asked the Secretary to the Treasury what instructions have been issued to pension officers with regard to applications for pensions by inmates of Poor Law hospitals whose names appear on the medical officers' weekly return, and whose stay in the hospital may be permanent; and whether, if the guardians of a union establish a separate apartment or home for these cases the pension will be granted, the applicants promising to recoup the guardians a certain agreed sum per week as payment for maintenance, etc.?

The instructions issued to pension officers contain all that is necessary for enabling officers to place before local pension committees the facts relevant to a decision in such cases as the hon. Member has in mind. As regards the second part of the question, I cannot undertake to express an opinion whether a pension would or would not be granted by the pension authorities in the circumstances of a hypothetical case.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the rules under which the Irish Constabulary Force Fund is administered have ever been submitted to or discussed in this House; whether the question of the legality of those rules has been submitted to the Law Officers since the force began generally to assert that the rules override Acts of Parliament; what is the authority for the rule which overrides Section 8 of 29 and 30 Vict., cap. 103; and whether he will give a reference to all the Acts under which this fund is administered and place in the Library a copy of the rules now in force?

These rules have not been submitted to Parliament. I am not aware of any inconsistency between the rules and the Statutes governing the fund, namely, 6 William IV., cap. 13; 10 and 11. Vic., cap. 100; 29 and 30 Vic., cap. 103; 37 and 38 Vic., cap. 80; and 46 and 47 Vic., cap. 14; but if the hon. Member will indicate any point on which he thinks there is a divergence I will look into the matter and, if necessary, consult the Law Officers. I am considering the question whether the rules can be usefully included in the statement with regard to the fund which I propose to publish when the actuarial inquiry is completed.

asked the Chief Secretary what steps he is taking to meet the claims made by the paper-promoted teachers in Ireland; whether the matter has been placed before the Treasury; and, if so, with what result?

I have referred the figures which were submitted to me on behalf of the teachers concerned to the Commissioners of National Education. When I receive their observations I will consider what further action may be possible for me to take in the matter.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, if he is aware that skilled engineers employed at the torpedo factory, Fort Matilda, are being employed at a lower wage than the current trade union rate in the district; and, if so, will he take steps to rectify this matter?

The question of the wages of certain classes of men at Greenock is now under consideration. An announcement will be made shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that British agriculturists pay 13 per cent in rates and taxes on the value of their produce for the support of the Army, Navy, and other national institutions; and if he is prepared to give a preference of 13 per cent to the contractors for the supply of home-grown meat over the contractors for the supply of foreign, so as to put the two contractors on an equality?

The reply is in the negative.

asked the Postmaster General whether the unestablished clerks formerly in the London telephone service and since appointed as third-class clerks, underwent the usual competitive examination before appointment; and whether the age limit of twenty-six will be waived in the interests of candidates from other branches of the Post Office who sat for the competitive examination in March, 1909?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative. The reasons for the course which was adopted in this case were explained in answer to the hon. Member's question of 9th June.

asked the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee what was the greatest number of House dinners which were served in any three weeks in 1913 before the price was raised; will he state the number of these dinners which have been served during a similar period since the price was increased; has the change affected the profits of the Kitchen Committee; and, if so, to what extent?

The number of Members and their friends dining varies considerably according to the business of the House, and comparative statements for any given period are of little value. For the three weeks ending 14th February, 491 at 2s. were served; and for the three weeks ending 2nd May, 330 at 2s. 6d. During the week preceding the change, 226 at 2s. were served. My Committee are of opinion that, considering the varied menu served, for 2s. 6d. the Members receive full value for their money.