asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information as to the alleged murdering by the Bulgarians of Turkish prisoners of war who were lately in their hands; and, if so, whether, in view of the danger of reprisals, he will urge the Bulgarian Government to put a stop to such atrocities?

The Turkish Government have made such a statement. The Bulgarian Government state that the prisoners were killed when attempting to escape. I have not received information from any other source, but these two statements.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the number of refugees in Bulgaria, either from Thrace or from Macedonia; and whether His Majesty's Consular staff will assist the work of the British relief funds for these refugees?

I have no precise information as to the numbers of these refugees. His Majesty's Consular officers on the spot will afford all the help they properly can in connection with the distribution of relief so far as is consistent with the due performance of their ordinary ditties.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the recent delay in the presentation of a Note from the Powers regarding the infraction of the Treaty of London by Turkey was caused by the fact that the British Charge d'Affaires at Constantinople had not received instructions; and whether His Majesty's Government is in favour of forcible and early action by the Concert, acting through one or more mandatories, and compel respect for its decision expressed in the recent identical Notes?

As regards the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question, the delay was due to a slight misunderstanding as to the exact terms in which the communication was to be made. As regards the second part, I propose to make a general statement on Balkan affairs this afternoon, and I should prefer not to anticipate this by explanation on particular points like that which the hon. Gentleman has raised.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in regard to the question of supporting the Russian and other Governments as to allotting the port of Kavala to Greece, he will take into account the fact that Kavala is the only possible seaport for Bulgaria proper, as distinguished from Thrace; and that a settlement which subjects the bulk of the Macedonian population to Governments alien to itself is likely to lead to renewed war and to danger to the peace of Europe?

The consideration advanced by my hon. Friend is one of several all of which have to be borne in mind, and I can only deal with the question of possible modifications of the Treaty of Bucharest in the general statement that I propose to make this afternoon.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether proposals have recently been made voluntarily by Turkey to the Powers for administrative reform in Armenia; whether objection has been taken by any Power to these proposals; what is the present position of negotiations between the Powers with a view to general reform in Asiatic Turkey; and whether it is accepted, as a basis of such negotiations, that their object is not to establish different spheres of interest but to secure for Turkey the co-operation and support of all the Powers in preserving her Asiatic dominions by the establishment of good government?

The answer to the first point is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third points, the position is that the representatives of the six Great Powers at Constantinople are engaged in discussing a scheme of reforms, but at this early stage of the question I cannot usefully make any statement with regard to the nature of the scheme except to say that the object of all the Powers is correctly described in the last words of the hon. Gentleman's question, and that they have not in view the establishment of different spheres of interest in the Turkish Empire.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any representations have recently been made by the Argentine Government regarding the desire of cattle breeders in that country to be allowed to import into this country live animals for immediate slaughter; if so, when such representations were received; and whether consideration has been given to the matter, and, if so, with what result?

The present restrictions upon the importation of live cattle into this country from the Argentine have been a subject of discussion for many months past between His Majesty's Minister at Buenos Aires and the Argentine Government. I have frequently explained to the House the reasons which make it impossible to withdraw the restrictions until adequate safeguards are provided to prevent the introduction of disease. I have arranged to receive a deputation on the subject this afternoon and am prepared to consider any suggestions which may be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Report of the Delhi Town-Planning Committee recommends a thoroughfare being driven through the existing city and to connect the new city with St. James's Church; that this road would pass through a flourishing part of the city; and that a number of fine residences would be demolished; and whether the Delhi Executive Committee will be instructed to reconsider this proposal with a view to a minimum amount of disturbance of old-established residents being undertaken?

The Government of India have stated that the proposals of the Town-Planning Committee will receive very careful examination, and that some will probably be deferred and others modified. My hon. Friend may rest assured that the considerations to which he refers will not be lost sight of in dealing with this particular proposal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any estimate has been formed of the number of persons to be dispossessed and disturbed and of the cost of purchase, demolition, and reconstruction of buildings, if the proposed new road connecting the new capital of Delhi with St. James's Church in the ancient city is carried through; if so, whether figures can be stated; and, if no such estimates have been formed, whether they will be requested from the Government of India?

The Secretary of State has no information on the subject beyond what is contained in the Delhi Town-Planning Committee's Report. He does not propose to adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend, but a general project estimate is being prepared, which will include every proposal that is finally accepted by the Government of India.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give an assurance that the plans for the Government House and the secretariat buildings in the new Delhi will not be finally approved nor work upon them begun until the designs and drawings have been in some way made public and time has been allowed for public opinion, whether critical or approving, to find expression?

The Secretary of State does not propose to fetter the discretion of the Government of India in the matter, though lie has little doubt that the public will be afforded an opportunity of seeing the designs before work is begun on them.

Does the promise that the designs will be shown before the work is begun refer both to exhibition in India as well as in England?

No; these matters are entirely within the discretion of the Government of India, to whom the Secretary of State delegated the duty of preparing and considering these plans.

Will the Secretary of State intimate to the Government of India that it is desirable both in India and in this country that some opportunity for public criticism before approval should be afforded?

My hon. Friend's question and my answer will be published in India as a matter of course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the claim of Zainab Bibi and others, heirs and legal representatives of the late Nizam Din, woollen merchant, against the State of Kapurthala for the sum of Rs.1,088/15, being the sale proceeds of the deceased's estate after deduction of a sum due to the aforesaid State; and whether he can say why the surplus amount due is being withheld?

The claim to which the hon. Member refers has not been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what were the names of the Judicial Commissioners before whom the appeal was heard in the Sitapur murder case; what was the date of their appointment; and by whom were they appointed?

Mr. Louis Stuart, appointed to officiate as Additional Judicial Commissioner with effect from the 18th April, 1912, and Pandit Kanhaiya Lal, appointed to officiate on the 1st July, 1912, and permanently on the 30th July, 1912. Both appointments received the previous approval of the Government of India, and the latter was, for technical reasons, submitted to and approved by the Secretary of State in Council.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that both those gentlemen owe their 'appointments in the first instance to Sir John Hewett; that Pandit Kanhaiya Lal had been a subordinate judicial officer and that the other, Mr. Stuart, had come straight from Sir John Hewett's Office?

Both these gentlemen were appointed to very responsible positions as High Court judges in India, and I see no reason for supposing that they were unfitted in any way for the office they were called upon to hold.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these appointments were made after the first trial and after the first acquittal of those prisoners, and that this was the first judicial office they were called upon to discharge their first job?

The insinuation behind the hon. Member's question is a reflection upon the impartiality of those gentlemen, and would not be allowed upon judges in this country.

I meant it to be a reflection.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any information showing that Sir John Hewett, in refusing to postpone the date of execution of the condemned men in the Sitapur murder case so as to admit of their petition being forwarded to the Governor-General, was acting upon instructions received from the Government of India, or whether he had full discretion in the matter?

The papers presented show clearly that Sir John Hewett conformed to the instructions of the Government of India; that those instructions may be differently interpreted; and that the interpretation in this case was within Sir John Hewett's discretion.

Is it not the fact that Sir John Hewett had it absolutely within his own discretion to postpone the execution; and, if that is so, will my hon. Friend convey that fact to the Leader of the Opposition, who based his whole argument upon the assumption, which I believe to be a false one, that Sir John Hewett had no such discretion?

This is not the occasion to ask the hon. Gentleman to reply to a previous Debate?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Sir John Hewett's position was that he was strictly bound by instructions he had received from the Government of India not to forward this petition, and, if so, will the Government of India participate in the censure most properly given to Sir John Hewett?

The Government of India asked Sir John Hewett to deal with the matter strictly according with rule. Most Members of this House interested in the matter have expressed their opinion, and the Secretary of State has expressed his opinion, and I do not think that it is any use pursuing the matter further.

Is it in accordance with custom not to postpone executions, but to execute and to keep the petition in hand?

If my hon. Friend will be good enough to read the papers on this subject, he will find full information.

I have read the papers.

May I ask whether this is not executing first and trying afterwards?

There is not the slightest foundation for that suggestion.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the disproportionate contributions, having regard to their wealth, made by Scotland and Ireland to the total tax revenue; and, in order to make clear whether Wales is or is not being similarly mulcted, whether he will arrange to ascertain what the separate contribution of Wales (including Monmouthshire) during the current financial year amounts to under each head of such revenue?

Without admitting the premiss of my hon. Friend, I am considering the possibility of obtaining separate figures for Wales; but, inasmuch as England and Wales have always been treated for revenue purposes as an administrative unit, there are very grave difficulties in the way of doing so.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can yet see his way to grant the two-thirds guarantee towards extending the telegraph to Elphin and Assynt, Sutherland?

I am sorry that I cannot modify the terms which were communicated to the hon. Member on the 6th June, 1912.

The Postmaster-General or his assistant sent a letter to us last year saying that he could not do anything, because it was for the Treasury to act. Since then I have seen the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I should like to ask him what he has done with regard to my interview with him?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the circumstances of the valuation for land tax purposes of Nos. 2, 4, and 6, Wood Vale, Sydenham, the property of Mr. A. Smith; if the property, which cost about £1,500, has been valued at £945; and if it is proposed under the Finance Act that owners of property should be called upon to pay Increment Duty in the case of the sale of property at an amount equal to or less than that which it cost in the first instance?

My attention has been called to the values, aggregating to £935, which have been provisionally placed on the property referred to by the hon. Member, and to a claim for Substituted Site Value now under consideration. As regards the last part of the question I may point out that Increment Value Duty is charged on the basis not of cost, but of the excess of occasion site value over original site value, or substituted site value, as the case may be.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether any instructions have been issued by the Valuation Department, Ireland, of a similar character to those which were made the subject of the Return to the Order of the House of Commons, dated 27th July, 1911?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Will they be issued as a Parliamentary Return?

I am not sure about that. I would ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what portion of the expenditure of the Episcopal Training College in Edinburgh has been provided by Government Grants during the last seven years; whether the present reduction in staff salaries has the approval of the Education Department; whether his Department has sanctioned the proposed curtailment of the curriculum at the college; what proportion of the students in training during the last seven years came from England; and whether such students are being trained with funds provided by the Treasury through the Scottish Education Department?

The accounts for the year 1912–13 are not yet available, but, during the six years beginning 31st July, 1906, the average expenditure of the training college in question was about £4,160 a year, while the average income from Government Grants was about £2,300 a year. The estimate for the year 1913–14 has not yet been submitted. So long as efficiency is properly secured, it is not open to the Department to object to variations in staff and salaries. I am not aware that it is proposed to curtail any part of the curriculum which is essential for the granting of the general certificate. Out of 211 students enrolled during the last seven years eighty are understood to have come from England. The Grants paid by the Department in respect of these students were provided by the Treasury.

Is it the case that this college has made any suggestion for curtailing the curriculum, and, if so, does the Department approve of it?

I have answered that: "I am not aware of any proposal to curtail any part of the curriculum which is essential for the granting of the general certificate."

asked whether a site has now been chosen or purchased for the new prison to replace the Calton Gaol; where the site is; and when building operations will begin?

The negotiations for a site have now been completed. The site is on the Saughton estate, on the Lanark Road. Preparations for building will not be unduly delayed.

Could the right hon. Gentleman tell us the extent of the site and what it has cost?

That is not asked in the question, and I do not carry it in my head.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether in the district of Taynuilt, Argyllshire, the policy of the plantation of arable lands prevails and has been explicitly condemned locally by one important public body; whether the greater part of the low ground, partly arable and partly pasture, of the farms of Duntanachan and Barglas is now in the process of being planted; whether the best of the pasture land of the farm of Clachadow has recently been planted; whether, on the estate of Achnacloich the same process has been carried out; whether land in Glencreran, in the parish of Appin, which was scheduled by the Deer Forest Commissioners as suitable for small holdings, has been planted; whether the lands of Inverliever, purchased by the Government for forestry purposes, previously supported a numerous pastoral and agricultural community; and whether, in view of these facts, he will take such steps as will make it possible, by the speeding up of the operations of the Board of Agriculture, to anticipate the planting of trees by the planting of people upon the land?

I have made inquiry and am informed that planting operations have been carried on for some years upon the farms of Duntanachan, Barglas, and Clachadow; that planting upon the Achnacloich estate (chiefly on the hill ground of the home farm) has been in progress for a considerable period; that a few years ago the owner of Fasnacloich, in Glencreran, planted arable ground, which, it is believed, was scheduled by the Deer Forests Commission; that the Office of Woods and Forests are afforesting part of Inverliever on Lochawe, which at one time maintained a pastoral community. I am informed by the Office of Woods and Forests that the total number of men employed on the Inverliever estate is larger now than it was before the purchase. There is no direct statutory power prohibiting the owners of 'land from planting any part of their estates, but wherever there is a sufficient demand for small holdings the Board of Agriculture for Scotland will endeavour to use the powers of the Small Landholders Act to secure the land for the purpose.

Does the right hon. Gentleman now believe that which I alleged last week is being done?

No, Sir. The lion. Member last week alleged that there was new planting going on for the purpose of defeating the Small Landholders Act.

is it not the case, as stated in the question, that land which has been scheduled for the purposes of small holdings is being used for other purposes, and, if that is so, is it not sufficient confirmation of my statement that was being done?

I am not aware that there has been any afforestation of land suitable for small holdings.

asked whether anything can be done to find increased holdings under the Small Landholders Act (Scotland), 1911, for the applicants at Laid Durness, Sutherland; and, if not, why not as promised, the applicants being quite willing to pay a fair rent?

I am informed that the applicants from the district of Laid are without the means to stock new holdings and in these circumstances the Board of Agriculture are not able to entertain their applications.

May I ask whether nothing can be done to give these people the land which it was proposed to give them under the Small Landholders Act, 1907?

I do not think the hon. Member is right in saying that the Act is intended to deal with cases where people are unable to stock the farm.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that 390.000 acres were marked out as suitable land for this purpose? I want to know when the Government are going to carry out the Act of Parliament?

Is it the case that a large number of people cannot take these holdings because of their inability to provide stock, and is the right hon. Gentleman, as head of the Board of Agriculture, hastening the creation of credit banks in order that that may be possible, and that these people may get on to the land?

I am doing what I can in the matter of credit banks, but the Act did not contemplate finding money for stocking farms.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that it has only been possible to find tenants for seven of the twelve small holdings constituted at Lindean, Selkirk, last Whitsunday term day, he will instruct the Commissioner for small holdings that, in future, when submitting to the Land Court schemes for land settlement, which involve the breaking up of farms, he should produce evidence that there are suitable applicants for small holdings willing to occupy the land?

I would point out to the hon. and gallant Member that in this case there are a sufficient number of suitable applicants, although they could not all be settled last Whitsunday. The other tenants are taking up the holdings at Martinmas next.

What steps have been taken to look after the land which is not occupied?

I should require notice of that. I cannot say now precisely what steps have been taken.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the small holders on the land could have been accommodated if this land had not been provided?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that twice the number of landholders have been put on the land than was offered by the owners?

asked the Lord Advocate whether there is any appeal from the decisions or refusal to find land of the Board of Agriculture (Scotland); and whether applicants can appeal to the Land Court to compel the Board of Agriculture to carry out the provisions of the Small Landholders Act, 1911, forthwith?

The provisions relating to the powers and duties of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland are contained in the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911, to which and especially to Sections 4 and 7 of that Act, I refer my hon. Friend.

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that there is no appeal to the Land Courts against the decisions of the Board of Agriculture?

My hon. Friend will find an answer to that question in Sections 4 and 7 of the Statute.

asked whether the case respecting enlargement of holdings from an owner other than the owner under which the applicants hold land has yet been submitted to the Land Court (Scotland) and whether the decision will be announced before the end of the Session?

No application raising the point referred to by my hon. Friend has been presented to the Land Court.

What has become of the promise of the Secretary for Scotland to bring forward that appeal?

The Secretary for Scotland has no power to bring forward an appeal.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether any new appointments have been made to the Commissioners under the Board of Agriculture; if so, which; and when he anticipates completing the new appointments?

I expect to approve the appointments next week, when I go to Edinburgh.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the frequent theft of crab and lobster pots by the crews of coasting vessels on the East Coast of England; whether the officers of fishery district committees have forwarded information on the subject to the Board; and what remedy he can suggest?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. I shall be glad to consider any representation which may be made to me in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture when it is proposed to issue the annual Report of the proceedings under the Diseases of Animals Acts for 1912 and the annual Report for 1912–13 on the distribution of Grants for agricultural education and research, respectively?

The annual Report under the Diseases of Animals Acts has been unfortunately delayed by the long absence through illness, both of the assistant secretary of the animals division and of the chief veterinary officer of the Board, but I hope that it will be issued in a few weeks' time. The Report on the distribution of Grants for agricultural education and research will probably be issued in October.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his Department was consulted as to the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs. Bill introduced last week by the President of the Local Government Board, and, especially as to Sub-section (3) of Clause 1 thereof, prior to its being drafted; and, if so, whether he gave his approval to the Bill?

I saw the Bill in question before it was introduced by my right hon. Friend. I doubt whether its provisions materially affect my Department, but there will be time for detailed consideration before the Bill becomes law.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman, as at present advised, is prepared to part with the control of the functions exercised by his Board in this matter?

I should be very reluctant to give up any of the functions of my Board.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that throughout England and Wales most, and in some counties all, of the cattle slaughtered under the Tuberculosis Order of 1913 have been treated as being in an advanced stage of the disease as defined in Article 8 of the Order, and that 30s., or little more than the value of the hide, is in most cases being paid in respect of them; that the financial inducement to owners to report their tuberculous animals, especially those giving a large and profitable supply of milk, is so small that the bulk of the tuberculous cattle in the country remain unreported; and whether, as a very small proportion of the £60,000 per annum granted by the Treasury for this purpose during the current financial year seems likely to be expended, he will, for the more effective extermination of the disease, vary the wide definition of advanced tuberculosis contained in the Order, or otherwise increase the inducement to stockowners to report diseased animals to the authorities?

It is evident from the returns furnished to the Board by the local authorities that the majority of the animals slaughtered hitherto under the Tuberculosis Order suffered from advanced tuberculosis, and compensation has been paid to the owners on the lower scale, but I am not at present in a position to say whether or not the hon. Gentleman is correct in estimating the average compensation at 30s. I am not aware that most owners of tuberculous cattle are deliberately disregarding the provisions of the Order, as is suggested in the second part. of the question; if the hon. Gentleman has evidence that the failure to report tuberculous animals is general, I shall be much obliged if he will communicate it to me. The amount sanctioned by the Treasury for compensation during the current financial year is £45,000, not £60,000; the estimate was necessarily very conjectural, and until the Order has been longer in operation it is impossible to judge how much of the amount sanctioned will actually be required. The definition of advanced tuberculosis is based on recommendations of the Royal Commission on Tuberculosis, and if experience proves that it is too wide, I shall be prepared in that as in other respects to consider an amendment. of the Order.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the bulk of the cases of bovine tuberculosis in milch cows are not reported, and that that is likely to continue unless greater inducements are offered to stock owners to report them?

If cases are not reported, and if my hon. Friend knows about them, I wish he would give me the benefit of his information, and then we would take action direct.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the Shadwell Park memorial scheme for King Edward VII. has been completed; and when the work will be commenced for clearing the site and laying out the ground?

The contract for the purchase Of the ground has been completed, and Sir Alexander Rendel is preparing plans for constructing a river wall.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First. Commissioner of Works, whether he has noted the proposal that the Admiralty Arch should be surmounted by a block of sculpture or a model of Nelson's ship, the "Victory"; whether the structure of the arch admits of such a proposal being carried out; and whether any practical suggestion of this kind will be favourably considered?

It was originally proposed to place a group of sculpture on the Admiralty Arch, but after careful consideration the project was abandoned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, looking to the fact that motor omnibuses in London must first pass a test for silence before being licensed, he will consider the advisability of applying the sante test to the motor vans used by the Stationery Office?

The Secretary of State has statutory power to prescribe the conditions under which public carriages may be licensed. This power does not extend to other motor vehicles.

Is not a motor van on the same footing as a public vehicle?

It is not in the ordinary sense a public carriage.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to three men being killed at the West Ham Gasworks on Friday last, 1st August, in consequence of the painting cradle falling through a rotten rope being; used; if he is aware that the coroner stated that he hoped the factory inspectors who were present at the inquest would recommend a better system of testing the ropes; and if he is prepared to grant powers to local authorities to enable the local inspectors to examine ropes attached to all such painting cradles and to inspect the chains attached to such; Scotch derricks and cranes?

My right hon. Friend has received a Report on the circumstances of the accident and the proceedings at the inquest. The coroner appears to have said that it was within the province of the inspectors to recommend the making of regulations for bringing about a better system of testing ropes; but the painting of buildings is not, as such, within the Factory Act, and further powers must be given by legislation if the Home Office is to deal with the matter. The provisions of the Buildings Bill, which is in draft, would enable regulations to be made as to the precautions to be observed in connection with cradle ropes, and the matter will be considered when the Bill passes. I should point out, however, that the Building Accidents Committee had this point before them, but did not recommend the testing of ropes in use, and it is doubtful whether any system of testing which might be likely to accentuate a latent defect would be desirable.

Why does the hon. Gentleman refer to a Bill which' the Government have not even taken the trouble to introduce at all this Session?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that hundreds of these cradles are in use in connection with gas holders, schools, and so forth?

I tried to explain to my hon. Friend that legislation is required before the Home Office inspectors can have control over this class of work.

Is it intended to introduce legislation next Session to deal with the subject?

:I cannot pledge the Government on a matter of that sort.

I will remind you next Session then.

asked the Home Secretary whether he was consulted by the judge before he reduced the sentence on Lady Sybil Smith from fourteen days to four days; what reasons were assigned by him for the change; and whether any communications, verbal or oral, passed between the judge and the Home Office on the subject.?

No direct communication passed between the Home Office and the magistrate. As was explained to the hon. Member last Thursday, the solicitor who appeared for the police represented to the magistrate, with my right hon. Friend's cognisance and approval, that Mrs. Pethick Lawrence, Lady Sybil Smith, and Miss Evelyn Sharp were not militants habitually engaged in the use of criminal methods. The magistrate assigned this fact as his reason for reducing the sentence from fourteen days to four days.

asked how many county authorities have not yet granted the police within their areas one day's rest off duty in every seven under the Police (Weekly Rest-Day) Act. 1910; and whether Wiltshire is among the number?

:Full particulars are given in the Return, Parliamentary Paper No. 243, which was issued last Thursday, and to which I would refer the hon. Member. It will be seen from the Return that the police authority of the county of Wiltshire have the matter under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the tax revenue expected to be contributed by Scotland under this year's Budget amounts to 3s. 8d. per £ of income as assessed for purposes of Income Tax under Schedules A, B, D, and E, as against 3s. per £ contributed by England and Wales, being an excess of £3,000,000 per annum; whether this discrepancy, as well as the insufficiency of the amount at present allocated to Scotland for purposes of agriculture and small holdings, will be duly considered in settling the terms of the Government's proposal for establishing national self-government in Scotland; and whether, having regard to the fact that emigration from Scotland continues at an unprecedented rate, Scottish affairs will receive attention early next Session?

:I must not be held to accept the assumptions contained in the first part of the question, as my hon. Friend appears to have ignored all sources of revenue except Income Tax, but in considering the matter referred to, all relevant aspects will be borne in mind. I cannot give any pledges as to the distribution of time next Session, but my hon. Friend's proposal will not be overlooked.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not also aware that if you take account of all sums of money Scotland is contributing more than her fair share towards the Imperial Revenue?

I am not aware of it, but I am quite prepared to believe it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to remedy it?

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to set up a Committee to look into the financial relations of Scotland in view of the contemplated Home Rule Bill?

asked the Prime Minister the reason why the Government do not propose to proceed this Session with the Sir Stuart Montagu Samuel Indemnity Bill?

As I stated on Thursday last, it has not been found possible to come to the agreement without which the further prosecution of the Bill at this stage of the Session was impossible.

Are we to understand that Samuel Montagu and Company are unable to comply with the request of the Leader of the Opposition?

I think the correspondence has been published.

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of public secondary schools in Wales for the year 1912; the number of pupils attending; the number who are taught free; the number of full-time teachers employed: the salaries paid; and the total annual cost of maintaining these schools?

The number of secondary schools in Wales—including Monmouthshire—recognised for Grant under the Regulations for Secondary Schools in the year 1911–12 was 110. On 31st January, 1912, the number of pupils on the rolls was. 15,012, the number of pupils who were taught free 6,737, and the number of full-time teachers 954. The salaries of the teachers ranged as follows:—

asked the President of the Board of Education the number of council schools for England for the years 1905 and 1912, respectively; the number of teachers employed; the number of pupils on rolls; the number who are taught free; and the fees generally charged; and the number of free pupils in the various other secondary schools for the year 1912; and the conditions and amount of the Grants paid to those schools?

The number of secondary schools on the Grant List for which local authorities were responsible in the year 1904–5 was 122, and in 1911–12, 382. In these schools in 1906–7—the first year for which figures are available—the number of full-time teachers employed was 2,870, a small number of whom would now be classified as part-time teachers, and in 1911–12 4,163; the number of pupils on the rolls in 1904–05 was 30,357, and in 1911–12, 70,458; the number of pupils who were taught free in 1906–07—the first year for which figures are available—was 15,811, and in 1911–12, 28,153; the fees in these schools ranged from £ 1s. to £17 5s. per annum. In the secondary schools on the Grant List, other than those for which local authorities were responsible, the number of free pupils in 1911–12 was 24,432. The conditions of the Grants paid to all schools on the Grant List are set out in the Board's Regulations for Secondary Schools, and the Grants paid to secondary schools, other than those for which local authorities were responsible, in respect of the school year 1911–12 amounted to £285,608 2s.

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the approximate number of children exempted from school attendance under Robson's Act at the age of eleven for the purpose of undertaking agricultural work?

At the end of the school year there were thirteen children between the age of eleven and twelve on the partial exemption registers of those local education authorities whose by-laws provide for the partial exemption at the age of eleven of children employed in agriculture. This figure relates to the statistical year 1911–12, the latest period for which Returns are available.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, in any further Education Bill he may introduce, he will take steps to improve the conditions existing with regard to the superannuation of school attendance officers?

The attention of my right hon. Friend has been called to this matter, but it is impossible at this stage to anticipate the provisions which may be included in contemplated legislation. I may add that some local authorities have obtained powers to adopt superannuation schemes for their employés, amongst whom school attendance officers may be included.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the new Grants which the Board proposes to make towards the expenses of educational experiments will be restricted to local education authorities?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many messengers under fifteen years of age are at present employed in the various Government Departments?

Boy messengers are recruited when required by the various Departments concerned, and I fear I have no information as to the number under fifteen years of age now employed. The hon. Member will find sonic information on the subject in the Report on Boy Labour in the Post Office recently presented (Cd. 6959).

asked the Postmaster-General whether the poles and apparatus for the extension of the telegraph to the Post Office, Thruxton, have been lying at Weyhill for some months; how much longer he anticipates this improvement of communication is likely to be delayed; and what are the reasons against immediately proceeding with the work?

Before an extension of the telegraph system can be carried out, way-leaves have to be obtained and notice given to the public as required by law. These conditions as regards the proposed extension to the Thruxton Post Office have now been fulfilled, and it is hoped that the office will be open for the transaction of telegraph business by the end of this month.

asked the Prime Minister whether under the Churches (Scotland) Act, 1905, the Free Church of Scotland claimed to have 160 full sanctioned charges, and had churches and manses allocated to them for that number and funds for equipment of same; whether ninety of these charges are still vacant; whether he is aware that the church and manse in North Knapdale were allocated to the Free Church and that no minister has been settled there, while the manse has been let on a lease of five years to a boarding housekeeper; whether the manse at Kilmarton is let to a minister of the Church of Scotland, whose church is in a neighbouring parish; and, in view of these and other facts previously brought to his notice, will he appoint a small Commission to take evidence during the Recess as to other places where property and funds are being diverted from the purposes for which the donors intended them; and will he include in the reference to such Commission the duty of preparing a Return of the members in full communion as at 31st December, 1912, in each of the congregations claimed by the Free Church as a sanctioned charge, showing the income and expenditure of each apart from the Endowments allocated under the Churches (Scotland) Act, 1905?

Until I have received a reply from the authorities of the Free Church of Scotland, to whom my hon. Friend's question has been sent for observations, I am not prepared to consider the suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give an answer this Session or next?

Certainly next Session. I am afraid I cannot give it this Session. I am told the authorities of the Free Church are on holiday.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the filling up of all these churches has been progressive, and that it is only a question of time for them all to be filled?

I should hesitate very much to express an opinion on that point.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is now in a position to announce the date of publication of the bibliography of Irish language and literature, to be issued by the National Library; and can he state the price at which it will be sold to the public?

The Department are not yet in a position to state the date of publication. The copies are at present being printed off, but it is not likely that the work will be ready for issue for about two months. The price has not yet been fixed.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that at the London Sessions on 10th July the jury to try a case under the Criminal Law Amendment Act had been empanelled but was not sworn nor allowed to act; and whether he can explain why the jury was not sworn?

I have made inquiries with regard to the case to which the hon. Member refers and find that the invariable practice was followed. No jury was sworn because the defendant pleaded guilty to the whole indictment, and there was, therefore, no question for the jury to try.

asked the Attorney-General whether the rule as to costs in cases between the Crown and a subject, quoted in the recent case of Vaithanatha Pillai v. the King-Emperor, before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, has the effect of making it difficult, if not impossible, for a poor man in India to appeal against a criminal conviction; and, if so, whether he will advise that the rule should be so amended as to make it possible for other than rich men to appeal?

I have read a transcript of the shorthand note of the discussion with regard to costs which took place after the delivery of judgment in this case. The rule to which the hon. Member refers does not prevent any person from appealing to the Judicial Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will supply a sworn list of the vessels built and launched prior to 1900, with their respective tonnage, upon which the load-line was raised during 1906, and since that year by the secret fiat of the Board of Trade; the names and tonnage of such vessels upon which the load-line was so raised which foundered or were stranded after this was done; the names of the survivors so far as they may be known to the Board of Trade; copies of the remonstrances in regard to the raising of the load-line on old vessels which were addressed to various Members of the Cabinet, including the then President of the Board of Trade, at the time when the load-line was raised on these old vessels and afterwards; the actual amount that it would have cost to have given the statistics in regard to the foundering and stranding of overladen vessels asked for by Lord Muskerry, the furnishing of which was refused by the Board of Trade on the score of expense; and whether any action whatever has been taken by the Government or by any of the shipowners who have benefited so largely pecuniarily by the raising of the load-line to provide pensions or reasonable compensation to the widows of the seamen, firemen, and others who have been drowned on board the "North Briton," whose foundering was directly attributed by a magistrate in his official judgment to the action of the Board of Trade and the Government?