asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has inquired of the Italian Ambassador or the Italian Government as to the propriety of the offer of a British warship to convey the Papal legate to Malta for the approaching Eucharistic Congress?

The answer is in the negative. An act of courtesy to a distinguished visitor to Malta did not call for any such inquiry.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has had his attention called to the dissatisfaction of the employés in Government dockyards, owing to the present system of distributing orders necessitating alternating periods of work at high pressure and comparative slackness; and whether he has yet decided to appoint an Interdepartmental Committee to inquire into the possibility of the prevention of irregularity of employment through the regulation of the demand for labour by a better distribution of Government orders?

Steps have been taken to ascertain the views of the Departments principally concerned, in accordance with the undertaking which I gave the Noble Lord on the 5th February. I am not yet in a position, however, to decide as to the appointment of the suggested Committee.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the discontent prevailing amongst the employés in the engineering trades in His Majesty's dockyards and of their having presented a united request from all the yards for an increased rate of wages at their interview with the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty, on the 5th December, 1912, he will advise the Board of Admiralty to immediately consider and decide this question so as to re-establish the cordial relations hitherto existing?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the deputation from the Amalgamated Society of Engineers which I received on the 4th of December last. I explained then that the Board of Admiralty's decision on the matters raised would be found in the general replies to the Annual Petitions. I gave an undertaking that every endeavour would be made to expedite procedure; and that has been done. As I explained in the debates of yesterday and last week, three remaining establishments have to be visited: Portland, Pembroke Dock, and Haulbowline. I have arranged to visit Pembroke Dock next week, and Haulbowline the week after. Portland will be visited thereafter without delay. The review of the whole matter by the Board, and communications with other Departments concerned, will necessarily take some little time. But, so far as I can see, there should be little difficulty in promulgating the Board's decisions this year earlier than last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state exactly and in detail what are the political conditions connected with the reorganisation loan asked for by the negotiating Powers, and also the non-political conditions?

I can only repeat the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for the Melton Division yesterday. [See OFFICIAL REPORT, 31st March, 1913, col. 7.]

asked whether there are any instances in which China has ever sought to get easy money loans on improvident terms?

If the hon. Member refers to the statement which I made on the 27th ultimo, in reply to a question from the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division of Sheffield, I was indicating what might happen in the future, unless Chinese finance were established on the basis which the policy of the six Powers has aimed at creating.

asked whether China objected to allowing the Powers to make the appointment of the proposed foreign advisers instead of leaving it to China, who is prepared to select the best qualified men, irrespective of nationality; what Powers originally made this proposal; and whether this is the real hitch in the conclusion of the loan negotiations?

The arrangement made with the Chinese Government was that the advisers should be selected by them in consultation with the Legations concerned. All the Powers were parties to this proposal. The difference of opinion has not been as to how foreign advisers should be appointed, but who they should be.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Report on Indian native architectural work will be published; and whether a copy will be placed in the Library?

The Report has not yet been received. The Sceretary of State expects a communication on the subject from the Government of India in May next, and will then consider the best way of dealing with the material available.

asked whether Mr. J. Begg, consulting architect to the Government of India, has been consulted on the lay-out and building of the new Delhi; and, if so, whether his views have been expressed in a form that can be made public?

The Secretary of State has not yet received the final Report of the Committee and other papers bearing upon it. He is, therefore, unable to say whether the consulting architect to the Government of India has recorded his views on the subject.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, during his absence, a promise was given that Mr. Begg would be consulted?

I have no doubt he has been consulted. All I said was that I am unable to say whether he has recorded his views or not.

asked whether Sir Swinton Jacob is now in India advising the Delhi Town-Planning Committee or the selected architects; and, if not, when he will take up his duties in connection with the work of designing the new capital of India?

Sir Swinton Jacob is not at present in India. It is hoped that he will meet the selected architects in this country next month, and visit India next cold weather.

Has Sir Swinton Jacob been in India since his appointment?

I believe not.

Will the hon. Gentleman say who will have the selection of these architects?

The architects have already been selected.

By whom?

Mr. Lutyens and Mr. Baker have been selected by the Secretary of State.

asked when the plans and drawings of Mr. Lutyens for Government House at the new Delhi will be exhibited in the Tea Room?

Plans and drawings have not yet been received from Mr. Lutyens or Mr. Baker. No statement can therefore be made as to when they will be exhibited.

asked whether the Delhi Town-Planning Committee has presented its Report; whether that Report contains, or is expected to contain, a lay-out plan for the new city; and, if so, when this plan will be exhibited in the Tea Room?

I understand that the Report has been presented, but it has not yet reached this country, so I cannot say whether it will contain a plan of the layout of the new city. When it is received, the Secretary of State will bear in mind the wish of hon. Members to see the plan at an early date.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that he gave a promise a great many months ago that this Report would be communicated to the House?

I gave a promise that it would be communicated as soon as possible.

Does the hon. Gentleman adhere to that promise?

It has not yet been received in this country. The Secretary of State will bear in mind the desire of hon. Members to have it as early as possible.

Does the hon. Gentleman adhere to the promise he made that this Report would be communicated?

I adhere to every promise I have made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether conscription has lately been done away with in Spain and universal compulsory training introduced instead?

Conscription has not been done away with in Spain. The rules with regard to military service were made more stringent than before by a law of 29th June, 1911, which took effect on 19th January of last year.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is the difference between conscription and universal compulsory service?

That is rather a matter for debate than for question and answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he promised to tell us the difference, and we have never yet had it?

I still say I do not think it is a matter for question and answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far this policy contributed to the poverty of Spain?

No, I do not think I could say that.

asked how many soldiers of all ranks, exclusive of recruits and sick, were present with each Infantry battalion at Aldershot on the 28th February, 1913?

The figures are not available at the War Office, and their compilation would therefore involve calling for a special return from all the units concerned. In view of the fact that at this period of the year units at home have parted with drafts which have been sent abroad the return would be of little value, and I hope therefore that the hon. Gentleman will not press for it.

asked whether the General Staff is satisfied that the number of effective soldiers present in the ranks of the Infantry battalions now at Home is sufficient to ensure immediate efficiency for service when raised to war strength by means of Reservists?

The proportion of soldiers serving in the ranks to the number of Reservists required to bring the battalion up to war strength on mobilisation in the case of a battalion at Home, especially after its drafts have recently gone to India and abroad, is not now and has never been as large as is desirable on purely military grounds, but it is considered that the fighting spirit of our voluntarily enlisted army is a factor to be taken into account on the other side.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many men, under twenty years of age, are in preparation?

It would depend on the time of year the figures are taken.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think the system fair to the officers?

It has been going on for a number of years—during the service of the hon. and gallant Gentleman. It has its advantages as well as its drawbacks.

asked what was the average number of recruits taken for the Volunteers during the last four completed years of their existence; and what is the average number of recruits taken for the Territorial Force for the four years ending 30th September, 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1912?

The average number of Volunteers joining as recruits, or with previous service, for the last four years of their existence amounted to 56,635, and of Yeomanry to 5,276, amounting in all to 61,911. The average number of men joining the Territorial Force as recruits, or with previous service, amounted to 67,164 for the years in question. The figures for the Volunteers include officers and transfers from other units.

asked how many men the War Office, from their experience of previous years, reasonably expect to obtain to fill the estimated number of 191,286 vacancies by recruiting and by men re-engaging, respectively?

It is not quite clear how the hon. Gentleman arrives at the figure quoted, but he appears to have counted some men twice over. It is very difficult, in view of the exceptionally large number of men due to go during the year, to give even an approximate estimate of the figure required, and I do not think I can usefully add anything to the information given by the Government on the subject in another place on 10th February last.

asked the average strength of the Volunteer Forces for the ten years 1897 to 1906, inclusive?

The average strength of the Volunteers, all ranks, exclusive of the permanent staff, for the years 1897 to 1906, including the three years of the South African War, was 252,005, and of the Yeomanry 17,785, making a total of 269,790.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as a record of all men examined and rejected as unfit is kept by the medical officer at each depot and the number of such rejections appears in the Army Annual Return (page 45), he will say if the men of the Special Reserve who have been rejected on application to enlist in the Regular Army are included in the above total number of rejections?

The reply is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary for War why, on page 125 of the General Annual Report on the British Army, published in 1912, it is stated that 94,989 non-commissioned officers and men are due to become time-expired between the 1st of October, 1912, and the 30th of September, 1913, and why, on page 125 of the General Annual Report on the British Army, published this year, it is stated that 114,621 non-commissioned officers and men are due to become time-expired between the same dates, the 1st of October, 1912, and the 30th of September of this year; and which of these two figures, showing a difference of no fewer than 19,632, is correct?

Both figures are correct. During the year ending 1st October, 1912, 30,268 men re-engaged for one year's service, and would thus have raised the numbers due to go in the year ending 1st October, 1913, to 125,257, but for casualties of various kinds, which reduced the numbers to the figure of 114,621, recently published.

asked the Secretary for War (1) from what funds the original outlay on the Imperial Government farm at Middleburg was drawn; and what funds from time to time were drawn on for the upkeep of this undertaking; (2) whether the accounts of the Imperial Government farm at Middleburg were audited from time to time; and, if so, by whom; and (3) what credit balances were shown in the two last balance sheets of the Imperial Government farm at Middleburg sent home to the Army Council shortly before the final orders for closing down were given by the War Office?

also asked (1) what was the extent in acres of the Imperial Government farm at Middleburg, Cape Colony, when it was purchased; what was the purchase price; and out of what funds was the purchase money paid; (2) the names of the various managers of the Imperial Government farm at Middleburg, Cape Colony; by whom they were appointed; and the date of such appointments; and (3) whether any part of the Imperial Government farm at Middleburg, Cape Colony, was at any time let by the Army Council to any private person or syndicate; and, if so, will he give the dates and names of the lessees?

The so-called Imperial Government farm at Middleburg consisted of about 100 acres, forming part of about 25,000 acres bought in 1903 out of Military Works Loan Funds, for cantonments and training ground for troops. The average price of the whole was about £2 per acre. No separate valuation of the 100 acres was made. The farming venture was in the nature of a garrison institution, administered by a board of officers on behalf of the troops, and not as a public service. Working capital was obtained by loans from the South African Garrison Institutes and other non-public funds, for which loans the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Africa, was personally responsible until they were repaid. Beyond this, expenditure was met out of the earnings of the farm by sale of produce, etc. Certain initial expenditure out of public funds was repaid to the public. The accounts of the farm were audited periodically by officers of the Army Accounts Department, acting in their capacity as members of the garrison skilled in such matters, and not as representatives of the Accounting Officer of the War Department. The last two balance sheets sent to the War Office before the final closing were for 31st December, 1908, and for 31st March, 1909, and showed credit balances of £69 and £276, respectively. The managers of the farm were Mr. C. Allan, appointed at the start in 1903, and Lieutenant P. Wilson, appointed in June, 1908. Both appointments were made by the board of officers administering the farm. No part of the farm was at any time let by the Army Council to any private person or syndicate, but I see from the records in the War Office that at one time Colonel Jeffreys, R.E., rented a small paddock from the farm management for £5.

Will the hon. Gentleman say who guaranteed the loans made in the first instance, and why were the balance sheets sent to the Army Council if it was not a public matter?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give notice of this question. These matters happened some years ago, and I have no personal knowledge of them.

The hon. Member answered a number of questions together and he will see I asked quite clearly who found the money in the first place. The loans must have been guaranteed?

I think every question has been answered; if any further question is put down it certainly will be replied to.

Do I understand that the farm was closed down by order of the Army Council?

I think that is correct. Still, if the hon. and gallant Member will put the question down it will be answered. As these things happened years ago, I cannot reply from personal knowledge.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Grant provided in the Estimates for the treatment of tuberculosis in Wales and Monmouthshire can be pooled by the Welsh Insurance Commission in order that the campaign against tuberculosis in Wales may be carried out upon a national basis, and that for this purpose the whole of the Principality may be treated as a single unit?

The answer is in the affirmative. The grants will in accordance with the note to the Estimate be calculated upon the net cost of the various schemes approved by the Insurance Commissioners and it is open to the Welsh Commissioners to approve a conjoint scheme for the whole of Wales.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst officers of Customs and Excise, formerly Customs port clerks, as a result of the recent changes in their hours and conditions of overtime pay, as is shown by the official statement that over 93 per cent. of them have refused to accept the allowance of 5s. per month offered them since 1st December last as compensation for the increase of liability of attendance from a seven-hour day to a forty-eight-hour week; if that extra attendance habitually preponderates at certain ports, so that during the three months the new system has been in operation some clerks have been required to give attendance which would, under the old conditions, have earned them much more than 5s. per month, whereas others in the same period have given no extra attendance at all; whether any saving of expenditure is anticipated from the new system of attendance; and, if not, what is the Departmental objection to the restoration of the conditions of attendance formerly enjoyed by Customs port clerks?

I am informed that the statement in the first part of the question is substantially correct. With regard to the remainder of the question, particular individuals have no doubt received for the short period referred to under the new system less than they would have received under the old; other individuals have doubtless received more. This is bound to happen where an average annual allowance is substituted for actual payment on a daily basis. The change was made not in the interests of economy—the amount involved is quite trifling—but in the interests of uniformity throughout the service. I may add that I myself gave attentive hearing to representatives of the clerks who spoke on this very subject, and my conclusion was that there was no reasonable ground for complaint.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if there are any emoluments or allowances attached to his office other than his salary?

The answer is in the negative.

Should not the right hon. Gentleman's salary of £5,000 per annum be sufficient to prevent him wrongly and improperly gambling?

If the hon. Gentleman has anything to say of that kind about me, he had better say it in a place where I can meet it.

rose…

If the hon. Gentleman has any further question, he had better let me see it in writing. He has already received a reply to the question on the Paper.

If I am not to be allowed to reply to the Chancellor of the Exchequer now, I promise him I will charge him when I have the opportunity.

Whenever the hon. Member does that, I shall be prepared to meet him, as I have met others. [HON. MEMBERS: "Marconi!" "Whitewashing!" "Gagged Committee!"]

Mock heroics. [An HON. MEMBER: "Snob!"]

If you have anything to say, say it openly.

When he is whitewashed by the Committee. [An HON. MEMBER: "Cad!"]

If the hon. Member will put the question on the Paper, I will consider it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fees were paid to the Attorney-General over the "Titanic" Inquiry; and what fees have been, or are going to be, paid to the Attorney-General over the Telephone Arbitration?

The fees paid to the Attorney-General in the case of the "Titanic" Inquiry were £2,458 2s. The fees to be paid to counsel for the Post Office in respect of the Telephone Arbitration have not yet been settled.

Is it not the fact that the present salaries of the Attorney and Solicitor-General were fixed by a minute of the Treasury in July, 1895? Did not the same minute allow fees to be charged for contentious business?

That question requires some research, and the hon. Member should give notice of it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Law Officers of the Crown in the late Administration divided amongst them in one year £31,100?

Notice should also be given of that question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Board of Agriculture for Scotland has received several petitions from applicants for land under the Small Landholders Act with special reference to the farm of Heylipal, in the island of Tiree; whether he is aware of the grave dissatisfaction that exists owing to the nature of the holdings granted on the farm of Greenhill; and whether, in the case of Heylipal, it is intended to grant holdings, and not mere allotments?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The lease of the Heylipal Farm expires at Whit Sunday, 1914, and before that term the Board will consider the use of it for holdings. In the meantime it would be premature to say in detail how it would be utilised in that event. As regards the Greenhill Farm, the answer is in the negative. The applicants for holdings there have each signed agreements accepting the holdings, and have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

When are we likely to receive the Report of the Board of Agriculture?

There is a question on the Paper on that subject.

asked whether the Commissioners for small holdings in Scotland have yet secured any land either by purchase or lease for the purpose of setting up small holdings; and, if so, to what extent?

The main purpose of the Act is not purchase or leasing by the Commissioners. The Report, which is in preparation and will be presented very shortly, will give my hon. Friend the information he desires in a much more satisfactory form than is possible in reply to a question. The Board have arranged for several settlements of landholders by agreement, and a number of applications for compulsory orders have been lodged by the Board with the Land Court.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in consideration of the amount of emigration from the rural districts of the county of Roxburgh during recent years, he can hasten the provision of small holdings in that county as a means of retaining shepherds, ploughmen, hinds, and their families on their native soil?

An application is now before the Land Court for an Order constituting new holdings on the farm in the county of Roxburgh referred to in my reply to my hon. Friend's question on 13th March, and the Board are doing all that is possible to hasten the provision of small holdings in Roxburgh and elsewhere.

Has any small holder yet been located in the county of Roxburgh?

No, Sir, the matter is before the Land Court.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether during the gale of Thursday, 20th March, three open boats belonging to fishermen at Portnaguran, Stornoway, were destroyed; and if he can see his way to grant assistance from any fund at his disposal to enable these fishermen to replace their boats?

I have not received any information on the subject except that conveyed by my hon. Friend's question. I regret that there are no funds at my disposal which are available for the purpose suggested by my hon. Friend.

In view of the dangerous nature of the coast, will my right hon. Friend consider an application for a Grant for a harbour there?

That is a question of which I must have notice.

asked when the Minute of 27th March, 191], issued by the Scotch Education Department, will be put in force?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 25th March to the hon. Member for the Blackfriars Division of Glasgow.

asked whether the First Report of the Board of Agriculture is under preparation; and when it is likely to be issued?

I am glad to say that the Report is nearly complete and will very soon be issued.

asked the right hon. Gentleman on what date the Committee which is considering the question of State loans to fishermen last heard evidence; whether they propose to hear any further evidence; and whether, looking to the delay which has occurred since the appointment of the Committee, he will use his good offices to secure the speedy issue of their Report?

I have made inquiry of the Chairman of the Committee and am informed that some further evidence is still to be taken, but that most of the Report is in the hands of the printer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices to secure the speedy issue of their Report?

Yes, I will do my best.

asked the Lord Advocate if it is his intention during the present Session to introduce legislation dealing with conveyancing and bankruptcy reform in Scotland?

It is my intention during the present Session to deal with the question of bankruptcy reform in Scotland. I cannot, however, hold out any prospect of a Conveyancing Bill this Session. The measure is now in course of preparation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman admit that the conveyancing system in Scotland is antiquated and requires reform?

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience caused to suitors by delays in getting appeals heard from decisions of the Sheriff Court or Outer House of the Court of Session; and whether, in the interest of poor suitors who have been successful in the first Court, he will introduce legislation to ensure their enjoying the benefit of the verdict there obtained unless the appeal is proceeded with within a reasonable time?

My attention has not been called to the inconvenience referred to by my hon. Friend. There is no undue delay in the hearing of Appeals from Courts of first instance by the Court of Session.

Can my right hon. Friend suggest any remedy for a suitor who has won his case and whose opponent gives notice of appeal and notice is received, but no further steps are taken, and the suitor is unable to collect his debt?

The rules of Court provide for that precise case. I understood my hon. Friend referred to cases of delay in hearing appeals. These are provided for by the Lord President of the Court of Session setting up an extra Appeal Court if he thinks it desirable.

Do the rules of Court provide any fixed term during which an appellant is bound to bring his case forward after giving notice?

Oh, yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether his refusal to disclose the evidence given before the Committee on Irish Finance is due to the refusal of only two or three out of the twenty-eight witnesses to allow their evidence to be published; and if so, who these witnesses are?

asked the right hon. Gentleman (1) whether he will appoint a Select Committee of this House to inquire into the advisability of no longer concealing the evidence given before the Committee on Irish Finance; and (2) how many witnesses before the Committee on Irish Finance were official witnesses and members of the Civil Service?

As I have repeatedly stated, the inquiry conducted by the Committee was a confidential inquiry for the information of the Government, and the evidence was given with an assurance to the witnesses that it would be treated as confidential. Clearly, therefore, the evidence cannot be published without the consent of those who gave it. Although the conditions which I laid down last Session have not been satisfied, yet, as a number of Members seem to think that there is some mystery in the matter, and that the Government have some motive of their own for not publishing the evidence—a suggestion which is, and always has been, without any foundation—my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary will put himself in communication with the witnesses to ascertain whether or not they are willing that their evidence should be made public. Further questions on the subject should be addressed to the Chief Secretary.

Are not the financial provisions of the Bill entirely opposed to the evidence of several of the witnesses?

I do not like to use an old formula, but, perhaps, the hon. Member will wait until he has seen the Report. He will have a great deal of disappointment.

asked of how many members the Defence Committee is composed; whether this is a fixed or a variable number at the option of the Prime Minister of the day; whether any representation on it is at present given or offered to any of the Oversea Dominions; and, if so, to which of them; and whether representation on the Committee will entail residence in this country of the representatives of the Dominions?

The number of Members of this Committee for the time being depends on the determination of the Prime Minister. Representation has been offered to the Oversea, Dominions (see Dispatch, 10th December, 1912). Colonel Allen, Minister of Defence of New Zealand, is at present attending the meetings of the Committee. None of the Dominions have yet appointed a permanent representative, so that the last part of the question has not arisen.

Is it the intention of the Government to extend representation to the Oversea Dominions in this country after Home Rule all round has been granted?

We had better wait and see what the future brings.

Having regard to the fact that members of the Defence Committee do not necessarily come within the purview of Parliamentary control, and that this Committee may be seized of information which is withheld from Parliament, might not the approval of Parliament be given to the new members who are not members of the Ministry?

No, Sir. The whole question can be raised on my salary.

asked the right hon. Gentleman (1) whether, in view of the fact that deduction of Income Tax will become illegal after the 5th April, he will introduce forthwith a Bill making such deduction at the existing rate legal for a short time, pending the passage of the Finance Bill of the year; and (2) whether he will give the House of Commons an opportunity of discussing the circular to be issued to banks advising them to make illegal deductions of Income Tax, which the Chancellor of the Exchequer undertook to lay upon the Table of the House before it is issued; and whether he will obviate the necessity for issuing such circular by introducing at once and pressing through all its stages a Bill legalising such deductions for a short period pending the passage of the Finance Bill?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer together these questions. The hon. and learned Member will have noticed that a Committee was set up last night for the purpose of passing the Resolution which will be necessary for a Bill of the character indicated in the questions; and it is the Government's intention to proceed as speedily as possible with the Resolution and the Bill to be founded upon it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether we shall have an opportunity of discussing that Resolution before the circular is issued to the banks announcing to them the intended legislation upon which they are asked to act?

I am afraid we shall have to issue the circular. My right hon. Friend tells me that there will be no opportunity for discussion until Monday next, but he proposes to put it down as the first Order. I am afraid we shall have to notify the banks before then, I think it will be the 5th April.

In that case, would not this be the result: that the Government would be issuing an invitation to the banks to act contrary to the existing law upon a proposal for future legislation before this House has been given an opportunity of discussing the matter?

The hon. and learned Member is assuming something to be in the circular which is not in it.

When will the right hon. Gentleman lay the circular on the Table?

I am afraid I have been otherwise engaged, otherwise I should have laid it on the Table last week. I shall be glad to show it to the hon. and learned Member to-night. I will do my best to lay it to-night.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to pass this Bill through all its stages before the Budget statement?

I think the hon. Member had better ask the Prime Minister that question. It is a question for the Leader of the House.

I do ask the Prime Minister.

I should like to consider the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Board or the Board's inspectors have recently recommended, by circular or otherwise, certain seed merchants for the supply of certain brands of potato as likely to be free of disease; and, if so, which were the firms recommended and what were their special qualifications for the supply of these brands of potato?

In order to prevent the spread of wart disease the Board sometimes require growers to plant one or other of the varieties of potato known to resist the disease. The Board and their inspectors are frequently asked by growers where such varieties can be obtained. It would be clearly impossible to name every reliable seed potato merchant and unreasonable to refuse to give the information asked for. The practice has therefore been to give the names of a few firms who are known to sell the varieties required. The list of such firms is variable to suit different cases, and may be altered or extended from time to time, the object of the Board being to supply information in each case suitable to the particular district. No good purpose would be served by publishing the names of firms that have been recommended in this way, but I shall be happy to send my hon. Friend a list of them for his own information, if he so desires.

asked how many seed-testing stations in Great Britain are at present in receipt of assistance out of public funds; whether they all supply analyses of seeds sent in the same form and for the same price; whether any and, if so, what steps have been taken by the Board to test the accuracy of the analyses of samples supplied by comparison of similar samples sent to different stations; and what are the qualifications generally of those officials in charge of the stations?

No Grants are made out of public funds for the special purpose of providing seed-testing stations in Great Britain. Facilities for seed-testing are offered in the botanical laboratories of most of the agricultural colleges and similar institutions receiving Grants-in-Aid, but the tests are in no sense official, and the accuracy of the analyses is not tested by the Board. I understand that the analyses are not always in the same form, and that the fees charged vary, no charge being made in some cases. The tests are presumably carried out by the trained botanists on the college staffs.

Is it not desirable that these institutions which are in receipt of public funds should have some uniformity and that their analyses should carry a certain official cachet of accuracy with them?

I do not think it would be possible for us to give a guarantee that the analyses were correct unless the analyses were arrived at by our own servants. It has been usual to leave the tests to the college staff, but I am considering the whole question and will shortly receive a deputation on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Report of the Governor of British East Africa on the land question in that Colony has yet been received, and when it will be published?

I am not expecting any special report from the Governor on the subject. The matter was discussed at length with him when he was in this country, and the general lines on which legislation should proceed have been settled. A draft Ordinance is now under consideration in the Protectorate, and I hope to receive a copy of it shortly.

asked whether any annual Grant, and, if so, to what extent, is given to the Board of Agriculture in Scotland for the encouragement of tobacco growing in that country?

The answer is in the negative, but approved growers for experimental purposes receive a rebate of 1s. 3d. of the Excise Duty.

Why is Scotland neglected in this matter?

I take it Scotland is receiving exactly what Ireland received before it was commuted for a Grant.

asked if there will be an opportunity of discussing the Report of the Committee on the Quadrant before any action is taken in the matter?

The hon. Member will have the usual opportunity in Supply.

Will nothing be done?

Nothing can be done for some months to come.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the University of Glasgow has not yet adopted the inclusive fee for the medical course; and whether, in view of the fact that the additional Grant is being paid in full to Glasgow University, he will arrange that it shall also be paid in full to Edinburgh University?

As I have already announced the full Grant will be paid to all the Scottish Universities, subject in the case of Edinburgh to the appointment of a Committee (as has already been done by Glasgow) to consider the establishment of an inclusive fee in medicine.

Is this without any undertaking to establish the inclusive fee?

The Grant is being given for this year. They are being asked to appoint a committee to consider the possibility of establishing an inclusive fee.

Does the Treasury withdraw the demand for an inclusive fee for this year?

The full Grant is being paid this year.

If Edinburgh University does not elect this committee will they get the Grant?

The Grant is conditional on the appointment of the committee next year.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will consider the advisability of appointing candidates from the September, 1911, second division clerks' examination list who obtained higher places than those now being appointed from the last list?

An unusually large number of candidates have been appointed both from the 1911 and the 1912 lists. As at present advised, I do not think it desirable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion with regard to candidates on the former list.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the terms of the maintenance contracts made by the Board of Works with contractors in Glasgow, whereby the contractor is to supply labour in day work in consideration of a payment by the Commissioners of His Majesty's Works and Public Buildings of the amount actually paid in wages to the men with an addition of 6¼ per cent. in respect of services and expenses; whether he is aware that in the case of one contractor in Glasgow the wages amount roughly to £2,000 per year, so that the 6¼ per cent. out of which the contractor must pay workmen's compensation, third-party risk insurance, and the maintenance of the necessary scaffolding, tackle, tools, etc., amounts to about £125 per year; whether he is aware that the insurance contributions which, under the Act, must be paid by the contractor, amount to a total of about £1 per week, or £50 per annum, which represents the whole of the profit on the contract; whether the Board of Works has submitted the whole case of the effect of the Act on these special contracts to the Treasury, and the Treasury have refused to grant permission to the Board of Works to grant relief to the contractors by varying existing contracts, or otherwise; and whether, in view of the fact that the contract has been specifically framed in order to relieve the contractor of any risk of a rise in wages or in the cost of labour, and that the Government has by the National Insurance Act materially varied the conditions with a special view to which the contract was framed, the Treasury will sanction such variation of the contract as in the opinion of the Board of Works the equities of the case may demand?

The question of arbitration in a somewhat similar case to that referred to by the hon. Member is under consideration, and in the circumstances I regret that I should not be justified in making any statement at present.

Will it be the arbitration which the contract provides for?

I think so, yes.

Do I understand that this particular case as to whether the Board of Works would have power to vary the contract in view of the operation of the Insurance Act is under arbitration?

A similar case is under arbitration which I think will certainly lead us to a direction of policy in connection with this case.

What is the point of the case that is under arbitration?

If my hon. Friend will put down a question I will inquire.

Does the right hon. Gentleman assure me that this particular point comes under the arbitration now in process?

As far as I understand the arbitration will decide what is practically the question.

asked whether any instances have occurred in Scotland of the maternity benefit under the National Insurance Act being administered by approved societies in form other than by payment of cash; and, if so, what form the benefit took?

No full information is yet available as to the different forms in which the approved societies in Scotland are (within the discretion allowed to them under the Act) administering maternity benefit, but I am informed by the Scottish Insurance Commissioners that some of them are giving a part of the benefit otherwise than in cash—e.g., paying a doctor or in providing necessities required in connection with the confinement.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether, in the opinion of the Insurance Commissioners, the system of medical benefit successfully worked for the past ten years by the Scottish Clerks' Association, whereby members called in their own doctors and had refunded to them by the society the doctors' fees and cost of medicine up to 4s. per visit is a suitable one through which to permit insured persons to make their own arrangements under Section 15, Sub-section (3), of the National Insurance Act; and whether the Commissioners consider that this is a suitable subject on which to make suggestions to the local committees; and (2) whether he is aware on what grounds the Glasgow, insurance committee has refused to permit insured members of the Scottish Clerks' Association to make their own arrangements for medical attendance under Section 15, Sub-section (3), of the Act, in accordance with the system of medical benefit successfully worked by that society for the past ten years; and, if so, will he state what are the grounds of objection?

As I stated in answer to my hon. Friend on the 27th March, it is primarily the duty of the insurance committees concerned to consider whether, in view of these arrangements and of any other local circumstances, members of the association could properly be allowed to make their own arrangements under Section 15 (3) of the Act, and the Scottish Commissioners, after considering all the circumstances, do not feel justified in interfering with the discretion of the insurance committees in the matter. I understand that a number of members of the association have, in fact, received permission from the Glasgow insurance committee to make their own arrangements with doctors not on the panel under Section 15 (3) of the Act, and that the period of application was extended for them from January to 14th April.

Without interfering with the discretion of the committees, will the Commissioners consider that this is a suitable subject on which to make suggestions to the local committees?

The Commissioners merely state that they are not prepared to make any definite statement on the subject. The local committees must decide.

Is not the scheme of benefit adopted by the Scottish Clerks' Association very similar to the one they submitted to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and which was approved while the Bill was going through the House?

I do not think any scheme of benefit was approved by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. There is not the slightest doubt that the scheme of benefit suggested does not come under the definition in Section 15 (4).

Do I understand from the answer that already members of the association have been allowed to make their own arrangements under Section 15, Sub-section (3), and therefore there is no objection to other members doing the same thing?

Certainly. Any insurance committee may allow members to make their own arrangements under Section 15 (3), but, of course, the scheme may be very largely carried out without any necessity of making their own arrangements.

Does that mean that members of this society will have in future to negotiate with a great number of insurance committees?

The Act provides that every member must arrange with his own insurance society.

Did not the Treasury give a definite promise to this association that such a scheme would be permissible?

No, I can find no evidence.

asked whether, before adjusting the case which it is proposed to present to the Court of Session in order to determine the liability of certain classes of share fishermen in Scotland to pay contributions under the National Insurance Act, the various fishery associations will be consulted on the subject?