asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the proposal, originally made in London, but later strongly endorsed by French financial authorities, that the Balkan States should be required, as a condition for receiving loans to re-establish government and enterprise after the war, to restrict their military expenditure for ten years; whether he has taken steps to obtain their views upon, or their adherence to, this proposal from other Powers; and, if not, whether he will inquire into the feasibility and advantages of this policy?

:. I have no knowledge of any such proposal. It is for the financiers who lend money to one of the Balkan States to settle the conditions of the loan with the Government to which it is made. His Majesty's Government have no means of preventing financiers from making loans nor can we impose conditions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the three Balkan States, Bulgaria, Servia, and Greece, have an aggregate of over 100 millions sterling of loans quoted on the Paris and London markets; and whether, in order to establish the commercial prosperity, financial stability, and peaceful development of the Near East, it will be the policy of the Great Powers to discourage the issue to-the Balkan States of loans to be used for non-productive purposes?

I have no precise information as to the aggregate of the loans to the States in question quoted in London and Paris, and I cannot commit the Powers in advance to any particular policy with regard to this question, but I may say that in this country there are no means of exercising effective control of this nature.

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate that he approves of the object in view which underlies this question, even if it is difficult to attain?

I do not think it would be wise to give any opinions now on this point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any report has been received from His Majesty's Consular Agent at Rodosto in regard to the outrages lately committed by Turkish troops; if so, what were the main facts indicated; and whether he will publish the report?

I have now received several reports from the British Acting Vice-Consul at Rodosto respecting recent events there. If I publish these reports I shall be bound to publish also those which I have received tending to incriminate other nationalities in the Balkans also.

In connection with these outrages, may I ask if it the right hon. Gentleman can contradict the report that the 'presentation of a Note by the Powers to the Turkish Government has been delayed because the British Chargé d'Affaires has not received instructions?

That particular question to which the hon. Gentleman now refers has nothing whatever to do with this question, and I would ask him to give notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very unfortunate effect on Mahomedan opinion created by questions of the character just addressed to him?

I am aware that questions which are put of this kind create an unfavourable effect on one question or another. I have, therefore, endeavoured, with all the answers I have given where I have had unfavourable reports affecting any particular nationality and also unfavourable reports affecting others to treat them all exactly alike, in order to prevent any suspicion that we are dealing differently with one Government from another.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland upon whose authority, and by what right, the police stationed at the Loosecaune barrack, Woodford, county Galway, arc employed as gamekeepers for Lord Clanricarde, as they have been acting so on the Derrygoolin Mountains for some time?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The police at this station are not, and never have been, acting as gamekeepers for Lord Clanricarde. Two police are daily employed since the 1st instant protecting a gamekeeper in the employment of a gentleman who has rented the shooting of this mountain.

May I ask whether this gamekeeper is under police protection, and whether the people for whom he is acting, Radcliffe and Battersby, are a pair of grabbers?

The gamekeeper is, as I have already said, under police protection, the object being to secure him from any attack.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the usual practice for police to act as gamekeepers for landlords, and that it is done throughout King's County and Roscommon?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have declared as an estate for the purpose of sale part of the Earl of Carysfort estate, in the county of Wicklow, covered by purchase agreements signed by the tenants; whether a total of forty tenants in twelve townlands signed purchase agreements, while thirty tenants, including some in every townland refused to accept the landlord's terms and did not sign agreements; whether in some of the townlands a majority of the tenants refused to sign; and whether there is any precedent for the Estates Commissioners declaring such an attenuated portion of an estate to be an estate?

It is entirely a matter within the discretion of the Estates Commissioners what lands they may declare to be an "estate" for the purposes of sale under the Land Purchase Acts. In the present case the sale was a direct sale by the owner to the tenants at prices agreed on between the parties under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and had the Commissioners refused to declare as an estate the lands in respect of which purchase agreements had been lodged they would have deprived over eighty purchasing tenants of the advantages of a sale under that Act, and as the outstanding tenants had not signed agreements to purchase their holdings could not be included in the declared estate. It is open to the outstanding tenants, when they have arranged terms of purchase, to sign purchase agreements under the Land Purchase Acts, and for the Commissioners to declare their holdings a separate estate for the purposes of sale.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the course pursued by the Estates Commissioners in this case is not opposed to the principle of the Act of 1903, which contemplated the sale of the estates as a whole?

There is always a question of degree. The Estates Commissioners have the power of declaring certain holding an estate for the purposes of the Act. As there were eighty who had come to terms with their landlord, the Estates Commissioners felt that in the exercise of their discretion they were justified in declaring a separate estate. They can declare the other so whenever bargains are made with the landlord. Whenever they come to an agreement, if they do, there would be no difficulty in declaring their holdings a separate estate.

Is not this transaction calculated to have a prejudicial effect on the peace and order of the district?

It might have a bad effect on the peace and order of the district if those eighty tenants who were willing to buy could not be put in possession of their holdings.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that discontent exists amongst both the officers and rank and file of the Royal Irish Constabulary on the question of their pay and allowances; and whether, having regard to the increased cost of living since the present rates were fixed, he will now have a full inquiry and report made into these grievances with a view to their removal?

Representations have been made by members of the force in various parts of the country as to the inadequacy of the existing rates of pay, and these representations will receive careful consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will explain the grounds on which the constabulary authorities base their demand on the Sligo County Council for costs incurred in connection with an extra force of police stationed in the borough of Sligo during the recent strike there?

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the charge made against the County Council of Sligo in respect of the extra police called into the town of Sligo in connection with the recent strike; and whether, in view of all the circum- stances of the strike and the financial interests of the county and borough, he will be prepared to recommend that the proposed charge be remitted and the whole cost of the extra police defrayed out of the general funds from which police pay is provided?

My attention has been called to this matter. I am informed that in connection with the labour disputes in Sligo last March, extra forces consisting of 110 men of the Reserve and 128 men from the free forces of other counties were sent to Sligo. The total amount payable by the county council in respect of these forces is £1,068 ls. 6d., of which a sum of £101 6s. 7d. is due in regard to the half year ended 31st March last. In accordance with the usual practice in cases where extra forces of police are composed of men of the Reserve and men from the free forces of other counties, the charge in this case has been made on the county at large, as no charge for the men from the free forces of other counties could be made on the urban district of Sligo. The charge is a statutory one, and there is no power to remit any portion of it. The Constabulary Vote is already charged with a large proportion of the cost of the extra forces.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was a demand for £3,000 from the Sligo County Council in 1903, and that that demand was cancelled by the then Chief Secretary, the late Mr. George Wyndham?

I would like notice of that. As it stands, there is a statutory charge which I have no power to remit.

I, as Chairman of the County Council, will vouch for my statement.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government have obtained, or intend to obtain, a warrant for the arrest of the right hon. Member for Dublin University; and, if so, on what charge?

No, Sir. The Government has not obtained, or sought to obtain, any warrant of the nature referred to in the question.

Is it not the clear duty of the Government to arrest the right hon. Gentleman if it is true, as the Government and their supporters here assert, that his speeches are treasonable and that he has incited to rebellion, or are the Government convinced that the Ulster resistance to Home Rule is too strong to cope with?

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has not now abundant evidence that the right hon. Gentleman is exceedingly anxious to be arrested?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question may I ask if before taking action he will take the opinion of the Marconi general?

Everyone knows perfectly well that criminal proceedings based on speeches must be always a matter of somewhat delicate discretion. I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman acts on behalf of the right hon. Gentleman in requesting me to proceed with his arrest, but I shall still continue to regard it as a matter for my own discretion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Gentleman is himself a Crown Prosecutor and would be delighted to hold a brief?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state what are the salary and other emoluments of the Governor of the Falkland Islands; how long the present Governor has held the post; whether the post is one held for life, or, if otherwise, for what term of years; and is there any pension or superannuation attached to it?

The salary of the Governor of the Falkland Islands is £1,250, with an entertainment allowance of £250 per annum. The present Governor has held office since 1904, and his appointment is not for any definite term. The holder of the post is oligible for pension under the provisions of the Pensions (Governors of Dominions, etc.) Acts, 1911 and 1913.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the standard pound weight and standard yard measure, which are immured in the staircase of this House, are to be formally examined at an early date; if so, when and by whom; and whether hon. Members will be entitled to assist at this ceremonial occasion?

(Lord of the Treasury): The First Commissioner regrets that he has not yet been able to arrange for this examination.

Will it be while the House is sitting, or will an opportunity be taken during our absence?

I do not think it is likely to be done now until next year.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is aware that the proposal to place a statue to Captain Scott within the confines of Hyde Park, opposite Lowther Lodge, is at variance with the recently expressed and present opinion of this House that no further statues should be placed in the Royal parks; and whether he will undertake that the proposal is not carried into effect?

My hon. Friend will see from what was said last Tuesday by the First Commissioner in another place, that he would not feel justified in giving permission for the erection of a statue to Captain Scott in the Royal parks without a direct expression of opinion in favour of such a course in this House.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can state whether any steps have been taken to induce the Canadian Government to accept liability as regards loss or damage to parcels in the parcels post within that Dominion; and whether the Union of South Africa is likely to be included in the near future?

The Post Offices of Canada and of the Union of South Africa have been invited from time to time to adopt a system of insurance for parcels sent by post to and from the United Kingdom similar to that which is in operation between the United Kingdom and nearly all others parts of the British Empire, but have not yet seen their way to do so. The matter is being brought to their attention again.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has yet received any notification from the French postal authorities with reference to the reduction of telephone rates between London and Paris, in accordance with the suggestions made by the British Chamber of Commerce on the 12th March, 1913?

No notification has been received from the French Telegraph Administration of the date on -which the reduced rate for telephonic communication between London and Paris can be brought into use, but I understand that the necessary legislative authority is expected to be given shortly.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can state -the objects to which the £10,000,000 loan for which he proposes to ask the sanction of Parliament is to be devoted; and if any portion of it is intended to go towards the reduction of subscribers' charges?

The loan is intended for capital expenditure on new plant for the extension and development of the telephone service. No part of it will be available for the purpose of reducing telephone subscriptions.

asked the Postmaster-General, in reference to the case of a boy messenger at Cardiff, whether, since the medical officer was in no way to blame, he would state who was?

As I indicated to the hon. Member in my reply of the 31st July the misunderstanding arose owing to a clerical error on the part of an officer in the Cardiff Post Office.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state what are the present average speeds per minute developed by the Marconi system in the -Transatlantic service after repetitions are deducted; and how these speeds compare with the speeds required under the new agreement, both for ordinary and automatic working?

My latest official information on the subject is that contained in paragraph 17 of the Report of Lord Parker's Committee, But I may, perhaps, remind the hon. Member that the speeds required under my agreement with the Marconi Company are guaranteed by the company, and that payment for the stations will depend upon the guarantee being fulfilled.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Miss E. E. Shepherd, postal clerk at Wotton-under-Edge post office, Gloucestershire, was recently dismissed from the post office on suspicion of having tampered with letters after twenty-two years' service in the post office with an excellent record; that very strong belief exists in the town of Wotton-under-Edge that a miscarriage of justice has taken place; and whether, in the circumstances, he can cause an open public inquiry to be held at Wotton-under-Edge into this case?

I am aware of the facts of the case to which the hon. Member refers. In view of this officer's previous good service, and in the conviction that she will not again commit a similar offence, I am prepared to assent to her reinstatement and her employment at some other office where the scale of pay is the same at that at Wotton-under-Edge.

asked the President of the Local Government Board (1) whether, in the lymph used by his Department for vaccination purposes, the germs of variola are living or dead and whether the germs of cow-pox are living or dead; whether any means exist by which their relative strength may be ascertained, or by which purity of the lymph may be guaranteed, or by which any standardisation, even of the roughest kind, may be obtained; whether he has had his attention called to the researches of Dr. Criado y Aguilhar, who concludes that what is ordinarily called smallpox is due to a mixed infection and that frequently the lymph employed is richer in the germs of accompanying diseases than in those of variola; whether any scientific research is in progress in his Department which will throw light on this subject; and (2) whether, in the system of vaccination adopted by his Department any attempt is made to distinguish between the specific, germs of variola and of cow-pox; if so, whether he can state the means employed; whether, in the event of these being undistinguishable, by reason of the fact that neither has been identified, the results obtained are believed to be due to inoculation with the germs of variola or with those of cow-pox; whether, in case no discrimination in the matter is possible, vaccination with cow-pox germs is held to provide immunity against variola; whether, having regard to the advisability of establishing this technique on a scientific basis, his Department has ever carried through any series of experiments to determine the points indicated; and, if not, whether it will now do so?

The germs of cow-pox and variola have not so far been identified; it is, therefore, impossible to give the hon. Member the comparative information he desires concerning them. The subject is constantly engaging the attention of my advisers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman observe that these questions really state the case for putting the whole matter on a sound basis?

That may be a matter of opinion. The object which the hon. Member wishes to secure by his questions has been engaging attention for some time, and, as the hon. Member is probably aware, the Grocers' Company have offered a reward of £1,000 for the discovery of the germ of smallpox.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to recent researches on the Continent, in various scientific centres, which indicate that inoculation with the germs of certain diseases may render the subject more susceptible to the attacks of other diseases; whether, in view of this fact, he has investigated the effect of vaccination on the resistance of children to anterior poliomyelitis, which disease is increasing in frequency and virulence, and which now presents a greater danger to children than smallpox; and whether his Department proposes to establish any system of inoculation against anterior polio-myelitis?

My attention has been called to the researches mentioned. The establishment of any system of inoculation against anterior polio-myelitis is not practicable at the present time in view of the fact that no reliable protective serum has yet been prepared.

Is it not a fact that the percentage of children successfully vaccinated is steadily declining?

That question has no relevance to polio-myelitis, but what the hon. Member says is a fact.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that in the cases of tuberculosis, typhoid fever, diphtheria, and certain other diseases, the specific germ is known, cultures and attenuations are possible, and standardisation may be roughly obtained, his Department will set on foot a national system of inoculation against these diseases; or whether, if he holds that the diminution of the evil of these diseases both in regard to extent and virulence has been brought about by various agencies within control, notably by increased attention to sanitary systems, he will attach yet greater importance to this aspect of the question of public health, and make use of it rather than of indiscriminate inoculation as his chief means of combating smallpox?

As at present advised, I am not prepared to set on foot a national system on inoculation against the diseases mentioned. I may, however, draw the hon. Member's attention to an Order issued by the Local Government Board in 1910 giving powers to local authorities under certain conditions to supply diptheria anti-toxin and medical assistance in connection therewith. My Department always attaches the greatest importance to improved sanitation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been directed to the fact that wherever inoculation can be even roughly controlled by standardisation and the results estimated with some approach to accuracy, as, for example, Sir Almroth Wright's inoculations with tuberculin and his estimations by aid of the opsoride index, the period of immunity has been found surprisingly short; whether any scientific experiments have ever been set on foot in his Department to ascertain the period of immunity attained by -vaccination; whether, otherwise than by guesswork, it is set down at a number of years instead of the corresponding number of weeks; and whether, as the ascertainment of this point lies at the base of the theory on which his Department acts, any experiments have been, or are now in progress, to conduct these operations on scientific lines?

My attention has been drawn to Sir Almroth Wright's experiments. As regards the protective effect of vaccination against smallpox I would refer the hon. Member to Section 377 of the Final Report of the Royal Commission on Vaccination.

Does the right hon. Gentleman observe that if the time of immunity is really short, it will affect the reading of the whole of the statistics which have been relied upon by his Department in favour of the present mode of vaccination?

Yes; but the time of immunity is nothing like so short as the hon. Member suggests by his supplementary question. Paragraph 377 of the Report of the Royal Commission on Vaccination gives the period of protection as nine or ten years, the hon. Member almost suggests a few months.

I make no suggestion whatever; I simply repeat the result of Sir Almroth Wright's investigations.

:I think my hon. Friend and I might beneficially enlighten ourselves during the holidays upon this rather technical subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has now received a Report anent the water supply to the tenants of the Carnetown Cottage Company, Abercynon, numbering all told about 1,000 persons; and what action he proposes taking to secure that the springs from which the supply is obtained, the filter beds, and the channels along which the water is conveyed to the reservoir, are cleaned and protected against pollution by decayed vegetable matter and animal excrement?

I have received a report upon this matter from which it appears that the company now supply 148 houses with a population of 855. The Report states that the company are taking steps to cover in the springs and inlets to tanks, and to secure their gathering ground from risk of pollution.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the past fortnight this company has been able to give water in the area for at most two hours a day, and on some days not at all?

I am aware of the difficulties under which this locality labours, and I am in communication with the medical officer of health upon the matter. I will see that one of my inspectors is in close touch with the medical officer, with a view to causing both the company and the local authority to do their duty to the district in this particular matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to a complaint made by the National Union of Boot and Shoe Operatives regarding the sanitary condition of Barnwell, Leicestershire, as is shown by the sickness rate under the National Insurance Act; and whether the Local Government Board is taking any action in the matter?

I have received the complaint referred to with regard to the sanitary condition of Barnwell, and I am in correspondence with the rural district council on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state to the House the reasons which led him to release from prison unconditionally Lady Sybil Smith, daughter of the Earl of Antrim and well known as a militant suffragette, after serving four days of a sentence of fourteen days' imprisonment for an offence committed by her in connection with the militant agitation for women's suffrage; and whether he is prepared to extend the same clemency to Mrs. Pankhurst, Miss Sylvia Pankhurst, and Mr. George Lansbury, an ex-Member of the House of Commons, and others who are also undergoing terms of imprisonment, varied by periods of release under licence, for alleged offences committed in connection with the same movement?

I have already stated, in reply to a question by the Noble Lord the Member for the Hitchin Division, that the sentence passed on Lady Sybil Smith was reduced by the chief magistrate, while the case was still within his jurisdiction, to four days. She v, as released on the expiration of that sentence. There is no analogy between this case and the cases of the persons mentioned in the hon. Member's question, whose sentences have not expired; but I should be glad, if any of them would give me an assurance that he or she would in future abstain from all participation in criminal acts and incitements, to consider the question of reduction of sentence.

Was Lady Sybil Smith asked to give any sureties?

No, Sir; I am very sorry if I have have not made it clear to the hon. Member; Lady Sybil Smith's sentence had expired; the sentences of the others have not expired.

I had intended to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House in connection with this matter, but not desiring to interfere with the Indian Debate, I beg to give notice that on Tuesday afternoon I shall call attention to the subject.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the appointment by the miners employed in the Bwllfa Colliery, Aberdare, of Edwin Stonelake as workmen's inspector under the terms of Section 16 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, and of the refusal of the mine manager to recognise the appointment on the plea, inter alia, that it is not competent for the persons employed in a mine to make such an appointment a permanency, but that a fresh appointment must be made on the occasion of each inspection; whether the monthly inspection provided for in the Clause or the inspection following an accident; and what action he proposes to take to secure the enforcement of the Act?

Yes, Sir, this case has been brought to my notice and, acting on my instructions, the Inspector of Mines. has informed the owners of the mine that in the view of the Home Office the Act does not require a fresh appointment to be made on the occasion of each inspection. I should perhaps add that the Act requires two persons to be appointed to make an inspection under Section 16. It does not give power to appoint a single person only.

asked the Home Secretary what provision in the way of rescue and ambulance appliances had been made at the Carron Company's No. 15 pit, at Cadder, Lanarkshire, at the time of the recent disaster, in fulfilment of the terms of Section 85 of the Coal Mines Act of 1911, and of the regulations issued as relative thereto; whether any rescue appliances, provided by the company, were available for immediate use by the local rescue parties; and whether the requisitioning of the Cowdenbeath rescue waggon and apparatus was rendered necessary by the absence of proper rescue apparatus at the pithead?

The General Regulations under Section 85 are not yet in force. but I regret to say that nothing had been done at this mine to provide portable breathing apparatus, as required by the Order made under the Mines Accidents (Rescue and Aid) Act. As I stated in reply to a question by my hon. Friend, it is contended by a large section of the Scottish mine owners that smoke helmets supplied with fresh air by means of a tube and bellows are a compliance with the Order, a view which the Home Office are unable to accept, and the steps for bringing the matter to a speedy issue are now in hand.

Will the right lion. Gentleman take means to bring home to the mine owners their responsibility for the absence of such appliances in connection with this disaster?

Yes, that is what I intended to convey by the words, "steps for bringing the matter to a speedy issue are now in hand."

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a memorandum from the Standing Joint Committee of Lindsey, Kesteven, and Holland, Lincolnshire, giving reasons against the Police (Weekly Rest-Day) Act being put into force; and whether he will consider such memorandum in the light of the fact that most of the counties have adopted the Act and the police in Lincoln are equally entitled to the benefit of the Act?

I have not received any such memorandum. Clearly the police in Lincolnshire have as much right to benefit by the Act as the police in any other county; but express provision is made in the Act by which its application may be modified in different districts in accordance with the different circumstances.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has noted the tendency revealed on page 105 of the recent volume of education statistics for male secondary school scholars over fifteen to decrease, and secondary school scholars under twelve to increase; and whether it is the policy of the Board to discourage the education of elder scholars and to lower the average age of the scholars as a whole?

I have noted the tendency to which the hon. Member refers. It certainly does not represent the policy of the Board, but, in my opinion, it is due to a variety of causes, most of which are probably of a temporary nature.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that Spanish is only taught in five secondary schools on the Grant list, but is taught in seventy-seven evening schools; and, having regard to the commercial importance of the Spanish tongue, especially in connection with our expanding trade in South America, he will urge the teaching of Spanish in secondary schools?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. Attention has been called to the importance of Spanish in a Memorandum on the Teaching of Modern Languages in Secondary Schools, issued by the Board last year, and advice is, in suitable circumstances, given in this sense to school authorities by the Board's inspectors.

asked the Prime Minister if he will give facilities this Session for the passage of the Health and Watering Places Bill through all its stages?

I fear that, owing to the exigencies of Parliamentary business, it is not possible to proceed with this Bill this Session.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what objection the Government, as reported by the President of the Local Government Board, has to this measure, which is accounted a non-contentious measure?

I do not know that there is any objection, but we have not the time.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the altered conditions of county government since the possing of the Local Government Act, 1888, and the increase in work and expense devolving on these bodies in consequence, he will consider the advisability of appointing a Commission or Committee to report on the effect of the establishment of county boroughs on these councils under the circumstances existing to-day?

The matter will be borne in mind, but at the present time I do not think a sufficient case is made out for a general inquiry of the scope and character suggested.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now say at what time the Second Reading of the Sir Stuart Montagu Samuel Indemnity Bill will be moved; and whether sufficient time will be given for a discussion of the relative positions as affecting the Parliamentary status of Government contractors who are members of private firms and of Government contractors who are directors of incorporated trading companies contracting with Government Departments in their corporate capacity?

I regret that the communications which have taken place on this subject have not resulted in an agreement; and in the absence of agreement, I fear it is impossible to proceed further with this Bill.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not know that there is great disappointment amongst some of us who wished to say a few words about company directors?

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the effect of moneylenders' touting appeals sent over the country by post, he will proceed with the Moneylenders Bill [H.L.] this Session?

I fear that owing to the exigencies of Parliamentary business it is not possible to proceed with this Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the declining number of art students in schools of art, and that this decline is attributed to the suppression of drawing in elementary schools; and whether this policy is to be carried further?

There has been no material variation in the number of students registered in Schools of Art during the seven years ending with 1911–12. The numbers for that year were slightly lower than for the previous year, but I am informed that, on the other hand, they attended for a somewhat greater number of hours, so that the total amount of work done was, if anything, a trifle increased. No statistics for 1912–13 will be available for many months. There has been no suppression of drawing in elementary schools. On the contrary, the subject is one which it is the policy of the Board to encourage.

In view of the great demand of the public for artistic productions of all kinds will not something be done to foster the teaching and study of art?

We are doing that, and I think we shall continue to do it to an increasing extent.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any of His Majesty's ships were sent to Leith by reason of the strike at that port; if so, at whose request they were sent; on what occasions were sailors or marines landed to help keep the strikers in order; whether on these occasions they were armed with ball cartridge; was his approval obtained before they were thus employed in an industrial dispute; and what was the last occasion on which the British Navy was put to this use?

On the 17th July, the senior naval officer on the Coast of Scotland ordered six gunboats then lying in the Forth to anchor off Leith. This was done at the request of the Midlothian authorities. The gunboats left on the 19th July. No men were landed from these vessels to assist in keeping order. My information is that only one officer and four men were landed at a pier head inside the docks to ensure communication with the shore. The senior naval officer acted within his powers, in the exercise of his discretion. He informed the Admiralty of the action he had taken. The Navy has been called upon for aid (which, fortunately, did not have to take an active form) during certain widespread strikes in the last two years. The conditions then were, however, exceptional, and such as I trust are not likely to recur.

Are we to understand that a local authority can call upon the Navy to interfere in a labour dispute, and that an admiral can take action first and only report to headquarters after he has taken action?

I have stated that what was done was done at the request of the Midlothian authorities.

Can a local authority not ask a commanding officer to land troops and use them against strikers without reference to headquarters?

I had better have notice of that?

What Midlothian authority was it?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the result of the negotiations which have taken place with a view to effecting a settlement of the Leith dock strike; and whether either side in the dispute are prepared to accept an arbitrator nominated by the Board of Trade?

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Chief Industrial Commissioner has been in negotiation with the parties to this dispute, but at the moment it is not advisable to make any statement.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, having regard to the terms of the settlement in the recent Court of Session action at the instance of the District Lunacy Board of the county of Ayr and others against the General Board of Commissioners in Lunacy for Scotland, under which the General Board have granted their consent to the Ayr district board to place the tailor and gardener employed in the Ayr District Asylum in the first class of officers for superannuation purposes, the General Board are now prepared to recognise the claims of other tradesmen attendants in Scotland to be included in Class I.; and whether the General Board will take steps to inform the district committees in Scotland of this fact for their guidance in dealing with the question of classification of officers for superannuation purposes?

I am informed that the General Board of Lunacy are prepared to consider the claims of tradesmen attendants in Scotland to be included in ('lass I. for the purposes of the Asylum Superannuation Act, 1909, when such claims are submitted to them, with due regard to the recent case to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he will state how many of the forty-four applicants for new holdings of over 25 acres from the counties of Peebles, Roxburgh, and Selkirk, as shown in the first Report of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, have on investigation been accepted as qualified and suitable applicants for small holdings

Thirty-five-have been reported on as qualified applicants, namely, twenty-four from Roxburgh, eight from Selkirk, and three from Peebles.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of small holdings constituted in the area at Lindean, Selkirk, which was taken over by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland at last Whitsunday term day; and how many of these small holdings are now occupied by tenants?

Twelve holdings have been formed at Lindean; seven are already occupied, the rest will be occupied at Martinmas.

May I ask that in future when a scheme is brought before the Land Courts for the breaking up of farms evidence shall be produced that the land will be at once occupied by small holders?

That is a matter of which I should like to have notice.

Why is it that farms are broken up now and only half the small holdings are occupied by tenants?

I am afraid I cannot answer these questions without notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that if any person under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, Section 457, sends or attempts to send, or is party to sending or attempting to send, a British ship to sea in such an unseaworthy state that the life of any person is likely to be thereby endangered he shall in respect of each offence be guilty of a misdemeanour; if he is aware that the owners of the steamship "Mount Oswald" did send to sea their steamship in February, 1912, from Baltimore in an unseaworthy state with a crew of twenty-four, and that the ship has not been heard of since; and whether the Government will at once take action against the owners for wilful negligence for allowing the ship to be sent to sea in an unseaworthy state?

I have carefully considered the Section to which my hon. Friend refers, and the Report of the Court which inquired into the loss of this vessel. It will be remembered that the Court, which had all the available facts before it, stated that, being unable to determine the actual cause of the loss of the vessel, it could not attribute the disaster to any wrongful act or default on the part of the managers, but considered that the managers had committed a grave error of judgment in not having the vessel dry-docked at New York. I am legally advised that the case is not one in which criminal proceedings could be instituted against the managers.

Has there ever been a case in the history of this law where a. prosecution has been taken against an owner, no matter how dangerous a condition the ship was when he sent it to sea?

Yes, there have been cases; but in this instance the Court arrived at a certain conclusion, and I have taken legal advice on that conclusion, and I am advised no prosecution would lie.

Was not that inquiry only preliminary, and in view of the attitude of the owners, who tried to make out that the captain was drunk before the ship was taken out to sea, ought not a further inquiry be held into this case, which is an extremely bad one?

I am acting on the Report of the only inquiry made, and I am advised by my legal advisers that a criminal prosecution could not be instituted on the present Report. Perhaps the hon. Member would give me notice of his other question.

Has the right hon. Gentleman laid the evidence before the Public Prosecutor? Really, it is disgraceful if there is to be no punishment upon those who destroy twenty-four men's lives!

My legal advisers had the whole question before them and they informed me that a criminal prosecution would not lie upon the information before them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board of Trade is prepared, pursuant to its powers under the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, Section 109, to appoint one or more competent inspectors to investigate either the affairs of the Marconi Company or such of the affairs of the Marconi Company as related to the flotation of the American Marconi Company and the issue of American Marconi shares, and to report thereon, if an application to do so is made by members of the Marconi Company holding not less than one-tenth of its issued shares and the other conditions of the Section are complied with?

Any application for the appointment of an inspector with regard to the affairs of a company registered in the United Kingdom will receive careful consideration, provided that the conditions laid down in the Statute are complied with. I may perhaps add, though I do not know whether it has any bearing with regard to the company or companies which the hon. Member has in mind, that it is not the practice of the Board to appoint an inspector where an action is pending which raises all or any of the questions which would be raised before the inspector.

As the Section is discretionary and not mandatory, what I want to get is a promise that the inspectors will be appointed provided the conditions are complied with?

I cannot give an undertaking beforehand. When the conditions are complied with I will consider the matter on its merits.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received communications relating to the monopoly granted to the Denaby and Cadeby Collieries Company by the Brixham Urban District Council, in the allocation of coaling berths in Brixham Harbour; whether the Denaby and Cadeby Collieries Company is the only colliery company allowed to enjoy this privilege; what are the terms under which the Brix-ham Urban Council have granted this colliery company this monopoly; the period for which it has been granted; under what powers the Brixham Urban Council have so acted to the detriment of other colliery companies; what action the Board of Trade can take, and propose to take, to prevent a continuation of this reversion of the principles of Free Trade; and, if the Board of Trade do not now enjoy powers to cancel this policy, which prevents other traders getting berths from the Brixham Urban Council, do they propose asking Parliament to concede them the authority to intervene in such a case, and, if, so, when?

I have received communications from a coaling company with respect to the allocation of coaling berths in Brixham Harbour. I am informed by the Brixham Urban District Council, who are the harbour authority, that the Denaby and Cadeby Collieries Company is the only company with whom they have entered into an agreement with respect to coaling berths. Under this agreement, which is for a period of twenty years, the Denaby Company guarantees to the council a minimum annual payment of £800 for tolls and dues on vessels calling at the company's coal hulks, in addition to paying a rent charge for the hulks.

The council state that they are acting under Section 25 of the Brixham Harbour Order, 1912. That Section contains a Order, proviso that no undue preference shall be given to any company or person, but the district council disclaim any partiality in the matter, and state that the agreement referred to, which covers all the space at present available for coal hulks, was provisionally settled before they received an application from the company which has recently made a complaint to the Board on the subject. If the complaining company are advised that the urban district council have contravened the proviso in Section 25 of the Brixham Order, 1912, it is open to them to appeal to a Court of Law. I am not aware that the Board of Trade have power to take any action in the matter, and as the aggrieved company have a legal remedy, I do not, as at present advised, consider it necessary to ask Parliament for further powers.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that the Brixham Urban District Council refused permission for any other hulks to lie outside the harbour area?

I would rather have notice of that. It is rather a complicated matter altogether.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, owing to dissatisfaction with the form of religious instruction given at. Thorpe schools, Surrey, over twenty children are taken daily to St. Ann's Heath council schools; whether there is only one school at Thorpe; and whether the cost of the conveyance of the children will be borne by the parents or the education authority?

There is only one school in the civil parish of Thorpe. I have no information as to the other matters referred to in the question, but will communicate with the local education authority.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will be able to present the Report of the Committee that went to India to investigate the cause and cure of foot-and-mouth disease before the Recess?

I fear that it will not be possible to issue the Report of the Committee before the end of the Session.

Will the Report be available before the beginning of next Session?

Oh, I should certainly hope it will be available before the beginning of next Session. I will do my best to have it out as soon as I can.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the prevalence in North Devon of coccidiosis in cattle has been brought to the notice of the Board; whether the disease is on the increase either there or elsewhere in Great Britain; whether it is confined to Devon and Polled Angus cattle or is known amongst other breeds; whether, in the opinion of his experts, it is the same as the disease known as red dysentery in Germany and Switzerland; and whether the Board has given or is prepared to give, by leaflet or otherwise, information to stock owners as to its treatment?

I am informed that coccidiosis in cattle is confined to certain small areas in Great Britain. A few cases of a disease said to be coccidiosis have been reported recently from North Devon. The disease being parasitic in origin the Board have no reason to believe that any breed of cattle is not susceptible to it; it is probably identical with the disease known as red dysentery in Germany and Switzerland. There was an article on the subject in the "Veterinary Record" last week, and the Board have under consideration the question of issuing a leaflet for the information of farmers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very difficult technical terms which are included in many of the questions addressed to him, and will he during the recess issue an explanatory memorandum dealing with them?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that recently a parcel containing several copies of books written by Mr. Wilfrid S. Blunt, consigned to an Indian bookseller, was seized by the collector of Customs at Karachi; whether the books were examined, certain passages marked as objectionable, and after the lapse of a considerable time returned to the shipper in England in an unsaleable condition; under what law or regulation has this been done; whether it was done by the direction or with the approval of the Government of India; and whether it is the settled policy of the Government of India to exercise a censorship over books, magazines, and pamphlets imported from England?

I have no information as to this particular case, but the importation into India of publications which, if produced in India, would fall within the scope of the Indian. Press Act, 1910, can be prevented either under that Act, or under the Indian Sea Customs Act, 1878, or, in certain cases, under the Indian Post Office Act, 1898. If he will permit me I will confer with my hon. Friend with a view to obtaining such further information as will enable me to make inquiries.

I thank the Under-Secretary, and I wish to give notice that I shall repeat the question in about ten days.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Government intend to proceed with the ratification- of the Convention of London; and, if so, when a proposal with that object in view will be submitted to the House?

I hope it may be possible to pass Prize Court legislation which will enable the Declaration of London to be ratified next Session.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to inaugurate a pension scheme for Government officials serving in the West African Colonies; and, if so, whether the proposal will embrace both European and native officials?

A system of pensions to Government officials, whether European or native, has been in force in West Africa for many years and was embodied in Ordinances in 1901 and 1902.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been drawn to a statement made by an eyewitness that on the 24th July last Miss Margaret McMillan, who was waiting in or about St. Stephen's Hall to see what would happen to a deputation of suffragists, was kicked and shaken and flung down a flight of steps by the police; and if he has inquired into the truth of this statement and, if so, what is the result of his inquiries?

Careful inquiry has been made by the Commissioner of Police into these allegations, and he finds that there is no truth in the statement that Miss McMillan was kicked, shaken, or flung down a flight of steps by the police. One woman in the crowd, who may have been Miss McMillan, was seen to fall on the steps, but she was not pushed by any constable. She has made no complaint to the Home Office or to the Commissioner of Police.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has any official information showing that certain school boards in Scotland are medically treating non-necessitous children on a scale of fees paid by parents, so that there is no loss to the ratepayers; and if he can make a statement on the matter?

When announcing to school boards the amount or Grant allocated to them for medical treatment for the year 1912-13, the Scottish Education Department intimated that when a board so desired, then arrangements for medical treatment might be available for children attending schools in their district; it being understood that a charge should be made for children whose parents are in a position to pay it, and remitted in the case of children dealt with under Section G of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908. From returns supplied by school boards it appears that eleven boards recovered sums amounting to £47 I5s. 8d. in respect of the treatment of 655 non-necessitous children. Most of these payments were for dental treatment or for spectacles. In the event of the Education (Scotland) Bill becoming law, it is proposed to make a further statement on the subject for the information of school boards.

the President of the Board of Agriculture if he can see his way to instruct the Crown factor to reconsider the claim of Robert Macpherson for compensation in respect to damage to crops by deer from the Crown lands of Dorrery, in Caithness, having regard to the fact that the said damage had been assessed by a practical farmer at £17 5s. 9d., being £4 5s. 9d. more than the sum offered him, and to the fact that Macpherson is unable to pay rent while the money is owing to him for damage?

I have been advised that the sum of £13 was arrived at by careful assessment, and would be fair and reasonable compensation for the damage clone to Mr. Macpherson's crops. I am calling for a further detailed report, but cannot at present hold out any hope that I shall see my way to increasing my offer.