in British Colonies prior to 19121?

The hon. Member will see from the correspondence published in Cd. 6561 that the Governor asked either for copies of similar laws in other Colonies or for a draft of the proposed ordinance. I sent him a draft prepared by the Colonial Office.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the latter part of the question, whether there is any similar ordinance in any British Colony, or whether any similar ordinance has existed in any British Colony prior to last year?

No, there could not be, as similar circumstances did not exist anywhere.

Would it not have been a good thing if there had been similar ordinances in British Crown Colonies, rather than selling the land to speculators?

Is it not the fact that this is the largest monopoly ever granted to any one person in the Crown Colonies?

No. I think if the Noble Lord will refer to my right hon. predecessor who sits on the Front Bench opposite, he will find that is not so.

asked the right hon. Gentleman why, having informed Messrs. Lever Brothers, Limited, on 24th February, 1911, that, as the facilities they desired were so unusual in character and would affect so large a proportion of the palm-bearing area, he was unable to meet their wishes in respect of a larger area in Southern Nigeria than one of five miles radius, he subsequently intimated on 19th February, 1912, that he would offer no objection to an extension of the area within which the rights were granted from one of five to one of ten miles in radius?

As will be seen from the correspondence laid before Parliament, Messrs. Lever's original request was for rights over an area of twenty miles radius, which was reduced to five in the offer of the Colonial Office. Ten was eventually agreed to after considering further the representations of the firm that that area was necessary to the effective enjoyment of the rights granted.

May I ask whether, in justification of their request for an increase from five to ten, they submitted figures of their experience, or whether any figures were asked for by the Colonial Office, as would be the case in an ordinary commercial transaction?

I could not answer that without notice, but I will gladly answer it with notice.

asked if the application of Messrs. W. B. MacIver and Company, Limited, with whom Messrs. Lever Brothers, Limited, are associated, for rights for the development of the palm oil industry is restricted to the Gold Coast Colony; and if it has been granted, or any indication given that it will be granted, in respect of approximately 311 square miles?

I would refer the hon. Member to the letter from the Colonial Office to Messrs. Lever of 17th December lest, which is printed at page 44 of the recent Blue Book, Cd. 6561. Nothing has passed since that communication.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the case of Sidney Smith, aged five years, who was charged at a London Court for wandering; if his father is a policeman in a Northern town, paying 2s. 6d. a week under a bastardy order; whether the boy will be placed in an industrial school, or if the suggestion will be considered of boarding out; and, if so, will the 2s. 6d. be devoted towards the cost of his maintenance?

I find on inquiry that this case is now on remand with a view to a place in an industrial school being found for the boy. The payments made by the reputed father are under an agreement and not under a bastardy order. Under Section 53 of the Children Act the managers of an industrial school have power to board out children sent to the school under the age of eight, and under Sections 75 and 125 the Court has power to order the putative father to contribute towards the child's maintenance.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been called to the cases of K. D. and J. D., of Brixton, aged six and seven years, who have been taken charge of by the officers of the Children Act for residing in a house used by prostitutes; whether the police have taken any action in the matter; if both girls are suffering from contagious skin disease; and if he is aware where the children now are?

My attention had not been called to these cases, but I have ascertained on inquiry that the initial action was taken by the police. The children have been certified by the London County Council medical officer to be healthy, and free from any complaint, and are in an industrial school.

asked what is the latest period for which police statistics are avail- able; and whether the number of disorderly houses known to the police includes those known to the individual policeman on the beat or only those known to the officials at Scotland House?

The latest available-statistics are those included in the Annual Report for 1911 of the Commissioner of Police. These show the number of proceedings taken against keepers of supposed disorderly houses. Should the constable on the beat have reason to believe that a particular house is being kept in a disorderly manner, it would be his duty to report the fact, and the information would be recorded.

In view of the very small number of houses so reported, may we take it that the individual policemen on the beat do not recognise it as their duty to report them?

No. I do not think that that would be a proper inference to draw.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to a recent case in which black men and white women were concerned and children of tender years were called by the police as witnesses; and whether the Home Office takes any steps in such cases to protect these children from sinking into a life of depravity?

I have not heard of any case which answers to the description given in my hon. Friend's question.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the case was reported fully in some of the Sunday newspapers in London—Conservative newspapers—and that the judge in the case spoke very strongly about the position of the little girl, twelve years of age, who has been left in these surroundings?

No. I have looked further into the matter, but I have not been able to trace the case so far. I regret to say that I do not read the newspapers referred to.

asked the Home Secretary if he will constitute a special inquiry into the causes and possible prevention of juvenile depravity, particularly in the Metropolis?

I do not think that a special inquiry such as my hon. Friend suggests could give any real assistance in dealing with this question.

In view of the Home Office doing nothing, will they not consider it their duty at any rate to get acquainted with the facts, which are deplorable.

My hon. Friend must not assume, because we do not propose to have a special inquiry that we are doing nothing.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the recent case of a boy who was transferred from the Penton-ville place of detention to a hospital suffering from venereal disease; and will he say if the boy is under twelve years of age, and what action the police have taken, if any, in this case?

I find on inquiry that this is a case in which proceedings were instituted by an officer of the London County Council, and not by the police. The boy is, I believe, under twelve years of age, but the police have not any further particulars of the case.

asked the Home Secretary if an application was recently made before Mr. Horace Smith for the arrest of a, boy, J. S., of Putney; whether an officer under the Children Act has since charged the boy for wandering; whether his mother has been reported to the authorities as an habitual prostitute, and if his stepfather lives with her and has no visible means of subsistence; whether the boy is being trained for a life of vice and now uses filthy language in ordinary conversation; and if he will inquire with a view to recommending the police to take action?

I am informed that this case is still before the Court, and that so far as the police are aware there is no ground for the suggestion that the boy's mother is a prostitute, or that he is being trained for a life of vice.

Was not the application for the arrest of the boy made by his own stepfather, who is a member of the legal profession?

I will inquire into the case if my hon. Friend wishes. I am not aware of the fact which he states.