asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Congested Districts Board of Ireland, in or about March, or April last, sent their steam drifters, the "Finn Ross" and "Calistoga," to Scotland to be overhauled, and placed a con- tract in the same country for the building of a new steam drifter; whether they sought tenders for these works in Ireland; if not, what was the reason for passing over firms in Ireland competent to carry out this work; whether the Dublin Industrial Development Association had any communication with the Congested Districts Board on this subject; and why an explanation of the matter could not have been transmitted to them?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that the "Finn Ross" and the "Calistoga" were sent to Fraserburg for overhaul, as special facilities exist there for rapid and cheap work. The total cost of overhaul of both boats was £73 14s. 9d. The board placed with an Inverness firm a contract for a wooden steam drifter of a type suitable for their work. They also had a wooden steam drifter satisfactorily built at Arklow. Tenders were not invited on either occasion, as the Board knew the kind of boats wanted, what they ought to cost, and where they could be obtained. Tenders for large motor boats were issued to a number of shipbuilders in Great Britain and Ireland, and four were built in Ireland—one in Arklow, two at Baltimore, county Cork (in different yards), and one at Killybegs, county Donegal, in addition to those built in the Board's own yard at Meevagh, county Donegal. A tender was invited from a leading Southern Irish yard, but the estimate was very greatly in excess of the price that the Board were willing to pay. Ultimately the cost comes out of the pockets of the fishermen, and the Board are therefore bound to make the best bargain they can. A communication was received by the Board from the Irish Development Association and was duly acknowledged.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he will intervene and endeavour to have the proposal to increase the railway rates in Ireland on the 1st July postponed and deferred until the 1st October; and whether he has received any communication on the subject?

The Department are not at present in a position to make a definite statement as to what action they may take regarding the proposed increase in rates by Irish railway companies. The matter is receiving most careful consideration, and inquiries are being made. The Department have been asked to appear before the Railway and Canal Commissioners on the subject of the increased rates generally.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland the number of estates in county Cork in which holdings have been vested in tenant purchasers during the five months ended 31st May, 1913, and how many of these estates were dealt with under the provisions of the Land Purchase Act of 1903?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that during the period mentioned 1,929 holdings situated on 117 estates in county Cork were vested in purchasers under the Land Purchase Acts. One thousand two hundred and twenty-six of these holdings situate on eighty-three estates were dealt with under the Act of 1903.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the wage paid to saddlers and sailmakers at His Majesty's Gunwharf, Portsmouth, is in each case 3s. 6d. per week less than the district rate; and whether he will inquire into the matter, with a view to readjusting the wages of these men?

I will inquire into this.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that some of the assistant foremen employed at His Majesty's Gunwharf, Ports mouth, are only receiving the same rate of pay, namely, 24s. per week, as some of the men who are under their supervision are receiving; and whether he will take steps to increase the wage paid to these foremen to a higher rate than that paid to the ordinary workman?

This question is already receiving consideration.

asked the Secretary of 'State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been instituted under the Factory and Workshop Act, and how many fines imposed for contraventions of the special rules made in respect of industries where lead is used?

During the twelve years, 1901 to 1912, inclusive, proceedings. were taken in 168 cases, convictions were, obtained in 159 cases, and the fines imposed amounted to £273.

asked the President. of the Board of Trade what was the total number of passenger journeys and the total number of season-ticket holders in the United Kingdom and Ireland, separately, in the years 1875 and 1912, respectively?

The total number of passengers conveyed by railways in the United Kingdom as a whole and in Ireland, exclusive of season-ticket holders, was as follows:—

In 1875:—
In the United Kingdom	…	506,975,234
In Ireland	…	16,873,661

In 1912:—
In the United Kingdom	1,294,486,000
In Ireland	29,162,000

The number of season tickets issued in 1912 reduced to their equivalent in annual season tickets was:—

In the United Kingdom	…	786,000
In Ireland	…	11,600

Corresponding information with regard to the number of season tickets issued in 1875 is not available, but the total receipts from season tickets in the two years were as follows:—

In 1875:—		£
In the United Kingdom	…	1,151,248
In Ireland	…	41,729.
In 1912:—	…	£
In the United Kingdom	…	5,080,000
In Ireland	…	92,300

The figures for 1912 are throughout approximate and subject to revision on. final examination of the returns.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that at many post offices in smaller provincial towns the indoor staff perform their duties at very irregular periods owing to the arrival of mails and the telegraph and telephone duties; whether he is aware that instructions have been issued from the Telephone Department to utilise female labour wherever possible, as women are paid less than the male staff; whether in consequence, the existing male staffs are to have their attendances worsened still further; and, in view of the evidence laid before the Holt Committee, if he will direct that the instructions shall be withdrawn?

I am aware that at many offices in small provincial towns the indoor staff necessarily perform their duties at irregular periods, but I am not aware that any instruction has been issued from the Telephone Department of the nature suggested in the question. Perhaps the hon. Member will send me a copy of the instruction which he has in mind.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst employés of the National Telephone Company at the positions in which they have been graded since the Post Office took over the telephone service; if he is aware that J. Moulson, in the Manchester district, was classified as a collector with postman's privileges, maximum salary, 30s., although at the time of transfer his salary was above that maximum, and, since the transfer, he has been employed on services more important than those expected from a collector; and, if so, will he say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am making inquiries in this case, and will communicate with the hon. Member.