asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will abstain from expressing any desire on behalf of His Majesty's Government that Russian troops should be withdrawn from Persia, in view of the fact that the presence of a considerable Russian garrison alone preserves in the north of that country and in the centre peace, order, and opportunities for commerce, which in the absence of a similar occupation are wanting in the southern provinces?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this, question. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was returned to a question asked by the hon. Member for Burnley on the 8th instant, and to which I have nothing further to add.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland in how many eases since the 10th August, 1866, the widows and children of deceased contributors to the Irish Constabulary Force Fund have been paid out of that, fund less than their respective contributors have paid into it; and, since the refusal to close and distribute the fund is claimed to be in the interest of the wives and children of contributors, whether he will have a vote of the wives taken on the question of immediate distribution?

The Inspector-General assures me that there has never been a case in which a widow has received from the fund less than her husband subscribed. As I have already stated, the grant can only be less than the amount subscribed when the subscriber only leaves unmarried daughters over eighteen years of age and no widow. I cannot say how many cases of the kind have occurred in the last forty-seven years.

asked (1) if the system of paying and promoting members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in proportion to criminal results, which produced agents provocateurs like Sergeant Sheridan, has been discontinued, at what date and by whose order; whether Sheridan was subsequently convicted of having himself maimed cattle and got a man named M'Goohan imprisoned for three years for that offence; what reparation was made to M'Goohan or his family; what was the total amount of public money paid to and for Sheridan while in the force, and how much of that money belonged to the Irish Constabulary Force Fund; what is the aggregate amount paid out of that fund for special services; and, such services not being among the purposes of the fund, whether that aggregate will be restored to the fund; and (2) under what designation were recorded payments made for the special services rendered by Sergeant Sheridan and men of his class, whether in the police force or outside it; and from what sources the money was obtained?

As regards the case of Sheridan and M'Goohan, I have nothing to add to the statement made by Mr. Wyndham in Debate on the 10th July, 1902. No system of paying and promoting members of the Royal Irish Constabulary in proportion to criminal results ever existed. Sheridan, while in the constabulary, received the pay and allowances of his rank and also a total sum of £6 10s. from the reward branch of the Constabulary Force Fund. The constabulary authorities know of no other case in which rewards were paid to a man who was afterwards proved to have procured crime. No payments have been made from the fund except as rewards for meritorious services, bounties, pensions, or allowances, as authorised by Statute.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that Sheridan was paid £5 for having accused a person of a crime committed by Sheridan himself?

The circumstances of Sheridan's case are perfectly well known to the House. The total award he ever received, and most atrociously, amounted to the sum of £6 10s.

Did he not receive £5 for this case?

If he did, it was not because he was himself supposed to be provocative of the crime, but in complete ignorance of the circumstances.

Since the actuary cannot discover these cases, will he allow the accounts of this fund to be examined until it is ascertained by some independent person how much was paid out for the manufacture of crime?

All that Sheridan received was £6 10s., and there is no case for any inquiry.

That is a mere assertion.

It is a fact.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the amount paid out of the Irish Constabulary Force Fund to men of Sergeant Sheridan's class who procured the murder of Mrs. Smythe, of Barbavilla, Westmeath, and the conviction and penal servitude of men since found to have been innocent of that crime; what reparation has been made to these men's families; and whether, in view of beliefs of this character held by contributors to that fund with reference to the administration of it, his promised statement will be issued before the close of the present Session?

There is not a shadow of foundation for the outrageous insinuation that this terrible murder was instigated by the police with a view to obtaining rewards; nor is there the slightest ground for suggesting that any of the persons convicted of complicity in the conspiracy to murder Mrs. Smythe were innocent. I have no reason to suppose that any contributor to the Constabulary Force Fund shares a belief which, if really entertained by the hon. Member is, I am sure, peculiar to himself.

Will the Chief Secretary allow the accounts to be examined for this particular period when this particular crime was committed?

No, Sir.

Of course not.

asked whether a memorial has been presented to His Excellency on behalf of prison warders in Ireland, asking to be placed in a position of equality in the matter of scale of pay and emoluments with their colleagues in English and Scotch prisons; and what steps the Irish Government propose to take in the matter?

The memorial referred to has been received and is under consideration.

asked what changes, if any, have been made by the National Board in the teaching of Irish with respect to its position as an extra subject outside school hours or as an optional subject within school hours; the proposed abolition of the fee system and the proposed substitution therefor of a special fixed addition to the teachers' annual grade salary; and when such changes will be made?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that no changes have yet been made in their regulations regarding the teaching of Irish as an extra subject outside school hours or as an optional subject within school hours. Representations have recently been made to the Commissioners on the subject, and, having considered the question, they have decided to recommend that the payment of fees for the teaching of Irish as an extra subject be abolished and that the teachers of schools in which efficient instruction is given in Irish as an ordinary subject during school hours should receive a special addition to their ordinary salaries.

asked whether negotiations for the purchase by the Congested Districts Board of the estate of the MacDermott, situated at Monasteredin, Ballaghadereen, county Sligo, have yet been completed; and, if so, whether the terms include the taking over of the untenanted lands adjoining this congested estate which are held by the landlord?

The Congested Districts Board have recently made an offer for the purchase of the estate of the MacDermott at Monasteredin which has not yet been accepted, but negotiations are proceeding. The land referred to as untenanted in the adjoining townland of Stroove is let in parcels on lease. It has not been offered for sale through the Board.

asked whether agreements to purchase their holdings have been signed by the agricultural tenants of Lady Katherine Trench on her estate, situate at Ruanmore, Ardrahan, county Galway; whether the agreements were signed contingent on the untenanted lands on the estate in the Ruanmore district being sold to the Estate Commissioners; and whether a request to purchase the untenanted lands has been served on the Commissioners by the representatives of Lady Trench; and have the agreements been filed with the Estates Commissioners?

The tenants have entered into agreements for the purchase of their holdings direct from the owner under the Land Purchase Acts, and these agreements have been lodged in the Land Commission. They do not contain any condition such as that referred to in the question, but the owners have furnished the Estates Commissioners with particulars of the untenanted land, with a view to being furnished with an estimate of the sum which the Commissioners would be prepared to advance for it under the Land Purchase Acts.

asked (1) when the Kirk estate, Castletown, Queen's County, will be finally dealt with by the Estates Commissioners; whether discontent exists amongst a large body of the tenants with regard to the proposed distribution of the bog, the allegation being that their rights have been usurped in the interest of one man; will the Estates Commissioners instruct their inspector to see justice done to the tenants on this estate, who have already memorialised them on the question of their turoary rights; and (2) whether Mr. Franks, the agent on the Kirk estate, Castletown, Queen's County, advertised the turf banks for letting on the 20th June last, and on that date attended with a bog ranger and let the turf banks at his own free will, regardless of the rights of the great body of the tenants on the property; and, seeing that agreements to purchase have been entered into between the landlord and tenants in which their turbary rights have been secured to the tenants, whether the Estates Commissioners are prepared to sanction this proceeding on the part of the agent?

This estate is the subject of proceedings for sale direct by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903. Included in the lands for sale is a large area of turbary, all of which the vendor is willing to give free of charge for distribution amongst the tenants and small holders in the locality, but up to the present the tenants have failed to agree to any scheme of allotment, and until this is done the Commissioners will not vest the holdings in the purchasing tenants. The Commissioners have no information as to the individual who is alleged to have usurped the tenants' rights. They have no power to interfere with any arrangements which the vendor may make or has made for the letting of the turbary in his own hands pending the completion of the sale of the property.

asked the Chief Secretary the reasons why the Local Government Board decline to sanction a pension of 5s. weekly, granted by the Gort sub-pension committee at a meeting on the 5th December last, to Catherine Cussen, of Gort, notwithstanding the fact that the committee had before them the pension officer's report, from which it appears that claimant does not appear in the Census Return of 1841, and that a sister of hers named Bridget was three years of age in 1841, and that the claimant admits that she was the second next of the family who succeeded Bridget, and the committee were unanimous in the opinion that she was over seventy years; and why the Local Government Board did not comply with the committee's request to send down an inspector to investigate the case before deciding on the pension officer's report?

The facts mentioned in the first part of the question were before the Local Government Board in deciding this claim, but were not held to be sufficient to show that the claimant had reached the statutory age. On consideration of the evidence available, the Board were of opinion that no useful purpose would be served by sending an inspector to see the claimant.

asked the Chief Secretary how many intermediate schools there are in Ireland; and of those about how many have refused to comply with the conditions of the scheme upon which the £40,000 Grant was promised last year?

As I stated in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member on the 30th of June, the number of secondary schools in connection with the Intermediate Education Board in 1912–13 was 337, of which 211 were under Catholic management. It would not be correct to say that any school has refused to comply with the conditions of my draft scheme, but certain objections have been made to it by the Catholic Headmasters' Association. These objections are fully stated in the correspondence, which will be published to-morrow.

Is it not the fact that no school under lay management, whether Protestant or Catholic, has refused to comply?

I have not been in communication so far with anybody except the Catholic Headmasters' Association and the Secondary Teachers' Association. I have had no communication whatever, but I have no doubt the hon. Member is quite right.

asked the Chief Secretary if a large number of intermediate schools in Ireland are not only willing, but anxious to accept the grant of £40,000 a year promised twelve months ago upon the conditions then laid down; and, having regard to the loss that secondary education in Ireland has already suffered from inadequate funds, will he recommend the Treasury to pay in the forthcoming school year the entire grant, or a proportionate part of it, to these schools?

As I have already stated, I will give this suggestion the most careful consideration.

Was it not clearly stated at the beginning that the money was available for the schools which complied with the conditions, and that there would be no objection whatever?

I dare say the hon. Member may be right. I really cannot tell. I adopted a course with certain results, and if I adopted another other results would happen.

If this money is not voted within the next two months, will it not be lost to Ireland altogether?

Not lost altogether; but lost for this year.

If it is not given before next May, will it not be lost, assuming we get Home Rule?

I hope we shall manage it before May.

asked the Chief Secretary whether it is the intention of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland to appoint Mr. David O'Sullivan, of Ballylongford, county Kerry, to the commission of the peace; whether Mr. O'Sullivan is the holder of a publican's licence in Ballylongford and was in June, 1903, fined £3 and costs at Ballylongford Petty Sessions for a serious assault committed with an iron bar on one Nicholas Mulvihill; and whether he will bring these facts to the notice of the Irish Lord Chancellor before the commission is issued to Mr. O'Sullivan?

No application for Mr. David O'SuIlivan's appointment to the magistracy has been made to the Lord Chancellor. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Is it not the fact that the hon. and gallant Member who put this question on the Paper is himself a distiller and a Justice of the Peace?

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that on the 10th June last there were established in sixteen Nationalist counties of Ireland forty-three special police posts for the protection of individuals whose lives or properties are in serious danger as the result of agrarian, political, or other secret criminal conspiracies; whether at the present time the the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland finds it necessary to proclaim the counties of Clare, Galway, and Roscommon as being in a state, of disturbance which requires a special extra force of police to maintain order; whether a large portion of the cost of these extra police falls upon the local taxpayers; and whether he considered the position of the persons now protected by the forty-three special police posts, and the position of law-abiding people in the counties of Clare, Galway, and Roscommon, if the government of Ireland and the control of the police be handed over to an Irish Nationalist executive, as is proposed by the Government of Ireland Bill?

Forty-three protection posts are still maintained in sixteen counties, owing, in nearly every case, to agrarian disputes, which are gradually being brought to an end by land purchase. Extra police continue to be employed in three out of the eight counties which were declared in 1907 to be in a state requiring an additional force. Half the cost of these extra police falls on the counties. The control of the Royal Irish Constabulary will, under the Government of Ireland Bill, be transferred after six years to the Irish Government, who will then be responsible for peace and order. There is no reason to suppose that they will fail to take any steps necessary or proper for the purpose.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that quite recently Lord Chief Justice Cherry said the state of Clare was satisfactory? Are not these charges the dying kicks of a discredited cause or the discreditable kicks of a dying cause?

asked the Chief Secretary, whether he has been informed of the serious assaults committed in the city of Limerick upon a Protestant woman for putting up inside her house a scriptural text, which was in no way of a sectarian nature; whether these assaults occurred on the 19th and 20th of June, when a Roman Catholic demonstration was in progress in the city, and when the streets were decorated with Roman Catholic emblems, altogether sectarian in their character; whether he is aware that this woman was dragged about by the hair of her head, the windows of her house broken, and much damage done to the house and its contents; whether the police are now affording protection to this woman; and if anyone has been brought to justice for this outrage?

The attack made on this woman was a very disgraceful one. It was made by two girls. I am happy to say that the injuries inflicted were not serious though outrageous. The woman is not protected by the police and is going about her business as usual. I am making further inquiries with a view to seeing whether a prosecution can be sustained.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he realises the increasing damage to hides in Ireland, as well as in Great Britain, caused by the maggots of the ox warble-fly; whether his Department have the power of making it compulsory upon stock owners to squeeze out from the skins of their cattle and destroy all such maggots during the first four months of the year, and so prevent their multiplication during the autumn through the deposit by the mature flies of thousands of eggs upon the legs and backs of cattle; and, if so, whether, in the interests both of the afflicted cattle and of the leather trade, he will consider the advisability of exercising such power?

In the absence of my right hon. Friend I will answer this question. The Department fully realise the damage done by the warble-fly. They have no power to compel the stock owners to act as suggested by the hon. Member. The Department have for several years been carrying on investigations into the methods of suppressing this pest, and have recently applied to the Development Commissioners for a Grant to extend and complete these investigations. When fuller information is available regarding the life history of this insect the Department will consider the question of seeking powers to compel stock owners to adopt measures for its eradication.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the description of the life history of this pest, as issued by the Irish Department, is entirely different to the life history as described by the English Board?

That is often the case in biographies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the use of unused oil out of motor engines when rubbed on the hides is very effective, and will he issue a circular embodying that information?

I will see what can be done in that direction.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether some of the large land-occupying companies in Rhodesia holding from the British South Africa Company have just given the natives notice of an intention on their part to charge grazing fees at so much a head; and what steps, if any, does the Colonial Office intend to take to prevent this exaction, which is calculated to cause serious discontent and is in violation of the provisions of the charter of the British South Africa Company?

The answers to this and the two subsequent questions are so long that I should be glad if the hon. Member will allow me to circulate them with the Votes.

Then I shall lose my chance of asking supplementary questions.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the serious allegations contained in these questions? Is he aware that part of them form the subject matter of legal proceedings, and will he be careful in his replies not to say anything that may prejudice the case?

Certainly. I always exercise great care in my replies.

Is it not the fact that the allegations contained in Question 23 are entirely repudiated by Rhodesians of all parties?

I will ask the right hon. Gentleman under the circumstances to give the House the benefit of his replies.

I am informed that certain companies have taken the action described in the question. I have no power to interfere with such action on private land, as it is not contrary to any of the provisions of the British South Africa Company's Charter. The administration of Southern Rhodesia will take steps to assist in the removal to the reserves of those natives who prefer to leave rather than to pay the fees demanded. The Administrator reports that there are no signs whatever of unrest among the natives who may be affected, and that in a great many cases they are voluntarily taking steps to remove to reserves which they have already inspected and found suitable, and in which there is ample room for them.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether it is stipulated by Section 14 of the charter of the British South Africa Company that careful regard should be had to Native laws and customs, especially with respect to the holding, possession, transfer, and disposition of lands, while Section 15 of the charter gave the Secretary of State for the Colonies power to dissent from the proceedings of the company towards the natives and laid it down that the company must act in accordance with his directions; how far have these provisions of the charter been respected, if at all, in the recent alienation by the South Africa Company to the Liebig's Extract of Meat Company of 1,200,000 acres in Southern Rhodesia in the occupation of natives; whether his attention has been directed to the allegation that the chartered company have confiscated the lands and minerals of the natives; and what steps, if any, has the Colonial Office taken to prevent the establishment of a system of public robbery and initial slavery by the South Africa Company in Rhodesia1?

I am well aware of the provisions of the charter and have no fear that the British South Africa Company intend to violate it by establishing a system of slavery. The interests of the natives are protected by the Southern Rhodesia Order-in-Council and by local legislation. I have not before me any evidence that these safeguards have been infringed, but as I am not fully informed of all the circumstances affecting the natives on the Liebig Company's lands I have, as already stated on 26th June, asked the High Commissioner for South Africa for a report.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies what was the sum which the Liebig's Extract of Meat Company undertook to expend in the development and stocking with cattle of the 1,200,000 acres of ranching land acquired by that company in Southern Rhodesia from the British South Africa Company at the price of 1s. an acre, which was credited, not to the administration, but to the shareholders of the British South Africa Company; was the Colonial Office aware of this transaction between the British South Africa Company and Liebig's Extract of Meat Company before its completion, and has the Colonial Office given any sanction, either express or implied, to this transaction; has the Chartered Company any right to alienate these lands without the consent of the Crown, regard being had to the fact that the original concession obtained from Lobengula in 1888 did not grant more than mining rights, as was explained to Lord Salisbury in a letter of Lord Knuts-ford, as Colonial Secretary, dated 4th December, 1891; and whether he can offer any explanation of the alienation by the British South Africa Company of 1,200,000 acres at the price of only 1s an acre, having regard to the fact that the Crown has agreed to pay 10s. per acre to buy back land of inferior quality in Nyasa- land which had been rashly alienated some years ago?

I am informed by the British South Africa Company that (1) the Liebig Company is under an agreement to stock the land with cattle and live stock, the cost of which, together with the necessary development, namely: Buildings, making roads, and sinking wells, is equivalent to an expenditure of at least £150,000. (2) The low price of 1s. per acre was due to several considerations,, namely, the large area involved, its comparatively remote situation, and the desire of the British South Africa Company to establish a new industry in Southern Rhodesia under the auspices of a company possessing a world-wide experience of ranching operations. In addition to the 1s. an acre purchase price, the Liebig Company will pay the ordinary annual quit rent of £l for every 1,000 acres. I was not informed beforehand of the intended sale, nor have I expressed either approval or disapproval. As already stated, I have no reason to question the validity of the transaction. In this connection I may refer again to my reply of 8th April, and observe that whatever may be the correct view of the company's right to vacant land in Southern Rhodesia, whether it has full rights of ownership or whether it must be held merely to act in a fiduciary or representative capacity in-granting land, the question of a right to land must be one for legal, not for executive, decision. With regard to the reference to Nyasaland, I should like to add that the lands were not rashly alienated as the hon. Member suggests, but formed the subsidy granted for the construction of a railway in Nyasaland by a private company. The price which is to be paid for the redemption of these lands is part of the arrangements for the extension of the railway to the sea through Portuguese territory, and was not fixed solely with regard to the market value of the land.

Ought not the right hon. Gentleman, as the representative of the Colonial Office, to have been informed of a great transaction of this kind, and to have given his sanction to a great transaction, involving the transfer of 1,250,000 acres of land from this company to another company?

I should not like to express any general opinion as to what I ought to be informed about at any time by any person.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that, in accordance with the terms of the charter, the Colonial Office is bound to protect the rights of the natives, and is he not aware that within the last few weeks Dr. Jameson, of the Raid, has been appointed chairman of this company?

I do not think that arises out of the question. I have the same means of information in the Press which is shared by the hon. Member. If there is any further information I can afford the hon. Member I shall be happy to do so on notice.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any means of preventing this agreement from becoming effective until he has received the report for which he has asked?

I think that is a question of which I might have notice.

Am I right in gathering that the right hon. Gentleman draws a distinction between his duties in supervising the interests of the natives in Northern and Southern Rhodesia, and that he has powers in Northern Rhodesia to protect the natives in regard to land which he has not in Southern Rhodesia?

As to the distinction which I draw the hon. Gentleman had better read to-morrow the answers I have given to the questions.

Arising out of Question 22, has the right hon. Gentleman any information to show that while the natives wandered over these lands, which are now occupied by the Chartered Company, there was no industrial, agricultural, pastoral development, and that the action of the company has rather tended to develop those three industries for the benefit of the country at large?

The hon. Member make a number of assertions which I think he might allow me to consider on paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received information of the law recently passed by the Union Parliament in South Africa restricting the immigration of British subjects from India; whether he is aware that, in the opinion of the Indian community in South Africa, this law violates the provisional settlement made in 1911 between the South African Government and the leaders of that community, and is contrary to the principles laid down by the Imperial Government in their dispatch of 7th October, 1910; and if he can say when Papers will be laid?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the law and of the complaints made against it. I hope to lay Papers very shortly, probably next week.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that they will be laid before the Colonial Office Vote is taken, and will these Papers include a copy of the Bill as it has passed through the Union Parliament?

Yes, Sir, I believe they do include that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty where and when it is proposed to house the garrison for the forts at Cromarty, and, if in a vessel, are landing stages being made; and what is the average number of days in a month that a landing can be made at present?

Sir, it would be most unusual to go into such details, and indeed I deprecate the putting of questions about the arrangements of fortified places. We have no similar means of informing ourselves as to the progress of foreign defensive works.

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to put the garrison three and a half miles from the forts concerned?

That is already covered by my answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Aus- tralian small-arms factory is in operation, and how many rifles were turned out in 1911 and 1912; and whether the naval college is in full operation, and who is in charge?

The Australian small-arms factory is in operation, but I have no information as to how many rifles have been turned out. The temporary naval college is in full operation, and is under the charge of Captain Bertram Chambers, R.N.

asked whether the scheme, as was announced in 1911, for extensive naval works, including floating docks to be built by Vickers' Company at Montreal, has been carried out; and, if so, to what extent?

I have no information beyond what has appeared in the Press on the subject, but I shall be happy to send this and other questions of the hon. Member out to the Governors of the various Dominions, and to ask if they will be so good as to supply me with any information which in their opinion can be afforded without detriment to the public interest. If and when such information is received, I shall place it at the disposal of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the inequalities in the administration of justice in the New Hebrides; and whether he would set up a Commission of Inquiry into the alleged abuses, or ascertain from the French Government whether they would be prepared to take part in a joint commission of inquiry with a view to a readjustment of the relations of the two countries in these islands, and the settlement of existing difficulties on an amicable basis?

The matters referred to by my hon. Friend have been for some time under consideration, and His Majesty's Government are now making proposals to the French Government with a view to improving the administration of the New Hebrides Condominium and settling the various difficulties which have arisen under the present arrangements on an amicable basis.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he has any information of strike breakers being savagely attacked at Benoni, by strikers on the Rand, during the recent rioting; and (2) if he can give a list of the public buildings and private houses either destroyed or looted, on the Rand or in Johannesburg, during the recent strike?

I have no information at present on the points referred to in this and the hon. Member's other question beyond what has appeared in the Press, but I am expecting a full report on the rioting from Lord Gladstone.

asked the Postmaster-General what is the approximate average cost of the telephone to subscribers in rural districts in Switzerland and Norway; and whether the telephone service as a whole yields a profit in these two countries?

The various rates in force in the two countries are given in the House of Commons Return, No. 316, of 1910. The accounts of the telephone service are not separated from those of the telegraph service in Norway. In Switzerland the telephone revenue allows of some provision for depreciation and for interest on capital, but the Government recently prepared an increased scale of charges, although it has not yet been put in force. Presumably, therefore, the present rates are regarded as inadequate.

asked the Postmaster-General how the sum payable by a subscriber in a country district for the installation of a telephone is calculated; what interest is charged on the cost of his line; whether the cost is defrayed by the subscriber, and, if so, over how many years; and whether the sum is calculated on the actual or estimated cost of the installation?

All subscriptions for telephone service, whether in country districts or elsewhere, are based on the average cost of the kind and quantity of service required by the different classes of subscribers. The cost of the line connecting a subscriber's house with an exchange is only a part, although an important part, of the cost of his service, and for this and other reasons it would be impracticable to base the charges to individual subscribers solely on the cost of such lines. In settling rates of subscription interest is charged on the capital expended on construction. In the Post Office service this rate was formerly taken at 3 per cent., but recently it has become necessary to take 3½ per cent., the rate actually paid for capital. Besides the cost of day-to-day maintenance, subscriptions also cover provision for the renewal of plant calculated according to the lives of the different kinds of which it is composed and the actual amounts expended.

In regard to the putting up of a new telephone line, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to allow it to be done by the owners of property who can prove to the satisfaction of the telephone authorities that they can do it cheaper?

No, Sir. That practice has not been adopted on account of the friction to which it gives rise between the telephone administration and the owners of property, each trying to put the responsibility on the other for any defects in the service which may result from the provision of the plant by the subscriber himself.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to the proprietors making an offer to the telephone authorities to put up the line to their satisfacion and to pay the bill, if they can do it cheaper?

I should like to have notice of that question. It raises an important question of principle.

asked what was the capital cost of the Post Office telephone service per subscriber on 30th December last, allowing for all expenditure that had previously been charged to capital account; what was the approximate corresponding figure for the National Telephone Company's service, valuing that service at the sum paid for it by the Government; and what is the corresponding figure in the United States of America?

The total cost of the Post Office telephone exchange system including private lines and land and buildings on the 31st December, 1912, was £7,992,078. The purchase price of the National Telephone Company's system is £12,470,264, but that sum represents its depreciated value and not the original capital expenditure which, in accordance with the findings of the Arbitration Court, may be placed at about £16,000,000. I know of no corresponding figure for the United States where exchange expenditure is not separated from trunk line expenditure. In 1911, the total expenditure in that country on telephone plant of all kinds including long distance or trunk lines as well as exchanges was estimated by a competent authority at about £191,000,000. Owing to the varying number of lines and telephones rented by individual subscribers no average of capital expenditure per subscriber would have any useful significance and no statistics are kept on this basis either in this country or in the United States.

asked the Postmaster-General what powers he has of dismissing or suspending officials in his Department who are not capable of filling adequately the positions they hold, even though they may not display gross incompetence or negligence; and whether these powers extend to the higher as well as to the subordinate officials in his Department?

Under his Patent of appointment, the Postmaster-General is granted full power to remove any officer from his post if he considers such a course necessary in the public interest. This authority applies to higher as well as to subordinate officials.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is now able to state whether he is prepared to establish a telegraph office at Ballymagee Street, Bangor, county Down?

I regret to find that the circumstances do not warrant the establishment of a telegraph office at Ballymagee Street Post Office. The office in question is only 720 yards from the Bangor head post office, and the telegraph business is not likely to exceed four telegrams a day.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a statement of the grievances of the officials of the Galloway sorting tender; and, if so, what reply has been made?

Representations have been made to me on the subject of the trip allowances paid in addition to their wages to the sorting clerks and telegraphists employed in the Galloway sorting carriage. I have informed the memorialists that I consider the present allowances to be adequate, and that I can find no ground for making an exception in their favour to the general regulations on this subject.

asked in view of the fact that a civilian was chosen for the sub-postmastership in the village of Cookham, Berkshire, instead of a colour-sergeant of twenty-four years' service, with war medals and with an exemplary character and highly recommended by one hundred prominent residents, whether soldiers of long service and the highest character are or are not preferred to civilians who have not served their country?

Under an arrangement with the War Office half the vacancies for postmen and porters are reserved for soldiers of long service and good character. For appointments such as that to which the hon. Member refers it is the practice to make the selection solely with regard to the merits of the various candidates, and the suitability of the premises in which they propose to conduct Post Office business.

Is there no way but soldiering by which a civilian can serve his country?

asked if the proposal to meet any difficulty as to the position of Ulster loyalists under Home Rule by the addition of a few police in Belfast represents the present policy of the Government for dealing with the matter; if any communications have passed with the Belfast authorities on the subject; and whether the additional expenditure involved by this policing policy will fall upon the ratepayers of Belfast?

The hon. Member presumably refers to the addition of 200 men to the Belfast Police Force in August last, which was made solely to meet the police requirements of the city and had no connection whatever with the political situation either present or future. The matter formed the subject of correspondence between the municipal authorities and the Irish Government, who were unable to adopt the view that Belfast was entitled to a larger free force. The 200 men will, therefore, be an addition to the extra force in the city, and half of the cost will fall on the ratepayers.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that eminent authorities have made representations that the building of the New Delhi forms a unique opportunity for a new departure in both the educational policy and the architectural methods of the Government of India; and whether this subject can be discussed on any other occasion than on the Indian Budget?

I understand that a memorial has been received by the India Office, and has been forwarded to the Government of India. With regard to the latter part of the question, I know of no other opportunity.

Can we be assured that there will be an Indian Budget?

Oh, yes.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the need of open spaces in London in the interests of public health and recreation, he will appoint a Parliamentary Committee to inquire into the best means of preserving and adapting the Royal parks for that purpose?

There has been a great increase in the use of the Royal parks of late years in the direction my hon. Friend suggests, and while it does not seem to me that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a Parliamentary Committee, I hope to see a still freer use of these open spaces in the future.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a leaflet circulated in all parts of Dublin this week defining Home Rule as a bribe and urging all Irishmen to revenge themselves on England by refusing to join either the Army or Navy; whether the Government intend to allow these leaflets to continue to be circulated; and, if not, whether those responsible for their circulation will be prosecuted?

My attention has been directed to the leaflet. No evidence is forthcoming at present to connect any one with the printing or publication of the leaflet. If such evidence is obtained the Attorney-General will carefully consider the course to be taken to bring the offending parties to justice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman doing his best to find out who circulated the leaflet?

We are endeavouring by the best means we possibly can to identify this offensive document.

Try the Union Defence League.

asked (1) whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce this Session, as promised by the Lord Chancellor, a Bill deal-dealing with education; and (2) when the President of the Board of Education will, as promised, make a full statement of the intentions and policy of the Government in regard to education; whether that statement will be made in this House or elsewhere; and, if in this House, whether full opportunities will be afforded to Members to discuss the Government' s intentions and policy?

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education will make a statement on the education policy of the Government when he introduces a Bill on the subject at an early date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea as to when we shall reach this Bill?

I think the week after next.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will ascertain and inform the House, before the close of the Session, when the Report of the Committee on Imperial and Local Taxation will be available?

I understand that no date can at present be named for the presentation of the Report of this Committee.

asked when the Revenue Bill will be printed; and what is the reason for the delay?

I hope that the Bill will be circulated very Shortly.

That answer was given a fortnight ago. Can we have a more definite answer?

I indicated next week when the question was put a fortnight ago.

A very long time has elapsed since the Bill was introduced.

asked when it is proposed to take the Indian Budget; and whether it is proposed to give an early date?

I can add nothing to the answer which was given on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for East Nottingham.

Before the last week in the Session?

I do not know when the last week in the Session will be.

asked whether, in view of the fact that a letter posted on 3rd July and addressed to Miss Christabel Pankhurst, 4, Clements Inn, London, W.C., has not been received, the officials at the Post Office have had instructions to intercept, detain, or open letters addressed to prominent suffragettes?

No, Sir.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state the date when Mr. Cardew, a higher division clerk in the Post Office, entered the service; whether he entered as the result of examination; when he was retired and if the grounds for this step were his alleged inefficiency; his age at retirement; and the date when such inefficiency, if any, first became apparent?

Mr. Cardew entered the service by open competition on the 15th May, 1883. He was retired on the 16th May last at the age of 53, because he was unable to perform efficiently the duties of his office. His work came under unfavourable notice so far back as 1893.

What was the nature of the inefficiency?

It was, I regret to say, a general inefficiency. He was not competent to do the work proper to an officer of his grade.

Did it take thirty years in which to find that out? Were the political ideas of the gentleman taken into consideration?

I have not the slightest notion what his political ideas were. It would not have had the slightest effect if I had. I do not know in the least what his party views are or if he has any. The hon. Member's insinuations are totally unfounded.

Did it not take thirty years in which to find out the inefficiency of this gentleman?

I think it very unfortunate that he was not retired some time ago. He was kept on out of consideration for him, though adversely reported on again and again by his superior officers.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say his inefficiency first came under official notice in 1893?

He was adversely reported upon then.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is now able to give any definite information regarding the erection of a wireless telegraphic installation at St. Kilda; whether he can say who is bearing the cost of such installation; and what arrangement will be made to maintain the installation?

asked whether the St. Kilda wireless telegraph station has been erected; and, if so, under what conditions it will be available for ordinary public communication with the mainland?

I understand that a wireless installation has now been sent to St. Kilda, and that its erection—under the licence granted for the purpose last January—will very shortly be completed. The cost of the installation and of its maintenance will fall upon the licensee. The service is to be used only in case of emergency—communication being effected via the Post Office wireless station at Loch Boisdale. The ordinary inland telegraph rate of ½d. a word, with a minimum of 6d. per message, will be charged.

Will this be under the charge of the Post Office officials, or is it a private undertaking?

No, it is a private undertaking.

What system is going to be used?

I have no information. It is not erected by the Post Office, but by a private licensee.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the Reports of his expert advisers in accordance with which he decided not to throw open the Imperial wireless contract to public tender?

The original Reports were made at a meeting of the Inter-departmental Committee on the Imperial Wireless Chain in August, 1911, when it was decided not to invite tenders. The Committee's discussions were of a confidential character, but the Report of them was submitted to the recent Select Committee of this House. The decision not to invite tenders was adhered to by the Government after the repudiation by the Marconi Company of the contract of July, 1912, partly as a consequence of the Report of the Scientific Advisory Committee presided over by Lord Parker. That Report stated that according to the result of their investigation the Marconi system is at present the only system of which it can be said with any certainty that it is capable of fulfilling the requirements of the Imperial chain.

Could not the objection to throwing this contract open to public competition be overcome by requiring the parties tendering to give substantial financial guarantees for an efficient service?

No, we want to be sure that the contractors will be able to perform the services which are required. A financial guarantee is not adequate. Actual tests are essential beforehand.

Are the Marconi Company giving guarantees beyond the tests which have been accepted?

The tests have been applied in their case and satisfactorily passed. They are not required to give guarantees because no payment is being made until the stations are completed.

If there has been any considerable improvement since that Report was made will the right hon. Gentleman take it into consideration and allow demonstrations to be made to prove whether the Goldschmidt system is able to do this work?

I have asked the representatives of the Goldschmidt system to allow me to send officers of the Post Office and of the Admiralty to watch any demonstrations which they may be in a position to make, but so far the company have not given me any such permission.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the altered circumstances attending the arrangement of the Imperial wireless service brought about by the success of the Goldschmidt system in establishing wireless communication in daytime between stations situated apart the record distance of 3,600 geographical miles, his expert advisers have tendered him further counsel with respect to the desirability of throwing the contract for the Imperial service open to public tenders; and, if so, will he lay that counsel upon the Table of the House?

No such counsel has been tendered.

Have the Goldschmidt representatives expressed their willingness to tender for the Imperial service?

Yes, but they have not yet expressed their willingness to submit their system to any test.

Have they signed any guarantee that they will do all the work of the Imperial service?

Many people would be quite willing to guarantee that.

asked whether a person who, while negotiating a contract with the Government, confers a gratuitous favour on a Member of that Government, suffers any disqualification for negotiating a further contract with that same Government; and, if the rules governing other public bodies in this respect do not apply, under what rules the new contract for the construction of the Imperial wireless chain is now being negotiated?

The question put by the hon. Gentleman is a hypothetical one. It is the duty of the Government in any contract which it makes to do the best for the public inteest.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has any information as to the nature of the agreement entered into between the Norwegian Government and Marconi' s Wireless Telegraph Company to provide a North Europe Transatlantic service; if the American Marconi Company will under this agreement erect any of the stations; whether under the proposed agreement with the Post Office any similar works would have been carried out by either the American or the Canadian Marconi Companies; and, if so, will he give the particulars of the same?

The Norwegian Government entered into a contract with the British Marconi Company, subject to ratification by the Norwegian Parliament, for the erection of a long-range wireless telegraph station in Norway to communicate with America. The American Marconi Company was a party to the agreement and undertook to erect a corresponding station in the United States. The station to be provided in Norway was similar in character to the stations proposed for the British Imperial chain, but the price payable was £70,000 for the one station in lieu of the £60,000 for each of six stations payable under the contract of last July with the British Government. Proportions of the purchase money under the Norwegian contract were payable prior to the completion of the station, while under the British contract nothing was payable until the stations were erected and had proved their capacity to communicate. The same percentage of the gross receipts was payable as royalty in both cases, but the Norwegian Government had the option of commuting the royalty payments for a lump sum of £30,000 at any time. The Norwegian Parliament has ratified the contract within the last few days. Under the contract with the British Government no work of any kind would have been carried out by the American or Canadian Marconi Companies.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether that does not prove the close connection between the English Marconi system and the American Marconi system?

It only proves that if you have Transatlantic traffic, you must have stations on both sides of the Atlantic. There is not necessarily any closer connection than between the British Post Office and the French Post Office who co-operate to carry communications across the Channel.

May I ask whether the two companies are closely allied?

They work in co-operation certainly for the purposes of the Transatlantic service.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is the practice in the Post Office to employ temporary labour through the Labour Exchanges to any and, if so, what extent; and whether in such cases independent inquiries as to character are made by the postal authorities or whether recommendation of the Labour Exchanges is accepted?

By arrangement between the Post Office and the Board of Trade the temporary labour required by the Post Office to meet Christmas pressure has for sonic years been engaged through the Labour Exchanges. It has always been the practice to make full inquiry as to the character of applicants, including the taking up and verification of several references. Last winter, for the first time it was arranged for this work to be done by the Labour Exchange officials in lieu of the Post Office, but on the same lines as previously. The arrangement provided that the results of these inquiries should be submitted to the local postmasters to guide them in making their final selection among the applicants. Apart from temporary Christmas labour, temporary labour of other classes is engaged through the Labour Exchanges from time to time. The arrangements made in these cases are variable according to local circumstances. I hope to be in a position on Monday to answer a question, of which notice has been given, dealing with a specific case which has lately arisen at Coventry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practice of taking the recommendations of the Labour Exchanges without any further inquiry on the part of the Post Office has been the subject of adverse comment; and, in view of that, will he alter the practice?

The Labour Exchange officials themselves take up the references as to character. In regard to the adverse comment in a case which was heard at Warwick Assizes not long ago, I hope to be in a position on Monday to make a statement. I am now investigating all the circumstances of the case, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will direct that the post office at Castlecaulfield, county Tyrone, be kept open on Saturdays, seeing that it is the postal centre of a large and populous district, and that the present arrangements for the weekly holidays of the office officials is against the wishes of every resident in the locality, and is not only extremely inconvenient but a loss to people engaged in business?

I am having inquiry made and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now considered the practice of small yachts anchoring in the Firth of Clyde and lochs at night without displaying a light, in contravention of the Board of Trade Regulations; whether he is aware that they are encouraged to do so by a recent decision of the Glasgow Sheriff Court awarding damages against the owners of the steamer "Marchioness of Breadalbane," which ran down a yacht, the "Marguerite," which exhibited no light; and whether, in view of the near approach of the Glasgow holiday season and of the danger that a collision with such a yacht offers to Glasgow passenger steamers, he has taken or will take steps to enforce the Regulations?

Pending the hearing of the appeal against the judgment of the Glasgow sheriff in the case of the collision between the steamer "Marchioness of Breadalbane" and the yacht "Marguerite" it has not been possible to arrive at a final decision in regard to the matter to which my hon. Friend refers, but as at present advised I do not think there is any real danger to be apprehended to the Clyde pleasure steamers owing to what appears to be a long-established practice of small yachts anchoring in these shallow waters without displaying a light.

May I ask whether these Regulations about showing lights on boats were made in order to secure the safety of life at sea, and, if so, does he not intend to enforce them as long as they are Regulations of the Board of Trade?

Of course, they are Regulations of the Board of Trade, and they are enforced. This question is sub judice at present, and I would rather wait to hear the result of the case before any further action is taken.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the appointment of first secretary to the Insurance Commission for Wales was given to a gentleman who, although a native of Wales, was not able to speak the Welsh language; and whether this gentleman, because of his ignorance of the Welsh language, although otherwise a most competent man, voluntarily resigned his position?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. The secretary to the Welsh Insurance Commission is, as I have previously stated in the House, a competent Welsh scholar, and no question of his resigning has arisen at any time since his appointment.

asked if the National Health Insurance Commissioners take any steps to see that the approved societies observe the Fair-Wages Resolution in regard to the remuneration paid by the societies in connection with the insurance companies to their agents for the work they do under the National Insurance Act; if the remuneration paid to these agents is approved by the Commissioners; whether any representations have been received by the Commissioners as to the inadequacy of the agent's remuneration which is fixed by the insurance companies; and if any action is being taken by the Commissioners to secure that the workmen employed under the Act are not paid at a sweated rate?

As I have previously stated in answer to questions and to a number of representations on the subject, the Commissioners have no power to interfere in the rates 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 rates are not approved by the Commissioners, and the resolution referred to is not applicable.

asked whether it is with the sanction of the Insurance Commissioners that certain approved societies, pay nothing to voluntary hospitals, towards the maintenance of their members without dependants; and is it within the power of approved societies to retain the sickness benefit for themselves and thus turn the sufferer into a source of income without doing anything for him?

The Insurance Commissioners have no power to compel approved societies to make payments to hospitals. Societies have, in certain circumstances, discretion to retain the benefit in their own hands; but the Commissioners have issued a circular (of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy), which sets out the various ways in which the money can be expended (including payments to hospitals), and adds that societies are bound to exercise their discretion reasonably, and that the Commissioners do not suppose that they will find many occasions on which the benefit could properly be withheld altogether.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the National Insurance Act does not make it clear whether Sunday is to be counted as one of the three waiting days before sickness benefit is available, and that in practice some societies are treating Sunday as a waiting day and others are not, and that the handbook issued as a guide to approved societies does not make the matter clear, the Government will, in. compliance with a promise made some months ago to a deputation of representatives of the leading friendly societies, and in order to ensure uniformity, add a Subsection to the National Insurance Act (Amendment) Bill during its Committee stage in order to make the law clear upon this point?