asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether his attention has been called to the fact that he is offering to the boy naval shipwrights, now training in His Majesty's dockyards, new contracts of apprenticeships requiring them to elect within fourteen days whether they will accept them or not; whether the substance of the offer is that they must either abandon the right secured to them under their existing contracts of entering His Majesty's dockyards as established shipwrights at the expiration of their first period of engagement, the time served in the Navy to count towards superannuation, or that they will not receive whilst serving in the Navy the new rates of pay granted to naval shipwrights in November last, and that whilst serving in the Navy all promotion above shipwright will be denied to them; and whether, having regard to the fact that the age of these boys varies from thirteen and a half to eighteen years, he will at least extend the period of election till they have served the term of their indentures and one year at sea; and (2) whether there is any clause in the indentures of apprenticeship of the boy naval shipwrights that can be construed as denying to them the right to receive the same rates of pay and the same opportunity of promotion on entering the Navy as the general body of naval shipwrights; and whether, in the circumstances, he will consider whether he ought to impose conditions on the contracts of infants which would deny to them the above rights?

Boys entered for training as naval shipwrights do not sign indentures of apprenticeship but the ordinary continuous service engagement, by which they undertake to serve in the Royal Navy for twelve years' continuous and general service from the age of eighteen in addition to whatever period may be necessary till they attain that age. Their parents sign a form consenting to the above. The boys have been required to decide whether they wish to remain on the system under which they entered or accept the new system and rates of pay, surrendering the option of return to the dockyard, and are now being required to make their choice within fourteen days. The Admiralty are, however, prepared to consider applications from those who change their minds, if made in writing before they complete one year at sea. Promotion in the Navy is subject to such conditions as may be laid down by the Admiralty from time to time.

asked whether he can give the date when Vote 8 of the Navy Estimates will be taken?

This question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked whether, having regard to the right hon. Gentleman's statement that he regarded promotion from the lower deck, with possibilities of advancement for merit to the highest rank, as a permanent and essential feature in our naval system, he will state how many commissioned ranks will be allocated to the naval writers; whether he will state the number of writers lent to ships in lieu of assistant paymasters during the manœuvres of 1912, the amount of extra pay paid to each, and the acting rank, if any, granted to these writers during the period they were so employed; and whether, in view of the shortage of assistant paymasters, he will consider the desirability of providing a sufficient number of warrant writers to be employed in sea-going ships as captains' clerks and thus release a corresponding number of assistant paymasters for pay duties, and provide a nucleus of assistant paymasters sufficient to enable officers of that rank to be given their foreign service leave?

It is not intended to grant commissioned rank to naval writers. As regards the second part of the question, the number was two. No extra pay was granted, nor was acting rank given. The provision to be made in the accountant branch of the Royal Navy to meet the requirements of the Fleet is now under the consideration of the Board.

asked whether anything has been done to eradicate the danger of disease at the Royal Naval College, Osborne; and whether, if nothing can be done to discover the cause of the unhealthiness of the college, he will consider the possibility of its removal to a more healthy site?

It is the constant care of the Admiralty to guard against the occurrence of disease at the Royal Naval College, Osborne, and, as at present advised, they are not prepared to admit the assumption in the latter part of the hon. and gallant Member's question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a number of cases of illness there at present, and that it has been considered advisable to send many boys home?

The age at which the boys enter Osborne, I am informed, rather induces them to develop these somewhat youthful diseases.

Is it not a fact that these epidemics are very constant at Osborne, and more constant than in ordinary schools of public instruction in the country, and can he see his way to do something to alter that position?

As I have said, this question is under the constant care of the Admiralty. I understand that boys when they enter Osborne at twelve and a half years of age are peculiarly susceptible to these diseases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question? Are not epidemics at Osborne more constant than they are in the ordinary public schools of the country?

Not if you take the age at which they enter into consideration. I shall be very happy to consider any information the Noble Lord can give me.

asked whether the swimming-bath which was promised three years ago has now been completed at the Royal Naval College, Osborne; and, if not, whether, owing to the dangerous currents, sea-water bathing has been prohibited and the naval cadets consequently left without opportunity to make themselves proficient in the art of natation?

Money has been taken in the Estimates for the provision of a swimming-bath, but the work has to be considered in connection with other questions concerning the whole of the college buildings.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to answer the second part of my question?

Yes, Sir; sea-water bathing has been prohibited.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked this question three years ago and got the same answer?

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman can now give the House any further information as to the missing cutter belonging to His Majesty's ship "Perseus" in the Persian Gulf; whether he will state the number of relatives dependent on the men lost; whether any pensions have been awarded; if so, to whom were they awarded; and when they were awarded?

No definite information accounting for the disappearance of the cutter has yet come to light, but inquiries are being prosecuted with a view to the thorough investigation of the rumours re- ferred to by the Noble Lord in his previous question on this subject. Of the eight men lost four are known to have left dependant relatives, to whom gratuities have been awarded. Pensions are only awarded to the widows of men killed or drowned on duty.

What were the conclusions of the inquiry?

Two mothers were awarded gratuities of £22 16s. 3d. and £33 9s. 2d. respectively; one aunt £30 8s. 4d., and one father £34 19s. 7d.

Were there any children?

No. There were no children.

asked whether there is a dispute between the Admiralty and the men of the engineering trades employed in Portsmouth dockyard; whether the men of these trades have refused to work overtime or on night shifts until their requests for improved rates of pay have been conceded; whether the skilled and unskilled labourers attached to these trades have refused to work with non-society men; and, if so, whether he will now form a Committee of Inquiry to investigate and clear up the whole matter?

A certain number of men of the engineering trades employed in Portsmouth yard have declined to work overtime or day and night shifts, until replies are received to their petitions for increases of pay. The whole question of the rates of pay of dockyard workmen is now under the consideration of the Admiralty, and it is not considered necessary to form a Committee of Inquiry on the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether it is not the fact that the men have a grievance, that their pay in the dockyards, including privileges, is nothing comparable with what they could get outside for a similar class of work, and the rate for provisions has increased enormously?

I do not think I can add anything to the last part of my answer. The whole question is under the consideration of the Admiralty.

When will the matter be reported upon?

As soon as possible.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the average pay before retirement of chief petty officers, coastguard, is £64 without allowances, and that of chief officers £128, or 100 per cent. higher, whilst the average pensions of chief petty officers and chief officers, coastguard, during the last two years, differ only 5 per cent., or less than 10 per cent.; and whether he will consider the advisability of removing this disparity between the pay and pensions of these officers, seeing that it is the cause of discontent not existing in the corresponding ranks of naval services afloat?

The average pay, before retirement, of chief petty officers and of chief officers, is as stated. The average pensions awarded on retirement at the age of fifty-five years to the two classes referred to have been during the past two years £50 10s. and £57, respectively, a difference of about 13 per cent. As regards the second part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on the 12th February and the 19th March.

asked for the number of adults serving in a civil capacity in his Department; the grades and numbers of persons so employed who receive less than 30s. per week or £78 per annum; and the number whose normal working day exceeds eight hours?

Such a return would involve an enormous amount of labour, which I should hardly feel justified in asking the Department to undertake.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that £268,000 is voted annually to 670 Members of Parliament and that the entire estimated increase of pay granted to the 137,500 officers and men serving in His Majesty's Navy amounts to only £386,743, he would consider the property of reducing those salaries with a view to dealing more generously with the petitions of the naval shipwrights and armourers for increased pay?

The answer is in the negative.

asked whether he can give the tonnage of British and German merchant steamships of 5,000 tons and upwards in 1911 and 1912, respectively?

The aggregate tonnage of mercantile steam vessels of 5,000 tons gross and upwards remaining on the Register at the beginning of 1911 and 1912 amounted to 4,584,000 tons gross, and 5,124,000 tons gross, respectively, in the case of the United Kingdom, and to 1,561,000 tons gross and 1,711,000 tons gross, respectively, in the case of Germany.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Extradition Treaty has been concluded between this country and the Republic of Colombia; and, if not, whether His Majesty's Minister at Bogota has been instructed to approach the Government of the Republic on the subject?

An Extradition Treaty between this country and the Republic of Colombia was concluded in 1888, and is still in force. See Parliamentary Paper No. 1 Colombia, 1890 (C. 5902).

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the statement of Captain Edwards, Inspector-General of Police and Prisons in British East Africa, before the Native Labour Commission, that there was no way of making known to the native community the numerous enactments which appeared in the Government Gazette, and that breaches of regulations were committed by natives without knowing that they were doing wrong, and whether any steps are being taken to remedy this state of affairs?

I have seen a statement to this effect in one of the local papers dated the 15th of March. I am asking the Governor for his views on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information to give to the House regarding a disturbance which occurred on Plantation Rose Hall, in the district of Berbice, in the Colony of British Guiana, during the first fortnight of March last; whether, in addition to minor casualties, no less than fifteen lives were lost, one of those killed being a policeman and the remainder being East Indian immigrants, on the estate; whether the immigrants came to their death because an attack made by them on the policeman, who was in the execution of his duty, compelled the authorities to resort to firearms; and, if so, what was the nature of the duty which this policeman was executing, and what are the conditions of the indenture under which Indian labourers are attached for service on this and other plantations in British Guiana?

The Governor of British Guiana has furnished me with an account of this regrettable disturbance, the substance of which is as follows: On the 12th of February certain complaints had been put forward by the immigrants which had been inquired into by the immigration authorities and proved to be without foundation and arrangements were made for the transfer of a few immigrants to another estate. The transfer was objected to. On the 6th of March the indentured immigrants on the plantation refused to go to work, and on the 7th of March they refused to allow the unindentured labourers to work on the estate. On the 12th, warrants for intimidation were sworn against five immigrants, and on the 13th the police proceeded to execute these warrants. They encountered a large mob armed with cutlasses and other weapons. After the Riot Act had been read a policeman, in executing one of the warrants, was cut down and killed, others were injured by missiles, and thereupon the order to fire was given to the police who were in considerable danger. I regret to state that the figure of fifteen lives lost is correct, and in addition about forty persons were seriously wounded, including two policemen. There have been no further disturbances. A commission of inquiry will be held as soon as the inquests are over. Particulars of the system of indenture in the Colony are given in paragraphs 224–226 of the Report of the Committee on Emigration from India to the Crown Colonies and Protectorates. (Cd. 5192.)

asked the Secretary of State for War, in reference to the answer given by him on the 6th July, 1912, whether the method adopted by the officers of the Royal Engineers for testing clothing has been the practice for over forty years; and which is the Army clothing regulation that confines the duty of officers to dealing with surpluses and deficiencies and variations from pattern?

The duties of boards of survey are laid down in paragraph 263 of the Clothing Regulations, Part I. The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether his new perfect aeroplane has met with an accident, and, if so, what was the cause; and whether the machine is really in its experimental stage; and (2) whether his statement that the new Army aeroplane was the best in the world was made on the authority of his technical advisers, and whether they still adhere to that description?

The hon. Gentleman in this question and in Question 25, to which I will reply at the same time, is presumably alluding to a new machine of whose successful speed tests I informed the House on the introduction of Army Estimates. This aeroplane is temporarily out of use owing to a breakage in the engine. The description given of it was based on information supplied to me by my principal technical adviser.

May I ask whether the machine is not in an experimental stage at the present time?

It has achieved the feats which I have described to the House. I should be very glad if the hon. Gentleman would himself take a flight in it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman want to get rid of me?

Oh, no.

asked how much money was spent in the year ending 31st March, 1913, in wages of the actual pilots, the purchase of aeroplanes, and the Royal Aircraft Factory, respectively?

It is estimated that the sum of £16,000 was expended in the year ended 31st March, 1913, on the emoluments of officers and others qualified as pilots, £100,800 was expended on the purchase of aeroplanes, including engines and spare parts, and £117,000 on the Royal Aircraft Factory.

asked what proportion of the sum of £190,000 included in this year's Estimate for aviation stores and material is to be allotted for the purchase of aeroplanes?

I am not at present in a position to give any information on this subject.

When does the right hon. Gentleman think that he will be able to give that information?

I could not say when I shall be able to given the information, but I will give it in due course.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is anxiety in the country as to the number and efficiency of the aeroplanes belonging to the Royal Army Flying Corps; and whether, having regard to the refusal of the Secretary of State for War to give further details of these machines, he will consent to the appointment of a small Committee, independent of the present officials, to make such investigations as would reassure the public?

This matter is receiving the continued attention of His Majesty's Government, who are able to avail themselves of the best expert advice on the subject. I see no reason for the appointment of the Committee suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet mounted any high-elevation guns for use against aircraft on the vulnerable portions of our coast-line; and, if not, how he proposes to secure us against foreign aircraft?

It is not considered desirable to publish any information on this subject.

asked what officers constitute the General Staff; and what method is adopted for the purpose of ascertaining the opinions of those officers on questions of policy?

The General Staff in the War Office is composed of those officers holding appointments in the Department of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, as shown on pages 7, 8, and 9 of the Army List. In addition there are officers of the General Staff at headquarters of commands at home and abroad, in educational establishments, and elsewhere. Any advice tendered by this General Staff is therefore furnished by the chief of the Imperial General Staff.

May I ask whether junior officers of the General Staff, more especially those on the staff of the Territorial Force, have an opportunity of voicing their views?

Of course, they all have every opportunity of stating their views. The General Staff, of course, is not a public body whose decisions are decided by the majority.

Are the junior officers asked for their views, or do they have to press them on their senior officers?

I should require to have notice of any question as to the procedure of the General Staff. I have every reason to believe that they work harmoniously.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that King Edward's Horse, the King's Oversea Dominions Regiment, is a unit liable for active service outside the confines of the United Kingdom, he will state the number of horses now on the strength of the regiment?

Provision is not made out of Army Funds for the permanent maintenance of horses for this unit in time of peace.

Will they get their horses?

I have said that provision is made for the permanent maintenance of horses in time of peace, and in time of war every provision is made.

asked what progress has been made by the Committee appointed to consider the question of the stagnation of promotion of Artillery clerks?

The inquiry has made good progress, but it is not yet possible to say when the Committee will be in a position to submit a Report.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Government has failed in achievement under the voluntary system in the case of the Territorial Army and of the fact that compulsory military training may be necessary in the near future, he can now say whether he will agree to make this a non-party question if the Leader of the Opposition will do the same?

I cannot accept any of the hon. Member's assumptions. So far as I am aware this is not a party question, and I trust it may not become one.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether in the future he will prevent the Patronage Secretary from going about the country saying that compulsion was infamous and a crime against mankind, and that the Liberal party would do everything they could to prevent it?

Certainly not. I shall do nothing of the kind.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that the First Whip did say that the Liberal party would do everything they could to prevent it?

I certainly hope they will.

asked the Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the statement of a Territorial officer that, in his battalion in London, anyone bringing in a recruit between 1st December and 31st March last, pledged to attend camp for a fortnight the first year, could obtain as much as 15s. for so doing; and whether this money was paid by the Territorial Association or by the Government?

Permission has been given to Territorial Associations to pay recruiting rewards not exceeding 1s. 6d., if they have realised surplus funds, but no direct payment is made from Army funds. Nothing is known at the War Office of the case mentioned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman allow that this 1s. 6d. is given? Does the Army Council consider that that is a satisfactory way of obtaining recruits?

If the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars of cases at variance with the rules I have laid down I will gladly consider them.

asked the Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the statement of a Territorial officer that under the present state of affairs in the average battalion of the Territorials most of the spare time of the keen officers and non-commissioned officers was occupied in vain efforts to obtain recruits instead of acquiring military knowledge; and what he proposes to do to rectify this state of affairs?

I am not aware of the statement mentioned.

asked the total number of men required, in the opinion of the General Staff, for garrisons in Ireland and the United Kingdom after the Expeditionary Force has left the country?

It is not considered to be in the interests of the public service to publish the information required.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Imperial General Staff has assured him that, in the absence of the Expeditionary Force, the available military forces left in this country are considered by them to be sufficient to defeat any hostile invading forces which, in the considered judgment of the Admiralty, may be able to elude the British Fleet?

The Admiralty state that it would not be possible for an organised invasion far less in numbers than 70,000 to elude the Fleet after the departure of the Expeditionary Force. The General Staff has assured me that the troops remaining in this country would be adequate to defeat any organised invasion which, on the basis of Admiralty calculation, could elude the Fleet under the circumstances named. The number of 70,000 could only be reached by a series of isolated raids at wide intervals of time and space. With our available resources the General Staff hold that the security of the Kingdom can be upheld against this latter form of attack.

Does the right hon. Gentleman draw a complete distinction between a raid and an organised invasion in estimating the power of resistance of the Territorial Force?

I am glad my hon. Friend asks me that question. Such a distinction has always been drawn. It would be manifestly impossible to assert with confidence that the Territorial Force only a few days after mobilisation could overcome a concentrated army composed of 70,000 highly trained European troops, with all their Cavalry, Artillery, and accessories. We contend that such a situation cannot arise so long as we maintain our present naval superiority. I wish to emphasise that it was in that sense I replied to the question put to me by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Bonar Law) in the course of Friday's Debate. It is important to make the distinction.

Are all the statements of probabilities which the Secretary of State has just made now the subject of investigation by the Committee of Imperial Defence? Are they the subjects which were referred to the Special Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence?

I have explained to the House that there is a special Sub-Committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence to consider the whole question of attack from oversea, and all these questions are now before them. I was asked what is the view of the General Staff, and I have stated the view of the General Staff.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman now wishes to withdraw the statement which he made on Friday, to the effect that after the departure of the Expeditionary Force the troops left in this country would be adequate to deal with a raid of 70,000 men?

No, Sir, I do not wish to withdraw in the least. I want to make the distinction clear. A "raid" has always been understood in these controversies to mean a force which can only come without Artillery and Cavalry, and on that basis I adhere absolutely to the statement I made. With regard to an organised invasion the facts are as I have stated, but, if the hon. Gentleman looks at the OFFICIAL REPORT, he will see that the question I was asked was with regard to raids.

What ground has the right hon. Gentleman for stating that the word "raid" in this connection has always been used to indicate a force without either Artillery or Cavalry?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the most lucid statement on the subject made by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the City of London (Mr. Balfour), in which he drew a very careful distinction between a "raid" and an organised "invasion." It is conceivable to think that a "raid" might have some Artillery, but for the purposes of these discussions we describe a properly organised force as an "invasion."

What I meant to ask the right hon. Gentleman was whether he implied that my right hon. Friend the Member for the City of London in speaking of a "raid" on that occasion limited it to a force with no Artillery. My right hon. Friend never said anything of the sort.

Perhaps I may be forgiven for replying again. One could not say such a force could have no Artillery. That might be going too far. A distinction has always been drawn between a "raid," which is a force which may be supposed to elude the Fleet in a swift ship, which obviously could carry but little Artillery, and could not land it, and an "invasion," which is a properly constituted force with full complement of Cavalry, Artillery, transport, and all the necessary appurtenances of an army.

asked the Under-Secretary for India the number of bales of cotton grown in India in 1912; and how many of such bales were sent to places other than the United Kingdom?

The yield of the cotton crop of 1911–12 was estimated at 3,288,000 bales. The exports to countries other than the United Kingdom in the calendar year 1912 amounted to 1,931,000 bales.

Is that an increase on last year's production?

I have not looked at last year's figures. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question.

asked whether the Secretary of State has seen the resolution of the All-India Moslem League drawing the attention of His Majesty's Government to the cumulative evidence bearing on the Macedonian butcheries and demanding that the Foreign Office should take action with regard to the outrages perpetrated by the Balkan invaders against the Mussulman population of Macedonia; and, if so, what action, if any, has been or will be taken by the India Office?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative As has been repeatedly stated in answer to questions in this House, His Majesty's Minister at Sofia has, on the instructions of His Majesty's Government, made several representations to the Bulgarian Government on the subject of the excesses to which the Moslem inhabitants of territory in Bulgarian occupation have been exposed; and similar action has been taken by His Majesty's Minister at Belgrade.

Has any answer been received to the representations?

Yes, certain answers have been received.

asked whether it is on instructions from the Secretary of State that the Government of India has declared that the question of the site and architecture of the new capital at Delhi is not to be discussed in the Indian Legislative Council; and whether, in view of the fact that the whole cost of the new Delhi is to be borne by the Indian taxpayer and will amount to over four millions sterling, the Secretary of State will recommend the Viceroy to lay the plans and proposals before the Legislative Council?

No such declaration has been made. In stating that they did not propose to put forward for discussion the questions to which my hon. Friend refers, the Government of India have not interfered in any way with the liberty of members of the Legislative Council to raise and debate topics of public interest. The Secretary of State does not propose to instruct the Government of India in the manner suggested.

Are we to conclude that there will be ample public discussion in the Legislative Council of India on these proposals?

If any member of the Legislative Council desires to discuss this matter he can put down a Motion within the rules. There is no intention of avoiding discussion.

Are the rules of the Legislative Council as difficult for hon. Members in a private capacity as they are here?

I should not like to make a comparison, but I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the rules.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he has considered the last Report of Mr. J. Begg, consulting architect to the Government of India, and the warning therein contained against the dangers incident to the increasing employment of Chinese workmen in Indian building operations; and whether he can give an undertaking that Chinese labour will not be employed on the buildings of the new Delhi?

The Secretary of State has seen the passage in the Report to which my hon. friend refers regarding the increasing number of Chinese workmen in certain building trades of Bengal. He sympathises with my hon. Friend's apprehensions, and will bring the matter to the notice of the Government of India.

asked whether one of the selected architects for the new Delhi carries on his profession with offices in Johannesburg and the other with offices in London; whether any conditions have been imposed on either or both of these gentlemen that they should give up their private practice or spend a definite portion of each year in India; and, if not, what security will be given that the work in India will receive the necessary personal supervision?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that the agreement to be made with the two architects will guard against the apprehensions upon which his question is based.

Will these agreements be published or laid in the Library for our inspection?

I do not think that is necessary, but I shall be pleased to answer any questions about them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state when it is proposed to introduce the Bill to legalise the additional expenditure involved in the increased payments to doctors under the National Insurance Act; and whether such measure will make statutory provision for insured persons to have a free choice of doctors?

With regard to the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Members for Colchester and Salisbury on the 14th instant. With regard to the second part, as the Act already secures to insured persons the right of free choice of doctors on the panel, no amendment in this respect is required.

Did the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he made the statement, inform insured persons that it would be necessary, in order that they might have their own doctors, that it must be a doctor on the panel?

It is from doctors on the panel that the free choice has to be made.

asked whether, under the National Insurance Act, hospital employés being insured persons receiving attention in sickness in the wards of their hospital are entitled to sickness benefit?

I am advised that the answer to the question is in the affirmative.

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Commissioners to exercise their power to remove difficulties and so prevent a porter being deprived of his benefit because he continues to live in the hospital when he is well?

If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to give particulars they will be carefully gone into.

If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to read the supplementary question in the OFFICIAL REPORT, he will find it contains all the particulars which are required.

Is it not a fact, even if a person does live in the hospital and has dependants, that the approved society is bound to pay his benefits?

I would ask for notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the manager of Messrs. Cook, Welton, and Gemmell, of the shipyard at Beverley, has been preventing men from claiming unemployment benefit; that the firm stopped on Wednesday, 18th March, and when the men made an application for their cards the manager refused to hared them over and informed the men that work would be commenced on Wednesday, 26th March; that when the men presented themselves for work on that date it was found that the driving engine was under repairs and that the furnaces were not in such a condition to allow the men to start work; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

I have made inquiries into this case. I am informed that the firm closed down on 19th March for the Easter holidays, intending to resume on 26th March. The firm state that by agreement with the men they kept the unemployment books, as the stoppage was considered simply a suspension for the holidays. Owing to a breakdown in the machinery the firm were unable to resume work on 26th March, and I am informed that when the firm ascertained on that date that work could not proceed the books were handed out to the men applying. Some claims to benefit were made by employés of this firm on the 26th, and over 100 claims were received on 9th April. No complaints have been received by the Board of Trade in the matter, and in these circumstances no action appears to be necessary. I take this opportunity, however, of stating that in all cases of suspension of work the workmen are entitled to claim the return of their unemployment books if they so desire.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will advise the present Scottish provisional insurance committees to avoid, as far as possible, entering into contracts for provision of medical benefit which are binding for a long period beyond 14th July, 1913, especially when the proposed arrangements are contrary to the expressed wishes and representations of the approved societies and insured persons chiefly concerned, seeing that they will not be fully represented in accordance with Section 59 of the National Insurance Act until the new committees are constituted under Regulation No. 22 of the Scottish Insurance Commissioners?

I see no reason to adopt the course proposed. The Scottish insurance Commissioners have received no objections to the present insurance committees making contracts for medical attendance extending beyond the date named.

May I give an instance where insured persons are relieved by the action of the insurance committee in making a contract up to the end of January?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will be so good.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether representations have been made to him by parish councils in Scotland, pointing out that the National Health Insurance Fund benefits considerably at the expense of the rates in those cases coining under Section 12 (1) of the Act, whereby those entitled to sickness, disablement, or maternity benefits, are deprived of this benefit when they enter poorhouse hospital wards and are kept at the expense of the ratepayers; and whether he will favourably consider any amendment in the law by which the benefit could be paid over to such institutions on condition that a definite proportion so received be handed to inmates on their discharge?

I am informed that the Scottish Insurance Commissioners have received a few inquiries from parish councils as to the effect of Section 12 of the Act and have informed them of its provisions. As my hon. Friend is aware, this Section provides that when insured persons are in public institutions such as those referred to the sums which would otherwise have been payable to them in respect of sickness, disablement or maternity benefits, shall be applied, in whole or in part, to the relief or maintenance of their dependants, and, in the absence of dependants, may be applied in whole or in part to provide any surgical appliances they may require or otherwise for their benefit. I am unable to promise support for any proposed Amendment of the law to the effect suggested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Inland Revenue circular to bankers and others of 2nd April, 1913, was issued by direction or sanction of the Treasury, and, in view of the statement therein that in cases where interest or dividends have been paid since 5th April last without deduction of Income Tax not yet imposed upon to furnish the names and addresses by law, bankers and others will be called of persons to whom such interest or dividends have been paid in full, in order that Income Tax may be recovered under Section 14 (2) of the Revenue Act, 1911, from the next payment made or as a debt, will he state how the tax will be recovered from foreigners resident or domiciled abroad; whether such foreigners can be required to make a return under Schedule D; and whether, in case no future payment is due to such foreigners, there is any power to recover from them the duty as a debt?

The answer to the first part of the right hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. With regard to the remainder, where payment has been made on account of any dividend, interest, or other annual profits or gains previously to the passing of the Act imposing the tax for the year and where Income Tax has not been charged thereon or deducted therefrom, assessments may be made under Section 14 (1) of the Revenue Act, 1911, on the recipients. I am, however, unable to say that the machinery under this Section would be effectual in every case of a person resident abroad. As regards rent, interest, or annuity, or other annual payment, the person liable to make such payments is authorised (Section 14 (2) to make any deduction on account of Income Tax which he has failed to make previously to the passing of the Act imposing the tax for that year on the occasion of the next payment, and is also entitled, should there be no future payment from which the deduction may be made, to recover the sum which might have been deducted as if it were a debt.

How are they to make these lists in the case of coupons to bearers?

I must ask for notice.

Did the Law Officers express any opinion on this circular before it was issued?

I must ask for notice of that also.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, when Income Tax has, in consequence of its not having been imposed by Act of Parliament, not been deducted at the source in the present year, he proposes by the procedure under Section 14 of the Revenue Act, 1911, to require a return under Schedule D during the year 1914 and to obtain payment of the tax on 1st January, 1915; and has he considered that under this procedure the payment of the tax may be delayed for nearly two years?

My right hon. Friend is advised that when the Income Tax has been imposed for the year 1913–14 there will be power under Section 14 of the Revenue Act, 1911, to make an assessment for that year on dividends, interest, or other annual profits and gains from which tax has not been deducted in the circumstances mentioned. The duty on that assessment would be payable on on before 1st January, 1914.

How does that apply to deductions which have been made before the Resolution imposing the Income Tax is passed?

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the percentages, respectively, of direct and indirect taxation collected for the year 1912–13?

Direct taxes, 57.61 per cent.; indirect taxes, 42.39 per cent.

asked when, and for how long, the House will rise for the Whitsuntide holidays?

I hope to make a statement to-morrow.

asked whether, in the event of the Land Purchase (Ireland) Bill not being introduced as substantially an agreed on measure, it is the intention of the Government to proceed with the same beyond the Second Reading?

The hon. Member's question is based on an hypothesis, and I am not in a position to reply to it.

asked whether the Government are now in possession of the Report of the secret Committee on abuses in the use and tenure of agricultural land; and whether the same will be published in time to render it available for study and discussion during the Whitsuntide Recess?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am unable to say when a Report will be published by the Committee.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that he himself promised that this Report would be available by the end of April?

No, Sir, I never promised anything of the kind.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the variation in the practice adopted by Select Committees in dealing with witnesses called before them who refuse to answer questions; and if, with a view to giving to the Reports of such Committees an impartial and non-partisan character, he will consider the practicability of laying down rules for their guidance in dealing with such cases irrespective of the hearing of the evidence?

I have not the least idea to what the hon. Member refers, but in any case I do not see my way to take any steps in the matter.

If I bring the points to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman will he pay any regard to them?

Certainly. But at present I am absolutely in the dark. I do not know what the hon. Member is referring to.

I shall be pleased to inform the right hon. Gentleman.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the position of education authorities in South Wales consequent upon the refusal of the Treasury to provide the money for the special Grant equal to three-fourths of the excess of a rate of 1s. 6d. in the £ for elementary education; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The limitation of the necessitous Grants to a fixed sum and the consequent proportionate reduction of the Grants when the demands upon the Grant are greater than the fixed total are, in the view of my right hon. Friend, a necessary condition of the existing method of distribution of the Grants. The limitation has been applied in every year since the Grant was instituted, with the exception of the two first years, when the limit was not reached, and the year 1910–11, when it was found possible to increase the fixed total from £200,000 to £350,000.

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer make an alteration in the system of paying out the Grants?

I cannot give any answer as to that.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether in proportion to the number of scholars in elementary schools Wales should receive an additional £70,000 per annum; and whether he can remove the injustice by giving a special contribution towards elementary education from the high produce of the South Wales Royalty Duties?

I have no information with regard to the statement in the first part of the question. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to ear-mark a part of the produce of the Mineral Rights Duties to educational purposes.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether the reduction in the necessitous Aid Grant will mean the addition of at least 2d. in the £ to the existing high rate of 2s. in the £ for elementary education alone in the urban districts of Aberdare and Mountain Ash; and whether, if there is no other source available, he will raise the rate of duty upon coal royalties?

I have no information as to the first part of the question, but I am aware that the proportionate reduction of the necessitous Grants when the total claims exceed the fixed sum provided by Parliament may necessitate an increased rate. My right hon. Friend is not prepared to adopt the suggestion in the last part of the question.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in consequence of many of the local authorities coming under what is known as necessitous areas, that West Ham has lost something like £10,000?

I am aware that in a number of cases a loss is involved.

asked the amount of duty upon coal royalties received from South Wales and Monmouthshire in the year ending 31st March, 1912?

The amount of Mineral Rights Duty assessed in respect of coal royalties (including wayleaves) in the area in question for the financial year ended 31st March, 1912, is, approximately, £68,000.

asked why the Treasury has passed an increased Estimate for the other great spending Departments, while compelling the Board of Education to bring in a decreased Estimate involving a reduction of Grants to education authorities that will paralyse educational progress?

The Estimates for the various Departments of State are fixed in communication with the Departments concerned after careful consideration of the requirements of the public service.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think that education is more important than the extra sum which is being spent on aeroplanes this year?

That question should not be put to me.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he will avail himself of the opportunity offered by the forthcoming Finance Bill to amend the law, to which he referred in his reply to a question of 16th October, 1912, as regards the tax on motor spirit used for motor ambulances to convey patients to hospitals and infirmaries?

My right hon. Friend has not overlooked the undertaking referred to, and he hopes to be able to give statutory effect to it.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has taken further opportunities to secure information as to the effect of the Lumsden case and its probable effect, not only as regards the depreciation of values, but its effect in retarding the provision of cottage homes by the building trade; is he aware that there is in many places a need of further cottages; and will he give some assurance, such as will remove the difficulty so far as the Finance Act bears on the question, in reference to the effect of the decision in the Lumsden case?

The matter is under consideration, but my right hon. Friend is at present unable to add anything to the replies which he has recently given to other questions on this subject.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if his attention has been called to the fact that, in the Rural Cottages Bill introduced by the hon. Member for Hampstead, it is proposed that cottages built under its provisions shall be free of rates and taxes; and if he will apply this principle to existing buildings when promoting any measure of rating reform?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the provisions of the Rural Cottages Bill referred to. He is not prepared to make any statement at the present time as to the principles which will be adopted in any measure of rating reform promoted by the Government.

Can my hon. Friend say whether there is a chance of this House having an opportunity of debating this question of the Rural Cottages Bill?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether it is with his sanction that Members of Parliament and others are being threatened with legal proceedings for non-payment of Undeveloped Land Duty levied upon land in respect of which objection has been taken in due form to the provisional valuation and an appeal is pending?

The provisions or Section 27 (6) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, to which I may refer the hon. Member, apply to owners of undeveloped land who are Members of Parliament no less than to other owners.

Supposing the amount claimed for Undeveloped Land Duty is incorrect, will subsequent adjustment be made when the final valuation is made?

Perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to give notice of that question.

Shall we get our money back? [HON. MEMBERS: "No."]

The hon. Member had better wait until the Chancellor of the Exchequer comes.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it is his intention to promote legislation to prohibit the employment of hop substitutes, as recommended by the Select Committee on the Hop Industry, 1908?

The subject to which my hon. Friend refers is engaging my attention, but I am not prepared to make any definite statement at present.

Was not a much greater quantity of hop substitutes used in 1912?

I have heard the assertion made, but I have no means of verifying it.

asked how many approved applicants for land under the Small Holdings Act are still waiting for allotments?

At the end of 1912 there were 8,508 unsatisfied approved applicants for small holdings.

asked the average rent per acre charged to successful applicants under the Small Holdings Act?

I regret that I am unable to supply my hon. Friend with the information for which he asks. It could only be obtained by a great expenditure of time and labour, and having regard to the variety of considerations upon which the rent of a small holding depends, the quality of the land, the nature of the equipment and housing, and the like, I do not think that the result would have much value.

asked the number of acres of land provided for approved applicants under the Small Holdings Act to the end of 1912?

One hundred and fifty-seven thousand and sixty-two acres.

asked the number of applicants for small holdings in Oxfordshire; how many have been approved; how many have been supplied with land; and the total area acquired for this purpose?

There have been 826 applications for small holdings in Oxfordshire; 514 applicants have been approved, of whom 178 have withdrawn their applications; 206 have been supplied with land by the county council and ninety by the landowners direct; 2,962 acres have been acquired by the council for the purpose of small holdings.

asked whether the recent successful cultivation of the bacillus of scrapie in sheep by Mr. F. W. Twort, superintendent of the Brown Institution, is, in the opinion of his veterinary experts, likely to result in the discovery of a cure for this new disease or in the preventive inoculation of sound animals against it?

I have seen a statement in the Press to the effect that Mr. Twort has succeeded in growing the bacillus of scrapie. On inquiry, however, I am informed that the statement is incorrect; apparently it was due to the common confusion of scrapie with Johne's disease, which is really quite distinct.

asked the right hon. Gentleman what is the purport and intention of the Order of his Department, dated 22nd April, 1912, under which it has recently become impossible for British railway companies to carry two cows and two calves in the same truck or waggon, and thus afforded a pretext to such companies to make substantial increases recently in their charges for the consignment of live stock?

Article 13 of the Animals (Transit and General) Order of 1912, to which I assume the hon. Member refers, is as follows:—

"Calves, sheep, goats, and swine, if carried in the same railway truck or other railway vehicle with any head of cattle (other than a calf), or a horse, ass or mule, shall be separated therefrom by a suitable partition, but this provision shall not apply to the conveyance of a cow with its unweaned calf, if they are separated from other animals."

In the opinion of the Board the largo number of cases brought to their notice in which smaller animals were injured through being conveyed with cattle in trucks without any partition rendered this regulation necessary. The Board are in communication with the railway companies respecting the increases made in their charges for the consignment of live stock.

Does the right hon. Gentleman see any danger in putting a calf with a cow so long as they are both tied up, which has been the general practice?

The information which came to the Board was that there was a very large number of cases of injury to smaller animals through being in the same truck with larger animals. We must protect the smaller against the larger.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether Holyrood Palace is entirely closed to visitors at the present time; what is the reason, and how long it is intended the restrictions will obtain; and whether he will consider the possibility of devising some means whereby bonâ fide visitors might be admitted to visit the Palace?