asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recommendation of the Welsh Insurance Commissioners that all official statistics dealing with population, employment, and health should be prepared for Wales, including Monmouthshire, as a separate unit; and whether he will give instructions that in his Department this course be invariably followed, in accordance with the present practice of the Insurance Commissioners, the Board of Education, and the Board of Agriculture?

I am aware of the recommendation of the Welsh Insurance Commissioners in this matter, and the question has recently been carefully considered in my Department. In some instances statistics published by the Board of Trade already show the figures for Wales and Monmouthshire separately from those for England; but the rigid observance of a fixed rule as to the classification of statistical and other data by areas is not practicable, as the circumstances affecting the classification are not the same in all cases.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a refusal to accept an offer of work in the Midlands, 125 miles away from his home in Guildford, debars W. G. Goddard, a bricklayer, living at Guildford, in Surrey, with his four children, from receiving unemployment benefit

The Act requires as a condition of receipt of unemployment benefit, that a workman shall be unable to obtain suitable employment. Whether in any particular case an offer of work at a distance from a. workman's home is suitable or unsuitable is a question of fact dependent on the nature of the work offered, the distance, the home circumstances of the applicant, and other considerations, which can only be properly determined in eases like that referred to in the question by a Court of Referees. In the case mentioned in the question, I understand that the workman has not exercised his right of appeal to a Court of Referees, and if he will call at the local office at which he made his claim, the procedure of appeal, which is very simple, will be explained to him. In the meantime, it would not be proper for me to express any opinion on the merits of the ease.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that officers of Customs and Excise at Manchester in visiting vessels discharging oil at the various oil wharves on Sundays and public holidays are obliged to cover, between the times of signing on and off at the depot, distances varying from 3 to 9 miles, and that the time allowed for each visit has been half an hour, which covers the attendance at the ship's side only; that the Board's regulation specially governing the payment of overtime for oil visits on week days between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., instead of being well known to the officers, was first brought to their notice by the Accountant and Controller-General so recently as the end of April last, although visits had been made at intervals since December of 1912; and that, as the officers have not been paid for visits on Sundays and public holidays for the whole period of actual attendance necessarily given, including the time involved in signing on and off, nor on other occasions for the whole period during which their visits were made, he will therefore reconsider his decision of the 4th instant and allow the repayment to the officers concerned of the amounts refunded by them?

I can add nothing to my answer to the hon. Member's question of the 4th instant on this subject, except that the Board of Customs and Excise have ascertained that in the instances where half an hour was allowed that was the time stated by the local officers to call at the depot on the way to It is not necessary in every case for the officers to call at the depot on the way to and from the ships, and they have not been in the habit of doing so when making visits at night, for which the maximum period of three hours is allowable. The point whether such necessity existed in any of the cases in question is now under consideration by the Board, and I do not propose to interfere with their decision in the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the City of Glasgow Friendly Society are at present making application to the. Registrar of Friendly Societies for his approval to their making a complete amendment of their rules; if so, have the. Treasury satisfied themselves as to the legality of these rules, particularly that one which provides for the society holding meetings of members to elect delegates every three years instead of every year, as in other friendly societies; is the Treasury aware that from the district of Aberdeen a protest dealing with the manner in which the election of delegates from that district at a recent meeting convened for that purpose was carried out, signed by eighty-one members, was submitted to a meeting of delegates of the society; will inquiry be made into the delay in dealing with the matter and assistance afforded the members of safeguarding their interests; can any reason be given why so large a number of the members of this society are without policies; and will steps be taken to see that policies are supplied to the members in terms of the rules of the society?

The City of Glasgow Friendly Society has applied to the. Assistant Registrar of Friendly Societies for Scotland to register a complete amendment of the society's rules, but it is understood that proceedings have been begun for a declaration that the complete' amendment was not properly adopted. In the Chief Registrar's opinion there is nothing illegal in the rule providing that the delegates should be elected for three years, which appeared in the old rules and is reproduced in the complete amendment. The Assistant Registrar for Scotland has received a copy of a protest signed by certain contributors in Aberdeen and district alleging that the meeting for the election of delegates for that neighbourhood was improperly carried out, but he is not aware whether the protest was submitted to a meeting of delegates of the society. The Assistant Registrar has no power to intervene except in manner provided by the Friendly Societies Act. He is unaware that a number of members of the society are without policies, but, if that be the case, he has no power to compel the society to carry out its rules as to the supply of policies to the members.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds the Board of Works considered the estimated cost of remedying the defective lighting of the office of the clerks to the surveyors of taxes for Dublin, third district, 4, Beresford Place, excessive; whether he is aware that the Inspector of Taxes for Ireland, when reporting on this matter in February last, recommended that the question of lighting the office be undertaken immediately, as the health of the staff was in peril; and, in view of this statement, will he say if the cost of carrying out the necessary alterations is considered of more importance than the health of the staff?

I understand that the Inspector of Taxes did not report that the health of the staff was in peril, nor is it in fact the case. The alteration for which the inspector asked has been carried out, and further steps to improve the lighting are also being taken.

asked the Chief Secretary when improvements will be undertaken on the Fuller estate, near Cahirciveen, already purchased by the Congested Districts Board; and, in particular, whether regard will be had 'to the claim made by Thomas Stretton for the construction of a branch road adjoining his holding?

The estate referred to is not likely to be vested in the Congested Districts Board for some months. When the Board are legal owners the question of carrying out improvement works, including the road referred to, will be considered and dealt with.

asked the Chief Secretary what steps, if any, the Estates Commissioners have recently taken to acquire the untenanted lands of Ballylin and Glenville, Ardagh, county Limerick, on the Massey estate, to relieve congestion on the estate?

The Estates Commissioners had a preliminary inspection made, and intimated the price they would be prepared to advance if the lands were sold to them under the Land Purchase Acts. Up to the present the owner has not instituted proceedings for sale, and, until he does so, the Commissioners will not proceed further in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have entered into any negotiations with the landlord to purchase the Dixon property at Creeves, Shanagolden, county Limerick, containing tenanted and untenanted lands; and, if so, what has been the result of them?

Proceedings for sale to the Estates Commissioners under Section 6 of the Irish Land Act, 1903, of the lands referred to have been recently instituted by the owner, and the estate will be dealt with in order of priority.

asked the Chief Secretary what is the position of Patrick Leahy, of Shannon View, Olin, county Limerick, with regard to the purchase of his holding on the estate of the Knight of Glin, having regard to the fact that he with the other tenants on the property have signed their agreements to purchase; will the fact that his two sub-tenants refused to sign the agreements to purchase their holdings debar him from being included in the sale; and what will the position of the sub-tenants be provided they still refuse to sign the purchase agreements?

The Estates Commissioners have requested that agreements for the purchase of the land in the occupation of the sub-tenants be signed by the sub-tenants at prices fixed by the Commissioners, but up to the present such agreements have not been lodged. The question as to what action the Commissioners will take if either one or both the subtenants refuse to sign such agreements has not been considered by the Commissioners, but it will be open to them to vest the entire holding in the direct tenant in the event of both sub-tenants refusing to sign, or if one of these tenants sign to vest in such sub-tenant the portion of the holding in his occupation, and to vest the rest of the holding in the direct tenant in which case the non-signing sub-tenant would continue as heretofore as sub-tenant of the lands in his occupation, or the Commissioners may dismiss the proceedings for the sale of the holding under the Land Purchase Acts.

asked the Chief Secretary how much turbary is in the hands of the Estates Commissioners on the Rowland Blennerhassett estate near Beaufort; and whether steps will be taken to arrange with the Land Commission, or whatever Government Department carried through the sale of holdings on this estate under the Act of 1885, that some portion of this turbary is allocated to the owners of these holdings in accordance with the promise made at the time of the sale by the vendor's representative?

The Estates Commissioners have no turbary in their hands on this estate. The portion of the property which is the subject of proceedings for sale at present is being sold, not to the Commissioners, but direct by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, at prices agreed on between the parties and set out in the purchase agreements signed by them. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 22nd July.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Powis Commissioners recommended that new rules of the Commissioners of National Education should be laid upon the Tables of both Houses of Parliament before adoption; and whether it is proposed to adopt that procedure in the future?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I see no reason to depart from the established practice in this matter.

asked the Chief Secretary the grade and class of Miss Maguire, the principal of Ballycastle infant school, who has been superseded by nuns; the average attendance at her late school for the year ending 31st March, 1913; the average attendance at the school which she has been offered for the same period; her highest possible income in the school which she has been offered but refused; her annual loss financially had she accepted the same school which was offered to her; whether the nuns who have displaced the lay schoolmistresses at Ballycastle are trained and certificated teachers, or members of an order that possesses no certificates or evidences of teaching competency; and what savings to the Treasury will be annually effected by the displacement of the lay schoolmistresses at Ballycastle?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that Miss Maguire ranks in the second section of the first grade, and in the first division of the first class (old regulations). The average attendance of pupils at Bally-castle infants' national school for the year ended 31st March, 1913, was 61. The average attendance at Glenshesk national school, which was offered to Miss Maguire by the manager, was 18 for the same period. The highest possible salary which could be granted to Miss Maguire on an average attendance of less than 20 pupils is £51 per annum, whilst her emoluments in her former school amounted to £115. If, however, as appears likely, the average attendance at Glenshesk national school reached 20, Miss Maguire would as teacher of that school be entitled to the salary of the second grade, and in that case the loss would be at least £12 per annum. The Commissioners are not in a position to snake any statement as to the qualifications of the nuns whom the manager proposes to place in charge of Ballycastle infants' national school as no particulars on the subject have yet been received. The proposed changes have not yet been sanctioned by the Commissioners. The estimated cost of payment to nuns at a capitation rate of 30s. per pupil per annum on combined averages of the Ballycastle girls' and infants' schools is £141 per annum, exclusive of residual capitation Grant. This is the minimum rate of payment, and the rate might ultimately reach 40s. The cost of the schools under lay teachers was £259 per annum, exclusive of residual capitation Grant, which is a fixed rate.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether further consideration has been given to the position of naval accountants and naval storekeepers as set out in the Petition presented to the Admiralty authorities in November last?

The Petition of the junior officers in the Supply and Accounting Departments, to which, I presume, the hon. Member refers, is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of a sapper in the Royal Engineers, named Percy Wilfred Shurley, at present stationed in Lulworth Camp, Dorset, who has a wife and children in Limerick; whether this man is contributing to the support of his family as he ought to; and, if not, whether some steps will be taken to compel this soldier to make a reasonable allowance towards the support of his wife and children?

It appears on inquiry that the soldier in question is contributing to the support of his family.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when it is expected that the new Cavalry barracks at Edinburgh will be ready for occupation by a Cavalry regiment?

It is expected that these barracks will be ready for occupation in the course of next year.

asked the Home Secretary if about two months ago a complaint was sent to the Directors of Convict Prisons about the conduct of the acting chief warder at Dartmoor towards his subordinates, and if the complaint has been investigated; and, if not, will he cause an inquiry to be made locally?

As my right hon. Friend has already stated, no complaint of this nature has been received by the directors, and, in the absence of complaint, no ground exists for inquiry. The usual monthly inspection will shortly be taking place, and any complaint which may be made will be investigated on the spot.

asked the Home Secretary whether a convict named Henry White, then No. 1,184, of Portland Prison, has confessed to committing a burglary at Tottenham, for which John Mack, or M'Auliffe, convict 1,490, was sentenced at the Middlesex Sessions in August, 1908, to six years' penal servitude; and whether he has taken any, and, if so, what, steps in regard to the matter?

It is not the case that anyone has confessed to committing the offence of which Mack was convicted. White, after his arrest, made a statement to the police in which he admitted, amongst other offences breaking into a house at Tottenham, but this house was not the one which Mack was convicted of breaking into, and it was broken into on a different day. When White's statement was brought to the notice of the Home Office in 1908 careful inquiries were made, but no ground whatever was found for doubting the justice of Mack's conviction.

asked the Under-Secretary for India whether he can assure the House that the recent appointment of Mr. Hornell to the Directorship of Public Instruction in Bengal is intended to be of a temporary character; and whether the Government of India propose in the future to adhere to the rule laid down by Lord Morley that, save in exceptional circumstances, these appointments are to be made from members of the Indian Educational Service?

Mr. Hornell has received permanent reappointment to the Indian Educational Service, the terms of his agreement specifying that for the first five years he shall hold the post of Director of Public Instruction in Bengal. As to the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, the rule laid down by Lord Morley has been strictly observed, and there is no intention of departing from it; such appointments will, therefore, be made from the ranks of the Indian Educational Service in future, with exceptions permitted in the rule to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can see his way to appoint a small Committee to inquire into means by which secondary education in Scotland may be brought more easily within the reach of the inhabitants of the more remote rural districts?

I dealt with this matter at some length in the Debate on Scottish Estimates and am satisfied that there is no occasion for the appointment of a Committee such as is suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether any action has been taken towards having removed the embargo now placed on English potatoes by the United States of America; and, if no steps have yet been taken, whether he will at once make the necessary representation for this purpose?

Everything possible is being done to secure the removal of the restrictions to which the hon. and gallant Gentleman refers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any of the countries bordering the North Sea have made regulations or enactments regulating or forbidding trawling for herring within their territorial waters; and, if so, will he state the nature of such?

I have been requested by my right hon. Friend to answer this question. Certain foreign States have regulations prohibiting trawling in their territorial waters, but so far as I am aware no such regulations have been framed specifically with a view to preventing trawling for herring.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position regarding the construction of the railway from the port of Beira to the Zambesi River to meet there our extension from Port Herald, and thus give Nyasaland direct railway communication with the sea; if he has definite knowledge when the construction will commence; and if he proposes to take any active steps to forward the matter?

From the latest information which I have received I understand that progress is being made with the preliminary negotiations, but I have no definite knowledge as to when it is expected to begin construction. I do not consider it necessary to take any steps in the matter at present.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has definitely refused to sanction the appointment by the Haverfordwest Board of Guardians of an assistant Poor Law officer; and, if so, whether he will give the reason for his refusal?

The Local Government Board refused last November to sanction the appointment as relieving officer of a man without Poor Law experience, who was selected by the guardians from a list of eighty candidates, a considerable number of whom had had actual Poor Law experience of one kind or another. I sec no ground for departing from that decision. The reasons for withholding sanction have been explained to the guardians in the course of a lengthy correspondence. I may add that in a circular which I issued to boards of guardians early in 1912 it was intimated that the Local Government Board would not be prepared to sanction the appointment of inexperienced persons as relieving officers when suitable and experienced candidates were available, and that the attention of the Haverfordwest guardians was specially directed to this circular a few days before the appointment was made.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he intends to take any further action, and what action, if any, respecting the Wath Council accounts and Councillor W. Hallatt, which case was heard at the Leeds Assizes, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 17th, 18th, and 19th July, 1913, before Mr. Justice Rowlatt?

The matter is engaging my attention, but I am not in a position to make any statement concerning it at the present time.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will give particulars of the action taken by the urban district councils of Barnoldswick, Earby, Silsden, and Skipton, and by the rural district councils of Bowland, Sedbergh, Settle, and Skipton, under Sections 17 and 15 of the Housing, Town Planning, number in respect of which notices under 1911–12, if the figures for 1912–13 are not available, as to the number of dwelling-houses specially inspected; the number of houses in respect of which representations were made to the local authority; the number of houses made fit for human habitation in regard to which representations had been made; the estimated number within, or which did not exceed, the limit of rent applicable to the district under Section 14; the estimated number in regard to which Section 15 applied; the

submitted the following statement as to action by the under-named urban and rural district councils under Sections 15 and 17 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, during the year ended 31st March, 1913:—

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has yet received the report of his inspector concerning the fulfilment of the duties imposed by the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, upon the urban and rural district councils in the Skipton Parliamentary Division; and, if so, whether he will give a summary of its findings?

The inspection of the districts in the Skipton Parliamentary Division has only just been completed, and I have not yet received the inspector's report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the New Transport Company has submitted to the Board of Trade a scheme for overcoming certain of the difficulties in connection with the regulation of London traffic; if this scheme has been examined and reported upon by the officers of the London Traffic Branch of the Board; and whether the attention of the Select Committee on London Traffic has been called to the matter?

The Board of Trade have received from the New Transport Company particulars of a scheme for a central goods clearing house, and I understand that the promoters claim that one result of their proposals would be to relieve congestion in the streets. Before effect could be given to the scheme statutory powers of an extensive character would have to be obtained by the promoters, and until the scheme takes the shape of a Bill seeking such powers it would be no part of the duty of the Traffic Branch to prepare a Report on it. I am not aware whether the scheme has been brought to the notice of the Select Committee on London Traffic.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why T. Smith, of Tipton, who signed the unemployment register from 26th May onwards until he obtained work in the early part of July, has not received unemployment pay; whether it was necessary for him to attend the Court of Referees, Upper Police Court, Walsall, to which he was summoned on 17th July, to make good his claim, seeing that he would have lost half a day's work by so doing, and whether payment will now be made to him?

From inquiries which I have made in this case, it appears that the workman referred to made a claim to benefit on the 26th May, which was disallowed on the 30th May, under Section 87 (1), on the ground that he had lost his employment through a stoppage of work due to a trade dispute. It appears, further, that the workman did not sign the register up to the early part of 'July, as stated in the question, but only till the 7th June, after which he obtained work in an insured trade. He did not lodge his appeal to the Court of Referees until the 8th July, and this was dismissed by the Court on the 17th. The workman was not summoned by the Court to attend, as no evidence was required from him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will inquire into the cases of delay at Wednesbury Labour Exchange and the reason why J. E. Holland, of New Street, Wednesbury, who signed the unemployment register continuously for five weeks, and whose claim was admitted by the. Court of Referees, has not yet received any unemployment pay, and into the cases of W. E. Smith and S. Miles, also of Wednesbury, who have signed for five weeks and have not yet received unemployment pay or been asked to attend the Court of Referees?

I am unable to trace any claim from a workman of the name of J. E. Holland, of New Street, Wednesbury. I am, however, informed that a workman named E. W. Holland, of 5, Perry Street, Wednesbury, made a claim on the 7th June, which was disallowed on the 13th June, under Section 87 (1), on the ground that he had lost his employment through a stoppage of work due to a trade dispute. An appeal was lodged on the 21st June to the Court of Referees, who, on the 10th July, recommended that benefit be allowed. There was some doubt as to the workman's age, and in consequence as to the benefit payable. Interim benefit was authorised on the 1st. August, and has been paid. With regard to the workman W. E. Smith, this workman made a claim to benefit on the 9th June, which was disallowed, under Section 87 (1), on the same ground as in the case of E. W. Holland. The workman's papers were unfortunately mislaid, and some delay ensued. An appeal to the Courts of Referees was, however, lodged by him on the 20th July, and the insurance officer, on the fresh facts then submitted, revised his previous decision. The workman was paid all the benefit to which he was entitled, amounting to £1 8s., on the 1st August. As regards the workman S. Miles, this workman made a direct claim to benefit on the 9th July, but did not sign the unemployed register, as required. He appears to have made this claim under a misapprehension, having intended to claim through his association. The first intimation of the workman's mistake was received by the Labour Exchange on the 22nd July, and on the 24th July the manager received instructions to allow the workman to claim through his association. The manager, however, was not able to get in touch with the workman till the 8th August, when an association claim was duly made, and this claim will immediately be dealt with.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the Census of Production now being taken, he will arrange that the results as regards the various industries be tabulated in counties, so that the precise economic conditions obtaining in Wales may be accurately ascertained?

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for the Tottenham Division of Middlesex on 16th January last, "The provisions of the Census of Production Act, 1906, Section 6 (3) (aimed at preventing the publication of particulars identifiable as relating to individual businesses), would render it impossible, in many cases, for the Board of Trade to publish separate figures for each county." With regard to certain trades, the same consideration would apply to the publication of separate figures for Wales as a whole.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the Scotch, Trish, and North of England over-night letters are not delivered at the Highcliffe (Hants) sub-post office until late the following afternoon, while the same mail is circulated at Christchurch and neighbour- hood early in the forenoon, and that the district authorities, on receipt of local representations to this effect, promised an accelerated service; and, if so, will he say when this is likely to be instituted?

I am having inquiry made in the matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the fact that the provisions of the Shop Hours Act are not being carried out as regards the employés of the refreshment branch at King Edward's Buildings, General Post Office; and whether he will take steps to see that this staff shall not be deprived of the benefits of a weekly half-holiday to which they are entitled under the Act?

I have been advised that the provisions of the Shops Act do not apply to the refreshment club at King Edward's Building. These persons are, however, the employés of the club and are not engaged on Post Office work, but I will make inquiry whether the club can do anything in the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, having regard to the strong local demand for a telephone service in the Caldercruix district of Lanarkshire and to the needs of the district, he will give the necessary instructions for the installation of the telephone at Caldercruix?

I am glad now to say that I am in a position to authorise the establishment of a telephone exchange and call office at Caldercruix. The work will be put in hand as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has received a petition from the inhabitants of Deskford, Banffshire, asking that telegraphic or telephonic communication be provided; and whether the facilities asked for will be granted?

Inquiry has been made concerning provision of telegraph facilities at the Deskford Post Office, but I regret to find that the business likely to be done would not warrant the opening of a telegraph office. As regards telephonic facilities, inquiry is being made as to the possibility of providing a rural party line in the district. I will inform the hon. Member when it is known whether a sufficient amount of support can be obtained.

asked the Postmaster-General upon whose authority he made the statement that it was in accordance with the wishes of the residents that the delivery of the mails from Slane is not commenced until the arrival of a late mail; whether he is aware that all the people interested are in favour of a delivery on the arrival of the Drogheda mail car at Slane except one individual in the Rossin district who receives an early delivery direct from Drogheda and a second one from Slane; and whether he will inquire into and arrange the delivery of letters in a way to convenience the general public interest rather than to make it suffer in order that a single individual may get a second delivery each day?

I am making inquiry on the subject, and I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in connection with the proposal included in the Public Buildings Expenses Bill to appropriate a sum of money for the building of an extension of the Admiralty offices, it is proposed to keep the new building back so as to provide for a future continuation of the widenings of Whitehall already executed by His Majesty's Government in connection with the erection of new public offices in this thoroughfare?

The building line of Whitehall on the west side at Charing Cross is governed by Drummonds and Cox's Biddulph Banks, to the north of the site in question, and to the south by the Admiralty Screen, the Paymaster-General's building and the Horse Guards. In these circumstances there is little use in setting back the proposed additions to the Admiralty. Any widening requires to be made on the east side of Charing Cross.