asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the reason why the repeated requests of the skilled and ordinary labourers employed in the dockyards for an interview on the subject of their wages and conditions of labour have been refused; whether he is aware that three applications have been made within the last few months and have all been refused; and whether a deputation will be received from the men who form the greatest number employed in the dockyards?

Petitions couched in identical terms were received from each of the dockyards from the labourers and skilled labourers. I gave a very great deal of time to the consideration of these petitions, and at each of the yards I heard the men's representatives at great length. For instance, at each of the three large yards, if I remember rightly, I devoted something like three hours to hearing their case. I may further state that a skilled labourer formed a member of a deputation which I received at the House of Commons on the 1st April. All the facts in connection with the case of the skilled and ordinary labourers having thus been placed before the Board in the fullest possible manner, I did not consider that any useful purpose would be served by the proposed further deputation.

Why is a distinction made between receiving representatives from the skilled trade unions and the labourers employed in the dockyards?

There is no distinction whatever.

When may the labourers expect to receive an answer to their deputation?

It will be issued without delay. As far as wages are concerned, generally speaking, the matter has been settled.

asked (1) whether Germany will possess twenty-six completed "Dreadnoughts" in the spring of 1916; whether forty-two ships will be required to give us a 60 per cent. superiority over them; whether, in fact, the number of completed "Dreadnoughts" provided for by Great Britain at that date will be thirty-nine only; and, in view of the fact that Colonial or Dominion ships do not contribute towards this standard, what steps are proposed in order that the necessary standard may be maintained; and (2) whether the current naval programme was framed with the intention of giving Great Britain, apart from Colonial or Dominion warships, a total of thirty-nine completed "Dreadnoughts" in the spring of 1916 as compared with Germany's twenty-six; whether this programme was based on the assumption that three additional ships would be built at the cost of the Dominion of Canada; and, in view of the fact that action on the part of the Dominion is now indefinitely postponed, to what extent it is proposed to increase the completed "Dreadnought" strength of Great Britain in the spring of 1916?

These questions were fully discussed on the Estimates, and I have nothing to add to the statements which I then made to the Committee of the Whole House.

asked how the acceleration of the three contract battleships of the current programme will affect the naval position as between Great Britain and Germany in the spring of 1916?

These matters had better be reserved for the discussions on Vote 8.

When will Vote 8 be taken?

Some time in July. The date does not rest with me nor does is rest wholly with the Government.

Will the acceleration of the programme add one single battleship to our number at the end of 1916?

It depends on the date in 1916. The effect of every acceleration is necessarily only temporary and will pass away in a certain number of months. The effect of the action that is now being taken is to keep the position open for six or seven months.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of any increase in the Italian and Austrian programmes of heavy ship construction over and above their published programmes?

No, Sir.

asked whether, in view of the rejection of the Canadian Naval Aid. Bill, the Board of Admiralty propose to provide for the margins of naval strength which are absolutely required for the whole world protection of the British Empire for the autumn and winter of 1915 and in the spring of 1916 by merely advancing by a few months the construction of three ships of the current British programme?

I do not desire to make any further statement on the subject at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to make a statement on the Shipbuilding Vote?

Yes, certainly. I owe it to the House—both sides of the House—to make a very full statement on this subject, and give good reasons for the action taken.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in consequence of the situation created by the rejection of the Canadian Naval Aid Bill, the Government have determined to advance the construction of the three contract ships of this year's programme, he can guarantee that there shall be no delay in their completion; whether he is aware that His Majesty's ship "Conqueror," His Majesty's ship "Princess Royal," and His Majesty's ship "Audacious," were not completed until seven months after the allotted date; that His Majesty's ship "New Zealand" was not completed until three months after the allotted date; and that His Majesty's ship "Centurion" and His Majesty's ship "Australia" were not completed until two months after the allotted date?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second part in the negative—I cannot give such a guarantee—and to the third, in the affirmative. There have been delays as stated by the Noble Lord.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the House any information respecting the accident to submarine E 5 off the Welsh Coast; whether the man killed was married; and, if so, what pension will be awarded his wife and children (if any), and when will these pensions be given?

The cause of the accident has not yet been definitely determined, but it is known that an explosion took place in the crank chamber of the starboard engine, the released burning gases passing forward in the boat and injuring a large number of the crew. The floor plating and portions of the crank chamber were violently displaced, causing serious injury to officers and men in the vicinity. The submarine is undamaged in the hull, and could proceed to sea at once under her own motive power. The widow is eligible for a Greenwich Hospital Pension of 9s. per week, with an allowance of 2s. per week for each of her children (if any) from the date of Greenall's death. She has been asked to furnish information as to her circumstances, and as soon as she supplies it the pension will be awarded. I may add that since I came into the House I have received with great regret the following telegram from the Captain-Superintendent of Pembroke Dock: "I greatly regret to report the death of Engineer-Commander Walter Moore, following on a severe operation after injury in the explosion on Submarine E 5."

Could not the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of awarding the widow and children some higher pension than the ordinary pension?

I am debarred by the scale which the House has approved in former times.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of altering the scale?

That is a general question which does not arise on the particular case.

What method is taken to exhaust the explosive gases in the vessel?

I could not go into the details of submarine construction, but every conceivable measure to prevent accidents is taken by the officers and men on board these vessels. They know that their lives depend upon the care with which dangerous instruments are handled, and there is a committee of officers of the submarine service, that is to say, of those who go down in submarines constantly, which sits to assist the First Sea Lord at the Admiralty in all matters connected with the design and construction of submarines in order that the views of those who have to serve in the vessels should constantly be brought before the designing branch.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty upon what principle he selects the merchant vessels that are to be fitted with 4.7 inch guns; upon what grounds such steamers as the "La Correntina," "La Negra," "La Rosarina," and "El Uruguayo" have been selected in preference to first-class mail and passenger steamers such as those of the Lam-port and Holt line, the Royal Mail D type of boats, and the Nelson line of steamers, all of which carry the same class of cargo, from and to the same ports; if the Admiralty have examined the strength of construction and stiffening of the selected vessels in the vicinity of the gun plat- forms; and if he will say what steps are taken to make certain that the structure of the vessels in the vicinity of the gun platforms would be able to bear the strain if the guns were fired for any length of time?

The Admiralty in the selection of the ships to which guns have been allotted have given priority to those most likely to attract attack from armed enemy merchant cruisers. The steamers mentioned by the hon. Member have not been excluded and will, if their owners concur, be considered for arming with those of other steamship lines. All ships selected for arming are inspected, and, where necessary, strengthened to stand the strain of firing.

Is there to be any limit of numbers to the ships which will be thus equipped?

I suppose there is a limit to everything, but we are a good long way from reaching that limit. I certainly hope a considerable number of ships will be equipped before the end of the year.

Is it not a fact that these ships are equipped for defence only and not for attack?

Surely these ships will be quite valueless for the purpose of attacking armed vessels of any kind. What they are serviceable for is to defend themselves against the attack of other vessels of their own standing.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the present relations between China and Tibet; if he can say whether he has any official information that a great Chinese expedition is on the march against Tibet; that reconquest is considered to be an essential preliminary to bargaining; and that the Chinese mean to put forth great efforts to crush the Tibetans; and, if so, whether he will adhere to his first declared intention not to acknowledge the Republic of China till the question of China's failure to adhere to the terms of the Tibetan agreement has been satisfactorily settled?

With regard to the facts asked for by the hon. and gallant Member, I can add nothing to the reply given to him on the 27th of last month. No doubt there is force in what the hon. and gallant Member urges in the last part of his question, but the recognition of the Chinese Republic now forms the subject of international consultation, and it would be undesirable that I should give an undertaking that might prevent His Majesty's Government from acting with other Powers when the time comes.

May I ask whether the Foreign Office has any information regarding the supposed attack upon Tibet?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the statements of Mrs. Tripet, a Swiss subject, who was arrested at Alexandria on 7th May in connection with the Adamovitz affair, in which she complains of being shut up all night in a room with three or four men, who slept on long tables; whether such treatment is the result of the Capitulations or is the custom under Egyptian law; whether, if the latter, he will cause representations to be made to the Egyptian Government to have the attention of the Ministry of the Interior called to the matter; and whether, if the former, he will take steps to invite the Powers concerned in the Capitulations to have the decencies of life observed in their treatment of women whilst under arrest in Egypt?

I have no information on the subject. If any complaints are made it is through the Swiss Government, if a Swiss subject is involved, that they should be received.

May I ask whether a Capitulatory Power has any right to make an arrest of a foreign subject as was done in this case, and whether the expense is charged to the Egyptian Government?

Copies of the Capitulations have been placed in the Library, and I think the facts have been fairly fully stated. Under the Capitulations a Power can cause the Egyptian police to arrest subjects of that Power—and they are then subject to the laws of that country.

Will the Foreign Office see to it that the police in Egypt are made to conform to the laws of decency?

We do not control the police in Egypt. Egypt is not a part of the British Dominions in which we can interfere in that matter.

May I ask if the Egyptian Government made any inquiry as to the charge against Mrs. Tripet?

No, Sir; they have no power to do that under the Capitulations.

Has my hon. Friend read the Capitulations.

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the protests of British-Indians in South Africa and to those of public meetings in India respecting the new Immigration Bill now before the Union Parliament of South Africa; whether he is aware that such protests state that the Bill, if it becomes law in its present form, will have the effect of renewing in an acute form the conflict between the South African Governments and the British-Indian community; and whether, having regard to the views thus expressed, the Imperial Government will request the Union Government whether anything can yet be done, consistent with the rights of a self-governing Dominion, to meet either partially or wholly the desire of British-Indian subjects resident in South Africa on this matter?

I am aware that protests have been made in South Africa, and no doubt in India, against the Bill as introduced. It has been somewhat modified since it was introduced. His Majesty's Government have had prolonged correspondence with the Union Government in regard to this legislation. Ministers have shown every desire to meet the anxiety of His Majesty's Government that the racial inequality of the Indian before the law should be removed. Although it is not to be hoped that the Bill will give complete satisfaction, His Majesty's Government feel that the abolition of this differentiation in regard to immigration is a valuable concession to Indian feeling.

Is it not a fact that this Bill is generally supported by the trade unions in South Africa?

I should not like to say that off-hand.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what restrictions exist as regards the number of concessions which may be granted or validated in respect of one firm or person or group of interests in each of the West African Colonies and Protectorates?

The existing restrictions apply to the total area of concessions tenable by one person or firm, and not to the number of concessions so tenable. The rules as to areas vary in the different adminstrations according to the nature of the concessions, whether mining, agricultural, etc.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Rhodesia contributes to the mail subsidy to the Union-Castle Mail Steamship Company, Limited; and if there is an arrangement that pedigree stock intended for territory within the Union of South Africa has to be carried free of freight, and if this privilege is extended to Rhodesia?

I understand that Rhodesia contributes to the mail subsidy, but the contract covers other matters than postal matters, such as the carriage of pedigree stock, and any provisions in respect of these are confined to the Union.

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that this is a most vital matter to British settlers there, and will he allow me to make representations to him on behalf of the Rhodesian Farmers' Association?

I will be glad to receive representations from any well-authorised person.

May I ask why Rhodesia is excluded from the privilege as to pedigree stock?

I believe it was a matter of negotiation at the time the contract was being arranged.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any general order has been issued by the Government of Ceylon prohibiting any public servant or administrative officer from taking part in the work of temperance organisations; and, if so, whether such order was approved by him before issue?

The only information I possess at present is that derived from the newspapers. The order was not submitted to, or approved, by me before its issue. I am waiting a dispatch from the Government of Ceylon on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now able to make any announcemnt as to the future provision for the administration of Zanzibar?

The Governor of British East Africa is about to proceed to Zanzibar to examine and report to me as to the future administration, and pending the receipt and consideration of his report I am not in a position to make any statement.

Shall we have Papers on the subject?

Yes, Sir; I think so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present position in regard to the proposed transfer of the Masai from the Northern Reserve?

The transfer has been completed.

There has been a great deal in the newspapers about this. May I ask whether the Colonial Secretary has any correspondence or information on the subject which he can give to the House?

I do not think that there is anything worth laying on the Table at all.

Is it not a fact that recently the High Court of British East Africa granted an injunction against the Attorney-General that the transfer should not be completed while the action brought by certain Masai was pending, and is it not also a fact that an appeal has been, or will be, lodged against the decision of the Court that it has no power to try this action?

It is a fact that an injunction was issued by the Court, but it was issued three days after the whole transfer had been completed. As to the appeal, I have heard that one may be lodged, but I know nothing officially of that. If it is being lodged I should not wish to discuss it, the matter being sub judice.

In view of these facts, will the right hon. Gentleman lay further Papers as to the action of the Government in completing the transfer when it was known that, at the time such transfer was being made an injunction was being sought against it; and does he not consider this to be a grave matter of public interest which demands further information?

The transfer was going on months ago. It was only the conclusion of the transfer that was taking place when the action was raised.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been continual protests against the transfer, and that this is the first opportunity there has been for its being brought before the Law Courts, and will he reconsider his decision as to the publication of Papers?

I do not think there are any Papers which can be published.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is meant by the statement in the last number of the "Colonial Office Journal" that the gauge of the Northern Nigeria Bauchi Railway is to be gradually increased?

The conversion of this light line of 2ft. 6in. gauge to 3ft. 6in., the gauge of the main line, was contemplated from the first as an undertaking which it would be desirable to carry out when the necessary funds were available. The success of the line has been so remarkable that I felt justified in approving the immediate conversion of about half of the line to the wider gauge. As the bridges and culverts were constructed to carry the wider gauge, the operation will, I am informed, be a simple one.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the "Colonial Office Journal" is edited under Colonial Office authority; are its views to be taken as representing the opinions of the Secretary of State; and is it conducted at a profit or a loss?

No, Sir. The "Colonial Office Journal" was started with the permission of one of my predecessors in office; but it has never been an official publication, and on every copy it is stated that the Secretary of State is in no way responsible for the opinions expressed in it. I have no information as to whether it is conducted at a profit or a loss.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any power over the journal, or is it a wholly irresponsible publication so far as the Government are concerned?

I have no power in the matter.

Is it not a fact that advertisements are collected for the journal on the ground that it is a Colonial Office publication?

That is a question which I cannot answer without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the decision to defer until the occasion arises the question whether, in the event of mobilisation, Civil Service members of the Territorial Force will continue to receive Civil Service rates of pay has a deterrent effect on recruiting; and is there no prospect of the question being finally determined before the occasion arises?

The reply to both questions is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not make representations to the Treasury on the subject?

I have said that the reply is in the negative. That would seem to relieve me from taking the course suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, looking at the fact that Queen Alexandra's Nurses are not allowed to dance in their own spare time, they are under martial law in the same sense as soldiers are; and, if not, will he say under what authority this order was made?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second part of the question that the order was made under the authority of the Army Council.

Can such an order be made on the authority of the Army Council?

Yes, Sir.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under common law it cannot possibly be done—that nobody can be prevented in this way from doing what they like in their own time?

I am satisfied that we have acted within our legal rights throughout, and I think the policy is one which will commend itself to the House generally. It has been in force for some time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that many young men are deterred from joining rifle clubs by the heavy cost of ammunition, he will consider the possibility of reducing the charge of £4 5s. per thousand rounds which is made for the same?

The question of granting ammunition at reduced prices to rifle clubs is under consideration.

Would the right hon. Gentleman in considering the matter take into consideration that the charge now made by the War Office is higher than that made by private firms?

This is an important question, and it is being looked into at the present time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when it, will be settled, seeing that the members of clubs are losing the best weather at the present time?

I do not think this depends upon weather. We are considering what steps it is best to take. Of course, a great deal of shooting takes place in winter. The hon. and gallant Gentleman is wrong in supposing that it only takes place in summer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the difficulties are connected with the Consolidated Fund which may prevent the introduction of the Bill to establish a Public Trustee for Ireland this Session by the Chief Secretary for Ireland?

In view of the changes contemplated under the Government of Ireland Bill, it would be impracticable to impose on the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom a contingent charge in respect of the guarantee necessary for the working of a Public Trustee Department in Ireland. Such a charge, were a Public Trustee for Ireland subsequently appointed, must necessarily be borne by the Irish Consolidated Fund.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that several recent decisions of the Development Commissioners have been regarded by practical agriculturists and their various organisations throughout the country with disfavour; and whether, seeing that there is only one practical agriculturist at present on the Commission and that he, although possessing valuable experience in respect of small holdings and agricultural co-operation in Wales, professes no practical knowledge of extensive farming in other parts of Great Britain, he will consider the advisability, as most applications for Grants are in respect of agricultural development, of strengthening the Commission by the addition thereto of at least two practical agriculturists of wide knowledge and experience?

I am not aware to what decisions of the Development Commissioners the hon. Member refers in the first part of his question. As regards the second part, I cannot agree that the Commission includes only one member with a practical knowledge of agriculture, but I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to receive a deputation from the Central Chamber of Agriculture, which feels very strongly on the subject?

Yes.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the traffic in worn-out horses for abroad still continues; whether diseased and lame horses still have to walk for nearly half an hour from the place of landing to the nearest abattoir at Rotterdam; and whether the law concerning the traffic in these horses is carried out with stringency or is merely nominal?

The export of horses from this country is regulated by the Diseases of Animals Act, 1910, and the provisions of that Act are strictly enforced by the Board. Every horse, unless shipped with a special permit of the Board, is examined by a veterinary inspector and is not allowed to be shipped unless he certifies that it can be conveyed and disembarked without cruelty. I am informed that horses shipped for slaughter at Rotterdam walk or are conveyed some distance from the landing-place to the public abattoir.

Is it a fact that the price of 20,000 of these horses last year for slaughter abroad was under £5 apiece?

I believe that that was about the figure. It was certainly a very small sum.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has taken any action with regard to the American Beef Trust in South America in order to safeguard the meat supply of this country; whether his attention has been called to the fact that five companies have had to close their establishments to avoid further losses; and if he could say what the Government has done?

I am aware of the apprehensions caused to British firms engaged in the Argentine meat trade by the recent action of the United States firms similarly engaged, but I have no information as, to the closing down of any establishments. I understand that the matter is under the consideration of the Argentine Government, who are primarily concerned, and any well-considered steps which they may take with the object of maintaining an unrestricted trade will be viewed by His Majesty's Government with sympathy and satisfaction.

Will the right hon. Gentleman's Department confer with the representatives of those firms who compose the meat trade in America in order that some practical action may be taken?

If these trades approach the Board, of course their representations will be fully considered.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the Department has any control over contracts executed at the Imperial Institute; if so, whether he is aware that a complaint has been made that the Army and Navy Auxiliary Stores, at present carrying out a contract at the Imperial Institute, are not paying the proper rates of wages to the polishers and cabinet makers; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made, with a view to securing observance of the Fair-Wages Clause?

No contract is being carried out for the Office of Works by the Army and Navy Auxiliary Stores at the Imperial Institute.

asked what amount of reconstruction or repairs has been found needed for the roof of Westminster Hall, what the duration of the work will be, and what is the estimated cost?

The First Commissioner is not yet in a position to say what amount of repair or reconstruction may be necessary. The examination and survey in detail which is proceeding will take another two or three months.

Has the attention of the hon. Member been called to the great inconvenience caused to many Members by blocking the door at the Members' entrance to Westminster Hall, and could he not make arrangements to allow Members to pass through?

That was considered, and it was thought desirable, in the interests of Members as well as of others, while these things were going on to have them all thoroughly closed.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what is the total amount of the Grant that was made available by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in a letter, dated 31st July, 1912, to Mr. Hobhouse which has already been distributed to local authorities by the Local Government Board; and what is the total which it is estimated will have to be paid by the Treasury to local authorities through the Local Government Board ultimately when treatment is provided for all persons in England who are neither insured nor dependants?

The sum of £125,000 included in the Estimates for this purpose has not yet been voted, so that it has not yet been possible to make any Grants to local authorities on maintenance account in aid of their sanatorium schemes. It is not practicable at present to make any reliable estimate of the possible ultimate charge.

asked how much of the' capital Grant made available by the Finance Act, 1911, for providing institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis has already been spent in England on providing new tuberculosis dispensaries and new sanatoria and hospitals for the treatment of tuberculous patients, respectively; and the names of those authorities who have already spent this money?

Capital Grants amounting to £11,491 have been made to authorities in England in aid of expenditure already incurred in providing tuberculosis dispensaries and sanatoria for the treatment of tuberculosis. These Grants have been paid to the county council of Devon, and the corporations of Birkenhead, Birmingham, Eastbourne, and Leicester. Further Grants, amounting to £36,900, have been promised to various authorities in aid of expenditure already incurred or now being incurred, and large capital Grants have also been promised to more than fifty other authorities whose schemes have been approved by the Board. The whole capital Grant available for England has been provisionally allocated to counties and county boroughs on the basis of population.

What is the total amount available for England?

£1,116,000.

Do I understand that out of that £1,116,000 only £11,000 has actually been spent?

But it must not be assumed that that is what it is going to be very shortly. They are practically total Grants committing the Treasury and the Local Government Board to further expenditure which is to be incurred.

When is it likely that the rest of the money will be spent, so that those who are seeking sanatorium treatment may get it?

Now that the schemes for buildings are well in hand a great deal of money will have to come from this large sum. So far as the actual patients are concerned there has not yet proved to be any deficiency of accommodation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what was the number of deaths in 1912 in England and Wales and how many in the Metropolis upon which a coroner's jury returned a verdict of death from starvation or death accelerated by privation; when he will publish that Return; how many of the like deaths took place in the first three months of the present year; how many of such persons dying in 1912 and how many of those dying in the first three months of 1913 were in receipt of old age pensions; what steps, if any, the Local Government Board and their inspectors have taken to reduce the number; and whether the Local Government Board will in future send down inspectors to see the relieving officers and guardians and thoroughly to investigate the cases and endeavour to find remedies?

Ninety-eight cases were reported by coroners in 1912, of which forty were Metropolitan and fifty-eight provincial cases. Three of the ninety-eight persons were old age pensioners. The annual Return will be published in due course, but all the necessary particulars are not yet available. So far information of four cases occurring in 1913 has been received, one of which is the case of an old age pensioner. Whenever it appears to be necessary the inspectors of the Local Government Board confer with the Poor Law authority and their officers upon these cases, but there is no reason to doubt that Poor Law authorities are fully alive to the importance of the matter.

What is the use of sending the inspector after the death? Would not it be better that the inspector should go and liven up some of these relieving officers, and save time?

No one knows better than the hon. Member that inspectors do the very thing which he suggests, and in certain unions with which the hon. Member is not unfamiliar, the suggestion of the inspector has on more than one occasion been resented.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will in future decline to sanction the appointment of relieving officers as registrars of deaths, so that, in case of death arising from destitution or of death of an inmate of a workhouse, the certificate for burial may not be obtained from a Poor Law official but from someone outside the Poor Law?

The combination of the two offices of relieving officer and of registrar of births and deaths frequently occurs and is found to be convenient. In the latter capacity the official deals with all births and deaths in the population. There seems to be no sufficient reason for discontinuing the present practice.

asked the Attorney-General what judges of the King's Bench Division sat in Court on every Saturday during the calendar year 1912, except during vacation; and what extra work each judge did who did not so sit?

I have had a tabulated statement prepared which will be circulated with the Votes and gives the desired information. I refer my hon. and learned Friend also to pages 122 to 132, both inclusive, of the Minutes of Evidence given before the Royal Commission on Delay in the King's Bench Division, which contains a detailed statement of the sittings of the judges at nisi prius for the year 1912.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he intends to take any further steps to remove the impression, created amongst education authorities by paragraph 9 of Circular 709, that in future only those teachers who have had a college course should be appointed to headships?

No evidence has up to the present been laid before me which would justify the belief that local education authorities are under any misapprehension as to the eligibility of all teachers certificated before the 1st August, 1910, to be head teachers of public elementary schools, whether they had received a college training or not. They are, as I have repeatedly said, eligible for such posts and will continue to be eligible, and I believe many of them are well qualified by both attainment and experience to fill such posts, but I should not be justified in telling local education authoriteis that they should not take college training into account in selecting individual teachers for promotion.

Why will not the right hon. Gentleman give the same publicity to the withdrawal as he has given to the circular? Is he aware that great misapprehension exists among the teachers?

I have had no evidence of any misapprehension such as the hon. Member has more than once alluded to. But, at any rate, if there be any misapprehension, I am quite sure this question and answer will prove satisfactory.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, as there is now adequate college accommodation, the Board of Education will abolish the acting teachers' examination and, when so doing, declare that all then holding the certificate are eligible for the position of head teacher?

In view of the great difficulty of finding recruits for the teaching profession it is impossible for me to close this avenue to the grade of certificated teachers.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to make the declaration referred to in the question?

Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the statutory maxima for rail- way rates fixed under The Railways and Canal Traffic Act, 1888, take into account none of the modern improvements and economies effected by the railway companies and are therefore no guide as to what charges are now reasonable in the case of a great national monopoly; and whether, seeing that the levying of such maximum rates would in the case of nearly all agricultural produce leave no margin of profit to the producer, the Government will, in view of the threatened increase of railway rates to, or almost to, the amount of such maxima, introduce legislation forthwith with the object of reducing such maxima to a level more defensible from the standpoint of modern conditions?

I think the hon. Member overlooks the fact that the expense of railway working has advanced considerably since the passing of the Act of 1888. The percentage of expenditure to total receipts in that year was 56, and in 1912 it was 63. The whole question of the railway position is receiving the careful attention of His Majesty's Government, but my right hon. Friend fears that he cannot undertake to introduce legislation at present with the object suggested by the hon. Member.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the railway companies are representing to all the traders that the fact of the rates not yet having been advanced to the maxima is sufficient justification for the intended increase?

What the companies say to the traders does not preclude the traders from appealing to the Railway Commission.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can give the names of those approved societies in Scotland one of which an, agricultural labourer should join if he wishes to receive any sickness benefit, under the National Insurance Act, in the event of his being taken ill after completing one hour's work on a Wednesday morning and being unable, through illness, to resume work until the following Monday morning?

As I stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member on 9th June, the decision of a society in cases of the character to which he refers depends upon the society's rules and the circumstances of the individual case. I am, therefore, unable to give a general indication of the view which would be taken by societies in these cases. In any case, I have always refused, I believe with the approval of the House, to recommend any special approved societies for insured persons to join.

Does the right hon. Gentleman admit that a farm labourer may be ill for five whole days and not be entitled to one penny of sick benefit?

I do not think I have made an admission of any sort or description.

I ask whether a farm labourer may be ill for some days without receiving a single penny of benefit?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman must either put a question down or explain it in some other fashion.

I asked this question previously, and I was told to put it down in a definite form, and I have now done so.

If the hon. Member will give me an example, I shall be very glad to deal with it.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state at what age an assistant clerk who has been recommended for promotion is exempted from further examination on the ground of age?

There is no age fixed. In treating each case the Commissioners take all the circumstances into account, and if the candidate has reached the age of forty the Commissioners give his case special consideration.

asked how many of the 20,500 voluntary contributors under the National Insurance Act were already insured in friendly societies before the Act came into operation; and how many of the 20,500 are women?

With regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelmsford. Five thousand six hundred of the 20,500 voluntary contributors are women.

asked whether the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has yet decided to permit the use of window envelopes for the return of insurance books and cards under the National Insurance Act; and whether the books and cards can in future be of the same size?

I sympathise with the desire for window envelopes; but I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General on the subject. The matter dealt with in the second part of the question is under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Postmaster-General has objected on the ground of the difficulty of stamping by machinery, and will he see whether he cannot assist the Postmaster-General in getting over a really trifling difficulty?

I cannot take that upon myself, but I am very anxious that something should be done.

asked what progress has been made in settling schemes under Section 72 of the National Insurance Act; whether all the friendly societies have yet had schemes approved; and whether the Financial Secretary to the Treasury can state the amount of the reserves released by such schemes?

There have been 9,506 provisional schemes made under Section 72 of the National Insurance Act, and 1,355 final schemes have been confirmed by the Registrar of Friendly Societies. Under these schemes a reduction of deficits amounting to £101,823 has been made, and funds amounting to £3,299 have been set free.

Does the right hon. Gentleman still think that the amount of the reserves could be released by this scheme?

I think the reserves could have been released if the members of friendly societies had chosen that method of dealing with the funds. Instead of that the great majority have chosen to double the insurance.

asked whether the reserves necessary to give medical benefit to insured persons over the age of seventy are being accumulated; and, if so, whether by the insurance committees or by the approved societies?

As I stated in answer to the hon. Member on the 24th July, 1912, the actuarial calculations allow for the accumulation of the necessary reserve to provide medical benefit for surviving members of approved societies entitled to it after the age of seventy. The reserve is, therefore, being accumulated out of the ordinary contributions received by societies in respect of their insured members.

Will the right hon Gentleman answer the question whether the reserves accumulated are in the hands of the Insurance Commissioners or in the hands of the approved societies?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a further question.

But does not the right hon. Gentleman see that it is on the Paper?

I regret it, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question down to-morrow.

asked if the Secretary to the Treasury's attention has been called to the payments being made to the agents and collectors of the collecting societies and to the sums which are being retained by those societies for further benefits under the National Insurance Act; and if he will say if those arrangements were contemplated by the Commissioners?

As I have stated on several occasions, the Commissioners have no power to interfere in the rates of remuneration paid to agents for such work as they do for the National Insurance Act in addition to their normal work, as this is a matter to be settled between themselves and the societies employing them. The funds of a society are held for the benefit of the members, to whose advantage any saving due to economical administration accrues.

May I ask if the Commissioners have taken any action in any case where the remuneration of these agents must be manifestly inaccurate, and where very large sums are retained for further benefits? Have the Commissioners any power over that?

They have for administrative purposes. When a society works within the limit, any savings they make goes to the members as a whole.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state collectively, by way of verbal reply or in the form of a printed Return, the nature of the various objects in respect of which Grants have been made out of the Development Fund since the commencement of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, the several sums which have been promised or applied in connection with such objects, respectively, and the further objects in respect of which applications are now being considered by the Commissioners?

The information desired by the hon. Member will, I understand, be given in the Annual Report of the Development Commissioners for the year 1912–13, which is now in course of preparation and will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to take criminal proceedings against Lord Grey and the publisher and printers of the "Times" newspaper in connection with the seditious letter from Lord Grey, published in that paper on Monday last, containing a plain incitement to crime; and will the Government suppress the "Times"?

The Government do not propose to take any proceedings in the matter.

asked whether the Prime Minister's attention has been drawn to a resolution passed at a meeting of the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland in Belfast on the 6th instant, declaring that the opposition of the Church to Home Rule continues as determined and unyielding as in the years 1886 and 1893, and recording its firm conviction that the present Home Rule Bill is a measure that would inflict incalculable injury on our country and our Church; whether he is aware that this resolution was carried by 921 votes to 43; that it was brought forward in response to a memorial signed by more than 130,000 laymen over sixteen years of age; and whether he intends to allow this resolution to influence his action in regard to the Government of Ireland Bill?

I have seen what has appeared on this subject in the public Press. As I have already stated, the Government are prepared to give the most careful and sympathetic consideration to any proposals which may be brought forward for the insertion of further safeguards in the Bill.

asked when the Report of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service may be expected?

I understand that at present no date can be named by the Royal Commission.

asked whether the Prime Minister's attention has been called to the provision in force during the recent election in the Commonwealth of Australia whereby absent voters are enabled to record their votes; and whether, considering the number of voters in the United Kingdom habitually absent from home on account of their calling, he will consider the advisability of introducing a similar provision when next the Government is considering a franchise Bill?

:I will certainly consider the suggestion made by my hon. Friend, but I see many practical difficulties in the proposal.

asked whether the Secretary to the Treasury will state for the last financial year the amount of fees received in connection with the promotion of Private Bill legislation and the passing of such legislation through Parliament; under what head of Treasury receipts is this source of revenue included; and whether the fees are so fixed as to produce revenue or are only intended to cover the expenses of the Private Bill Office?

The amount received was as follows: House of Lords, £22,680; House of Commons, £18,822 10s. Subject to certain deductions for pensions in the case of the House of Lords, fees are appropriated in aid of the Votes for the House of Lords and House of Commons offices, respectively, as shown on the Estimates. I believe the fees were fixed to cover a due proportion of the total cost of the Houses of Parliament.

Am I right in supposing that every time a private Bill is objected to a fee is payable for putting it down again, and that therefore hon. Members in objecting to private Bills are increasing the revenue of the country?

It goes to the credit of the country.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in consequence of the statement on the 6th instant by the President of the Board of Education at the conference of the Association of Education Committees that the Grant for mentally defective children educable in special classes or schools would be increased from £4 4s. to £6 and also that for residential schools more substantial Grants would be forthcoming, and having regard to the fact that even originally the Mental Deficiency Bills would have imposed a proportionately heavier financial burden on Scottish than on English local education authorities, he has any similar announcement to make on behalf of the Scottish Education Department?

Yes, Sir. The matter has not escaped my attention, and is under consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether there will be an equivalent Grant for Scotland in proportion to the extra Grant to England?

I cannot say positively for the moment.

Seeing that he was unable to state the number of defectives who would probably come under the Bill, on what basis can the right hon. Gentleman make appeal to the Treasury for money for Scotland?

I do not think I can answer that question. The circumstances in relation to Scotland are being considered.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has received information as to the loss of nets suffered by the fishermen of Lossiemouth, Hopeman, and Burghead, during the recent cod-fishing season owing to trawlers dragging the trawl through the nets; whether he is aware that the loss amounts to a large sum in itself, and also has crippled some of the fishermen so that they have been unable to continue the fishing; and whether he will draw the attention of the Fishery Board to the matter, and ask them to have a cruiser always on duty in the Moray Firth from 15th January to 15th April, with a view to the protection of the nets and informing trawlers of their existence and location?

I am informed that a considerable sum has been lost in this way. The Fishery Board are considering the whole question and trying to make arrangements to meet the difficulties of the case. There was a cruiser in the Moray Firth during the past season.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say in what part of the Moray Firth this cruiser was, because it was not observed by the fishermen?

I am informed the cruiser was in the Moray Firth practically for weeks.

Will the right hon. Gentleman direct that a cruiser be also sent to the Caithness coast, where similar incidents have taken place?

Yes; but I think I ought to say I am not at all sure that the cruiser could meet the difficulty.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that 3,000 more emigrants sailed from the Clyde on 7th June; whether he has observed that a similar number have been leaving Glasgow for weeks past; and whether he has any information as to the localities from which those people are emigrating and their occupations?

The passenger lists for 7th June have not yet been received at the Board of Trade, but I am aware that for some time past the number of emigrants from Scotland has been considerable. The Report on Emigration and Immigration in 1912, which will contain information as to occupations of emigrants, is now in a forward state of preparation.