asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of the additional contribution of 2s. 6d. per insured person from the Exchequer of the United Kingdom towards the better working of the Insurance Art in Great Britain, in =pursuance of the arrangement made last October; assuming the previous arrangements to have been fair as between Great Britain and Ireland, what would have been an equivalent increase of expenditure in Ireland towards the better working of the Act there; what increase has been made in Ireland; whether the increased expenditure in Great Britain depends on local provision being made for insurance purposes; will he state the grounds for not allocating the full equivalent to Ireland; why the deficiency has to be made up out of the rates there; whether he can state the total amount so provided in Ireland; and whether any complaints of this arrangement have reached him?

The estimated cost of the grant of 2s. 6d. per insured person in Great Britain to provide for the excess cost of medical attendance and treatment over the original estimate for the calendar year 1913 is £1,615,000. A grant of 2s. 6d. per insured person in Ireland would, on the basis of the Returns to 31st March, 1913, amount to £87,390. As the hon. Member is aware there is no medical benefit under the Insurance Act in Ireland, but a special Grant of £50,000 has been voted for Grants in Ireland towards the cost of medical certificates of sickness and other expenses arising owing to the absence of such medical benefit. There would, therefore, upon the hon. Member's theory of equivalent Grants (which, however, I must not be understood as accepting) remain due to Ireland a further sum of £37,390. It must be remembered, however, that the main reason for the non-extension of medical benefit to Ireland was the existence in Ireland and the nonexistence in Great Britain of a public medical service, towards the cost of which the taxpayers of the United Kingdom contribute some £55,000—a Grant in respect of which the taxpayers of Great Britain receive no equivalent. Unless, therefore, the hon. Member is prepared to contend that where a service in Ireland is carried out in a different manner from the corresponding service in Great Britain the taxpayers of the United Kingdom should not only bear a full proportion of the cost of the Irish service, but also contribute to general Irish purposes a sum equal to what would be the cost of duplicating the Irish service upon the lines adopted in Great Britain, it is obvious that the account shows a balance of, approximately, £18,000 in favour of Ireland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether money for overtime work has been paid to the respective staffs of the Central Office and London and south-eastern Divisional Office in connection with unemployment insurance; and, if so, up to what date; and why the clerks at several Labour Exchanges are still awaiting their money for overtime worked as far back as the month of February last?

The minor clerical staff of the Central Office for Labour Exchanges and Unemployment Insurance consists almost entirely of second division and assistant clerks, who are paid in accordance with Treasury Regulations for any overtime worked. The staff of the Divisional Offices and Labour Exchanges are specially recruited, and the conditions of their appointment do not provide for the payment of overtime. With the special sanction, however, of the Treasury gratuities have been paid to them in respect of overtime worked at seasons of exceptional pressure. Such payments have been made in the present year at the Divisional Offices in respect of January and February, and at the Labour Exchanges in respect of January. The question of payment at the Exchanges for February is still under consideration. It is also intended to make certain payments to the staff in respect of overtime caused by the annual exchange of unemployment books in the present month.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether there is any objection to a medical officer of a dispensary district in Ireland issuing a certificate under the National Insurance Act to a sick person upon whom he is in attendance and taking a fee for doing so; and whether the dispensary midwife may act in the same manner as the medical officer?

The certificate required by an insured person for claiming sickness benefit may be issued to him by the medical officer of a dispensary district in Ireland at a charge agreed upon between the patient and the doctor; the certificate required by an insured woman or the wife of an insured person to support a claim for maternity benefit may be given by a dispensary midwife in attendance on the case.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he wilt state for what Amendments proposed in the National Insurance Act (1911) Amendment Bill the £648,000 to be provided by additional reserve values are given; and how much thereof is attributable to the additional benefits of persons between fifty and sixty-five, and between sixty-five and seventy, respectively

The sum named in this question refers to the provisions applicable to 'persons entering into insurance of the age of fifty and upwards. For persons who were aged between fifty and sixty-five the sum is £343,000, as indicated by the Table in paragraph (7) of the actuarial report. The balance of £305,000 refers to persons entering into insurance at ages between sixty-five and seventy.

also asked the Chancellor how much the reserve values actually credited or to be credited to approved societies exceed the estimate of Messrs. Hardy and Wyatt by reason of the recommendation to add 12.745 per cent. thereto, contained in the Report of the Actuarial Advisory Committee, set out on page 555 of C.D. 6907; and what is the total amount of the reserve values now to be credited?

The figure of 12,745 referred to in the Report of the Actuarial Advisory Committee is the percentage by which the sickness rates of the Manchester Unity tables have been increased for the purpose of estimating the value of sickness benefit and disablement benefit, and is a provision for the difference in liability between picked and general average lives. The reserve values themselves have not been increased by any percentage. The total sum to which it is estimated the reserve values will amount in respect of persons entering into insurance in the first year under the principal Act is £63,800,000, but to this sum must be added the present value of the reserve values hereafter to be credited to societies in respect of women who were married at the commencement of the Act, and who are entitled to the ordinary benefits on entering into insurance as employed contributors at any time before or within one year after the death of their husbands. The sum to be provided under this head is necessarily very problematical, but it is conjectured that it may bring: the full amount of the reserve values up to the amount of £66,643,000, as estimated by Messrs. Hardy and Wyatt in their final Report apart from any addition in the Amending Bill.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that a clerk in the office of the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen, promoted to the second division on the ground of special merit in 1909, is in receipt of a smaller salary and increment than another clerk, his junior as an assistant clerk, new class, who was promoted to the second division under precisely similar conditions in 1911; if he will explain why the senior clerk remains in this unfavourable financial position; and whether he will take steps to remove this inequality of treatment by readjusting his salary accordingly?

I understand that owing to a misapprehension the junior clerk promoted in 1911 was allowed to enter his new scale on promotion, at a salary slightly in excess of that which he would have been allowed to receive under the usual practice in such cases. The promotion in 1909 was governed by the usual rule applicable to the whole service. In the circumstances the Treasury have agreed not to call for a reduction in the pay of the junior clerk.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the salary now payable to a number of clerks of the second division promoted from the rank of assistant clerk (abstractor) prior to 1908 is such that nine or ten years' service in the second division grade fails to provide an adequate salary equal to that payable to them had they not been promoted on the ground of special merit and ability; and, in these circumstances, will he say how the pay of the clerks in question has been substantially improved?

As has already been pointed out, an assistant clerk is on a scale of salary rising normally to a maximum of £150, a second division clerk is on a scale rising to a maximum of £300. In considering the relative position of assistant clerks and second division clerks regard must be had not merely to the actual pay drawn by such clerks but to the scale of pay to which they are entitled.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the withdrawal of a case from the Court of Session by the solicitor of Inland Revenue in Edinburgh raised by Mr. Wyllie, of 13, Glebe Road, Kilmarnock, whereby the question of single assessment for separate hereditaments, namely, dwelling-house and garage, was to be settled; whether he is aware that this question of single assessments for separate buildings is of widespread interest in Scotland, and that its withdrawal prevents a decision being given on it by the highest Court and enables assessors to continue the method of single assessments, as they have done for some years; and, if so, will he see that in future, on a point being abandoned by the solicitor of Inland Revenue, the assessors are instructed to act accordingly?

My attention has been called to the case referred to by my hon. Friend, which does not, however, cover the general question of including separate buildings in one assessment to House Duty; nor, as I am advised, is it possible that any one decision arrived at in the Courts could govern every case which might arise. The decisions which have been given in the past and form a guide to present practice have varied according to the particular facts concerned, and clearly show that each case must be treated according to its individual features.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the methods adopted by the solicitor for Inland Revenue in Edinburgh, in cases of appeal from the Commissioners of Inland Revenue to the Court of Session, that he invariably withdraws the case by settlement when he is of opinion that the assessment in question cannot be substantiated; that this practice prevents a decision of the High Court being given against the Inland Revenue and enables assessors throughout Scotland to continue the same method of assessment until another appeal case is lodged; and, if so, whether he will take steps to remedy these methods?

I am not aware of any principle in accordance with which the Inland Revenue could be forced to proceed with a case in which they are of opinion that a decision of the Commissioners against which an appeal has been entered is erroneous in point of law, and when without further litigation they are able to arrive at a settlement satisfactory to the parties. On the other hand, there is no necessity for the appellant to agree to any proposed settlement, if he prefers to pursue his appeal in the Courts.

asked whether the possession of a green transfer voucher ensures an insured person receiving medical treatment at a temporary place of residence, or if doctors on the panel are entitled to refuse to give medical benefit except for additional payment to persons holding such vouchers?

An insured person who has obtained a green voucher is entitled without additional payment to receive medical attendance from a doctor on the panel in the temporary place of residence specified in the voucher.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that on the 20th June last the manager of the creamery at Boherbee, near Kanturk, county Cork, gave notice to the holder of a farm which is claimed by another person that no more milk would be accepted from the farm in question; whether he is aware that this notification was the result of an intimidating notice served on the creamery; and whether steps are being taken to prevent this interference with the farm referred to and its owner?

I am informed that threatening notices were received by the secretary and manager of the creamery and that they have refused to take milk from the holder of the farm referred to. The police are endeavouring to trace the sender of the threatening notices and are protecting the farm by patrols.

asked the Chief Secretary if pensions were granted under the Irish Constabulary Act, 1883, to the families of Head-Constable Whelehan, Ennis; Head-Constable Rogers, Borrisokane; Head-Constable Peate, Belfast; and Commandant Rogers, Depot, Dublin, all of whom died serving; if so, will he state the amount in each case; the amount paid in each case out of the Irish Constabulary Force Fund; all other payments made to each of those families; the number of members in each of the families; the length of service of each of the persons named; and the amount paid into the fund by each?

Head Constable Whelehan, who was murdered while on duty, left a widow and five children. His widow received a special pension of £40 per annum and £2 10s. per annum for each of four children until they reached the age of fifteen years. Head-Constable Whelehan had served for twenty-three years, and had contributed £18 2s. to the Constabulary Force Fund, from which his widow and children received £155 8s. 9d. Head-Constable Rogers had thirty-nine years' service and contributed £45 13s. 11d. to the fund. His widow was granted a pension of £10 8s. per annum, but as she was not married twelve months prior to her husband's death, she was ineligible for a grant from the fund. Head-Constable Peate, who had served for thirty - seven years and contributed £45 18s. 6d. to the fund, left a widow and one child, who received a sum of £196 1s. 11d. from the fund. His widow was also granted a pension of £10 8s. per annum and £2 10s. per annum in respect of the child until it reached the age of fifteen years. Commandant Rogers served for thirty-three years and contributed £147 7s. 5d. to the fund. He left a widow and two children, who received £748 8s. 2d. from the fund. No pension was granted in this case. No other payments were made to any of the families referred to.

asked the, Chief Secretary (1) if he will state, for the three years ended 31st March, 1913, the number of cases in which payments have been made out of the Irish Constabulary Force Fund, benefit branch, to the widows and children of officers and of men, respectively; the number of persons relieved; the maximum and minimum grants; the amounts contributed to the fund in those maximum and minimum cases; the total contributions and total grants in the cases of the officers and men, respectively; (2) if he will state the amounts of receipts and expenditure, respectively, of the Irish Constabulary Force Fund, reward branch, from 1st April, 1891, to 31st March, 1913, distinguishing in the receipts fines and penalties, disciplinary fines, verification of weights and measures, and other sources, and distinguishing in the expenditure rewards to officers for good police duty, re rewards to men for good police duty, rewards for freedom from unfavourable records, to cover expenses on retirement to head-constables on promotion and other charges; (3) if he will state from the Annual Reports of the Irish Constabulary Force Fund the amount added to that fund as interest on investments every year from the 10th August, 1866 to 1891; and (4) if he will state the total receipts and total payments of the Irish Constabulary Force Fund during the term of office of each Inspector-General since 1836, showing the payments under three heads—rewards to members of the force, grants to head constables on promotion to district inspectorships, and payments to widows and children of subscribers?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his similar questions on the 3rd instant, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the amount paid out of the Irish Constabulary Force Fund under the respective heads of rewards, bounties, gratuities, and allowances each year from the 10th August, 1866, to the present time; the totals; the Statutes, if any, under which these respective payments were made; and the meaning of the respective terms in this connection?

As I have already informed the hon. Member, the constabulary authorities have been busy procuring information required for the actuarial investigation of the position of the fund, and I cannot impose upon them the duty of preparing the further Return on the subject asked for in the question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received a copy of a Resolution adopted by the County Down Teachers' Association, wherein it is stated that the salaries of the Irish national teachers are 40 per cent. below those paid to the Scotch teachers for doing similar work; whether the managers' associations, the county councils, and various public bodies have made pronouncements in favour of levelling up the salaries of the Irish national teachers; and can he state what action the Government propose to take in the matter?

I have received the resolution referred to, together with many other resolutions from various bodies, in favour of increasing the salaries of national school teachers With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 12th December last.

asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been called to the statement by Mr. Justice Boyd at the Limerick county assizes recently, to the effect that in not a single case had the common jurors found a verdict in accordance with the evidence; and if, in view of the bearing of this state of affairs upon the administration of justice should the Home Rule Bill become law, he will appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the matter, and to report as to the adoption of such procedure as will ensure that persons belonging to a political or religious minority shall obtain justice in the Courts of Law?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the question of the hon. and learned Member for Thanet Division on this subject on the 9th instant, which describes the procedure adopted in cases where there is reason to suppose that prejudice is likely to exist. I see no reason for appointing a Departmental Committee as suggested.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Sergeant Richard Elley, of the 1st Battalion Middlesex Regiment, who served in the Zulu War of 1879, was awarded this year a medal for meritorious services; if so, will he say how many years elapsed between the service and the award; did his commanding officer recommend him at the time for this honour; and will he say why non-recommendation by the commanding officer at the time and the length of time that has elapsed from the service are- made reasons in other cases for not conferring similar honour, as in the case of Corporal William Devlin, of the 68th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, and Bombardier George Jamieson, of the same battery?

The meritorious service medal, with annuity, is granted to soldiers above the rank of corporal for long, valuable, and meritorious service, or to soldiers above the rank of corporal who have been mentioned in dispatches for valuable and meritorious service during a campaign. This medal, with annuity, was granted to Sergeant Elley on the occurrence of a vacancy in the list of annuitants. Corporal Devlin and Bombardier Jamieson are not eligible for this medal.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that Army petrol is being sold to officers at Aldershot and Farnborough at less than the usual retail price, and whether he will take immediate steps to put a stop to a practice so unfair to the local tradesmen?

Petrol is issued to officers in the Aldershot Command on repayment at a price slightly above contract rates, because it is considered necessary to maintain in that command the large reserve required in case of emergency.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Home Office rules posted up at the Stowmarket New Explosive Works are read to the workpeople once in each month, and the rule relating to intoxicating drink is always specially emphasised and the men are warned that any breach of the rule will be followed by instant dismissal; whether he is aware that the gate-keeper at the works from time to time examines all tea bottles at the gate with a view of trying to find out whether they contain any beer; and whether he intends to insist upon the rules being strictly observed at the works in question?

The answer to the first two paragraphs is in the affirmative. As I stated in my reply of the 7th of this month, the mess-room though technically within the boundary of the factory is separated from the factory proper by a fence, and it is at the gates in this fence that the search takes place. It has always been customary for men to bring beer into the mess-room to take with their meals, and no danger arises from the practice. Special rules are framed by the company and submitted to the Secretary of State for approval. It is for the company to take proceedings in case of infringement.

asked the Lord Advocate whether the case of the Dalzell school board against the Scotch Education Department has been appealed to the highest Court; and, if so, whether any of the Lords of Appeal who usually sit in that Court are members of the Scotch Education Committee of the Privy Council, and therefore parties to the case?

In the case referred to by my hon. Friend, a Reclaiming Note has been presented to the Second Division of the Court of Session.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of the exports of automobiles and parts of all sorts from the United Kingdom and the United States, respectively, in each year from 1902 to 1911, inclusive; and the value of the exports of automobiles and parts from the United States which were returned to that country in 1911?

The following statement shows the value of automobiles and parts thereof, of home manufacture, exported from this country and from the United States, respectively, to all destinations, in each of the undermentioned years:—

Years.	From the United Kingdom (Years ended 31st December).	From the United States (Years ended 30th June).
	Including Rubber, Tubes and Tyres.	Including Rubber Tyres.	Excluding Rubber Tyres.
	1,000 £s.	1,000 £s.	1,000 £s.
1902	172†	*	198
1903	644†	*	251
1904	321	*	395
1905	502	*	517
1906	819	*	729
1907	1,325	*	1,146
1908	1,259	*	1,100
1909	1,564	*	1,248
1910	2,606	*	2,331
1911	3,186	3,665	3,231
1912	3,682	5,899	5,345
* Cannot be stated.
† The particulars for 1902 and 1903 in avoidably include a relatively small amount in respect of the exports of motor cycles and parts thereof, which were not separately recorded prior to 1904. In that year, the value of such exports amounted to £38,000.

The value of automobiles of United States manufacture previously exported from that country, which were returned thereto in the last two years for which particulars are available, was £500,856 in 1910–11, and £337,323 in 1911–12. The value of parts of automobiles similarly returned is not separately stated in the official United States Returns.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of the net imports and British exports of complete motor cycles and complete motor cars during each year from 1904 to 1912, inclusive?

The following statements give the information desired by my hon. Friend, and include particulars respecting the imports and exports of motor chassis:

(a) Motor Cycles: Complete.
Years.		Net Imports.	Exports (United Kingdom Manufacture).
		Number
1904	…	892	770
1905	…	1,600	688
1906	…	1,700	739
1907	…	1,687	800
1908	…	1,278	1,048
1909	…	1,350	1,884
1910	…	1,296	3,341
1911	…	1,246	7,350
1912	…	1,223	13,055
		Value
		£	£
1904	…	28,106	31,127
1905	…	52,599	23,717
1906	…	48,553	23,077
1907	…	47,795	27,970
1908	…	34,288	37,206
1909	…	37,870	69,141
1910	…	41,077	122,582
1911	…	38,085	278,856
1912	…	38,229	528,496

(b) Motor Cycles: Complete.
Years.		Net Imports.	Exports (United Kingdom Manufacture).
		Number
1904	…	4,964	701
1905	…	5,046	1,078
1906	…	5,103	1,379
1907	…	4,285	2,318
1908	…	3,396	2,216
1909	…	3,116	2,580
1910	…	3,694	3,555
1911	…	5,731	4,536
1912	…	6,274	5,277
		Value.
		£	£
1904	…	1,911,058	240,758
1905	…	2,171,017	376,230
1906	…	2,174,034	495,399
1907	…	1,833,658	857,647
1908	…	1,227,991	800,636
1909	…	1,045,989	952,431
1910	…	1,205,604	1,376,686
1911	…	1,409,414	1,804,419
1912	…	1,468,474	2,023,715

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number and value of the imports into the United Kingdom from France of complete motor cycles, parts of motor cars, and complete cars, respectively, during the years 1904 to 1911, inclusive; and the average value per car during the same period of the motor cars complete imported from France into the United Kingdom and exported from the United Kingdom to all countries?

The following statements give the information desired by my hon. Friend for each of the years 1904 to 1912, and include particulars respecting motor chassis:—

I. Imports from France.
(a) Motor Cycles: Complete.
Years.		Number Imported from France.	Value thereof.
			£
1904	…	284	9,642
1905	…	258	8,068
1906	…	127	3,630
1907	…	79	2,717
1908	…	42	1,364
1909	…	25	786
1910	…	35	1,322
1911	…	47	1,670
1912	…	53	1,952

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether he has yet received particulars as to the transfer of an arrack tavern to a site in Hill Street, Kandy, within a few yards of the Catholic cathedral, and virtually adjoining the Catholic girls' school; whether at the hearing of statutory objections to the transfer there were protests from eight deputations, representing Catholics, Anglicans, Wesleyans, Baptists, Buddhists, Mahomedans, Hindus, and ratepayers' associations; whether the Government agent read a pre-written reply confirming the site; and whether, in these circumstances, he will direct the Ceylon Government either to suppress the tavern or to transfer it to sonic less unsuitable site?

I have not yet received a reply to my dispatch on the subject, and I have no information with regard to the matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether he received a copy of a resolution passed on 18th June at a meeting of the committee of the National Vaccination Officers' Association, alleging that they have not been fairly dealt with in the matter of fees; whether he is aware that there are 1,400 vaccination officers within the jurisdiction of the Local Government Board; and whether he can state how many of those 1,400 officers are financial members of the National Vaccination Officers' Association?

The answer to. the first two points is in the affirmative. I understand that the membership of the-association was about 150 in 1910, but I have no information as to the number now.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that during the four years ended Lady Day, 1899, the total fees paid to vaccination officers amounted to £98,968 13s. 6d., and that during that period there was no general complaint of injustice being done to them, or that many of them were on the verge of starvation; whether he is aware that during the four years ended Lady Day, 1903, the total fees paid to vaccination officers amounted to £218,261 15s. 10d.; and whether, seeing that the fees now being paid to officers are still far in excess of what was the case prior to 1899, he will take steps to bring about a reduction to the old level and to replace any of the officers who may not be satisfied?

The facts are generally as stated in the question, but, in view of the duties of the vaccination officers, I should not feel justified in taking the course suggested.

asked the President of the Local Government Board (1) whether the Local Government Board possess any jurisdiction over local authorities with regard to the disposal of sewage; if so, whether the Board have any knowledge of any local authorities in England which permit of the discharge of crude sewage into the sea or estuary of the sea in closer proximity to any sands or beaches used by the public for bathing or paddling or recreation than sixty yards from low-water line at spring tides; (2) whether the Local Government Board issue any regulations for the guidance of English local authorities with regard to the disposal of crude sewage; whether the Board is aware of any local authority which permits of the discharge of crude sewage into the sea or estuary of the sea in closer proximity to any inhabited dwellings than sixty yards from low-water line at spring tides; if so, will he say if any such authorities are authorised by the Board to permit of the flow of crude sewage into the sea during rising tides or when the currents habitually set inshore; and (3) whether he will ascertain if any of the authorities of any English seaside health resorts of more than 20,000 inhabitants, or of any smaller health resorts of more than 3,000 inhabitants, adjoining a larger one of more than 12,000, which at the present time permits of the discharge of crude sewage into the sea or estuary of the sea from an outlet which is either uncovered at low time, at spring tides, or which, if slightly submerged, is nearer to the sands or beaches habitually used by the public for bathing and recreation than fifty yards at low tide; and if, on inquiry, any such outlets are found to be in use for the discharge of crude sewage, if he will, in the interest of the public health and decency, communicate with the authority or authorities concerned with a view to their making provision to at once remedy such abuses in all populous resorts, so that no discharge of crude sewage shall be permitted at those places at a less distance from low-water mark at low tide than sixty yards, or at a less depth than four feet below low-water mark at the lowest tides?

The jurisdiction of the Local Government Board in regard to the disposal of sewage by local authorities consists in their power to sanction or withhold sanction to loans. I am aware that there are cases in which the discharge of crude sewage takes place into the sea in the circumstances referred to in the questions. The Board do not issue any general regulations with regard to the disposal of sewage. The matter is one which has to be governed by all the circumstances of the particular case, and upon which the advice of an engineer having extensive experience of sewage disposal in tidal waters should always be sought. If the hon. Member will be so good as to furnish me with the names of the authorities he has in mind, I shall be glad to communicate with them.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been directed to allegations that in such matters as alcoholism, venereal disease, and abortion, the Registrar-General's statistics as to the causes of death are quite unreliable; whether he has any official information showing the accuracy of these allegations; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any steps to ensure greater accuracy of certification?

I do not find that I have received any representations on this subject, but I am aware that allegations of the kind referred to have been made. I will confer with the Registrar-General as to whether any steps can be taken in the direction indicated.