asked the Chief Secretary whether, outside the Ulster Volunteer Force, there are bodies of citizens being drilled and disciplined on military methods in other parts of Ireland; and, if so, whether he has any information as to the reasons which have led to their enrolment?

I am aware that outside the Ulster Volunteer Force there is a movement on foot to organise a body on similar lines to be known as the Irish National Volunteers. I have no information as to the reasons which actuate the organisers of this movement beyond what has appeared in the Press.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent the movement has been organised, and in what parts of Ireland?

I have had various reports from Galway and one or two other places, but it is very difficult for me to express any opinion as to how far the movement is meeting with success.

Is it not a fact that there is a movement in the city of Dublin as well?

I cannot say what movements are on foot; I can only speak about them when they exhibit themselves in overt action.

Are not men being drilled in Dublin under the direction of Captain White?

I believe that is so.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Commission recently appointed to inquire into grievances connected with the pay and promotion of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary has yet met; and whether it is intended to hear the evidence of certain selected sergeants and constables, or whether it will be left to members of the force to put forward their own witnesses to give evidence before the Commission?

The Committee have already held a preliminary meeting, and will sit for the purpose of receiving evidence on Tuesday, the 24th instant. At the request of the Committee, the Inspector-General has afforded the various ranks of the force the opportunity to select witnesses to give evidence, and this has been done.

Is it not a fact that the members of the force in Cork and Limerick refused to send witnesses to this Commission?

Of course, if they would not send witnesses to the Commission, I cannot help it.

May I ask whether an opportunity will be given to urge the desirability of giving one day's rest in seven, especially in view of the extra work likely to be thrown upon them?

That question hardly arises.

asked whether any precedent exists for the issue of the King's Proclamation calling on the Customs officials in Ireland, under certain provisions of the Customs Consolidation Act, to prevent the importation of arms into that country; what sections of the Act give the Executive authority the right to interfere with the ordinary trade in firearms and ammunition between England and Ireland in times of peace; what arms and ammunition have been seized under this Proclamation up to date; and at what ports were the seizures made; whether the Proclamation is enforced at ports in the South and West of Ireland; and why it was not resorted to before to check the supply of firearms into these counties in the South and West of Ireland, in which outrages by the use of such weapons have been committed contniually with impunity for many years past?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The statutory authorities for the action taken are Sections 43 and 139 of the Customs Consolidation Act, 1876, and Section 8 of the Customs and Inland Revenue Act, 1879. With regard to the third part of the question, it would not be in the public interest to give the particulars asked for. The reply to the fourth part is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I am unable to accept the statement on which the hon. Member bases his question, and I would point out that the present Proclamation, when issued, was put into force over the whole of Ireland at the same time.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether any arms have been seized in the South and West?

I am not aware. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down. I do not think there were.

Was this Proclamation made on the advice of the Irish Law Officers?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give facilities to those who are contesting the action of the Government in issuing this Proclamation, instead of holding back as they are at the present moment?

I am not quite sure as to what the hon. and gallant Gentleman is referring. I should have thought that if there was anything illegal it could be taken into the Courts.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that action has been taken for some time past, and that owing to the procrastination of the Government the case has not been gone on with? They are putting all the difficulties they can in the way. Will they facilitate the trial?

I am not aware that the Government have taken any action for delaying the trial in the Courts.

asked whether the Irish Law Officers were consulted as to the legality of the Proclamations relating to the importation of arms and ammunition into Ireland before they were issued?

Yes, Sir.

asked whether the Report of the actuaries on the pension proposals of the Government for Irish national school teachers has now been received, and what representations have been made to the Treasury in reference thereto?

The Report has been laid before Parliament. The proposals are now under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has now received the Report of the Commission appointed to inquire into the complaints of national school teachers in reference to the system of inspections; and what action does he propose to take?

The Report has been received, and is at present under consideration.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is now in a position to state that after searching enquiry his brother officers are satisfied that the recent case of foot-and-mouth disease was an isolated one, and that Ireland can now be declared free from the disease?

Searching enquiries by the Department's officers have, so far, failed to reveal any case of the disease outside the limits of the two places in County Kildare where its existence was first confirmed. Hope is accordingly entertained that the prompt and stringent action taken in the matter has succeeded in eradicating the outbreak, but it, is only prudent that there should be a further period of observation before definitely concluding that Ireland is again wholly free from the disease.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the British South African Company has been informed about the question which has been raised in Southern Rhodesia as to the British South African Company's ownership of land in that territory has been referred to the Privy Council?

I have proposed that the question of ownership of land in Southern Rhodesia by the British South Africa Company should be referred to the Privy Council for decision. I am awaiting a reply from the company on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the continued delay in effecting reforms in the control of the New Hebrides, he will approach the French Government with the suggestion that a joint commission of inquiry be set up to investigate and report?

The question of the steps to be taken for the improvement of the administration of the condominium is receiving the earnest consideration of the French and British Governments, and His Majesty's Government are in communication with the French Government on the subject.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has received a report of a meeting held in Melbourne and presided over by the ex-Premier of Victoria in regard to this matter?

Yes, I think I have.

asked whether free and indentured Indians working in the mines in Natal were recently, when found guilty of offences, sent not to prison but back to the mines to work; and, if so, can he say whether this procedure is normal in South Africa?

Under the powers given by the Union Prisons Act of 1911 certain mine compounds in Natal were declared out-stations to Dundee and Newcastle Gaols. This, as was explained by the Governor-General in his telegram of 19th November, printed at page 66 of Cd. 7111, was necessitated by the large number of Indians marching in organised bands with the avowed purpose of defying the law. Details will be found in the telegram referred to. The procedure appears to be legal, but like the occasion which called for it, fortunately not normal.

Is this form of slavery one of the subjects that are being inquired into in Natal at the present time by the Commission?

I do not admit my hon. Friend's description of that method of employment; I believe that all the incidents will come under the purview of the Commission.

Would it be possible to make inquiries?

Yes. I have no doubt that I can find out by making inquiry in South Africa.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any complaints from or on behalf of the Indians themselves?

I have received a very large number of communications relating to all these matters.

asked whether His Majesty's Government were informed by the Government of South Africa of their intention to deport the nine labour leaders to this country before the vessel carrying them was despatched; and, if so, what reply His Majesty's Government made to the intimation?

On 26th January Ministers informed the Governor-General that steps were being taken to expel certain persons on the 27th. This information reached me in a telegram from the Governor-General received on the afternoon of the 27th. It was, therefore, too late to send a reply, even if the terms of the communication had called for an answer.

Will the telegram be laid on the Table of the House?

I will consider that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether, in view of the importance of the work of the recent Commission on Native Labour in British East Africa, he will arrange to publish the Report as a White Paper?

The Report, which is a voluminous one, has already been printed and published in the Protectorate. I do not think that it would be justifiable to incur the expense of reprinting here, but I shall be happy to furnish my hon. Friend with a copy, and I will cause copies to be placed in the Library of the House.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether contract work on Gov- ernment buildings is being held up on account of the present lock-out in the London building trade; whether the Office of Works has been consulted in the matter; and whether consent has been given to this delay?

Work on lump sum contracts between the Board and members of the London Master Builders' Association is suspended. Necessary work of maintenance in public buildings is being carried on.

In view of the conditions which the employers are seeking to impose upon their workmen, will the right hon. Gentleman take the contracts out of their hands?

I do not think that I can take any action with reference to the contracts.

asked whether at the new Home Office, being erected under contract by Messrs. Holloway Brothers, young men are being employed from Borstal Prison, and that these young men have to report themselves to the police; and, if so, whether the Office of Works have been consulted and have given their consent to this innovation?

I understand that three young men who are under the care of the Borstal Association, which befriends and supervises lads discharged on probation from the Borstal Institution, are employed by Messrs. Holloway on the new Government building. They do not report to the police, and have been employed there since October or November.

Is the hon. Member aware that there is a dispute pending in connection with this particular contract?

No. Beyond the fact that there is a dispute in the building trade I do not know of any dispute.

Does the hon. Member think it a proper thing that these young men should be placed on a building of this description when there is a dispute between the workmen and their employers?

My hon. Friend is mistaken if he supposes that these young men are taking the place of men who are either locked out or on strike. That is not the case at all.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he proposes to appoint a Commission to inquire into the claims of uncertificated teachers to pension or superannuation allowance; and whether he can hold out any hope that their claims will be recognised by the Government?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and I am not in a position to make any statement on the matter, except that the Government are fully alive to the importance Of the whole question of pensions for teachers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that an exactly similar reply has been made before, and does he propose to take any practical steps to meet these claims?

I am considering the whole matter. I am not in a position to make any statement at the present moment.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether any irregularities have been found in the accounts of the Welsh Education Department?

If the hon. Member's question relates to the Welsh Department of the Board of Education, the answer is in the negative. I presume, however, that he intends to refer to the Central Welsh Board for Intermediate Education. I am aware that certain allegations have been made as to irregularities in the accounts of that body, who, I understand, are now thoroughly investigating the matter.

asked when the report of the Departmental Committee appointed to consider the question of the pension of those teachers who retired prior to 1911–12 will be presented to the House?

The Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into certain questions relating to the pensions of elementary school teachers has not yet reported. I understand that it has not yet received the Report of the Actuaries, upon which all other questions referred to it were dependent, but I am informed that this report will be in the hands of the Committee in the course of a few days.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Actuaries' Report has been delayed?

It does seem to me that the actuaries have taken a rather prolonged period in order to obtain the figures necessary for the Committee. At the same time, I do not desire to reflect upon them in any way. They have carried out their work, and are now in a position to report.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what is the amount of money in reserve on the 1st January, 1914, derived from the contributions of insured persons and their employers who have died without drawing any benefit, and the total amount on 1st January, 1914, derived from persons who have forfeited their benefits on account of being in arrear?

In answer to the first part of the question the contributions paid on behalf of members, of approved societies, who themselves have drawn no benefit, are applied to the benefits of those persons whose claims exceed their contributions, and this general rule of mutual insurance applies equally to contributions paid in respect of persons who have died as it does to the contributions paid in respect of persons still living. The contributions in question are therefore not in the nature of profits, and no separate account of them is kept by the societies. As regards the second part of the question, arrears will not affect the rate of benefit payable to employed contributors until after July next, and, since under Section 8 of the Act of 1913, any reduction, postponement, or suspension of benefits in consequence of arrears must be approximately equivalent to the value of the loss occasioned by the failure to pay the contributions in question, no profit can at any time accrue from this source.

asked the amount in reserve in the Post Office class on 1st January, 1914, derived from persons who have died without receiving benefit and from persons who have failed to keep up their contributions?

The sums available for payment, either as sickness benefit or under the provisions of Section 42 ( f ) of the principal Act, to representatives of Deposit Contributors whose deaths have been notified to the Commissioners, amounted in England to £577 on 1st January, 1914. As regards the second part of the question it is at present impossible to distinguish contributors who have gone out of insurance from those who have ceased to pay contributions as deposit contributors, because they have joined approved societies, as in a large number of cases notifications of transfer have not yet been received from societies by the Commissioners.

asked the amount of the fund on 1st January, 1914, derived from persons who have chosen other doctors than those on the panels?

If the hon. Member's inquiry relates to insured persons who have continued to be attended by non-panel doctors as private patients without reference to the provisions of the National Insurance Acts, no information is available as to their number, and no separate account is or can be kept in respect of them.

asked what proportion of insured persons are now deposit contributors; whether that proportion is increasing; and whether the Insurance Commissioners are seizing every available opportunity to induce deposit contributors to join approved societies?

Less than 3 per cent. of insured persons are now deposit contributors. The proportion has considerably decreased, and is still decreasing. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that the case of deposit contributors must be dealt with by legislation this year, he will take an early opportunity of laying all available facts and figures about them, to the end of the first year of benefit, before the House, so that the subject may be studied and suggestions made by those interested?

Special investigations into the position of deposit contributors are in progress, and my right hon. Friend hopes to lay the result of them before the House at an early date. He will be very glad to receive suggestions in the matter from any hon. Members who are interested.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Court of Appeal on 31st January in Bonney v. Hoyle, which has placed approved societies in a difficult position by preventing them appearing in Court as interested parties in workmen's compensation cases; and, if so, what the Government intends to do to meet the situation?

My right hon. Friend has seen report s of the recent case referred to by the hon. Member, and the effect of the decision upon the interests of approved societies is now under consideration. I would point out, however, that it does not in any way affect the right given to a society by Section 11 (2) of the National Insurance Act. 1911, to take action on behalf of its members in order to secure compensation.

Is it the fact that the decision practically tears up the Workmen's Compensation Rules allowing the societies to appear as interested parties at headquarters?

The principal Act provides that a society may take action on behalf of members if they choose to do so. This decision does not affect that.

Is it not the case that it affects their rights as interested parties?

The degree in which it affects their rights, except those rights to which I have referred, is being considered by the Commissioners.

asked when the Report of the Committee on the Investment of National Insurance Funds is expected to be ready?

The Committee referred to in the question is an Advisory Committee, and may, if it thinks fit, confine itself to offering confidential advice to the several Insurance Commissions and the National Health Insurance Joint Committee as to the merits of particular securities. The question whether any recommendations of a general character should be made is, however, as I understand, engaging the attention of the Committee.

asked if the Financial Secretary's attention has been called to the terms of a circular issued by the Kent insurance Committee to insured persons to the effect that, owing to the number of patients receiving sanatorium benefit and to the fact that the sum of money available for the purpose is limited, it has become necessary to reduce the quantity of nourishment supplied; if, in the case of a contributor named Hugh Storey, the committee have communicated with the tradesman who was under instructions to supply him with certain special foods ordered for him by the doctor concelling such instructions; and whether arrangements can be made to ensure all tuberculosis patients receiving the medicine and nourishment ordered for them by their medical advisers?

My right hon. Friend is informed that no general circular has been issued by the Kent Insurance Committee making any such announcement as that suggested in the hon. Member's question. He understands, however, that in the case of individual insured persons who have already been in receipt of special nourishment for the full period for which such grants of nourishment are ordinarily given, the Committee, while continuing the treatment recommended, have in some cases postponed the question of any further grant of special nourishment in consideration of the immediate claims of other applicants, and with the object of securing the employment of the funds at their disposal to the greatest advantage. Such action was taken in the case of the insured person to whom the hon. Member refers, and a letter was addressed to him by the committee's medical adviser notifying him of their decision in the matter. He has, however, continued to receive domiciliary treatment under the supervision of the medical adviser, who recommended in his case the provision of a shelter for open-air treatment, with which he has been supplied. A further grant of special nourishment was in due course considered and allowed, and orders for its supply were issued on Monday, 9th February.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman how long it took the Insurance Commissioners to arrive at a decision? Is it not the fact that attention was called to the case on 13th January, and up to the present the only solitary letter was received by myself?

The matter is one primarily for the insurance committee, and not the Insurance Commissioners, but I will certainly find out.

They might have given me that information in reply.

asked how many persons have received treatment for tuberculosis under the National Insurance Act, distinguishing between sanatorium and other treatment?

A Return containing the particulars asked for is in course of preparation, and will be laid before Parliament at an early date.

asked whether members of insurance committees now receive payments towards defraying the cost of their travelling expenses and for a subsistence allowance; and, if so, how many persons are now entitled to receive such payment; and what is the estimate of the total expenditure to be thereby incurred?

Schemes for the payment of subsistence allowances under Section 31 of the National Insurance Act, 1913, have been submitted by a number of insurance committees, and are now receiving consideration. Payment of travelling expenses under Section 61 of the principal Act is being made in a number of insurance committee areas, but my right hon. Friend has no information as to the number of the recipients. The estimated annual cost of the travelling expenses authorised is approximately £7,300.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have yet come to any decision as to transferring the administration of health insurance to some Department other than the Treasury?

It is proposed that the arrangement under which the Financial Secretary to the Treasury has also been Chairman of the National Health Insurance Joint Commission should cease, and that the latter appointment should be held by a Minister of Cabinet rank.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the Chancellor of the Duchy will be responsible to this House for matters relating to the Insurance Act, and whether, in the interval, he will himself be responsible to the Treasury?

May I ask the Prime Minister whether the duties are to be permanently attached to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?

I will not say that. We will try the experiment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain employers who applied before 14th August, 1913, for a refund of one-third of their contributions to the Unemployment Fund in respect of payments for workmen continuously employed, under Section 94 of the National Insurance Act, 1911, have as yet not been paid; whether he can state the reason of such delay, and whether it applies to all such claims; and how soon the matter will be settled?

The first payments in respect of applications under Section 94 were made on the 16th October last, and up to the 7th February last the total number of applications dealt with was 23,840. The total number of applications made as required by the Section was just over 26,000, and as regards the balance of between 2,000 and 3,000 not yet dealt with there has, in the majority of cases, been delay on the part of employers in supplying further particulars required for the purpose of checking the application. The checking of these applications entails a very large volume of work and raises a number of questions of considerable difficulty, particularly in view of the fact that this is the first year for which the Section has been in operation. I fear that the administrative difficulties and consequent delays involved in carrying out this Section cannot be wholly avoided without legislation, and the Board of Trade are now considering the possibility of proposing an amendment for the purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to instances of the abuse of nurses' uniforms during the past few months; and whether he will give his support to a Bill for the State registration of nurses in order to meet this and other evils that are leading to the scarcity of nurses in the ranks of the profession?

During the past few months my attention has not been called to any case of the kind. The police will make inquiry, but so far as they are aware such cases are of very rare occurrence. Recent Bills on the subject of the Registration of Nurses have not touched on this matter, and there would be serious difficulties in framing any provision of the nature suggested. I cannot make any promise with regard to a Bill.

asked (1) how many fatalities were caused in the Metropolitan Police area and the City of London during 1913 by each class of vehicle using the streets; and (2) how many street traffic fatalities occurred in the Metropolitan Police area and the City of London during 1913?

The detailed figures for which my hon. Friend asks will be circulated with the Votes. The totals for which he asks in the second question are:—In the Metropolitan Police district, 608 fatalities; in the City, seventeen. Of these, 161 were due to horse-drawn vehicles, and 435 to motor vehicles.—[ See Written Answers this Date. ]

Has my right hon. Friend any proposal to make for dealing with this exceedingly dangerous state of things?

My hon. Friend knows that a Committee have recently sat upon this very subject, and have made certain recommendations. So far as those recommendations can be carried out by administration they are being carried out at this moment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the figures separately for motor cars, motor omnibuses, and tramcars?

I could not give an answer without notice.

asked if the Home Secretary can give any assurance that credit drapers will, in future, be exempt from the necessity of obtaining hawkers' licences?

The requirement is imposed by statute, and I have no power to grant any exemption.

asked if the Home Secretary is aware that tradesmen are obliged to make returns of outworkers on certain forms sold only by the Government printers at a certain cost; and whether he will arrange to supply such forms gratuitously or have such forms placed for sale in all large towns and avoid the cost of double postage?

Persons employing outworkers in certain classes of industry are required to keep and furnish lists of such outworkers in the prescribed forms. The price of the forms as published is 2d. only, or with postage 3d., and they are required to be sent by the employer only twice in the year. The form can readily be obtained through any local bookseller or in the towns where agents are appointed for the sale of official publications direct from such agents. No complaints have reached me of any difficulty in obtaining copies of the form, but I shall be happy to inquire into any such case which the hon. Member may bring to my notice. I cannot undertake that the forms shall be supplied gratuitously.

asked if the Home Secretary's attention has been called to the sentence of five years' penal servitude passed on Victor Raleigh, a weaver, at the Dorset Assizes, for setting fire to a hayrick near Weymouth; and if, in view of the severity of the punishment in relation to the offence, he will consider the advisability of remitting some portion of the sentence?

My attention has not been called to the case either by a petition from the prisoner or otherwise, and I would observe that the prisoner has not thought fit to exercise his right to apply to the Court of Criminal Appeal on the ground of the severity of his sentence. He has twice previously been convicted of arson, and upon the facts now before me, I see no grounds for advising any exercise of the Prerogative.

If this prisoner adopts the hunger strike, will he be released as are the Suffragettes?

I must wait until the eventuality occurs.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state when the Labour Exchange building in the Barking Road, Canning Town, will be commenced; if he is aware that on the 28th April, 1913, he promised that he would see that the building was pushed along; and whether he intends taking any action in the matter?

Owing to the severe economies which it has been necessary to make in the Board's estimates for 1914–15 it has not been possible to make provisions for commencing this work. Additional temporary premises for women and juveniles have, however, been acquired, and it is proposed to extend the existing premises for men. It is hoped that the necessary work in this connection will be completed by the middle of March.

Can the hon. Member give any assurance as to when the work will be commenced? The land was purchased about three years ago and nothing has been done up to the present?

I am afraid I cannot make any promise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the average price of wheat in London, Paris, and Berlin during 1913?

The average "Gazette" price of British wheat in London during 1913 was 33s. 1d. per Imperial quarter, and the average declared value of wheat imported into London during that year was 35s. In Paris and Berlin the average official prices of wheat per Imperial quarter—quoted irrespective of origin—were 48s. 5d. and 42s. 7d. respectively.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to reintroduce the Naval Prize Bill this Session?

I am not at present in a position to make any statement with regard to this Bill.

asked whether His Majesty's Government will reconsider their previous replies to the President of the United States' invitation to participate in the Panama-Pacific Exposition at San Francisco in 1915; and whether they can now see their way to accepting that invitation?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, may I ask whether he is aware that a memorial to him on this matter has been signed by 170 Members, and is likely to be signed by more than half the Members of the House; and whether, if his answer is likely to be unfavourable, he will defer it until the memorial reaches him?

When the memorial comes it will receive most respectful consideration, but in the meantime, in answer to the question, I have to say that His Majesty's Government have recently reconsidered the matter, and I regret they do not feel able to modify their previous decision.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty the amount of compensation and pension proposed to be paid to the widow of Chief Yeoman of Signals Pook, who lost his life in the execution of his duty in the recent fire at Portsmouth Dockyard?

The compensation awarded to the widow of the late Chief Yeoman Pook is a gratuity of £219 1s. The award has been made under the provisions of the Government scheme framed under the Workmen's Compensation Act. As her husband was employed as a civilian, Mrs. Pook is ineligible for a pension.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that had Chief Yeoman Pook taken more thought of his life and less of his duty he could, in all probability, have saved his life, and will he take that fact into consideration, and under the peculiar circumstances award further compensation?

The only assistance possible is that to which I have referred, the gratuity from the scheme under the Workmen's Compensation Act.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the crew of His Majesty's ship "Psyche," New Zealand station, which left Portsmouth August, 1911, will be relieved?

It is hoped to send out reliefs for His Majesty's ship "Psyche" shortly. Delay has been caused by particulars of the ratings required not being available until the arrangements for the organisation of a New Zealand Naval Force were settled.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has any information as to the sinking of the submarine A7 to give to the House; and and if it is intended to use these vessels in the future in deep waters?

asked (1) whether the submarine A7, within a month or so before the disaster on the 16th January, sank to the bottom while exercising off Plymouth; and, if so, why, after that warning, she was ordered to exercise in deep water On the 16th January; (2) whether the "A" type of submarine belonged to the original trial class built in 1905 and was not fitted with safety appliances as effective as those carried on the more modern types; (3) whether the latest types of submarines are fitted with engines exceeding 2,000 horse-power, as against about 150 horsepower in the "A" type, with a radius of action of many thousands of miles, as against a very restricted radius; and, seeing that the "A" type was obsolete as well as dangerous, why are the "A" type still treated as efficient; and (4) whether he is aware that four of the "A" type of submarines have met with serious disasters entailing the loss of fifty lives, and that the only reported cases of foundering have both arisen in boats of the "A" type; and, if so, why A7 was employed so recently as January of this year?

asked the date of the launching of submarine A7; was the vessel at the time of the accident in such a condition that she could be relied upon to perform any manœuvre in perfect safety both as regards herself and the men and officers on board; how many submarines of the "A" class are now in being; and is it proposed to scrap the remaining vessels or to continue using them in the ordinary exercises of the Fleet?

The points raised in the several questions on this subject which appear on the Paper have been fully considered at various times by the Admiralty, and during the last two years all important questions connected with the practical use of British submarines have been referred to an Advisory Committee of submarine officers, who are constantly serving in and using these weapons. There is no reason to suppose that the "A" class submarines are not safe and efficient vessels for the purposes on which they are now employed, or that service in them within their proper radius of action is more dangerous than service in the larger and later classes of submarines which are constantly operating alone far out at sea in deep wafer against swiftly manœuvring fleets and squadrons. In addition to innumerable diving exercises, 1,350 attacks were delivered by "A" boats between January, 1912, and January, 1914, alone, and no submarine accident of any kind has occurred to an "A" boat since 1905 except the loss of A3, which was duo to a collision and not to any defect. The statement that A7 had on a previous occasion sunk to the bottom when exercising off Plymouth, and that it took an hour to get her to the surface again, is quite untrue. The vessels of the class now retained in the service are believed to be fully capable of carrying out the duties assigned to them without more risk than is inseparable from the submarine service as a whole. No vessel which is not thoroughly efficient for diving and manœuvring would be retained in commission for a day after her character and quality were exposed to doubt. Any vessel which the submarine officers considered was unsafe would be instantly condemned by the Board of Admiralty. As new vessels are completed, older vessels pass naturally and gradually into reserve But experience shows that submarines retain their military usefulness to a longer period than ordinary surface craft; the "A" boats average only about eight or nine years of age; and after a full review of the circumstances, we have come to the conclusion that there are no grounds which make it necessary to withdraw the "A" class submarines from the service at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that portion of No. 60 which asks whether the A7 was fitted with safety appliances as effective as those carried on the more modern types?

Of course, as the types and boats develop the appliances improve, and vessels of the "A" class are fitted with appliances necessary for their safety.

Not as safe as the most recent ones?

I have already stated that the service in the "A" boats is not more dangerous than service in the later types which go out to sea with the Fleet.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman justifies the use of those boats on the report of the submarine officers, and, if that is so, is it not unfair to them, and aught not the right hon. Gentleman himself and the Admiralty take the full responsibility?

I take the fullest responsibility, but I thought it right to mention to the House that in this matter I was guided, not merely by the opinion of my naval colleagues at the Board of Admiralty, but that we had reinforced ourselves by keeping in constant touch with the men using those weapons themselves.

asked how many officers and men have lost their lives in accidents to the "A" class submarines?

During the ten years since 1904 the figures are 10 officers and 47 men.

Does that point to the fact that the "A" class are as safe as the others, seeing the enormous proportion of men who have been last in the "A" class, and will the right hon. Gentleman explain that?

It is quite true that the "A" class have been very unlucky, but the principal loss has been through collisions, which do not depend on the type of boats at all but on circumstances arising on each occasion of an accidental and unforseen character, and with the single exception of the present accident, the cause of which must remain a mystery unless the boat is recovered, and it does not appear that any of those have been due to defects with the construction of the boats.

asked the amounts of pensions granted to the widows and relatives of the officers and men who lost their lives in submarine A7?

asked what pensions have been awarded to the widows of the men who lost their lives in the accident to submarine A7, and what grants have been made to their children; and is he now in a position to redeem his promise to reconsider the question of these pensions and grants?

The officers were unmarried and did not leave any dependent relatives. No pensions to officers' widows or relatives have therefore been granted. In the case of the men the following grants of weekly pensions to widows and allowances for children have been made:—In one case, a widow's pension of 9s. a week, with allowances for children of 6s. a week. In a second, a widow's pension of 9s. a week, with allowances for children of 4s. a week. In a third, a widow's pension of 5s. a week, with an allowance for a child of 1s 6d. a week. In a fourth, a widow's pension of 5s. a week, with allowances for children of 3s. a week. In the case of two of the children applications for admission to schools at the expense of Greenwich Hospital have been received and will receive sympathetic consideration. In one other case inquiries are not yet complete. The remaining men were unmarried and no applications on behalf of dependents have been received. With regard to the second part of the question asked by the hon. Member for Devonport, as I intimated in my reply to his question on the 19th March last, the scale of pensions and allowances granted in such cases has been reviewed, and in view of the far-reaching effect of any change it has not been considered possible at present to revise the scale.

May I ask if the pension scale suggested is not the same as the pension scale for the relatives of men who have been lost in ordinary accidents, and would it not be wise for the Admiralty to increase the pensions for the relatives of those who undertake much more extra- ordinary risks both in the submarine and in the air craft, when they lose their lives in the services?

The allowances have been computed under the regulations to grant pensions to widows and orphans of men who lose their lives.

Up to what age will the children's allowances be continued?

Usually the girls' are up to sixteen, I think, and the boys' to fourteen.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any statement to make to the House regarding the loss of submarine A7 in Whitsand Bay with her complement; and what steps have been taken and are now being taken to raise the vessel?

I have already dealt with the first part of the question. Owing to continuous bad weather, causing a heavy swell and rough sea, salvage operations have so far been impossible. No final decision has yet been taken.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether it is the custom of the Admiralty to have a salvage lighter standing by while submarines are exercising, and, if not, will he consider the advisability of making this an Admiralty regulation in future naval manœuvres; was there stationed at Devonport a salvage lighter capable of lifting any one of the submarines engaged in the naval exercises at Whitsand Bay on the date of the accident to A7; and, if not, will he see that such a vessel is always stationed at Devonport and at the other naval ports; (2) whether he still adheres to the statement. that the salvage equipment in the possession of the Admiralty for raising submarines is sufficient to meet all the requirements of the Navy; in the event of the answer being in the affirmative, will he say how it happens that submarine A7 has remained at the bottom of Whitsand Bay for nearly a month; and whether he can say, seeing that the whole salvage resources of the country are at the disposal of the Admiralty, why those resources have not been taken advantage of in respect of the raising of submarine A7; and (3) whether any attempt has been made to remove the mud which is obstructing the salvage of submarine A7, and with what result; have any of the plates of submarine A7 been broken by the salvage operations of the Admiralty; and, if so, is that likely to cause the submarine to fill with mud, and so make the lifting of the vessel more difficult?

It is not the custom to have a salvage lighter standing by while submarines are exercising, and it is not proposed to make this an Admiralty regulation. Lighters of a type which raised A8 were at Devonport at the time of the accident, and a specially equipped submarine salvage lighter was present before the submarine was located. Two more lighters specially designed for submarine salvage are under construction, one of which it is intended to station at Devon-port. It is not considered, however, that these or any salvage vessels in the world could have raised the vessel in time to save life when she was unable to rise by her own resources.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House why he has not engaged the services of Lighter 96?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he received any offer from any salvage association or company to raise Submarine A7 without any cost to the country in the event of non-success; and, if so, will he explain why advantage was not taken of the offer; has any salvage expert been consulted, outside the officers in the employ of the Admiralty, with regard to the raising of A7; is it a fact that salvage is a profession requiring many years of experience, and has the Admiralty any officer possessing that experience; if not will he take the necessary steps to attach some salvage expert to the Navy?

Such an offer has been received, but was not accepted.