asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a Special Committee is now considering the question of the supply of oil fuel for the Navy; if so, whether the Committee is dealing with the question of the kinds of oil best fitted for the purposes required; and when it is expected that the Report of the Committee will be issued?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to a technical Committee of the Royal Commission. I can only refer him to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Chippenham a week ago.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House some information as to the result the Committee have arrived at? We know nothing about it.

A reply has been given.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can say when the Departmental Committee that sat to inquire into the grievances of the yard craft men finished taking evidence; and when a Report may be expected?

The Committee finished taking evidence on the 29th May. It is expected that they will make their Report shortly. I can give no undertaking that the Report will be made public.

If the Report is not to be made public will the right hon. Gentleman indicate when the yard men will be informed as to the result?

The Petitions this year have all been referred to the Departmental Committee, and we will undoubtedly have to reply to them, but we cannot come to a conclusion about a report we have not yet received.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the event of a skilled labourer in His Majesty's dockyards reverting by reason of reduction of men to the position of ordinary labourer and being promoted again at some subsequent period to the position of skilled labourer, the skilled time put in on the first promotion will count towards the probationary period; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of making such arrangements as will meet a case of this kind?

As I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for the Blackfriars Division of Glasgow on Monday last, it is not necessary for a skilled labourer to serve twelve months on the probationary rate. In the discretion of the yard officers he can be advanced to the 24s. a week rate at any period if in their view the quality of his work justifies the advancement. Such cases as that alluded to by the hon. Member are thus already provided for; but, as I indicated in the reply mentioned, the suggestion that small and broken periods of work as a skilled labourer should be noted and ultimately added together to make a complete twelve months is, I am afraid, not practicable, nor in any case, in view of what I have said, is it necessary.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can say if any chief officer of Coastguards, retired in 1912, was given the honorary rank of lieutenant and awarded a pension of less than £60 a year; and whether, seeing that Coastguard officers are now considered to be worthy of the award of lieutenant rank, it is possible to retire them on a pension more in keeping with that rank?

One such case has occurred. As regards the second part of the question, I can add nothing to my previous replies on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the principle on which Income Tax is charged upon the allowance of £24 made to officers and men of the Royal Navy when living ashore, while the table money of flag officers and commodores has recently been exempted?

The provision allowance made to officers and men of the Royal Navy when living ashore is given for their personal benefit, and is chargeable to Income Tax under the enactments relating to that duty. The table money of flag officers and commodores has been exempted on the ground that it is granted to meet necessary expenses of official entertainment, and not as a personal emolument.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Bulgaria consulted the Powers before attacking Serwia and Greece; and whether the Treaty of London definitely precluded Turkey from any further negotiations with neighbouring States regarding her frontiers, and, if so, for how long?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, the Treaty of London embodies the settlement reached between Turkey and the then Allied Balkan States and contains no provision limiting its own duration or precluding future negotiations by mutual consent.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the annual Report on the working of the Defence Act of Australia has been issued and, if so, when; and whether he has taken steps to obtain a copy of the Report?

A copy of the Report of the Minister for Defence of the Commonwealth of Australia on the progress of Universal Military Training to the 30th June, 1912 was placed in the Library of the House at the beginning of last December. Copies of any further similar reports will be forwarded to me in the ordinary course as and when they are laid before the Commonwealth Parliament and will also be placed in the Library.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Sapele chiefs leased a piece of land to His Majesty's Government for ninety-nine years from 1908 at a rent of £100 a year, and that the provincial commissioner is now pressing these chiefs to surrender the freehold for the sum of £1,000; and whether he will advise the Governor of Southern Nigeria to secure the postponement of the matter until after the publication of the Report of the departmental committee now sitting upon land tenure in West Africa?

I have no information on this subject, but will ask for a report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether his attention has been called to the circumstances in which the Ocean Island phosphate licence was granted to the Pacific Phosphate Company; and whether he will now publish the whole of the correspondence relative to the granting of this licence?

I do not think that the correspondence in question, which took place over thirteen years ago, is of sufficient public interest to justify the expense of publication.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will request the Governor of the Union of South Africa to invite the Transvaal Federation of Trade Unions to submit a statement to him representing the workers' views on the industrial causes which led to the recent strike, and the grounds for their contention that the manner in which British troops were used was unwarrantable; and will he have this statement submitted to him by cable and published before the Debate on the subject?

I am not prepared to ask the Union Government through the Governor-General to invite such a statement for publication here, more especially in view of the fact that a Commission has just been appointed to inquire judicially into the causes of the recent disorders.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the dispatch he has promised for the coming debate on the use of the troops will not simply be the official views of the Government of South Africa, and is it not right that the views of the organised workers there should be heard?

As to the contents of the despatch, which will not arrive until the morning of the 28th, we must wait and see, but I should imagine it will give a very full statement of all that has occurred.

Is it not a fact that the condition is very serious, and that the number of troops has been increased upon the Rand, and that natives are being expatriated?

I have no information that leads me to believe either of these statements.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not seen the information which has appeared in the Press, and has he not reason to think that Lord Gladstone is deceiving him as to the position on the Rand?

The hon. Gentleman has no right to use an expression of that kind. I pointed out to him more than once that if he has any charge to bring against, the Governor of the Cape, his proper course is to put a Motion on the Paper, so that it can be properly discussed. He has certainly no right to make insinuations of that kind in a supplementary question.

On a point of Order—

Order, order.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state by what law or right has the Chartered Company alienated upwards of a million and a quarter acres of land in Rhodesia to Liebig's Company without the consent of the Crown or the Local Legislative Council; whether he is aware that the hulk of land is within a few miles of the Pretoria Railway, and also near the West Nicholson Railway terminus, and was specially selected for ranching by an official of the Chartered Company's land department, who regarded it as the finest ranching area in Rhodesia; whether he will inquire from the Resident Commissioner what was the previous selling price of land where Liebig's Company have acquired this concession; and what steps, if any, will be taken to secure to the settlers and natives all rights, if any, over main roads or native paths on this concession?

Under the Land Survey Regulations of 1895, made under the powers conferred by the Matabeleland Order-in-Council and approved by the High Commissioner,the administrator shall be deemed and taken to be an owner, with regard to vacant and unallotted land, and I do not understand that the consent of the Crown or Legislative Council was necessary. Some of the land is near the West Nicholson terminus and some is a considerable distance from any line that has at present been built. I believe that it is incorrect that it was selected by an official of the Chartered Company. I do not see how it would be possible for the Resident Commissioner to form any trustworthy estimate of what the land, which is mostly far away from any other land which has changed hands, would have been worth if it had not been purchased. With regard to roads, the ordinary provision required by Southern Rhodesian legislation is made, namely, that all roads and thoroughfares existing over the land shall remain free and uninterrupted unless closed or altered by competent authority.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the manager of this company is an ex-official of the Chartered Company, who is now in the land department of the Chartered Company, and has special means of valuing this land, which is the most valuable at the present moment in Southern Rhodesia?

I am afraid I was not able to catch the whole of the hon. Member's supplementary question.

Is he aware that this is a swindle between the Chartered Company and—

:I would like to see that on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Chief Native Commissioner of Matabeleland, in his Report for 1912, says that in many instances the large landowning companies in Rhodesia holding from the British South Africa Company have given notice of their intention to charge their native tenants, in addition to the usual rent per capita, grazing fees for both large and small stock at so much per head; that this innovation has given rise to a great deal of dissatisfaction and has had a disturbing effect on the natives concerned, who naturally inquire how long they are to be subjected to these increasing demands upon them by the owners of the land, and whether there is to be no finality to these charges; that the natives hate the idea of having to give up their old kraals and associations, but the fresh demands made upon them, which are now becoming very general, have made them very uneasy in regard to their land tenure on present property; whether, having regard to these statements, he has asked for any explanation of the declaration of the administration that there are no signs whatever of unrest among the natives who may be affected, and that they are voluntarily taking steps to remove to reserves; what measures are being taken, or will be taken, to safeguard the natives' rights of occupation in Rhodesia and to protect their interests; and whether an independent commissioner will be appointed to investigate and report upon the relations at present existing between the natives and the South African Chartered Company and the companies to whom they have made alienations of land in Rhodesia?

I have seen Mr. Taylor's Report which contains the statements quoted in the question. Mr. Taylor expressed similar opinions last year. As soon as the facts were brought to my notice I wrote to the High Commissioner pointing out that a far reaching change of this character was liable to cause much disturbance of feeling among the natives, and stating that I was anxious to learn what steps the Administration deemed it practicable or desirable to take with a view to keeping the system within reasonable limits, and obviating as far as possible the dangers of unrest. The Administrator, in a dispatch dated 28th March, stated that there were no signs whatever of unrest among the natives who might be affected. In the case of one large company the original proposal had been modified to the extent that no charge for grazing was to be made unless the native had more than twenty head of cattle or 100 head of small stock, in which ease his rent was to be increased by 10s. per annum. This very moderate proposal had been accepted by a number of native tenants, and the Administrator thought that other land owners might take similar action. The native commissioners would assist those natives who decided to remove to the reserves. I have received no further evidence of trouble, for Mr. Taylor's Report which has just reached me is earlier in date, and I rely on the High Commissioner to keep me informed if any indications of trouble should appear. I see, therefore, no reason to appoint an independent commissioner to hold an inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to use the £80,000, made by the South African Garrison Institute during the Boer War, for the purpose of establishing Army co-operative trading in military centres in this country; and, if so, whether he has fully considered the probable effect on local tradesmen?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to a question on this subject put by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Southampton on Monday last, the 21st instant.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state whether the wages of certain employés in the War Department of Plymouth, which on 27th June were being reviewed, have now been increased in order to conform with the increased rate of wages effected on the 1st and 17th May last in the outside building trade in Plymouth; if so, whether, in accordance with the Resolution passed by this House on 10th March, 1909, the increased pay will run as from the 1st and 17th of May; and whether the difference between the wages paid since these dates and what should have been paid will be given to the employés in a lump sum?

Effect will be given to the new rate from the same date as in the outside trade, and arrears will be paid.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that by a recent Army Order No. 220, of 1913, some fifteen batteries of Royal Field Artillery, with long and distinguished histories, will be compelled to exchange their numbers, records, and digest of services with fifteen field batteries of recent creation; whether he will state if the plate and funds will also have to be exchanged; and whether he is aware of the loss of esprit de corps that this change will entail to the detriment of His Majesty's service?

I must refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the answer given yesterday to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Preston. I am afraid I cannot undertake to deal more fully with this matter, which is of some complication, within the limits of the answer to a question, but I understand an opportunity will shortly arise for discussing it in Debate.

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly say why cannot Batteries 136 to 150 be converted into Reserve Artillery, seeing that they have the shortest record of service instead of these batteries which have a long and distinguished record?

I can only inform the hon. Gentleman that this matter was considered by a Committee of the highest experts in Artillery, and that that was their decision which was given unanimously.

May I ask whether any of these Artillery officers had any service in the Field Artillery, or were they all. Garrison Artillery officers?

I cannot answer that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is deep dissatisfaction amongst the whole of the officers concerned?

I am not aware, but I will represent that to my right hon. Friend.

Will the hon. Gentleman have the question considered afresh by a new Committee?

I cannot give an under- taking of that kind.

Is the question closed so that nothing more can be done?

No, I do not think so.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what is now the position of the efforts to obtain a rifle range near Elgin; how long these efforts have lasted; what is the reason that suitable land has not been obtained; and why a reply has not been sent to the letter of the Territorial Force Association of Morayshire, dated 26th May?

The negotiations alluded to in the answer given to my hon. Friend on 18th June are still proceeding.

Will the hon. Gentleman say why no answer has been sent to the Territorial Force Association, who wrote so long ago as the 26th May?

I can only say that the negotiations are not complete, and you cannot send them answers until a decision is arrived at.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of ranges available for the practice of Artillery; whether these ranges are fully occupied throughout the year during the periods when it is practicable to carry out firing practice; if certain Regular batteries have been abolished; if so, was this due in any respect to the desire to increase the facilities for firing practice of the Territorial batteries; and if the War Office is taking any steps to provide additional ranges?

Five ranges have been available for both Regular and Territorial Artillery practice during this year and two others for Territorial Artillery practice. Another range will be available next year for both Regulars and Territorials. All available ranges are fully occupied during the practice season. The reorganisation of the Artillery was not due to a desire to increase range facilities.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the necessity for increasing the ammunition in order that the Territorial Artillery may have an opportunity of going into actual gun practice?

I do not think that arises out of this question, which is one affecting ranges, but, I will make representations in the proper quarter.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the airship hangar at Wormwood Scrubs has been used for airships which are in the possession of the Admiralty; to whom does this hangar now belong; and, if it does not belong to the Government, whether the owners will be approached with a view to one of the rigid airships now on order being stationed there?

The airship shed at Wormwood Scrubs has not been used by any naval airships It belongs to the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the airship hangar at Wormwood Scrubs belongs to the War Office; whether it has been, is being, or will be, used for military aviation purposes; and, if not, will he state the reason?

The hangar belongs to the War Office. It was originally built for and used by the Clement-Bayard airship. It is available as a temporary shelter for airships flying from Farnborough. It is not at present in use except for the storage of several guns belonging to a Territorial Force unit. It was offered to the Admiralty, and the matter is still under the consideration of that Department.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why the War Office says it belongs to the Admiralty, and the Admiralty say it belongs to the War Office?

On the contrary, my first statement was that the hangar belongs to the War Office.

I am sorry if I misunderstood. Can the hon. Gentleman tell me how much this hangar cost, and whether it is of any use at present?

The hon. Member must give notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will say approximately what proportion of the 4,500,000 provisional valuations of land already made relate to agricultural land?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Horncastle on the 9th instant.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a Return has been made of the capital value of all land within the city and county of Edinburgh; if not, when is a complete Return likely to be made; and whether a complete Return has been made for any city or burgh in Scotland?

The original valuation under Part I. of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, is not vet complete for Edinburgh, nor for any city or burgh in Scotland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cottages and small houses were erected in Great Britain with the assistance of public moneys in the years 1909–10, 1910–11, and 1911–12 by public utility societies and private persons, respectively; and what sums of money were advanced for that purpose?

I am not able to state the exact number of dwellings erected in each of the years mentioned, but I will circulate with the Votes a Table showing the total of the loans approved by the Public Works Loan Commissioners, under the Housing of the Working Classes Acts, to public utility societies and to private individuals, companies, etc., respectively, together with the number of dwellings to be erected, in each of the last four financial years.—[See Written Answers this date.]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will request the county and borough councils in England to follow the practice of the Board of Customs and Excise in Scotland in the collection of Motor Licence Duties, etc., by calling the attention of licence holders to the necessity of renewing their licences, and giving all necessary information as to places where licences can be obtained, before proceeding to levy the payment of a mitigated penalty under threat of prosecution in Court from those persons who have inadvertently omitted to renew their licences during the month of January?

I fear I can only repeat what I stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member on the 14th instant, that the collection of Motor Licence Duties, etc., is entirely a matter within the discretion of the various counties and county boroughs concerned.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is right that the officials of the county councils should have the power of levying blackmail in this matter?

What the hon. Member suggests is a very serious charge against the officials of the county councils, and I cannot assume that without sonic evidence of it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is a very serious matter to call upon men to pay at their own sweet will, without giving notice that there is some dispute?

I cannot assume that they are doing anything irregular unless I have some proof of it.

Will the right hon Gentleman look at the rules to see whether they are irregular or not, and if they are irregular, will he have them made regular?

That is a very different charge to that which the hon. and gallant Member brought against the officials that they were levying blackmail.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of proposals made in 1885 by the right hon. Member for West Birmingham for the restitution to the public of all common land and public rights illegally enclosed or encroached on during the preceding fifty years, or the payment of a compensation if such land or rights remained in private hands; and whether he will appoint a departmental inquiry to consider and report upon this policy?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and, as to the second part, I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by the Prime Minister on Thursday last.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in the event of the local authorities declining to purchase the leases of the enclosures in Regent's Park, the Government will consider the advisability of throwing open these enclosures in the public interest?

Before renewing leases of any enclosure the Commissioners of Woods will consider, as has been done in, the past, what, if any, part can be opened with advantage to the public and without lessening the revenue producing capacity of the remainder of the enclosed premises, but I am unable to agree to open enclosures where a loss of public revenue would be sustained unless compensation for the loss is made.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the revenue obtained in the years 1911 and 1912 from the increased Licence Duties charged under Section 43 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910; and if he can state the reduction in the rateable value of licensed premises in England owing to the operation of the Section in question?

The latest figures available relating to the yield of the increased Licence Duties are given in the Return of Liquor Licence Duties (House of Commons Paper, No. 217 of 1912), to which I would refer the hon. Member. As regards the second part of the question, I have no means of obtaining the required information.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can specify the Manchester Committee which brought a, charge against the medical profession in Lancashire of encouraging malingering; whether he is aware that the Manchester Medical Insurance Committee repudiates the charge; and if he will state upon what evidence the charge was founded?

My right hon. Friend did not refer to the Manchester Local Medical Committee, nor did he say that any Manchester Committee had made a charge against the medical profession in Lancashire of encouraging malingering. He was informed that the doctors on the Manchester Insurance Committee had themselves proposed that a Committee consisting of an equal number of themselves and of representatives of insured persons should discuss any complaints on this subject, and he said that if the hon. Member would consult that Committee he should be very glad to hear the result. With regard to the last part of the question he can only repeat that a disproportionate number of complaints have been received from societies with branches in Lancashire. My right hon. Friend may add, as an example, that in an investigation made by one approved society as to the number of districts in which doctors appear to be giving certificates where the member is not really incapacitated, while Scotland is 5 per cent., and South-East England 5 per cent., East Lancashire rises to 57 per cent., and West Lancashire to 53 per cent. The whole subject will form a matter of inquiry before the Departmental Committee to be appointed.

Does the hon. Gentleman accept the suggestion that there are other circumstances than want of good faith or conscientious action on the part of the doctors that might lead to these statistics? [HON. MEMBERS: "What are they?"]

All the circumstances which have led to these figures will be investigated by the Departmental Committee.

Do I understand that the hon. Member withdraws the charge against the medical profession, which a large number of hon. Members understood that he made?

I think the hon. Member had better refer to the actual terms of the statement made by my right hon. Friend, and he will see that it conveys no charge whatever.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been in communication with the Medical Association of Manchester on this point, because I know that they feel very sore about it?

If the hon. Member refers to the Medical Committee of Manchester, they have forwarded a resolution to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the protest made by Lancashire doctors against the statement recently made by him that they have not administered the National Insurance Act fairly, and to their demand that medical referees should be appointed by the Government to visit and inquire into disputed cases; and whether he will consider the advisability of adopting this proposal?

hake already answered the first part of my hon. Friend's question. The appointment of medical referees is being most carefully considered.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the recent inquest on Henry Goodwin, a journeyman butcher of Bethnal Green, who was an insured person, and was certified to the Prudential Insurance Company, his society, to be suffering from rheumatism; whether he is aware that Goodwin died of acute tuberculosis of the lungs, and that it was stated at the inquest that if the deceased had been sent to a sanatorium earlier his life might have been saved; will he state the name of the doctor who attended Goodwin; and is he still upon the insurance panel?

I am informed by the London Insurance Committee that the case referred to is at present under investigation by the Medical Service Sub-Committee. Pending this report it would be improper for me to make any statement.

asked whether a man employed for two days a week in an insured trade and also in receipt of an old age pension would, in the event of his becoming unemployed, forfeit his right to unemployed benefit if he refused an offer of full-time employment which would result in the loss of his pension?

The decision as to whether a workman is entitled to unemployment benefit under Part II. of the National Insurance Act rests ultimately with the Umpire appointed thereunder. I am therefore unable to give any authoritative reply to the point raised in the question, but in a recent decision given by the Umpire on a question which though not identical, has some analogy with that raised by my hon. Friend, benefit was disallowed in respect of a workman who gave up his employment, at which he could earn 18s. 5½d. per week, because he ascertained that he would not be allowed to retain a Statutory old age pension of 5s. per week while he was earning more than 12s. per week.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the disqualification attached under the National Insurance Act to the Metropolitan Asylums Board in regard to entering into arrangements with insurance committees for the treatment of insured persons suffering from tuberculosis could be removed if the Public Health (Prevention and Treatment of Disease) Bill is passed as now drafted?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if a Petition has been received from the non-established messengers employed in the Customs Department with regard to their rates of pay and conditions of service; and, if so, will he say when such Petition was received and when an answer was given thereto?

The last Petition forwarded to the Treasury which can be traced was received on 22nd February, 1911, and answered on 9th March, 1911.

Have they taken no notice of the Petition received in November?

They did not take the course which was open to them of forwarding it direct to the Treasury.

If they forward it direct to the Treasury, will it receive attention?

Certainly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the particulars furnished by him of companies which failed in the years 1908 to 1912, inclusive, to file the returns presented by the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, included all companies defaulting in this respect; if he will state the general grounds on which it is decided whether or not proceedings shall be taken in respect of such default; in regard to the companies struck off the register, in how many cases this step was taken at the request of the company; and whether the consent of the shareholders has to be obtained before this can be done?

The particulars of companies which failed to file returns in the years 1908 to 1912 include all defaults with regard to which. the companies concerned were circularised by the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies. They do not include cases in which defaults occurred and were remedied before any notice had been taken of them by the Registrar. The decision whether proceedings should be taken in respect of a default depends on the circumstances of the particular case. Proceedings are taken in the graver cases. It would involve a very considerable amount of labour to furnish the hon. Member with the number of cases in which companies were struck off the register at their own request, but. I shall be pleased to furnish him with the information with regard to any specified companies. Under Section 242 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the Registrar can take steps to strike the name of a company off the register where he has reasonable cause to believe that the company is not carrying on business or in operation, and it is not necessary to obtain the consent of the shareholders.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman would consider favourably a new Clause putting the question of the Company Laws in such a position that really the desire of the Board of Trade could be carried out?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in consequence of the continuance of the trade dispute at Leith docks, which has entailed a stoppage oz work throughout practically the whole mining industry of the Lothians, he can see his way to promote conciliation or arbitration in accordance with Section 2 of the Conciliation Act, 1896?

I am not at present in a position to, nor could I usefully, add anything to the answer given in the House by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, on Monday last, which was to the effect that no statement could be made at present as to a settlement of the dispute, but that the representatives of the Board of Trade are making a very careful inquiry and we shall be glad to use our good offices at the earliest moment at which they can be of any use.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the number of British subjects who are officers or masters on foreign merchant vessels and the nationality of the vessels which they are commanding or officering?

I have no available figures in regard to the number of British subjects who are masters or officers on foreign merchant ships, but such information as is in the possession of the Board of Trade suggests that a certain number of British subjects are so employed. It would be difficult, I fear, to obtain reliable figures, but I am considering whether any useful inquiries on the subject could be made.

Will the right. hon. Gentleman give such figures as are available, bearing out his statement made on Wednesday last?

My statement was to the effect that the number of alien masters was just 1 per cent., and I said that there were probably as many British masters serving under foreign flags. That was the statement I made, and I said I would see if I could get any further information.

asked the value of imports of raw material and manufactured articles into Germany for the year 1912, and similar figures for the United Kingdom?

In order to afford a proper comparison it will be necessary to reclassify the German imports on the lines of the classification adopted for the United Kingdom Trade Returns. This reclassification will be proceeded with, and I hope to be able to furnish the hon. Member with the figures he desires in the course of a few days.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will appoint a representative of the seamen, sailors, and firemen on the Load Line Committee; and (2) the names, port of registry, and tonnage of all vessels on which the load line was raised and which have foundered or stranded since the alteration in the load line?

As I have already explained, the questions involved in the assignment of freeboards to vessels are of a technical character and the Load Line Committee has been so constituted as best to deal with these questions. It would have been inconsistent with the nature of the inquiry to appoint a Committee representative of particular interests. The Committee would welcome any evidence directed to the question of the effect of the alteration in the load line. With regard to vesesls lost since the tables of freeboard were modified in 1906, I do not see that the particular Return suggested would enable any correct conclusion to be drawn with reference to the matter under inquiry, but the Board of Trade are furnishing, and will furnish, the Load Line Committee with all particulars they require with regard to any class of casualty.

May I ask whether the lowering of the load line is not a matter in the discretion of the President of the Board of Trade?

Certainly not; it has to be done under statutory regulations, and certain persons have to be consulted. In this case I have appointed a Special Committee to see how far the load line should be altered.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform me what Statute it is which enables him to lower it?

I do not know what the hon. Member means; but, if he will give me notice, I will endeavour to get him the information which he wants.

When was this alteration, which creates considerable interest, made?

In 1906.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst parents and ratepayers with the management of Butlocks Heath schools, Hants; that a special inspection of this school took place in February last; that the report of this inspection was communicated to the Hampshire Education Committee and to the managers; that both these authorities have declined to corn municate its terms to the parish council, the ratepayers, or parents; and that, in consequence, suspicion attaches in the locality to the efficiency and management of this school; and whether it is the policy of the Board of Education to support local authorities in carrying on schools against the interests and wishes of the ratepayers and in ignorance of the reports of inspectors?

I am aware of the dissatisfaction, but I do not know precisely what are the grounds for it. The school was inspected by three of the Board's inspectors last February, and their report was communicated to the local education authority, and by them to the managers. I am not aware whether those bodies have declined to communicate it to other persons. The body of managers includes representatives of the parish council. It is, of course, within the discretion of a local education authority to communicate a report to other persons than the managers, but it is not the practice of the Board to press them to do so. In my opinion, the legitimate criticism of the school which is contained in the report affords no ground for regarding the school as generally inefficient. The Board see no reason to criticise the action of the local education authority with regard to this school: they are doing their best in rather difficult circumstances.

asked the Postmaster-General if the Post Office Parliamentary Committee has had evidence on behalf of the temporary men in respect to the rate which should be paid, and if the Report of such Committee will contain a recommendation in respect to such rate of wages; and if it will be made retrospective as from the date when he had himself decided that the existing rate of wages was too low?

As I stated in my reply to a former question of the hon. Member, on 2nd June, the question of the payments made by the Post Office to temporary men employed on a full duty was brought to the notice of the Select Committee by representatives of the staff. I am not in a position to forecast the recommendations of the Committee. It would be unusual for the application of any recommendations they may make to be made retrospective.

asked the Prime Minister whether the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer recently that Great Britain is wholly an industrial country and is utterly unsuited to the establishment of a great peasant proprietorship represents the considered views of the Cabinet on this subject; whether the Government has decided to take no action with the object of assisting peasant proprietorship even in those districts in which agriculture is the principal occupation of the workers; whether any exception will be made in the case of Wales; and if it is intended to continue the policy of taxing English workers to pay for land purchase in Ireland while withholding similar opportunities from them?

I see no reason to differ from the views expressed by my right hon. Friend on the subject of peasant proprietorship, which I think are not adequately or accurately represented in the question. As I have already stated, the policy of the Government with regard to Land Reform will be announced in due course.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether I am to understand that the question, as placed on the Paper, is not a correct construction of the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

No, I do not think that it is.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will lay upon the Table of the House of Commons the volume of official correspondence relating to the negotiations for the Marconi Contract which was before the Select Committee?

This correspondence wins communicated to the Committee in confidence, and was not intended to be made accessible to the public. I am in communication with the Departments concerned, to ascertain whether its publication would be consistent with the public interest.

May I ask if, in considering that matter, the right hon. Gentleman will bear in mind the fact that the House will now be required on Friday week to discharge the duty which was originally entrusted to the Select Committee, namely, to decide on the desirability of this contract?

The Noble Lord knows that this correspondence was communicated under the seal of confidence. Of course, somewhat different considerations may now arise.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, if this document is placed upon the Table, he will consider the possibility or advisability of also placing upon the Table the private evidence given by the War Office and Admiralty experts in this matter?

I will look into it.

asked whether the Government will introduce a Bill to deal with the importation of plumage next Session?

As I have already stated, this matter is being considered by a Committee of the Cabinet. I am not at present in a position to make any statement with regard to the intentions of the Government.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when we may hope that the Cabinet will definitely come to a decision one way or the other? Are they still considering it?

Yes, they are still considering it.

asked the Home Secretary whether his Department fixes the wages paid to county court bailiffs; and, if so, whether he will state the average wage paid to these men?

Except in the case of some of the larger courts in which the Treasury have sanctioned a scale of wages, commencing at 25s. and rising to 40s. (in some cases 50s.) per week, the wages of county court bailiffs are fixed by their employers—the high bailiffs—who expend for this purpose sums allowed to them in proportion to the amount of work in their districts. The average of the wages paid is about £80 per annum.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Coal Mines Act, in so far as it concerns the hours of winding enginemen in coal mines in Lanarkshire, has yet been enforced?

I am informed that, so far as the inspectors have been able to observe, the provision of the Act as to the hours of winding enginemen is being generally complied with in Lanarkshire, and that only two complaints have been received by the inspectors in regard to that county from the Scottish Engine-men's Association.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, before sanctioning the scheme for sewage disposal of the Crediton Urban District Council, he will consider the cheaper alternative scheme which has been before the council, and also ascertain the suitability of other land in the district and the value of the same as compared with the price asked for the 61 acres which the owner insists on the council taking and which exceeds by 56 acres the total area required for the purpose of the scheme?

I have given the whole matter very careful consideration, as I had grave doubts whether the loan for which the Crediton Urban District Council have applied could properly be sanctioned. Looking, however, to the position created by the local Act of 1836, I am advised that sanction ought not to be withheld. I am accordingly sanctioning the loan, subject to the following conditions: (1) That the Urban District Council will obtain a full discharge from the vendor of all his rights under the local Act, so far as they affect the sewage disposal question; (2) That the Board are given an undertaking by the district council that any portion of the land not required for sewage disposal purposes will be sold as soon as reasonably possible.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether Sir George Holmes, the Chairman of the Board of Works (Ireland), is about retiring; if so, can he state the date on which his retirement will take place; can he say whether Sir George Holmes has accepted the new superannuation scheme; and what retiring allowance he is at present entitled to?

Sir George Holmes is retiring in October next on reaching the age limit. He was not entitled to adopt the provisions of the Superannuation Act, 1909, being over sixty years of age at the date of the passing of the Act. His application for superannuation has not yet been received by the Treasury.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a question of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he is in a position to give any further information regarding the situation in Mexico, whether there is any truth in the report that one of His Majesty's Consuls has telegraphed for assistance, and what action His Majesty's Government are taking to protect British interests, which have been greatly prejudiced in Mexico by the prolonged disorder there?

I have nothing new to report on the situation in Mexico, which, as the House knows, has been disturbed for some time. We have not heard that any of His Majesty's Consuls has requested the services of a battleship, but I understand that these reports emanate from a quarter where reports not infrequently arise in anticipation of the events to which they refer.

Will the hon. Gentleman telegraph and make inquiries?

Yes, Sir.