asked the Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the case of Thomas Newman, No. 291, late 2nd Hants Regiment, of 1, Vigo Road, Andover, who, according to his discharge paper, is entitled to the Afghan medal after serving six years in his regiment, and who left the Army blind of one eye; what his pension is; and why he has not received the medal?

Mr. Thomas Newman's pension is one shilling a day. No application for a medal has been received from him. If he will forward his application to the War Office, it shall be dealt with at once.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, under the promised scheme to enable officers of the Regular Army to live upon their pay, it is proposed in future to give more suitable allowances to regimental bands, so that that part of their maintenance now borne by the officers personally can be transferred to the State; if so, whether he will take into consideration the advisability of making it obligatory for all military bands to give at least twelve public performances in the city or town where they may be quartered free of cost, as is done in foreign countries; (2) whether the statement appearing in the Army Estimates, 1913–14, Appendix 16, page 194, Note, that mounted officers are allowed two soldier servants means what it appears to mean, or whether it should have been drafted so as to mean that mounted officers are allowed two soldier servants on payment of wages; whether a standard wage is paid to all soldier servants in Cavalry regiments by the various officers; if so, will he say what that standard wage is; if not, will he say what wages are paid by officers to soldier servants in the Aldershot Cavalry Brigade and 4th Cavalry Brigade at Colchester, etc.; (3) whether officers in Cavalry regiments have to pay out of their own income for the necessary removal expenses entailed by attending manœuvres at a distance, including the moving of mess, camp furniture, and baggage, or whether such expenses are paid for by the Government; if the former, if he can say what was the expense to each lieutenant attending manœuvres in 1912 in each regiment of the 1st Cavalry Brigade and the 4th Cavalry Brigade, respectively; whether such items were added to the officer's mess bill; (4) whether officers pay anything out of their private incomes for the hire or purchase of mess furniture or whether such expenses are met by the mess allowances paid by Government and appearing as £6 per annum for each officer in Cavalry line regiments in Appendix 16 of the Army Estimates for 1913–14; and (5) what was the amount of the band subscription, the polo subscription, and the hunt subscription, respectively, in 1912, and what it is this year, for lieutenants in each of the regiments comprising the Aldershot 1st Cavalry Brigade and the 4th Cavalry Brigade; whether all lieutenants pay all these subscriptions, whether they play polo or hunt, or if they do not; and whether these sums are added to the officers' monthly mess bills?

These and kindred matters are now the subject of investigation.

Will the House be informed what decisions the authorities arrive at in regard to these questions?

The matter is under investigation by a Committee, but whether their report will be presented to Parliament I do not know. I think it is most probable it will be.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will obtain from each Territorial Force Association a statement of the sums spent by it on recruiting for the Territorial Army, and give the total for the last year for which the accounts of the associations have been made up?

The preparation of this Return would involve very considerable labour on the part of county associations, and I hope therefore that the hon. Gentleman will not press for it.

Why is there a difficulty about this Return, when it is given for the Regular Army?

It would obviously involve a great deal of labour, and I am informed that it is very difficult to differentiate some of the money spent on recruiting from that spent for other purposes.

Is it not the fact that recruiting for the Regular Army is done by a special Department, while the recruiting for the Territorial Force is done mainly by the battalions themselves, and there is no regular organisation for it?

I think that that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state why the War Office is not to issue swords to the Yeomanry until mobilisation, as a few practice swords are not sufficient to train the men in their habitual use; why, as the swords that are to be issued were found inefficient for the Regular Cavalry, the War Office thinks they will be efficient for Yeomanry; and whether he will consider representations from officers commanding some types of Yeomanry that their regiments would infinitely prefer to be provided with bayonets and would be more efficient if provided with these?

After careful consideration by the most experienced officers it was decided to be advisable to issue a second weapon to the Yeomanry on mobilisation. The method adopted is considered to be the best.

Why are swords that were found inefficient for the Cavalry to be given to the Yeomanry, and why are they only issued on mobilisation when there is no chance of practice?

As I have already informed the Noble Lord the matter has been very carefully considered, and that is the decision that has been arrived at.

Will the hon. Gentleman give his authority? Was it the Inspector-General of Cavalry or a Committee?

A Committee of military experts and the Chief of the General Staff.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that Lieutenant Harrison's death on the Cody was due to deterioration of a machine purchased second-hand, and that Lieutenant Arthur's death was caused by the existence of an unsuspected and concealed repair, he will guarantee that he will discontinue the practice of buying up second- hand machines, of which a less accurate history can be known than of the machines which are bought new or manufactured, in view of the fact that an unsuspected repair existed even in Lieutenant Arthur's aeroplane manufactured at the Royal Aircraft Factory; and whether the officer commanding the military wing has been instructed to carry out his duties with more care?

The statements and suggestions contained in this question are, as I have already stated to the House, devoid of foundation. In the first case, the machine was the winner of the first prize in the competition last August, open to all nations, and became the property of the Government in accordance with the conditions of that competition; in the second case, the machine was of the B.E. type, acknowledged to be of exceptional excellence and with a remarkable record of safety. The unauthorised repair secretly executed and concealed had nothing whatever to do with the type of machine. In both cases, in accordance with the rules laid down, most careful inspection was made before the flights took place. With regard to the concluding paragraph of the question, all the officers on whom the duty of inspection falls are themselves practical and experienced flying men, and I cannot too strongly deprecate these unfounded suggestions of lack of care on their part.

May I ask whether it is not better that men should not be killed riding on second-hand machines than that I should be accused of making accusations against the Secretary of State?

I have already informed the hon. and gallant Gentleman that he was in error.

Was or was not this man killed while using a machine which was bought second-hand?

May I ask whether the system of inspection has been overhauled or improved since this accident took place? Is it not a fact that, although inspection was carried out, a defect in the machine on which Lieutenant Arthur was killed was not discovered, and does not that point to the necessity of improving the system of inspection hitherto in force?

The hon. Gentleman is no doubt correct in saying that unfortu- nately this accident did take place after inspection had been made. That clearly points to the necessity of the inspection being made as perfect as possible. That, of course, is done. I should like to make it clear to the hon. Gentleman and to the House that no one regrets these accidents more than we do.

Do the War Office buy second-hand machines, or do they not?

No, that is not the rule.

Were not eight machines bought, of which seven had to be overhauled before they were used?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a French aeronaut was officially allowed to fly down the Thames, though this very privilege was refused to Mr. Grahame-White, one of our most experienced fliers?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a foreign aviator received permission to fly down the Thames, although an Englishman was refused the same permission; and whether, seeing that the Aerial Navigation Act was originally intended, to preclude foreign aviators from flying over certain localities in England, he will explain why British aviators should be prevented from having that continual practice which is necessary for adequate training?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to these questions. The Home Secretary grants the exemptions, though he can do so only on the recommendation of the Admiralty or War Office. I presume both questions refer to the cases of M. Levasseur and Mr. Grahame-White. M. Levasseur flew over the prohibited areas on the Thames without an exemption, and was prosecuted for the offence. Afterwards, on his making a proper application, he was allowed to return to France under an exemption, which was subject to special conditions prescribed by the War Office. Mr. Grahame-White, when he came over from France, failed to make any proper application for an exemption. A telephone message sent at the last moment by his London manager gave no particulars on which an exemption could be given. A few days later, when he applied to the Home Office for an exemption, giving proper notice and reasonable grounds for the application, the exemption was at once granted.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the French aeronaut, having once flown over a prohibited area, and so broken the law, was told to break the law again by flying back, while Mr. Grahame-White, though a British subject, was not allowed to break the law at all?

The French aeronaut was not breaking the law, for he had on the second time of flying received an exemption. Mr. Grahame-White, in similar circumstances, having given proper notice and stated grounds for his application, was at once granted permission. They were both put on precisely the same footing.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the object of the regulations to prevent flying in hydroplanes over the estuary of the Thames and round the coast; if he is aware that these regulations are a serious blow to the aeroplane and waterplane industry; and whether it is proposed to withdraw or amend them shortly?

The answer to the first part of the question is that the Regulations and Orders made by the Home Office prohibit flight over certain areas constituting a small portion of the coast line in the interests of national safety. The reply to the second and third parts of the question is in the negative.

What are the interest of national safety? Is it that these aeroplanes might discover the secret of our defences or that they would interfere with the navigation of the river?

I think that the hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.

What is the object of preventing our own airmen flying over our own country?

asked the total expenditure during the past financial year and the total provision for the current financial year for purposes of military aviation, including aviation stations, in France, Germany, and Great Britain, respectively?

It is impossible to state with any approach to accuracy the sums expended on aeronautical services by the foreign countries mentioned. As regards Great Britain, the hon. Gentleman will find figures comparing the year in question on page 3 of the memorandum on Army Estimates (Command 6688).

asked the Undersecretary of State for India whether Mr. A. W. Buchanan, the sub-divisional officer at Victoria Point, Burma, who issued the warrant for the arrest of McCormick in the case which led to the imprisonment of Mr. Channing Arnold, was first transferred to another district and afterwards superseded; and, if so, for what reason?

I have telegraphed for information, but have not yet received the answer. If my hon. Friend will put down his Question again for next Tuesday, I hope to be able to answer it.

Does my right hon. Friend still expect to be able to reply then?

Yes.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether there is telegraphic communication between this country and India?

Wherever the Secretary of State thinks it necessary he telegraphs, but, as I have already stated in the House this afternoon, it is not necessary to continue to worry the Governor of India with telegrams.

asked how many of His Majesty's troops were killed or wounded in the late fighting in Johannesburg; and what troops were actually engaged in the shootings?

Three officers and twenty-four other ranks were wounded. I have not yet received precise information as to the units present at the points where conflict occurred.

Is it part of the regular duties of these men to go to the aid of the civil power in such a case, and if not, is any sanction obtained from the authorities at home before they are so employed?

I do not think that that arises out of the question.

asked if the Secretary of State for the Colonies will say how many so-called agitators are now in custody in South Africa either sentenced or awaiting trial; how many of these are trade union officials and how many women; and, if any have been sentenced, will he inquire under what law they have been sentenced and lay copies of that law upon the Table?

I have no present information on the subject. If and when I receive it I will inform the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman ask for information on the subject by telegram?

I have asked for full information.

Including what measures are to be taken after the trouble is over?

I hope to get full information on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the case of the Duke of Beaufort v. the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, the Commissioners have still the right to assess persons with incomes over £5,000 per annum on the gross amount of their incomes, and will not allow the Income Tax of 1s. 2d. in the £ to be deducted first?

Super-tax is assessable on the basis of Section 66 (2) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and that Section does not provide for the deduction of Income Tax in calculating income for assessment to the Super-tax, which is defined as "an additional duty of Income Tax."

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the case that I have alluded to?

It has reference to mineral rights—a totally different point.

asked the Prime Minister if the powers exercised by the Home Secretary in connection with the administration of justice and in other matters with which the Home Office is concerned are derived from Statute or arise from practice; if from Parliamentary enactment or resolution, will he give particulars of the same; and if, in view of the tendency in this and other Departments of the Government to extend the limits of authority of the heads of such departments and to encroach upon the duties of the executive services he will cause a short memorandum to be prepared defining the powers of the Home Secretary and other Ministers, and indicating the origin thereof?

The powers of the Home Secretary depend partly on common law and constitutional practice, and partly on Statute. I could not undertake to define these powers in a brief memorandum, but the hon. Member will find information on the main points in the standard text books on the Constitution.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the necessarily novel character of the provisions of a Bill creating an elective Second Chamber, he can see his way to indicate to the House, before the Adjournment, the lines upon which the proposals of the Government are likely to proceed, or, failing this, whether any such indication will be made public during the Recess, so as to secure adequate public consideration and discussion?

The Government intend to place before the House next Session their proposals on the subject, and I am not prepared to anticipate them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give careful consideration to the provisions of Lord Lansdowne's Bill, especially to the provisions excluding all Members of the present House of Lords, except a hundred, from occupying seats in the Second Chamber?

They will all be taken into account.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant facilities for the discussion of the Motion of Instruction to the Committee on the National Insurance Act (1911) Amendment Bill standing in the name of the hon. Member fur Newton?

The Instruction referred to appears to be outside the scope of the Bill, nor am I aware of any general desire to amend Part II. of the Act, which is quite separate from Part I., both as regards subject matter and administration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question of order has been submitted to Mr. Speaker, who has not yet given a definite ruling on the point, and what is the use of the Instruction being in order if no time is given for discussing it? Will the right hon. Gentleman promise to give time for discussing it if it is ruled in order?

I cannot make any such promise. I cannot presume to express an opinion on the question of order, but I think that it would unduly enlarge the discussion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that grave dissatisfaction exists in regard to certain Sections of Part II. of the National Insurance Act?

That may be, but it ought to form the subject of a separate Bill.

I beg to give notice, in view of the reply of the right hon. Gentleman, that I shall raise the question on the Adjournment of the Debate.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any reason to believe that there is opposition to the Industrial and Provident Societies Amendment Bill (Bill 129); and whether, in the event of there being no opposition, he will give facilities to secure its passing into law in the present Session?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is his intention to give facilities for the Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment) Bill during the present Session?

I must refer the hon. Members to what I said yesterday with regard to this Bill.

asked whether time can be provided before the end of the Session for the discussion of the Report of the Select Committee on the Putumayo atrocities?

I am afraid the time at the disposal of the Government is too limited to allow of time being given for the discussion of their Report.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the skipper of the fishing boat "Mafeking," BF 430, who suffered damage to the extent of £40 through a trawler running across his nets, promptly notified the fishery officer and the Customs officer at Wick of the number and name of the trawler; and whether, in view of the fact that the number of the trawl vessel is known to the authorities, he will take steps to obtain compensation for the owner?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that a report was made to the Fishery and Customs officials at Wick regarding the recent destruction of the nets of the fishing boat "Mafeking" by a trawler; that the name and number of the offending vessel were communicated to the officials in question, but that they declined to do anything in the matter; and what steps he proposes to take to secure redress for the fishermen concerned?

My information is, that the fishery officer referred the skipper to the collector of Customs, within whose province, as superintendent of mercantile marine, the matter fell. The Board would be pleased to give any assistance in their power to obtain compensation, but from previous experience they believe that the claim could not be enforced without legal proceedings, and they have no power to institute the necessary proceedings. Such proceedings would require to be taken by the owners of the fishing boat.

If I furnish the Secretary for Scotland with the name and number of the offending vessel, will he take steps to secure compensation?

I am afraid that I cannot do that. It is part of my answer that the Board have no power to institute legal proceedings.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Departmental Committee on State Loans for Fishermen intend to report this Session of Parliament; and, if not, will he use his influence to get the Committee to report forthwith?

asked on what date the Committee which is considering inter alia the question of State loans to fishermen completed taking evidence on the subject remitted to it; on what dates it has met to consider the Report which it proposes to issue; and whether, looking to the urgency of the matter and to the delay which has elapsed since the Committee was appointed, the Secretary for Scotland will take steps to secure the acceleration of its proceedings?

asked how soon the Secretary for Scotland expects the Departmental Committee on State Loans to Fishermen will be in a position to issue their Report; and whether this Report will explain the principle on which these advances can be made and what security can be given to prevent possible eventual loss to the taxpayer?

I am informed that the Report is nearly complete and that the Committee is to meet again in a few days. I cannot, of course, state what will be contained in the Report.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether A new site has yet been found for the Calton Gaol; and, if so, when will the work commence?

asked whether a site has now been chosen for the new prison; and, if so, whether he can make any statement as to its whereabouts?

The subject of a new site has been receiving consideration, but I am not as yet in a position to make any statement in the matter.

Is there any difficulty in getting money for the purpose?

I am not in a position to answer that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to make any definite announcement on this particular subject-on the Scottish Estimates?

I will try to do so.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society have made any Report of the work done by that body, and of the manner in which the Grant made to them by the Development Commissioners or the Scottish Board of Agriculture has been administered?

I do not think there has been time for such a Report to be made. The Grant from the Development Fund will be expended in accordance with conditions framed by the Development Commissioners and approved by the Treasury.

asked if the Secretary for Scotland will state how many rural credit banks and local agricultural cooperative credit societies, respectively, are now registered in Scotland?

I am not aware that there are any at present, but, as I have stated, the matter is under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to ascertain if there are any?

I do not think there are any. We are in negotiation about the matter.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many small holdings exist in Scotland at the present time; and what is the total acreage?

The number of agricultural holdings in Scotland exceeding one and not exceeding fifty acres, as returned in 1912, was 51,866. The total acreage of each class of holdings has not been ascertained annually. A Return was, however, obtained in 1908 in connection with the Census of Production, when the total acreage under crops and permanent grass was 697,000, besides 3,900,000 acres of mountain and heath land used for grazing.

Was;this land suitable?

The land was suitable, and was used for grazing.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Royal Commission said that the land was suitable for this purpose?

It is being used for this purpose.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can now state when the additions to the staff of the Board of Agriculture in Scotland will be made?

As stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Edinburgh last Tuesday, these appointments will be made as soon as practicable. Many applications for the outdoor posts have been received, and likely candidates are being interviewed by the Board. Some of the indoor posts have been filled by promotion and others will be filled by the Civil Service Commissioners in the ordinary way.

Will these posts for the new Sub-Commissioners and new Commissioners be advertised?

No.

asked the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that several cases have lately occurred in Scotland of men who have been often convicted of offences against children repeating these offences on release from prison; and if he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation by which such men might be kept in perpetual confinement?

I am aware that cases have occurred of men who have been convicted more than once of such offences as are referred to by the Noble Lord. In such cases it is the invariable practice to label the previous convictions which are taken into account in imposing sentence, and it is competent under the existing law to impose penal servitude for life on conviction of rape. As at present advised I am not disposed to think that such legislation as the Noble Lord suggests is necessary, but the question which he raises will be considered in connection with legislation at present passing through the House.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state whether the rental of £950 per annum for Bedford College was the amount originally and independently proposed by the Crown surveyor as the full market value of the premises of South Villa; whether he is aware that the rateable value of these premises, which included a much smaller area of buildings, was £l,375 per annum; and whether the Office of Woods stated in 1908 that this assessment might be taken as an indication of their present value for letting?

When the agreement for a new lease was negotiated there was outstanding a lease at £333 per annum for a term expiring 10th October, 1924. It was part of the agreement that that lease should be surrendered, and allowance for the value of the unexpired term, had, of course, to be made in fixing the new rent. That value and the rent of £950 per annum (the amount originally and independently proposed by the Commissioners of Woods) equalled the rateable value of £1,375 per annum which was considered the full rental value of the premises of South Villa.

asked whether the President of the Board of Agriculture will undertake, on behalf of the Office of Woods and Forests, that no alteration shall be made in the terms on which the following premises are held without ample public notice being given: the Royal Toxophilite Society's grounds, the two enclosures along the lake on the south-west of Regent's Park, the Royal Botanic Society's gardens, and the Baptist College premises?

There is no probability at the present time of the terms, on which the premises, mentioned by my hon. Friend are held, being altered, except that a portion of the land now held by the Toxophilite Society will shortly be added to the open park. I do not know precisely what is meant to be implied by the phrase "ample public notice," but I may point out that full particulars have been given and will readily be given in the future of any alterations contemplated in these tenancies.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Royal Botanic Society has carried out the schemes for extending the educational advantages of the gardens, and more especially the scheme for the formation of a botanic institute, proposed in 1897, when an extended lease was under consideration; whether the financial condition of the society, then a matter of concern to the Office of Woods, is now satisfactory; whether the society in 1901 was prohibited from using the premises otherwise than for the purpose of a botanic garden without the previous consent in writing of the Office of Woods; what other uses that office has sanctioned in writing; and whether there are any botanists with degrees or diplomas of any kind on the executive committee of the society?

The Royal Botanic Society has not, so far as I am aware, extended the educational advantages of the gardens, and the scheme for the formation of a Botanic Institute (which would have involved the erection of more buildings) fell through. Bonâ fide students from recognised schools or colleges are admitted to the gardens by passes granted free of charge for the purposes of study, and a large number of botanical specimens are given away annually by the society to students and others. The Office of Woods has no reason to consider the present financial condition of the society to be unsatisfactory. No consent in writing appears to have been given by the Office of Woods to the use of the gardens otherwise than for the purpose of a Botanic Garden, but it is known that for a long period the gardens have been used for some other purposes not interfering with the main purposes of the gardens, and no objection has been taken by that Department. I am not aware that there are any botanists with degrees or diplomas on the council of the society.

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that this society is a bonâ fide botanical society?

I have no reason for saying whether it is or is not, but I believe it is what it purports to be in the lease.

asked if the President of the Board of Agriculture will state under what Act tithe redemption is demanded by the Board in the case of small owners; why it is so demanded; and how many aggrieved persons have protested in reference to it?

The compulsory redemption of tithe rent-charge is only ordered by the Board, on the application of tithe-payers or tithe-owners, when they are satisfied that the conditions laid down by the Tithe Acts, 1860 and 1878, exist. These conditions are, in substance, that the tithe rent-charge on particular lands is so small that further sub-division is impossible, or that unreasonable difficulty and expense in collection are proved. When redemption on the application of the tithe-owner, under these conditions, is ordered, objections are in some cases received from the landowners concerned, and such objections are always carefully considered by the Board. It would be impracticable, without prolonged search, to state in how many cases such objections have been received.

asked if the President of the Board of Agriculture can give any indication as to the extent of the opposition to the Bee Disease Bill; and whether, if the opposition does not represent the vast bulk of bee-keepers in all parts of the country, he will proceed with the Bill at all costs this Session?

I have no means of measuring the extent of the opposition outside of the House to this Bill. But I find that it comes mainly from some gentlemen whose bees have not yet been visited by Isle of Wight disease.

Will the right hon. Gentleman proceed with the Bill?

If it could be treated as an unopposed Bill I should be delighted to see it pass.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that large meetings in the country have opposed the Bill, and in view of the fact that there can be no opportunity of the Bill going through as an unopposed measure, will he consider the advisability of withdrawing it this Session and appointing a Departmental Committee?

I cannot agree that the Bill has been opposed at large meetings in the country. The largest meetings in England and Scotland have petitioned very strongly in its favour. The Bill has been considered very fully by a Committee, and I can make no other proposal for dealing with it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state or will he ascertain for the information of this House how many slaves were bought from or sold to the Portuguese slave traders found guilty and punished in Barotseland in February last for slave trading?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that on 21st January last Mr. M'Kinnon, the magistrate at Ngambala, Barotseland, arrested twenty-one persons engaged in acts of slave trading with Portuguese slave traders in West Africa; whether he has yet received a Report upon the action of Mr. M'Kinnon; and, if so, whether he has drawn the attention of the Foreign Office to these slave trading practices in British territory which are being fostered by Portuguese over the border?

I have telegraphed for information with regard to the incident referred to, but it has not yet reached me.

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate with the Foreign Office in view of the consequences and responsibilities involved?

As soon as I have got the information I will communicate with the authorities.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether it is intended to alter the conditions under which the death penalty may be imposed by Nigerian Courts of Law; and, if so, in what respect?

At present the organisation of the system of Courts of Justice in the adjoining territories of Northern and Southern Nigeria is widely different, and the Governor has made certain recommendations which, if carried out, would assimilate the systems as far as possible. These proposals are under consideration, but there is no intention to relax in any way the stringency of the limitations under which the death penalty may be imposed.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will say what is the total number of engravings now hung in the precincts of the House; whether a record is kept of them; and whether they are fully insured?

The total number of the engravings in the House of Commons is 418, and they are catalogued in a card index in the Library. In accordance with the usual Government practice, they are not insured. Other fifty engravings have just been hung in the Harcourt Room corridor, and the First Commissioner feels sure will be greatly appreciated by Members. These fifty complete a total of several hundreds of valuable engravings of Members of Parliament for which the House is indebted to the generosity of the hon Baronet the Member for South Derbyshire (Sir Herbert Raphael).

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what was the average price paid by Government for the men in the Navy for beef from abroad last year?

No imported (dead) beef is supplied to His Majesty's ships in Home waters, except canned beef, to which it is presumed the question does not apply. As I explained to the House in answer to a question addressed to me on 10th June by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the Bordesley Division of Birmingham, the bulk of the fresh beef supplied is killed at the Naval Victualling yards, the animals being raised in this country. At certain other ports where the requirements are not so considerable, the contractors are at liberty to supply fresh beef either from Home-raised beasts killed locally or from beasts imported alive and killed at the port of debarka- tion. It is known that the former alternative is largely used, but as there is no reliable information as to the extent to which contractors avail themselves of the latter alternative, the average price paid for beef produced from animals killed at the port of debarkation cannot be ascertained.

Are we to understand from that that sailors are supplied with better food than soldiers, as the right hon. Gentleman says they cannot get beef for sailors at the price the Army pays?

I cannot say. I hope they are both well fed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the fact or not that the sailors are not fed on beef at the price at which soldiers are fed?

I have told the hon. Member that I cannot give him the prices, but as I have said in a previous answer, the great bulk of it is Home grown. I believe certainly that the sailors are well fed and I have no reason to suppose that the soldiers are not well fed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has recently acquired land at Cromarty for fortification purposes; if so, will he say how much land has been acquired; at what price has it been acquired; what was the rateable value of the farm or farms of which this land formed part; and by how much has this rateable value been reduced by reason of the severance and sale?

Ninety-four acres, comprising several detached plots, were taken by the Admiralty, under the Defence Acts, from a property of which the total rateable value, including shootings, is given in the valuation roll as £l,009 10s. The price to be paid has not yet been fixed, but in default of agreement will be settled by arbitration or by a jury. The latter part of the question therefore does not as yet arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the Sea Lords of the Admiralty are to assume commands of fleets at sea for the naval manœuvres; if so, will he state what command is allotted to each Sea Lord; and what is the purpose of this arrangement?

The Second Sea Lord will command the Bed Fleet at the manœuvres, and the Third Sea Lord will command the Seventh Cruiser Squadron in the Blue Feet during the same period. I attach importance to this arrangement, which secures the closest connection between the Sea Lords and the fleets at sea, and enables officers whose administrative services are of exceptional value to the Admiralty to keep themselves abreast of the latest developments of steam tactics.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the appointment of the Third Sea Lord displaces any officer who would have a command in the Fleet should it be required in war?

All that has been considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is prepared to state what is the scheme and purpose of the naval manœuvres this year?

No, Sir. According to the usual practice of the Admiralty, the grand manœuvres will be treated as confidential exercises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the purpose of the manœuvres, or one of the purposes, is to train officers and men of the Fleet under conditions approximating to war with officers in command of the units which they would command in war?

I have stated the manœuvres will be confidential, and I should be stultifying that decision if I discussed them in any aspect.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the liner "Ceramic," which has been armed in accordance with the recent declared policy of arming British ships which carry foodstuffs, belongs to the White Star line; whether shares in that line are owned or controlled by a foreign corporation; and whether he can state what steps have been taken to ensure that the "Ceramic" shall continue under the British flag and shall in the event of any war in which this country is engaged be available as a ship carrying food to this country and be subject to the control of the Admiralty?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative. It is understood that shares in the line are held by a foreign corporation. Under the agreement the vessels of the line fly the British flag, and can only transfer their vessels to a foreign flag with the consent of the Board of Trade. This agreement applies to the "Ceramic."

Is it not the fact that this company is controlled by foreign interests, and that in the event of those guns being wanted there might be some doubt as to whether the Admiralty could properly control them?

All that has been very carefully considered. The result of the consideration which the subject has received is that we think it very reasonable and prudent to mount a small number of guns in the White Star line when the owners of that line think it convenient.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us how he can prevent this company from selling those ships if they have control of them?

Is it not the fact that the agreement prevents the White Star Company selling those ships for a space of twenty years, and that it is quite impossible for them to be sold to a foreign country?