asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to grant a medal for general services in the operations carried out by His Majesty's Navy in the Persian Gulf in the years 1909–12 and, if so, what is the cause of the delay in granting the medal?

The question is at present under discussion with the other Departments of State concerned.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, seeing that the caning of boys in the Royal Navy is henceforth to be restricted to serious offences, such as theft, drunkenness, and insubordination, and in view of the importance of knowing the yearly increase or decrease in such offences, will he give instructions that the quarterly punishment Returns shall in future be made in such a form as to render the desired information accessible?

The punishment is classified under the head of minor punishments, as it is not permanently recorded against the offender and has no effect upon his prospects. The work involved in extracting the information as to the number of canings in each quarter would be great, and the object to be gained does not seem to justify the expenditure of labour involved. I will, however, consider whether it would be practicable to enlarge the Statistical Return, which is now rendered by each Fleet yearly, so as to show the number of canings of boys with a view to their being shown separately in the Annual Returns of Courts Martial and Summary Punishments inflicted. But I must not be understood definitely to promise that this can be done.

Has it not been stated that this method of punishment is only used in serious cases? Is it not possible to say how many there have been, without much trouble?

Yes, it is used only in serious cases. But the question is whether the information is of such value as to justify the labour of getting it.

Do you want to keep the information back?

No.

asked if any reports had been received from the commander of His Majesty's ship "Dwarf" as to slave-trading practices in West Africa; if so, whether any Paper will be laid at an early date?

I have received through the Admiralty some reports from the Commander of the "Dwarf," which indicate that slave-trading has been attempted off the West Coast of Africa. Measures have been taken to prevent such practices, and I expect further reports from His Majesty's Vice-Consul, who is now visiting the islands off that coast. I do not propose to lay Papers, at any rate until I have fuller information on the subject.

asked whether, on the occasion of the International Eucharistic Congress to take place in Malta from 24th to 27th April, a British naval guard is to line the route in honour of the procession; and whether, in order to prevent an insincere religious observance, he will give orders that no non-Catholic sailor need form part of the guard, and that it is in no case incumbent upon any sailor to salute any person or symbol in the procession?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 17th March by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War to a similar question by the hon. Member for Wandsworth.

asked whether instructions have been given for a vessel of His Majesty's Navy to carry the Papal Legate to Malta for the approaching Eucharistic Congress; if so, what will be the cost of this voyage; whether the Papal Nuncio will also return on a warship; and whether it is intended that ecclesiastics of other faiths will be similarly honoured on ceremonial occasions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second part, there will be a small expenditure of coal; to the third part, no arrangement for the return has yet been made; and to the fourth part, certainly, if the circumstances are similar.

Before arrangements are made for the return voyage, will the Italian Government be approached to see whether they will co-operate by arranging that one of their vessels shall take this gentleman home?

It is simply an act of courtesy to a distinguished visitor.

Would they not like to do it?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to an article in the "British Review," written by Admiral Sir Percy Scott, Baronet; whether the signals published in the articles were confidential; and, if so, having regard to the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, and in view of the injury likely to be sustained by naval discipline by such publication, whether he proposes to take steps in the matter?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to an article in a current review, written by Sir Percy Scott, recalling an incident long since closed in which a difference of opinion between two high naval officers was paraded before the Fleet; and whether, having regard to the effect of such occurrences on the discipline of the Navy and on public confidence in our naval defences, he has taken any steps to reprimand the parties mainly concerned and to prevent the recurrence of such incidents?

On behalf of my right hon. Friend, I will answer these questions. He must repeat what he said on the 19th of last month in reply to this sort of question, that he has no intention whatever of reviving or taking any part in the naval controversies of five years ago, and that it is not in the interests of the Service that they should be advertised.

Did the Admiralty at the time of the incident point out that the publication of such signals was contrary to the King's Regulations and to Admiralty instructions, and were steps taken to find out who was responsible for the publication of the signals?

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to give notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information as to who supplied detailed information to the new Director firing apparatus to the "Sphere" newspaper; and whether that information was formerly regarded as confidential?

The Admiralty have no information as to how the particulars in question were supplied to the "Sphere" newspaper. Undoubtedly particulars of such inventions in the naval service are treated as confidential, and their unauthorised publication is to be deprecated. In this case, however, the pictures were of no military value, were clearly not authentic, and would teach experts nothing.

Is that the opinion of the naval experts in the Service. Have the Admiralty taken any trouble to find out who was responsible for publishing the information?

As to the first part of the question I have expressed the view of the Admiralty in my answer. As to the second I cannot say whether steps will be taken, but, generally speaking, the Press conform to our regulation.

Will the Admiralty take steps to find out who supplied the information?

I will look into the matter. SO far as I know no such steps have been taken.

asked whether, having regard to the amount of foreign capital now invested in British Colonies in exploiting and developing the oil industry and to the increasing number of foreigners yearly employed by British-owned oil companies in British Colonies, and to the possibility of powerful trusts being able to corner the oil market and control the output, and to the vast importance of oil fuel for naval purposes, His Majesty's Government will consider the question of endeavouring to get the different British Colonial Governments to reserve to themselves all or substantial portions of the oil-bearing lands within their respective territories and otherwise keep control of and assist this industry?

Yes, Sir. It has for a long time received attention.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether five of the German destroyers of the 1912–13 programme had been completed by the end of 1912, and that the last of the British destroyers of the corresponding programme was not laid down until December, 1912; and whether, in view of the fact that we have since 1905 completed only eighty-one destroyers to Germany's eighty-six, he will take steps to ensure that in future our destroyers shall be laid down early and completed as quickly as those of the Germans?

The figures are as stated. My right hon. Friend does not wish to add anything at the present time to the statement he made when he introduced the Navy Estimates last week.

Does the right hon. Gentleman regard the figures I have given as satisfactory?

I do not wish to add to the statement made on the Estimates.

asked when the establishment of commanders was fixed at its present figure, and what addition has been made to the establishment of lieutenants since that date?

The authorised establishment of commanders was fixed at 373 by Order in Council of 12th November, 1900, but at the present time 388 are borne. The authorised establishment of lieutenants has been increased from 1,550 to 2,000 since the above date, but at present 1,872 are borne. The whole question of the numbers of officers in the various ranks required is now engaging the attention of the Admiralty.

asked whether the Board has considered the advisability of creating a new rank intermediate between lieutenants and commanders with the object of retaining on the active list for a further period officers who would otherwise retire on reaching the age limit, or voluntarily because of the limited prospects of advancement open to them?

I am advised that the creation of such a rank would not have the effect suggested.

Do the Admiralty propose to do anything to meet the glut of lieutenants, which is becoming a serious matter?

I must ask for notice of that. I am advised that the suggestion would not have the effect the hon. Member anticipates.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether drillers employed in His Majesty's dockyard, Portsmouth, are checked 4 per cent. from their piecework earnings on account of their drills being ground for them; whether the practice of grinding these tools has been discontinued; if so, whether the men are still checked 4 per cent.; whether this practice of checking men is carried out in other dockyards or is only a local order; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be held with a view to the money deducted being refunded to the men?

It is the case that drillers who are not required to grind their own drills are paid for piece-work drilling at rates 4 per cent. lower than men who have to leave their drilling work to grind their tools. The practice in this matter is in accord with Admiralty instructions issued to all dockyards. Any cases in which the men may consider that the 4 per cent. abatement from rates may have been made improperly would be fully investigated if represented to the local officers by the workmen affected. It is worth noting that the earnings during the past twelve weeks in Portsmouth Yard of men using pneumatic drills averaged 46 per cent. above day-pay wages, compared with an average of 42 per cent. by hand drillers who grind their own tools.

Will the right hon. Gentleman let the men know that they can apply to him, so that the question can be gone into?

There is no need whatever to do that. The men know that they can apply to the Admiral Superintendent in any case where they think they have a grievance.

asked whether it is the custom at Portsmouth Dockyard to promote skilled labourers to the position of chargemen; and, if so, how many have been promoted during the last three years?

Yes, Sir. Sixteen have been so promoted during the last three years.

asked the right hon. Gentleman what compensation is due to the crews of the fishing boats BK 213, BK 220, BK 247, and BK 183, whose gear was damaged months ago during the naval manœuvres; and if, in view of the fact that the delay in payment has caused considerable hardship, he will give instructions that the matter shall be settled with the least possible delay?

Extended inquiries have been necessary with regard to these particular claims, but they have now been completed, and payment of compensation is being made in each case. The sums awarded are as follows: BK 213, £18 10s.; BK 220, £10; BK 247, £6; RK 183, £17 17s. 6d.

asked what is the comparative expenditure on Naval Artillery and ammunition in Great Britain and Germany from 1904–5 to 1912–13?

Owing to the form in which this information in the German Estimates comprises expenditure both for ships and for coast defences, it is impossible to separate the portion which is comparable with British figures from that which is not.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if the men now serving in the Mediterranean Destroyer Flotilla have served two years in these waters and expected to be relieved in May, but that these reliefs have been cancelled and are not to take effect till September; and if he can give any reason for this change of plans and keeping men three summers in these waters?

The men serving in the Mediterranean Destroyer Flotilla have been on the station for varying lengths of time. So far as possible men are relieved at the expiration of two years, but as the destroyers have to recommission by groups, the length of service in certain cases may exceed that amount. One group will recommission next month, and another in the autumn. Some of the men belonging to the latter, about one-third, will have served on the station for about two years and four months. There has been no change of plan.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a memorandum has been addressed to him by the Congo Reform Association which imputes oppression on the part of Belgium and recommends intervention on the part of Great Britain in the administration of a friendly Power; and, if so, what answer he has returned to this communication?

A memorandum has been received, but the hon. Member must refer for its substance to those who sent it. The answer to be returned is under consideration.

Does the hon. Gentleman dispute the description I have given that the memorandum does impute oppression to a friendly Power?

Yes. The description is not quite correct in my opinion.

Is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to recognise the annexation of the Congo?

It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to recognise the annexation of the Congo, but, as the House will remember, a promise was given that the House would be consulted before that was done. I hope an opportunity may be found soon for that dis- cussion, but it will not be before the first week in May.

asked the right hon. Gentleman the number of days allowed by the Powers for the evacuation of territory occupied by Servia and Montenegro in Albania; whether any step has yet been taken by those two Allies in compliance with the request of the Powers; and if he can make any statement with regard to the bombardment of Scutari?

No limit of days has been named. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The attack on Scutari has been resumed with the object of annexing to Montenegro a population of some 40,000 inhabitants contrary to their own wishes and to the decision of the Powers. The Powers have all agreed to a naval demonstration to make their decision respected and have stated that they will either participate or acquiesce in it. Two British ships are at Corfu in readiness to proceed to participate in the naval demonstration when other Powers are also ready.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he will lay Papers with regard to the punitive expedition arising out of the murder of Mr. Campbell before the Colonial Office Vote is taken; and (2) whether he is yet in a position to state that no women or children were killed during the punitive expedition in Northern Nigeria arising out of the murder of Mr. Campbell?

The punitive measures necessitated by the murder of Mr. Campbell involved the use of ninety men, rather more than half a company of native troops, and were completed within Sixteen days. It is an exaggeration to call this an expedition, and I do not consider that the operations—the necessity for which I greatly regret—present any features which necessitate laying the Papers before Parliament. In reply to my hon. Friend's other question, I have nothing to add to my reply of 3rd February. There is nothing in any of the reports received to justify the supposition that any women or children were killed or wounded.

Are we to have no means of getting to know about this punitive expedition?

I will, of course, give the hon. Member and any other hon. Members any information for which they wish. I do not think the expedition was of such a character to necessitate the laying of Papers before Parliament. We have no desire to conceal any of the facts.

Was not this thing done in oar name, and ought we not to know what happened?

asked whether a British subject, named Spencer, has been arrested on the Gold Coast upon a charge of slave trading for the supply of labourers to the island of Fernando Po; and, if so, whether the man has been condemned, and to what punishment?

I have no information on the subject, but will make inquiries.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he can publish any report upon the proceedings taken under the amended ordinance for the suppression of crimes committed in connection with the secret societies of Sierra Leone?

When the Special Commission Court appointed for the trial of these crimes has completed its labours, I will consider whether any account of the proceedings can properly be published.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if serious complaints are being made by persons who have been induced to settle in Rhodesia concerning statements published by the British South Africa Company in pamphlets advertising for settlers on the ground that labour which in the pamphlets referred to is said to be plentiful is, on the contrary, very scarce; and whether he will have the statements made by the British South Africa Company in their advertisements, on which persons are being induced to settle in Rhodesia, examined and compared with the facts?

I am not aware of the serious complaints to which the hon. Member refers, and perhaps he would supply one with the information upon which his question is based, in the absence of which it is not possible for me to deal with the matter.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any official information to the effect that the trigonometrical survey of Trinidad is incorrect; and, if so, in consideration of the importance of accuracy in surveying for oil, will he cause inquiry to be made?

The Governor has made inquiries into an allegation that there were material errors in the trigonometrical survey of Trinidad. He satisfied himself that the allegation was not well founded, and did not consider it necessary to take any further action in the matter.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether his predecessor promised to increase the Excise Duty on rum in Trinidad from 8s. 6d. to 9s. in order to balance the Import Duty on rum of 9s.; and, if so, what steps have been taken to given effect to it?

I am not aware that any promise was made except that the proposal to increase the Excise Duty would be considered. It was considered by the Legislative Council in 1911, but was rejected.

asked the number of commissioned officers in the Trinidad military establishment; the number of the rank and file outside the constabulary; what is the collective pay of officers and of men; whether they possess any guns other than those used for ceremonial purposes; and, if so, how many?

Two officers and four non-commissioned officers of the Trinidad Light Infantry and Trinidad Light Horse receive pay amounting to £085 a year; the remainder are unpaid. It would be contrary to the established practice to make any public statement as regards the strength and armament of these forces.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) how many of his eighty efficient machines are biplanes and how many are monoplanes, how many are more than six months old; and how many have been bought second-hand since the 1st January, 1913; (2) to which squadrons of the Royal Army Flying Corps the eighty efficient machines are attached, and how long they have been in the possession of each of such squadrons; (3) how many aeroplanes were ordered by the Army Wing of the Royal Flying Corps from English manufacturers between Michaelmas Day and Christmas Day, 1912, and whether his new and perfect machine is to be made at the Royal Aircraft Factory or elsewhere; and (4) whether, on the 24th March, 1913, the only efficient aeroplanes belonging to the Royal Flying Corps, apart from the machines in the factory, were seventeen at Upavon, three at Lark Hill, fourteen at Farnborough, and five at Montrose?

These questions raise points on which I made in my speech on the introduction of Army Estimates the fullest statement that can be made at present consistently with public interests.

Does the public interest really prevent us from knowing the nature of the aeroplanes we have?

Certainly.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the statement by General Henderson, Director of Military Training, at the meeting of the Aeronautical Society on the 26th instant, that the reason why orders for aeroplanes last year were spasmodic was that the money came spasmodically, and that when orders were not given it was due to lack of money; and whether such statements enunciates the views of his Department?

My attention had been called to this matter. The statement made by the general officer at the meeting referred to, of which a brief report appeared in the Press, was accurate in every particular, and conflicted in no way with my public acknowledgment of the liberal way in which my demands on the Exchequer for aviation had been met by the Chancellor. There are many other things besides aeroplanes to be provided out of aviation funds, and it was necessary for me personally to decide from time to time in what proportion sums should be allotted to the various services.

Do I gather from that that the spasmodic orders were owing to lack of funds?

No, Sir, certainly not. If my hon. Friend will read my reply he will see they were owing to decisions I had to give myself as to the directions in which we should spend the money available for the various aviation services.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether time-expired soldiers leaving India can go straight from India to New South Wales; if not, what are the regulations about this, and what amount of money are they required to possess before being allowed to go straight from India to New South Wales; and do these same regulations apply to other parts of Australia and to other parts of our Overseas Empire?

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to answer this question. In reply to the first and third parts, Army Regulations provide that soldiers leaving India on final discharge may, subject to the Commander-in-Chief's approval, proceed direct to any part of the Empire. In reply to the second part, there are no regulations restricting the immigration of discharged soldiers into New South Wales; but the New South Wales Government has hitherto refused assistance or encouragement to such immigrants unless they are men of approved health, character, and vigour, are not over forty years of age, are entitled to pension, and have £200 either in savings or in the form of commuted pension. I may add that I have seen a statement in the Australian Press that these conditions are now no longer to he insisted upon; but I have no official information to that effect, and am making inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that neither the Hampshire Territorial Association nor the War Office make any contribution to the parish of Calbourne, Isle of Wight, in lieu of the loss of rates which this parish has sustained owing to the Government having acquired many hundreds of acres of land in the parish for the purpose of a rifle range; and if the War Office can see their way to make some contribution to relieve the parishioners in respect of this loss?

I have received a letter on this subject, but am not at present in a position to make any statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can assure the House that no proposal for reducing the numbers of the European troops serving in India is under consideration?

No such proposal has been received.

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the question? Can he say that no such proposal is under consideration?

We are not in the habit of considering proposals which we have not yet received.

Is it not true that a distinguished officer is now reporting to the Government upon the Indian Army, and is not the right hon. Gentleman's answer not practically an evasion of the question I asked?

No, most certainly not. Lord Nicholson has a Committee which is inquiring into the whole matter. We have received no representation from him. We have not the least idea whether he will propose an increase or a reduction, or that things shall remain as they are. There is no question of evasion whatever. The question is altogether premature.

With apologies to the right hon. Gentleman in that respect, may I ask if the Government is prepared to favourably consider any reduction whatsoever in the European troops?

It would be impossible to answer a question so obviously hypothetical in its character. We have not the least idea what Lord Nicholson will recommend, whether an increase or a reduction, or that things should remain as they are. It is impossible for me to say more, and I regret that the hon. Gentleman should have used the word "evasion."

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he is aware of the expense thrown upon married officers on changing quarters; and if he will take into favourable consideration making an allowance for removal, so that no greater burden will be thrown on married officers and men than on bachelor officers and men?

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the removal of furniture, etc. Increased allowances are made to married soldiers, warrant officers and quartermasters on this score. I regret that I am unable to extend them to other married officers.

Is there any reason why it should not be extended to married officers?

I cannot answer that across the floor of the House. The matter has been considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether lodging allowance to married officers is granted only while the quarters for unmarried officers in barracks are all full; and whether he will consider the desirability of granting lodging allowance to all married officers of twelve years' service and upwards while on the active list?

Lodging money is issued to an officer married or single only when no quarters, on the scale laid down for an officer of his rank, are available.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the rifle sub-depôt is to be transferred to Winchester; if so, will he state the reason; whether he is aware that, when the rifle sub-depôt was formed at Woolwich a few years ago, about £15,000 was spent in fitting up stores and other accommodation; and what is the estimated cost involved in the transference to Winchester?

The rifle sub-depôt is to be moved to Winchester for several reasons connected with organisation and training and especially to set free barrack accommodation for an Infantry battalion which is required owing to the withdrawal of two battalions from South Africa. A sum of £15,000 was spent at Woolwich on the construction of married quarters which were urgently required, and which will be all occupied soon after the removal of the sub-depôt.

asked whether in the Territorial Army there are still, including untrained recruits, 40,747 non-commissioned officers and men under nineteen years of age?

There are no figures for ages available for a date later than the 1st October, 1912.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men in the Territorial Army must be deducted from the number of effectives for casualties, or, if he is unable to give the number approximately, whether 10 per cent. is too small a number to deduct for casualties from the total number of effectives?

No accurate figures are available, and I am not therefore in a position to give any reply to the points raised in the question.

asked whether the number of non-combatants in the Territorial Force is still under 13,000; if so, how many fewer than this number there are; and whether the number of non-effectives in the Territorial Army is 118,079, or fewer or more, and, if either, how many?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to a question on this subject put by the hon. Gentleman on 28th January.

asked whether the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men absent from camp last year was, in the Territorial Army, 6,056; whether the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men who failed to pass the standard test for musketry or did not fire was more than 58,000; and, if so, how many more?

As regards the first part of the question, the numbers absent from camp will be found on page 109 of the Annual Return of the Territorial Force, Cd. No. 6657. As regards the last part of the question, the figures for the musketry course will be found in Command Paper 6616.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as 114,621 non-commissioned officers and men are due to become time expired between the 1st of October, 1912, and the 30th of September of this year, and as the wastage has been estimated during the same period from causes other than the expiration of the term of service at 27,600, he is able to give an approximate estimate of the number of vacancies for non-commissioned officers and men in the Territorial Army which may be expected to occur by 30th September, 1913, irrespective of the deficit of 27,600 non-commissioned officers and men in the establishment on the 1st of March last?

I fear that I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to a similar question on this subject yesterday.

asked what were the chief difficulties which arose and what was the chief cause of the controversies between the provincial and central governments in India in respect of the framing of provincial settlements?

In framing provincial settlements the object in view is to endow the provinces as liberally as efficiency without extravagance demands. This end is accomplished by research and possibly by consultation and correspondence, not of course, without difficulty, but never, I think, leading to controversy.

asked whether there have been any and, if so, what recent developments in the system of Indian provincial settlements; and what correspondence has passed between the Government of India and the India Office on this subject?

New settlements with the several provinces were introduced in 1911, and their general features are described in the financial statement of the Government of India for 1911–12. The terms were previously the subject of correspondence between the Government of India and the Secretary of State and were approved by him.

asked what correspondence passed between the Government of India and the Government at Bombay on the last occasion of making a provincial financial settlement; what reasons led the Government of India to abandon the correspondence; and what were the terms of the settlement finally made?

The correspondence to which the hon. Member refers arose out of proposals regarding provincial finance made by the Decentralisation Commission, which were referred by the Government of India to local governments for opinion. The views of the Bombay Government and of other Governments were considered by the Government of India, who placed their conclusions before the Secretary of State. His decisions as to the terms of the new provincial settlements were explained and given effect to in the financial statement for 1911–12.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the attacks made upon the Government in connection with appointments to positions in the public service without competitive examinations and that certain Returns have been made to this House on the subject; and whether any opportunity will be given, either on the Estimates or otherwise, on which the whole question may be adequately discussed by the House?

The Government will be glad to give an opportunity for the full discussion of this matter if they are requested to do so by the responsible leaders of the Opposition.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement about the future of Stafford House?

The House will, I am sure, have learned with regret, from the correspondence which has just been published, that Sir William Lever has felt it necessary to withdraw his generous offer which was under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman approach Sir W. Lever, and point out the grave losses which are imposed upon the community and the Empire at large by the action of practically one gentleman?

I have written a letter.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the date when he first became aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Lord Murray had purchased the additional 3,000 shares in the American Marconi Company?

At the end of December last year or the beginning of January in the present year.

asked the Prime Minister if, in addition to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Attorney- General, he has knowledge of any other Members of the Government being interested or having had dealings in the shares of the American Marconi Company, or any of the other Marconi companies?

No, Sir.

Has the right hon. Gentleman obtained specific information from each of the Members of the Government?

No, certainly not.

May the right hon. Gentleman's refusal to answer be taken as an admission that possibly some other Members of the Government have had dealings in the shares?

No, it may not.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now say when the Report of the Royal Commission on University Education in London will be in the hands of Members of Parliament?

The Report has been presented and is now in the hands of the printers, and I hope it will be available for distribution shortly.

Is it likely to be available during the present month of April?

I hope so, but I should not like to give a definite promise. The matter does not depend on me but on the printers.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the German Army and Navy Estimates, in reference to their proposed increase in the preparations for aerial warfare; and, as our existing Estimates were framed without knowledge of these preparations, what steps he proposes to take to place Great Britian in a position to adequately defend her shores against possible attack?

All new facts arising after the presentation of the Estimates of the year which may affect the naval or military position are considered by the Departments concerned, and any further action which is found necessary can and will be taken without delay.

Having regard to the fact that the First Lord of the Admiralty stated the other day that he had not known of the German Estimates when these were produced, could not the Prime Minister give a day to discuss the whole question of aviation?

No; it has been very fully discussed on the Army and Navy Estimates, and there will be many other opportunities on the Estimates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many occasional valuations have been made under the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910; and how many of such valuations have resulted in claims being made for Increment Value Duty and substantiated?

Up to 29th March, 1913, occasional valuations had been made of 539,970 hereditaments in Great Britain and 1,051 claims to Increment Value Duty have been substantiated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in each of these cases, apart from all other expenses, a cost of one guinea is incurred, making a minimum cost to the public of an additional 500,000 guineas under that head alone?

I do not want to argue it now, hut, as the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, it provides a very valuable register which, I hope, one day will be amalgamated with the Land Registry and which will facilitate land transfer and make it much cheaper.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the occasional valuation has nothing to do with the original valuation?

I am talking of the record of the transaction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this particular matter to which I was calling attention, of a guinea in each case, has nothing to do with the original valuation, but the occasional valuation made on the occasion of each sale?

That is what I am referring to.

asked whether the estimate of £630,086 for the expenses of the Land Valuation Office for the year 1913–14 includes rent and other office expenses of the district and other official valuers?

The estimate does not include the rent of the offices referred to in the hon. Member's question, which is defrayed from the Vote for Public Works and Buildings, but it does include the expenses of cleaning and taking care of those offices.

asked whether, under the White Paper instructions issued by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, claims for Increment Value Duty can be made on the sale of a house and land where the owner has made no profit or even incurred a loss on the transaction; and whether any such claims have actually been made?

A claim to duty may arise in circumstances such as those to which the hon. Member refers if the depreciation in the value of the buildings exceeds the diminution of price, or, in other words, if a rise in the site value has wholly or in part neutralised a loss on the buildings. Very few such cases have actually arisen.

asked whether, on the sale of a house and land at a price which, in the opinion of the Valuation Department, is more than the property is worth, it is the practice of the Department to claim Increment Value Duty on the difference between the sale price and the amount of the official valuation at the time, less the 10 per cent. statutory allowance, although the value of the site has been stationary?

I have nothing to add to the full statements made on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

asked what is the reason that His Majesty's Government will not allow the sale of home-manufactured petrol and petrol substitutes free of Excise Duties?

An Excise Duty on motor spirit was imposed simultaneously with the Customs Duty on the imported article.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, having regard to the peculiar conditions of this trade at the present time, he will not consider the remitting of the Excise Duties on the whole manufacture?

The hon. Gentleman is raising a very wide issue which I understand will be debated to-night.

asked whether the total yield from on- and off-Licence Duties in Ireland in 1911–12 as against 1908–9 is only £14,337; and whether the duty for on-licence has risen only 18s. 8d.?

As regards on-licences the figures given by the hon. Member are approximately correct. As I explained in the Debate on the last Finance Bill, the increase in the duty is bearing lightly on Ireland, because the large majority of the licensed houses are of a low annual value.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in his Estimates for 1909–10 he expected to receive from the on and off retail licence an increase of £1,500,000; and whether the actual balance of £442,207 is mainly derived from the taxation of the London licensed houses?

I expected to receive £2,100,000 front the increase in the Liquor Licence Duties under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and as I explained in debate on the Finance Bill last year, that agrees substantially with the amount I have received in respect of the increase for the year 1911–12. No pledge was given that the increase in respect of the "on" and "off" retail licences should not exceed £1,500,000. I cannot therefore attach any very definite meaning to the expression "the actual balance of £442,207."

asked whether the total yield of the retail on-Licence Duties within the city and county of London has increased from £204,581 for the year 1908–9 to £607,750 for the year 1911–12, the total increase being £403,169 and the rate 197 per cent.; whether this increase amounts to one-quarter of the total increase over the United Kingdom; whether, before the Finance Act of 1910, the yield in the London area was only one-ninth of the total yield; whether, if this proportion had been maintained, the increase would have been only £192,000; and whether, if the basis of population had been taken, the increased yield would be only £173,000?

The figures given, which appear to be based on provisional figures given in the Return of Liquor Licence Duties (House of Commons Paper No. 217, of 1912), are approximately correct.

asked whether anything is to be done to prevent members of friendly societies of over sixty-five years of age being compelled to pay increased contributions for medical attendance and treatment?

I have nothing to add to the answers I have already given to similar questions on this subject.

May I ask whether this subject might be reconsidered in the interest of the old people?

Certainly, the understanding was that these people would receive medical attendance and treatment on the terms which the friendly societies now offer.

With whom was the understanding made?

With representative members.

May I ask whether the statement was based on the assumption that the fees to be paid to the doctors would be less than the amount which was afterwards agreed to be paid?

That is exactly true. They were willing to take these people for 6s. The societies are now offering 6s., which is 2s. more than they used to pay.

Is it not intended that the members of friendly societies who are not within the Act should have exactly the same treatment as those who are within the Act?

At a reasonable figure. The fact that we are giving half-a-crown Government subsidy more than for the others would, I should have thought, have made the doctors more willing to take these patients.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether the National Insurance Commissioners have had before them for approval the terms of the contract entered into between the six Prudential approved societies and the Prudential Assurance Company with respect to the administration of the functions of the approved societies; whether it is the duty of the Commissioners to inspect any such contract, or whether it will only come under review at the time of valuation; whether the six approved societies have contracted to pay the Prudential Company a sum of half-a-crown per member per annum in payment for administration; and (2) whether he is aware that by Rule 33 of the Prudential Approved Society for Men a member has the right to inspect the books, subject to an order to that effect from the committee of management, and should such an order be refused the member may then appeal to the Commission; whether he is aware that a member of the society referred to has been refused permission to inspect, that he has since applied to the Commission on several occasions and has only received formal acknowledgments; and whether he is prepared to take action to secure the right of a member to inspect the books of the society?

I am aware of the rule referred to in the second question. The Commissioners have received applications from a member to inspect the agreement made by the Prudential approved societies with the Prudential Company with regard to their administrative work under the Act, which was approved by the Commissioners. The Commissioners have had the applications to inspect the agreement under their consideration. They understand, however, from the Prudential approved societies that they intend to publish the full terms of the agreement, showing the conditions and the rate agreed for the first six months.

When will it be published?

I think very shortly.

Will the auditors inquire in detail into the expenditure of the Prudential Company to find out whether the money granted in a lump sum has really been expended on this work?

I think that the Prudential Company will have to satisfy us that the money is being expended on charges connected with the insurance work.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that certain delays have been alleged to occur in the receipt of sickness benefit by insured persons; whether any inquiry has been made into such cases; what is the cause of such delays; and whether any warnings or orders can be given to prevent their repetition?

A certain number of cases of delay in the payment of sickness benefit have been brought to my notice, and inquiries have been made with a view to preventing any recurrence. It could hardly be expected, of course, that 23,500 societies and branches would commence their new work of paying benefits under the Act to members of societies without a few cases of delay occurring in the first few weeks. I believe, however, that such cases are exceptional and temporary, and that approved societies are fully recognising the importance of securing prompt payment.

Are not they generally due to men leaving one place and going to another without notifying the society of the change of address?

I think that that is very largely the case, and that they are also due to the newness of the Act taken in connection with the large number of persons who have to be dealt with. I do not anticipate that it will last.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many servants insured under the National Insurance Act travelling from place to place with their employers are not enabled to obtain any medical benefit, as they are not allowed to select a new doctor on account of their change of abode more than once a quarter; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this hardship?

The Noble Lord is mistaken. An insured servant who moves from one area to another may, by giving notice to the committee of the area to which he moves, obtain the services of a doctor in the latter area, even though he moves more than once a quarter. The general question of the best machinery for dealing with these cases has been referred to the Advisory Committee and is at present under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of cases of insured persons who are ill and who are unable to obtain medical relief?

If the hon. and learned Gentleman will bring the cases to my notice I will look into them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take into consideration in his Budget proposals the imposition of a licence to be levied on all owners of private wireless installations for the better protection of this country, with a view to supervision, registration, and control, and to provide that no licence be granted to a foreigner?

The present system of licensing by the Postmaster-General provides for the supervision, registration, and control of all installations, and I understand that it is the practice to refuse licences to foreigners save in very exceptional circumstances. So far, therefore, as the administrative aspect of the, subject is concerned, no change is required; and from a financial point of view it is clear that the revenue which could be obtained would be inconsiderable.

asked whether it is proposed by the Revenue Bill which the Government intend to introduce to repeal either wholly or in part any of the provisions of Magna Charta or the Bill of Rights?

I must ask the hon. and learned Member to await the statement I shall make on proposing the necessary Resolution.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in so important a matter, if the repeal of the Bill of Rights or Magna Charta is to be undertaken, the country ought to have fair notice?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, owing to a Treasury rule against which the National Board have on several occasions protested, some national teachers in Ireland when promoted after years of efficient work do not get the salary, in some cases for years, attaching to that promotion; and whether, seeing that the amount required is only £1,400 per annum and in view of the injustice done to those men, he will take steps to alter the rule and to grant the amount that will be necessary in future?

I have nothing to add to the numerous replies given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that unanimous resolutions have been passed by the committees of management of the district lunatic asylums for the counties of Down, Tipperary, Limerick, Tyrone, Fermanagh, and others, complaining of the heavy burden cast upon the ratepayers by reason of the deficit in the Treasury Capitation Grant towards the maintenance of lunatics; and whether he can see any prospect of relief for the rate-payers in the matter?

This matter must await the general readjustment of the relations between Local and Imperial Taxation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when we will get a report on that subject?

I am not prepared to answer that question at present.

asked whether it is intended to reintroduce in the present Session the Superannuation (No. 2) Bill of last Session?

I hope that a Bill will be introduced shortly.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if the Office of Works could see their way to providing a few sound-proof compartments where Members could dictate letters privately to their secretaries, as, owing to the long-continued sittings of Parliament, it is often difficult for Members to get away from the House, and the present arrangements are unsatisfactory?

As I have already stated, it is hoped later in the year to acquire for the use of Members another room adjoining Westminster Hall. Should hon. Members generally desire it, accommodation could be there provided, as the hon. Member suggests.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he can see his way to allocate a room in the parliamentary buildings for the game of billiards for Members, in the event of the authorities not offering any objection to the innovation?

The First Commissioner is not of opinion that there is any general desire for facilities of this kind.

May I ask the hon. Member whether he could meet the request halfway for the convenience of hon. Members opposite and provide a bagatelle table?

If a general desire is ex-pressed in the House, is the hon. Gentleman prepared to allocate a room for a table?

I have no reason to suppose that a general desire would be expressed.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in all the Colonial Parliaments billiard tables are provided for the use of Members?